Murder of a Vampire: A Redmond and Haze Mystery Book 17 (Redmond and Haze Mysteries) by Irina Shapiro

Author:Irina Shapiro [Shapiro, Irina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Merlin Press LLC
Published: 2025-10-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

The young man looked apprehensive as he followed Dodson into the room. His gaze slid from Jason to Daniel and back again as he tried to determine which of them was Lord Redmond. He settled on Jason, which Daniel found amusing. It was clear that in his tweed suit and well-worn shoes, Daniel didn’t look the part of the nobleman. Nor could he pass for an American.

“Good evening, my lord. I have your purchases here,” Edwin said deferentially.

Edwin Painter wasn’t conventionally good-looking, but he had a pleasant face and soulful brown eyes fringed with pale lashes. His wavy light-brown hair was parted on the side and worn too long for Daniel’s liking, but the style suited him. He was slim, of middling height, and wore a somber tweed suit paired with a mustard-yellow silk waistcoat and matching cravat. The young man had the sort of complexion that was prone to flushing when the individual was excited or upset, and he was growing pink as he waited for Jason to respond.

“Good evening, Mr. Painter. Thank you for delivering the books. I look forward to reading them. Why don’t you set them down and have a seat,” Jason suggested.

Edwin looked panicked but nodded woodenly and perched on the edge of the settee once he’d set the books on the nearest occasional table.

“This is my good friend, Inspector Haze,” Jason said.

“Good evening, Inspector,” Edwin choked out. He stared as if he half expected Daniel to clap him in irons and march him outside.

“Would you care for a drink?” Jason inquired. He smiled in his usual, friendly way, and the young man seemed to relax somewhat.

“Erm, no, thank you, sir.”

“Are you sure? There’s whisky and brandy, or tea, if you would prefer it.”

“Whatever you’re having, my lord,” Edwin muttered.

Jason fetched another glass and poured Edwin a drink. The young man looked positively gobsmacked but accepted the glass with thanks and held it with both hands as if afraid he might drop it.

“Edwin, I expect your father told you that Miss Wilk has died,” Jason began.

He made it sound as if Bozena had passed suddenly as a result of an accident or some illness, but Daniel supposed it was preferable to telling the poor man what had really happened to her and how her remains had been treated. Edwin nodded, and his eyes filled with tears. Clearly embarrassed, he stared at his feet, then, having composed himself, turned back to face the two men.

“What happened to her?”

“We believe she was murdered. Stabbed. Her body was buried in an unmarked grave.” When Edwin, who appeared overcome with grief, failed to ask for further details, Jason went on. “We are investigating Bozena’s death and would very much appreciate any help you can give us. We know you two were friends.”

“How do you know we were friends?” Edwin asked. He swallowed with some difficulty.

“Mrs. Bramwell told me,” Jason explained. “She said Bozena cared for you.”

Edwin smile sadly, as if he didn’t quite believe that to be true.

“Were you in love with her, Edwin?” Jason asked.

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