It was just before five on another unproductive day when he, Clay and Luke sat in his office. “I don’t see anything on tap for tomorrow as far as the investigations go,” Daniel said dispiritedly.
“We’ve explored every avenue that’s come up so far. I still believe eventually Pierre is going to break and confess to somebody that he killed Mystique, and hopefully when he does talk, the person he talks to will come straight to us,” Luke said. “I still believe that murder was a crime of passion.”
“I agree,” Clay added. “The attack on Angelique is far more complicated, and I’m afraid the only way we might get more clues about it is if the attacker comes for her again.”
Daniel’s muscles tensed at the very thought. The idea of another attack on her scared him to death. “Too bad there were no fingerprints on the note the attacker left for her.”
“That would have made it all too easy,” Luke replied.
“Something will give,” Clay said optimistically. “Somebody will talk or a new suspect will show himself. One way or another, we’re going to get both Mystique’s killer and Angelique’s attacker behind bars.”
“On that optimistic note, I’m heading home,” Daniel said and rose from his desk. The other men got up and together they all left the office. “I’ll see you two in the morning.”
“Good night, boss,” Luke said.
“See you in the morning,” Clay added.
Moments later, Daniel was in his car and headed home. Thankfully, before leaving for work that morning he’d prepared everything he could for the evening meal.
The table was set for two. The potatoes were washed, wrapped in aluminum foil and ready to pop into the oven. Two nice rib eye steaks were marinating in the fridge, and he’d chopped up cucumbers, celery and carrots to add to a salad.
Once home, he turned on the oven, popped the potatoes in and then went upstairs for a quick shower. He dressed in a pair of jeans and a blue-and-gray T-shirt.
Angelique had insisted she’d come to him, although he would have preferred that he pick her up and take her home at the end of the evening. But she’d insisted she could drive herself and there was no need for him to drive into the swamp to get her.
As he waited for her to arrive, he began to set things on the table. The salt and pepper shakers sat next to a small carton of butter and a bowl of sour cream for the baked potatoes. He then began putting together the salad. He’d just finished and set it in the center of the table when his doorbell rang, announcing her arrival.
As always when he was about to see her, a sweet anticipation soared through him. Tonight was no different. She looked lovely, clad in a pair of black jeans that hugged her long, slender legs and a crisp white sleeveless blouse. Her hair was in a high pony with a white-and-black polka-dot bow. She looked positively stunning. She looked classy and sexy at the same time.
“Welcome to my home,” he said as he stepped aside so she could come in the front door.
“Thank you,” she replied.
“Did you have any trouble finding it?”
“Not at all. Your directions brought me right to you with no problem,” she replied.
“Good. Come on into the kitchen and sit.” He led her through the living room and into the kitchen, where he gestured for her to sit at the table.
“You have a lovely home,” she observed.
“Thanks, I like it here, although there are times I think about selling it.”
“Why?”
“It’s a lot of house for a single guy,” he replied. “Are you hungry?”
“Of course. You said to bring my appetite, so I did,” she replied with one of her endearing grins. “Now, what can I do to help?”
“Absolutely nothing. The potatoes are going to take another twenty minutes or so, and then I’m putting the steaks outside on the grill and they will only take about fifteen minutes. By the way, how do you like your steak?”
“Medium rare.”
“Ah good, that makes it easy for the cook. That’s the way I like mine, too.” He sat down in the chair facing her. “So, how was your day?”
“It was good…quiet. Dominique came over for lunch, and then after she left, I worked until it was time to get ready to come here. How was your day?”
He frowned. “Unfortunately, I have nothing to report tonight. I’m not going to lie, the cases have both stalled out.”
