I got back into my car and drove to the inn. Up in my cozy room, I pulled out my tablet and typed away the notes from the day. It had been more eventful and fruitful than I had anticipated. I was hoping for a big break at Lennox Limousine, but I was satisfied with what little information I pulled.

I listened for any noise coming from the hallway, but it was silent.

Close to 6:00, I received a text from Vicky: Hey, I thought we could go to Lorenzo’s for dinner. Have you been yet?

I replied with a no. A few minutes later, I received another text.

It’s a fantastic Italian restaurant inside an old house, near the strip, right by the library. Meet me there at 6?

Sounds good, I responded.

I’ll make us a reservation for Vicky :)

My heart skipped, butterflies flew in loops in my stomach. It had been eons since the last time I felt any sort of romantic feelings for someone. My days of studying criminal justice in college was the last time I had any interest in someone else.

It felt inappropriate to assume it was a date. Still, when I saw the pictures online of Lorenzo’s, it looked like the ultimate romantic dinner spot around Wilton. Perhaps she just wanted to thank me for saving her grandpa.

It wasn’t romantic, I reminded myself. As much as I may have wanted it to be, and Vicky and I were close in age, I couldn’t waver my focus from the case. But didn’t I deserve some happiness too?

When I left the inn, I drove my car to Lorenzo’s. I was wearing my black suit, black pants, and white button-up underneath. The thought of wearing my black tie crossed my mind, but I opted for a green paisley pattern. It felt a little less “federal.”

I arrived at the restaurant first, a two-story white Victorian home with a corner turret. The porch was massive, as well as the windows. A green neon sign hung next to the front door, “LORENZO’S,” in cursive.

Stepping inside, there was a hostess stand, and I could see the rest of the restaurant. Tables with black cloths and forest green cushioned furniture. Fake tea candle lights adorned every table, and there were plenty of plants with green leaves running along the windowsills, and some hung from the ceiling, next to dimly lit lamps. Almost every table was occupied. There was a consistent flow of chatter and clanging from the kitchen, and the whole place smelled like garlic bread and marinara.

“Good evening,” the hostess said behind me with a smile. “How many?”

“I’m actually here for a reservation. Under the name Vicky?”

“Right this way!” She grabbed two menus and guided me to a booth in the corner of the restaurant.

I sat on the side facing the rest of the restaurant. I scanned everyone there to see If anyone was watching me, like that strange man in the white suit at Buckwheat’s. 5 minutes passed by, and I saw Vicky walk inside. She looked beautiful with her dark curly hair and a fitted kelly green dress. Her lipstick was dark red.

She approached the table and grinned.

“What a perfect spot this is. I’m glad you picked it,” I said.

“After living here for many years, you’re destined to have a date here at least once,” Vicky said.

“You’ve been on a date here before?” I asked, immediately wishing I had said something else.

“Of course, but it was a while ago. Still, even if you just want to have a nice dinner, this is the place to go. Although it is a little expensive.”

“Get whatever you want. It’s on me,” I said.

Vicky playfully rolled her eyes. “I don’t think so. You’re the one that saved my grandpa. I really owe you one.”

“And by allowing me as your plus one to Club Novus tonight, that redeems any favor I could possibly want, not that I would expect one.”

“You did it out of the goodness of your heart. You’re a rare breed.”

“So feel free to get the finest filet mignon if you’d like.” I had checked the menu, and it was the most expensive item.

“I’m actually vegetarian.” She smiled wryly.

“Feel free to get the finest vegetable in the house. It’s on me.” I smirked, and Vicky giggled. “If you don’t mind me asking, how’s your grandpa doing? We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but he and I became friends earlier, and I wanted to know how he’s doing.”

Vicky’s smile disappeared, and I regretted asking the question. “I don’t know. He seemed pretty shook up about leaving the house. Very unresponsive and quiet. But also he has good days and bad days, as in, some days he’s attentive and can hold a conversation, other days he’s a curmudgeon and resists care from the nurses. Or, he tries to get out of the house. And today was just a combination of a bunch of horrible things. My mom, though, said she’d watch him, so I don’t have to worry about going back home super early. Then an evening nurse will come in and put him in bed and take care of him.”

“He’s lucky to have you and your mom.”

“Thanks, though, for asking. I appreciate that a lot.”

“Of course, I know how it can be.”

“Someone in your family had dementia?”

I nodded. “My grandpa.” I took a deep breath, feeling emotionally shaky from earlier. “Is it all right if we change the subject? I’m sorry.”

“Of course. Whatever you want to talk about.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” I took a drink of water and quickly thought of something to say. I felt like there had to be a consistent flow of conversation to avoid any awkward pauses. “Let me ask you something. Where would be the closest place to get a tattoo?”

“A tattoo? Thinking about getting some ink?”

“Not quite. I just haven’t seen a tattoo parlor around here, but I’ve seen a few people in town with them.”

“Jill has a tattoo. She got hers from someplace closer to Indianapolis. I’m not sure what the name is, though.”

“Just curious. Thanks.”

“Should I order a bottle of wine? Are you allowed to drink?”

I chuckled.

“What?” Vicky’s lips curled up. “That’s a serious question. I don’t know if you’re allowed to booze on a mission. Yesterday you were”

“I’m allowed to cut loose on occasion. Yes, we can get a bottle of wine.”

The server came up to our table and asked us for our order. I picked the spaghetti, and she chose the eggplant parmesan. Vicky selected a mid-range Sauvignon. The bottle came out, and the server uncorked it in front of us and poured a glass. Vicky let it sit for a moment before taking a drink.

“This is great,” Vicky said.

“Enjoy,” the server said, pouring myself a glass before leaving the table.

“Even if it wasn’t great, I wouldn’t care. I’m not a wine snob.” Vicky giggled.

“Me either. Cheers.” We clinked glasses, and I took a sip. It was dry but potent with grape flavor. “I actually ended up having a beer last night when I went back to The Painted Goose.”

“Oh my god! That’s right, you went out and chased a guy. What happened with that? I was dying to know. Can I even ask about that?”

“Sure. There is a guy apparently in Wilton that goes around following people at night sometimes. And I think that was him. He followed me the other night, or at least, that’s what Sheriff Martha says.”

“Who is he?”

“Charles Green? I keep asking people about him, but not many people know anything. My gut is telling me he’s a part of this case somehow. Linked to the murders.”

“Whoa.” Vicky took a sip of her wine. “It’s crazy. I watch a bunch of murder mystery shows that have actually happened and listen to similar podcasts. But it’s wild when it’s happening in your own town. Quite scary, actually.”

“I’m not sure if there is much to be afraid of at the moment. Especially if you live around here, there seems to be a safeguard on people from Wilton. Out of towners? Watch out.”

“That means you.” She frowned.

I smiled. “I’ll be okay. If anyone tried to do anything to me, they’d be foolish.”

“You carry a gun? Do you have one right now?”

I nodded.

Vicky’s eyes widened. “I never thought I’d be hanging out with police. You’re better than the last guy I dated, no doubt.” She sighed.

So I guess this is a date? I didn’t let myself get too excited. The mission is my focus, the mission is my focus, the mission is my focus.

“What was he like?”

“Well, we dated for about 2 years. Honestly, way longer than we should have.”

“What makes you say that?”

“We just weren’t compatible. See, when you grow up in this area, you know everyone. Your neighbors are almost like family. Especially the kids in your grade. I dated a guy two years older than me. I think he just wanted to be with me for my looks or something because we were on opposite sides of the political spectrum. Never saw eye to eye on anything, and, well, I’ll just give you an example. He would hang out at Big Henry’s, and I would hang out at The Painted Goose. You know what I mean?”

“Sure, sure.”

“He was sports-obsessed and just couldn’t really hold much of an intellectual conversation. There wasn’t an appreciation for the arts. Like, I could see the beauty in a painting or a sunset, but to him, he never cared.” Vicky shrugged. “And it sucks too because everyone around here stays in long-term relationships. You might be surprised how many high school sweethearts are still together in this town. It’s like we never developed as a city past the 1950s.” Vicky chuckled.

“I’m sorry to hear things didn’t work out with your boyfriend.”

“It’s okay, you live, and you learn. Glad I had the experience, I guess. At least I know what to look for in the next relationship.”

“And what is something you’re looking for in your next relationship?”

Vicky’s lip curved up. “I don’t know, but I think I’ll know it when I see it.”

The way her eyes lit up as she looked at me filled my heart with so much joy I thought I was about to faint. I became a little nauseous, but in the best way. I took another drink of wine. The buzz was settling in as my stomach was empty.

“What about you?” Vicky asked. “What have your relationships been like?”

I laughed to myself for a second, and then my lips fell. “They haven’t been the best. In fact, I hardly meet other women really. There was one girl I saw back in college, but...” My lower lip trembled.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to open any wounds.”

“It’s okay. I’m not sure why I’m getting a little choked up. I guess my focus was always on my mission, and it feels weird to vocalize that.”

“Your mission?”

I found an emotional sweet spot in my head, thanks to the buzz. No tears, just clarity. “Finding Michael, my best friend when I was younger. I think that got in the way a while ago.” The words came out, smooth like a hot knife through butter.

“How could that get in the way? Like, how could she not be more understanding of that?”

“I think it may have consumed me more when I was younger. Not as much attention or thought had been given to her or our future. I guess?” I gulped down more wine. “It’s hard to say what it was or where I went wrong, but I don’t get hung up on it. Again, there’s a lot to focus on with my mission. And then there’s my primary mission here, in the now. I need to provide closure to the families and stop this monster from ruining more lives.” I felt like I was a bit too honest, but Vicky nodded and listened intently to every word.

Fortunately, the conversation lightened up after that. Then our food arrived, and it was all devoured. It was one of my favorite meals I’d ever had, but I’m sure the wine and company had a significant influence on the taste.

Vicky and I were able to smile and laugh in our other conversations. Exchanging humorous stories from high school and college alike. I felt like I had an insight into how the young people perceived Wilton. Although it was a traditionally generic place, the town’s charm and its laid-back atmosphere were hard to reject.

We finished up the wine, and although I ate food, I still had a strong buzz, but it was waning.

“You ready to go to club Novus?” I asked.

“Yeah, even though I don’t think it’s a place I have any interest in, I can’t help but be curious about what it’s like inside.”

“Why don’t you have an interest in it?”

“Are you kidding me? It’s a nightclub. I don’t go to nightclubs. I went to one in college, and it was loud, annoying, and uncomfortable. Why? Do you like them?”

I shook my head. “I agree with you, they’re not my cup of tea, but I have to investigate what it’s like in there. Something tells me that there is more to it than meets the eye.”

“Let’s check it out then.”