Lesley stepped out of the shower, and water droplets trickled down her body, the wet beads soaking into the gray bathmat beneath her feet. She snatched the towel off the hook and wrapped it around her body. As she finished drying herself off, the towel slowly fell to the floor like a snake slithering down a tree. She then grabbed her pink robe and slipped her arms into each of the cozy sleeves. The soft cotton material caressed her skin, inviting and gentle.
The warmth of the hot shower had left her in a state of relaxation and tranquility. However, the frustration stemming from yesterday's meeting with Grant still lingered deep within her. And although she refused to let the case consume her, she knew something had to be done. So, she crafted a plan to navigate the mysterious case of Leah Meyers, but she would take it one step at a time.
Strolling into her bedroom she causally plopped down onto her cushy bed, sinking into its softness. Gazing over at her phone resting on the beige-toned nightstand, she grabbed it. It was still relatively early, around 7:15 AM. Denise would likely be awake, given that her yoga studio opened earlier that morning, at 6:30 AM.
Lesley scrolled her call log, searching for Denise's contact information. Once Denise's name popped up, she tapped the call button and brought the phone up to her ear.
It rang, the tone buzzing into Lesley's ear three times before it was answered.
"Hello?" Denise's calm and gentle voice answered.
"Hey, Denise. It's Lesley."
"Oh, hey, Lesley!" Denise responded warmly, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Are you heading over to the studio?"
Lesley shook her head, her impatience evident. "No, Denise. I was actually wondering if we could do lunch today?" she inquired, her anticipation growing. "That is, if you're available, of course."
Denise replied, "I have a few yoga classes to teach around that time, but I am free at 6:00 PM this evening for dinner. Does that work for you?"
Lesley breathed out a sigh of relief. She planned to utilize their dinner date to discreetly inquire about Denise's husband, Gary, the city councilman.
"Yes, 6:00 PM is perfect."
***
Lesley and Nick were relaxing outside on the patio in the backyard of their home. The afternoon sun rays shone brightly against the lake, casting a glow on the surface of the lake.
Lesley, with her camera in hand, stood near the edge of the patio, snapping photos of the lake and the surrounding trees.
Nick sat in a wooden lounge chair, wearing his prescription glasses while he read. His eyes were glued to the pages of his favorite thriller author's latest release. He turned the pages of the book, captivated by its suspenseful narrative, he felt like an invisible character in the book.
"Nick, our backyard is even more gorgeous than I ever realized." A gentle smile etched onto her face as she became immersed in the beauty surrounding her.
Suddenly, a thought crossed Nick's mind, prompting him to pause his reading- he hadn't heard Lesley utter one word about the Leah Meyers case in the past few days. His eyes shifted, peering up at her. A smile played on her lips while she photographed the beautiful sparrows perched on the surrounding trees. Nick was really enjoying this new Lesley. Her serene nature was taking hold once again. It filled him with contentment. Nick felt as though he was regaining the Lesley he had dearly missed, making his heart swell with joy.
As the sun's intensity climbed, it was as if time was nudging Lesley, reminding her that it was getting closer to the evening.
Lowering the camera from her face to her side, Lesley wiped the sweat off her forehead with her hand. She walked over to Nick and settled into the lounge chair beside him.
"Nick, I'm going to have lunch with Denise over at the Cantina downtown. After that, I'll be heading out for some practice shooting up in the mountains," Lesley announced. Nick's eyes widened as the memory of Lesley's venture into the forest shot through his mind like a lightning bolt piercing a tree.
"Les?" Nick peered into her vibrant brown eyes, his gaze searching for reassurance. "Just photography in the mountains?"
Lesly rolled her eyes toward the sky, "Yes, Nick. Don't worry, I won't be doing any more investigations."
"So you're moving on from the Leah Meyers case?" Nick's eyebrows raised.
Lesley didn't respond. Instead, she leaned towards Nick and planted a peck on his cheek, saying, "See ya!" She sprang up from her lounge chair and strode towards the sliding glass door. Pulling it open, she stepped inside their home.
Nick hoped that the peck on the cheek meant she was finally moving on from the Leah Meyers case. However, he took it with a grain of salt. As long as Jackie or any of the town's residents didn't find out about her investigations, he was fine with that.
After sliding the door closed behind her, she let out a sigh. It pained her to have to deceive Nick, but she knew it was necessary if she wanted to seek justice for Leah.
***
Lesley maneuvered her sleek black BMW into a parking spot right out front of the bustling Mexican Cantina, a popular downtown Arcaden restaurant. Once she had parked, she swung open the car door and stepped outside. Sliding the strap of her purse over her shoulder, she closed the door and headed inside.
As she walked toward the entrance, a gentle summer breeze brushed past her, caressing her cheeks. Once she approached the front of the restaurant, she grasped the wooden handle and swung the door open. Her gaze swiftly swept across the restaurant, searching for Denise.
The Cantina was brightly lit inside, and a vibrant energy filled the air. The lively atmosphere consisted of people, both young and old, enjoying their sodas and margaritas, chatting, and having a good time. Some were scooping up Mexican rice and beans with their spoons, while others were happily munching on tacos. The smell of freshly grilled carne asada floated past Lesley, making her stomach growl.
The young, petite hostess standing in the corner of the restaurant soon approached Lesley. Her hair was neatly secured in a bun, and a red apron was tied around her waist, "Good evening, Miss!" The hostess's smile radiated warmth. "Table for one?"
Lesley shook her head, "No, I'm looking for my friend- she has long braids."
The waitress's eyes widened, "Oh! I believe I just seated her out back on our patio" The hostess pointed to the back of the restaurant, "Follow me."
Lesley followed the hostess's lead, her heels clicking against the wooden floor. In the distance, Denise came into view. A smile curved onto Lesley's lips as she waved, and Denise, catching sight of her, smiled warmly and waved back.
Pulling out the brown chair at the table, Lesley settled into it, sitting directly across from Denise.
"Your waiter will be with you in a few minutes," the hostess informed them before gliding off to attend to another section of the restaurant.
"Lesley!" Denise exclaimed, her eyes lighting up, "How have you been?"
"I'm great!" Lesley replied enthusiastically, "How about yourself?" Lesley reached for the ice-cold water in front of her and took a few refreshing sips.
As the evening unfolded, Denise and Lesley delved into conversations about their respective home decor projects, Denise's thriving yoga studio, and Lesley's exciting plans to launch her own photography business. Denise's enthusiasm for Lesley's new venture was palpable.
Lesley eased into transitioning the conversation to that of Denise's husband, Gary, a notable figure as a city councilman.
"So, when did you two decide to tie the knot?" Lesley raised a straw to her lips, sipping her ginger ale.
Denise let out a soft sigh, her cheeks tinged with a blush. "I just knew he was the one, so when he proposed, I didn't hesitate to say yes."
Lesley's smile widened. "That's truly wonderful. I'm genuinely happy for you. By the way, how long has he been serving as a city councilman?"
Denise's gaze drifted for a moment as she thought about it. "I believe it's been about five years or so."
With a curious stare, Lesley continued, "Do you happen to know the total number of city councilmen in Arcaden?"
Denise shrugged, her expression puzzled. "Honestly, I'm not sure why you're asking, Lesley. What's on your mind?"
Lesley chuckled, trying to make light of the situation, "Oh, just curious, that's all."
Denise responded with a chuckle of her own, as she read between the lines. "You've got that 'I'm onto something' look, Lesley."
Lesley nervously laughed, "Well, being relatively new in town, I've found myself being pretty interested in politics lately. I mean, it is an intriguing landscape."
Lesley decided to pivot, sensing an uncomfortable vibe drifting amongst them. The night was young and Lesley understood that this conversation with Denise was a path to a dead end.
*****
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