Tuesday

  Luciana's Mexicana Restaurant

  Outdoor dining area

  Detective Bennett motions with his right hand, allowing Hazel to pass in front of him. She heads for the furthest oversized green patio umbrella from the main entrance and sits down. The umbrella's shade offers Hazel blessed relief from the glaring sun. She peers up at Detective Bennett as he takes his seat across from her. Adjusting in his seat, Detective Bennett makes eye contact with his friend's daughter.

  "I'm delighted you took me up on my offer, Hazel," Bennett says. "I didn't think you would. I'm not exactly great dining company."

  Hazel chuckles and waves her left hand in a gesture of nonchalance. For a brief moment, she watches the attractive male server as he makes his way in their direction. Returning her attention to Detective Bennett, Hazel leans forward on the table. She offers the detective a genuine smile.

  "You caught me at a good time, detective. I just so happen to be really hungry," Hazel jokes.

  Detective Bennett returns Hazel's smile but uneasily averts his gaze. Sometimes, Bennett wonders if women like Hazel know what effects their teeniest antics can have on a man. A better question would be: 'Do they even care?' Returning his eyes forward, Detective Bennett grins from ear to ear.

  "So. Shall we eat?"

  "Of course," Hazel laughs.

  The server arrives at that exact moment, placing two menus on the table. He nods politely to Detective Bennett and then smiles at Hazel. The two young people appraise each other before the server finally addresses the reason he has approached their table.

  "Buenas tardes, senor...And senorita. Would you like a glass of water or other drink before your meal?"

  "Uh, yes. A water, please. With lemon," Hazel says through a wide smile.

  "And you, senor?"

  "A plain water. Thank you."

  "Okay. I will return with your waters. Please feel free to look over the menu."

  The server nods politely and makes his way back inside. Detective Bennett smiles knowingly at Hazel and shuffles his eyebrows.

  "Kind of cute, huh?"

  "Oh, stop it!" Hazel laughs. "Can't a girl look? Besides, Dave and I are getting married. My days as a single lady are severely limited. I'd better enjoy them while they last."

  "Getting married?" Bennett exclaims. "Wow. I assume you've finally told your father about your...Uh...Relationship?"

  "Huh? How did you know...My father didn't know about me and Dave? Did James tell you? I mean, Detective Mackey? That man."

  "I'm a father, Hazel. I saw the way you and Dave were acting so furtive about everything. I also noticed how closely the deputy held you while dancing. It wasn't your first time holding each other close. But, I also know when to keep a secret. I wouldn't have told your father. Cross my heart."

  "Well, you are a detective. I can't fault you for noticing things. Yeah. We finally broke down and told my Dad. He already sort of knew, though."

  "Father's usually do, dear!" Detective Bennett heartily laughs.

  The server returns with two tall glasses of cold water on a platter. The first glass, containing a large slice of lemon, the young man places in front of Hazel. The second glass, he gently sets in front of Detective Bennett. Nodding politely, the server removes a small notepad from his apron and addresses them both.

  "Are you ready to order? Or will you require more time?"

  "I'm ready, now," Hazel says. "I'll have a taco salad bowl. More salad than taco. As in, light meat and only about half as much cheese as an ordinary salad. Also, hold the shell. So, basically just a salad. Oh...And keep the water coming. I'll need more lemon slices. I hate to be difficult, but I need to lose weight for my dress. I'm trying to eat light. Starting today. Thank you."

  The server's face seems to droop as he realizes the meaning of Hazel's words. He offers her a tiny smile.

  "Congratulations, Miss. You are a lucky man, senor," the server says, turning his head to peer at Detective Bennett.

  "Oh...No...I mean," Hazel stammers, looking to Detective Bennett for backup.

  The detective simply shrugs and laughs. Hazel tries again.

  "No, I'm marrying someone else. This is a friend of my father's...Detective Bennett. Oh god. Haha."

  "Okay. My apologies. And what will you have, senor?"

  "Hmm, I'll have the XL shredded chicken chalupa. Add guacamole and salsa on the side. Also, two beef tamales and three cinnamon churros. I'd like the tamales and churros in a tray please. To go."

  "Very good. I will have your food out to you quickly. Would you like something in the meantime? We offer a small tortillas and salsa dish. Or you may substitute for nachos and queso. Complementary for our dine-in guests."

  "Sure, I'll have the nachos and queso. And so will she."

  "Detective!"

  "It's only nachos, Hazel! You still have several months until the wedding. Eat something. A damn salad is not food."

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  The server looks to Hazel for confirmation. Hazel nods agreeably and smiles.

  "Okay, fine. Yes, I'll have the nachos as well. But not a lot of cheese, okay?"

  "Very well. I will be back with your appetizers."

  The server grabs up both menus and heads inside once again. Hazel stares across the table at Detective Bennett.

  "I really don't care for nachos," Hazel says.

  "Neither do I. But I'm like Detective Mackey. I hate saying 'no' to free food," Detective Bennett laughs. "It was the lesser of two IDGAF's!"

  Hazel's mouth falls open at the older detective's admission--and the use of such a colorful euphemism. Try as she might, Hazel is unable to contain her laughter. It bubbles forth with such energy that she is forced to cover her mouth with one hand.

  "What? Oh my god!" Hazel chuckles. "I did not expect that!"

  "I just wanted to see you smile," Detective Bennett confesses. "I wanted to hear you laugh. You're getting married soon. This should be a happy time for you. At least, I was able to brighten your day a little bit."

  "Wow. That's...That's so nice of you, Detective Bennett. I am happy. Really I am. I just have a lot on my mind."

  "I can only imagine. Which is why I feel so guilty asking you to take on this new responsibility. You have so much to plan right now. I can find someone else to accept the award, Hazel. I mean...The guest list is rather short. No celebrities, I'm aware of. There's probably only going to be a few dozen people there. Just some grassroots groups coming together to acknowledge beauty and citizenship above the call of human duty. But I don't want to overburden you unnecessarily."

  "It's no problem at all," Hazel says. "I want to do it. So far, I've tried to have as little to do with this case as possible. It's too close to home for me. I feel sort of guilty about that. Those young women deserve something better than what happened to them. The least I can do is accept an award on their behalf."

  "Thank you, Hazel. I mean it."

  The server arrives with the two orders of nachos and queso. Hazel looks down at her portion and smiles thinly. She playfully glares at Detective Bennett over the table.

  "If I gain five pounds, I'm coming after you," Hazel threatens.

  "Not if it's in the right place," Bennett jokes. "You'll probably thank me for it."

  "Haha!" Hazel laughs.

  The server's brow creases as he glances from Hazel to Detective Bennett.

  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

  Freddo's Food Truck

  Detective Mackey offers Freddo an energetic wink and a five-dollar tip. Freddo takes the money and rolls it up nicely. Placing the rolled bill at the bottom of his front pocket, the food vendor grins at Detective Mackey.

  "Thank you,"

  "No, thank you. See you later, Freddo."

  Together, James and Dave walk with their piping hot food toward Dave's pickup. For once, James doesn't grumble. Dave finds this extremely unusual. Deputy Newsome gives the uncharacteristically quiet Detective Mackey the stink-eye.

  "What's going on in that crazy head of yours, Mack? Go on...Let it out! What was so good it deserved giving Freddo a five-dollar tip on a four-dollar chili dog? Come on. Let's hear it! I don't have all day!"

  "Nothing. I just felt like being overly generous. Can't a guy be gracious to the maker of his food? It's a good habit you know."

  "Cut the crap, James. Spill it, or I'm leaving."

  "Okay. Fine. I...I have feelings for someone. And the more I think about it...The more I really like the idea. Well, sort of. It's kind of complicated."

  "Feelings for someone? Old stiff Mackey suddenly has the hots for a woman? Who? One of the officers here in Castleton? Sargeant Emerson? She is pretty nice looking. Minus the attitude."

  "No. Nothing like that. Forget I mentioned it. It was stupid. We've got better things to be doing with our time than...Nevermind. Forget it, Dave!"

  "So...Not a woman?"

  "Dave? Can we...Get back to talking about the case?"

  "Fine. But you won't always be able to use that. Remember, the Aquarius Case is officially closed. You and me have no business going rogue. Could get us in some deep crap."

  "That's why...We don't have time to waste, Dave."

  "Agreed."

  Climbing into Dave's truck, both men shut their respective doors. As usual, Mackey slams his door, drawing Dave's ire.

  "Okay. So look, Dave. I don't know about you, but I'm running into a brick wall. Whoever Aquarius is...He has to have a place where he is stashing these girls. A garage, a barn, an old shop, a warehouse...Somewhere. During the course of our initial investigation...We scoured everywhere. Nothing. The names I cross-referenced? Also nothing. Three of the people we've checked out are women. Four are men without so much as a parking ticket. Then, there are the two deceased guys. The rest are just everyday people. Nothing suspicious in their background. And not a single sign of disablement, disability, or disfigurement amongst any of them. Something about this case screams 'foul'....Of the highest degree. Nothing is adding up, Dave."

  "Why are you telling me all that crap? You think I don't know? I've been saying the same thing for hours now. Page after page of nothing burgers. Although, I did come across a familiar name."

  "A name? Who?" Mackey says.

  "While I was talking to Hazel, back in Lich...She told me the name of the guy who shot himself in the face after Sabrina left him. Jeremiah Clayborne. It may not be much...But a Stefan Clayborne moved to Merrville County a little less than five years ago. That's before Sabrina was killed. I say it may not be much because according to Detective Bennett...Jeremiah Clayborne died more than two years ago. Can't be the same guy. It's just a real funny coincidence. Thought it might be worth mentioning. I was surprised you didn't mention it first."

  "Detective Bennett never told me the fella's name. And he is dead. So I didn't think to check into it. Nice catch, Dave. We'll have to see what we can dig up on this Stefan character."

  "Not today, I can't. I've got business back at the sheriff's department. And a busy night. Dinner with the father-in-law. I'll see what I can do though. You better get going too!"

  Detective Mackey climbs out of the truck and gives the metal frame a sarcastic pat.

  "Drive carefully, Dave. And thanks for your help."

  "Anytime."

  Starting up the truck, Dave waits for James to shut the passenger door. Again, the detective slams it. Dave rolls his eyes and puts the pickup in gear. He slowly drives out of the parking lot, leaving Detective Mackey behind. The detective's face is twisted into a bemused scowl.

  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

  Outside the Holiday Inn and Suites

  "Well, we're here. This is me," Detective Bennett says with a wide grin. "Thanks for saving me the cab fare. You're an expensive date."

  Hazel returns the detective's grin. She shakes her head emphatically, a small laugh escaping her lips.

  "It was nothing."

  Detective Bennett leans forward and kisses Hazel's right cheek. She blinks with obvious puzzlement as he withdraws. The detective meets her gaze, his face turning bright red.

  "I shouldn't have done that, Hazel. I'm sorry. It's just...Deputy Newsome is a lucky guy. He's lucky to have you. I wish you only the best. Can you blame a guy for wanting to get at least one kiss in...From someone as...Gorgeous as you?"

  Hazel is utterly speechless. She continues to meet the detective's gaze but her smile falters. The young woman's heart pounds in her chest, as she maintains eye contact with her passenger.

  "I'm sorry. I should go," Detective Bennett says, sensing the change which has come over Hazel.

  "It's okay," Hazel replies. "It's fine. You surprised me, that's all. I'm not offended."

  "Good. I...I really apologize, Hazel. I wasn't thinking. You know what? I think, I'll have to take a rain check on dinner. See you next Friday. At the awards ceremony. That is...If you haven't changed your mind?"

  "I'll see you there, Detective Bennett."

  The shamefaced detective nods politely and gets out of the car. He offers Hazel a tiny wave after shutting the door. She waves back before pulling her Mercedes away from the curb.