BLURB
All is quiet at the fifty-five and older community where Connie Acosta
is running her illegal bakery out of best friend Sara Mazza's garage.
Both women swore off getting involved in any police business at the
compound. Just as the two amateur sleuths are enjoying a night out in
the clubhouse ballroom, a scream from the lounge draws them into the
middle of a police investigation with Warren and Brett, their current
partners. Who said seniors can't get into trouble and fall in love
again.
EXCERPT
“Come on, Connie,” Sara said, grabbing
her arm. “It’s disco time.” She pushed Jack toward Vic. “We’ll be right back.”
Connie
got lost in the music. There were so many memories attached to these songs. She
could recite the title, artist’s name and year it was released. That’s how much
she loved the music. The DJ played five disco songs in a row and then
immediately cleared the dance floor when he played a country western song.
“What
is it with this DJ? I’m totally over this,” Sara said, walking over to the table.
“I
got us some snacks from the kitchen,” Jack said. “I have a tray of cheese and
crackers that I forgot at home. Do you want me to go get it?”
“You
don’t need to.” Sara ran her hand up his thigh. “Sit tight––”
Connie
watched their playful exchange, as did the woman sitting next to Jack. Jack
smiled, slid out of his seat and walked over to Vic.
“Sara!
People can see you. Behave,” Connie warned.
“Don’t
tell me you are talking about these people here.”
“I
am. I hear the way they talk about Lizzy, calling her an old whore. These women
get really graphic.”
“Without
a doubt. They have nothing else to do than to watch what other people are
doing. If you pay close attention to the house across the street from us, you
can see Lucy peeking through the blinds over here,” Sara said.
“Now
how would you know that unless you’re doing the same thing?”
Sara’s
cheeks turned red. “Okay, you got me. I’m just making sure no one is getting
too close to the house. The last thing we need is for someone to find out we’re
running an illegal bakery in the garage.”
“You’re
right. That’s why we have to watch what we say and who we get friendly with.”
“You’re
always one step ahead––”
“What
are you two whispering about now?” Vic asked with Jack standing next to him,
shaking his head.
Before
Connie or Sara could answer them, the DJ slowed the music down. Vic took
Connie’s hand and led her out onto the dance floor.
“I
have to ask. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming tonight?” Vic asked,
holding her in his arms.
“Because
most of the time Sara and I are on the dance floor. Sorry I didn’t mention it.
Don’t be upset.”
“I’m
not. I like spending time with you and enjoy watching you have fun.”
“You’re
really different. I’ve never met anyone like you,” Connie said.
“I
can say the same thing, but I’d be lying. I was with my ex since we were kids.
We were married almost thirty-two years when she served me with divorce papers.
But that’s in the past,” Vic said. “You’re my future.”
Vic’s
words echoed in her mind. Connie liked him, but wasn’t ready to start any kind
of serious relationship. Since they met, their relationship was casual and
Connie liked how things were. She was looking for companionship, nothing more.
Connie
wanted to say, “Slow down cowboy,” but instead said, “Vic you’re jumping ahead
of things. I like things the way they are. Let’s take it one day at a time and
enjoy the night.”
It
was as if the DJ read her mind as he played another slow song. Connie took a
step back to gaze at Vic. She smiled. “Another slow one.”
“Shall
we?” he asked, extending his hand.
“Absolutely.”
She slid her hand into his. How’d you learn to waltz?”
“I
took dance lessons before my daughter got married.”
“Of
course. I’m sure you danced to Daddy’s
Little Girl.”
“What
father doesn’t?”
“You’d
be surprised.”
Vic
placed his hands on her waist, pulling her closer to him. The dance floor was
crowded as the DJ played another slow song. Connie relaxed in his arms, feeling
his breath on her cheeks. Vic gave the impression that he was serious about
her. It seemed that he was always bringing up subjects relating to marriage and
how he felt content whenever he was around her.
“I
can hold you like this all night. Sorry I don’t know any disco moves,” Vic
said.
“You
don’t give me the impression that you were the disco king back in the day.”
“You’re
right. I wasn’t. I always leaned toward country western music.”
“Not
me. I was the disco queen.”
“Hmm.
Us Jersey boys had a label for you gals.”
“Not
me. I was already with my husband. No playing mind games with the guys from
me.”
Vic
stared into her eyes. “You have put me under a serious spell.”
He
lifted her chin with his finger. Just as their lips met, the shrill of a
woman’s voice was heard over the music. After another scream, the music stopped
and the room went silent. This time the words, “Oh my God, she’s dead,” echoed
throughout the room.
KAREN'S SOCIAL MEDIA
What a shocking ending to the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteThose are not words you want to hear.
ReplyDeleteTweeted.
Absolutely not!
DeleteI love the cover and the ending!
ReplyDeleteVivi
Thank you. I design my own covers.
DeleteA cry of murder is a pretty definitive way to end their little squabble.
ReplyDeleteYes it is. And it gets even better. Thanks for stopping by.
Delete