Bayou Christmas Disappearance by Denise N. Wheatley

Author:Denise N. Wheatley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-09-14T00:38:25+00:00

Chapter Nine

Mona sat on a corner stool near the window of Silvia’s Speakeasy. She stared out at the dark, desolate street that appeared more like an alleyway. There was no sign of Dillon or Oliver.

She took a sip of her cranberry old-fashioned, then grabbed her cell phone.

Hey, she texted to Dillon. I’m at Silvia’s. Been here for almost an hour. Still no sign of Oliver yet. Are you on your way?

Mona sent the message, then swiveled around in her burgundy leather barstool. She glanced around the small, dimly lit jazz club, wondering whether she’d missed seeing Oliver.

None of the faces lining the distressed brick walls looked familiar. The crowd ranged in ages from early twenties to late sixties. Various nationalities and genders dressed in outfits spanning from sweat suits to cocktail dresses filled the room.

Mona was glad she’d chosen to wear her fitted wool magenta dress and nude patent pumps. The look fell somewhere in the middle of the diverse club goers.

A large group of patrons shuffled through the heavy vintage steel door. They stopped and stared at the black-and-white photos of famous jazz musicians hanging along the entryway.

Mona stared anxiously at the group, hoping to catch a glimpse of Oliver. But when they shuffled farther inside and stopped at the bar, she realized he wasn’t among the crowd.

Please show up, she thought to herself while once again checking his Instagram page.

“I hope I’m at the right place,” she muttered aloud.

Mona double-checked his latest post.

What’s up, my peeps? Who’s meeting me at Silvia’s Speakeasy tonight? It’s open mic night! So come through and check out some of the best musicians in all of Louisiana. Mico will be at the bar serving up his handcrafted holiday cocktails, too. So don’t miss out. See you there!

“Okay, I am definitely where I’m supposed to be,” Mona said to herself.

She was actually surprised that Oliver was attending yet another social event.

If he shows up, that is...she thought, taking another look around the bar. Where are you?

Neither Mona nor Dillon had heard from the Whitmans since visiting their home. She’d tried reaching out to them but got no response. So she had resorted to doing what she did best—stalking Oliver’s social media to find out where he’d be.

Now all you need to do is make an appearance.

Mona’s cell phone buzzed. A text message from Dillon popped up on the screen.

Hey, Chief Boyer and I had to make an unexpected run to the forensics lab. New DNA results came back on a cold case he’d worked on years ago. He was so pumped that we drove out to Vincent Parish to pick up the report. Heading back that way now. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Think you can hang tight until then?

I guess I’ll have to, Mona replied. The band will be going on soon. I’ll just sip my drink and enjoy the music until you two arrive.

Mona sent the message, then spun around in her stool when she saw a commotion in the back of the bar.

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