Monday Mumblings: Excerpt from "Not a Whisper"

Here's a scene excerpt from my WIP, "Not a Whisper". This is a cozy mystery set in rural north central Pennsylvania.

Please note, this is a first draft version...unedited!

---

After placing their dinner orders, Cherie turned back to Jazz. "Thanks so much for taking me to see the new Madagascar movie. I've been wanting to see it, I giggle every time I hear Chris Rock doing the 'afro-circus, afro, polka dot, polka dot, polka dot afro'."

Jazz smiled at Cherie, "You did more than giggle during the movie, I swear you were prancing in your seat."

"Well, it is infectious. I couldn't help it," Cherie giggled back. She looked around the restaurant, "This place suits you." She thought to herself, tall, dark and handsome, oh, and beefy. She couldn't help but smile, thinking how this date rivaled anything she and Bradley had done. Oh-oh, don't think about Bradley she told herself, working to keep a smile on her face.

"I love that the town has managed to combine such history and current business." Looking at the historic interior, she remarked, "Such a beautiful building, I imagine twenty years ago no one ever thought the former library would become a restaurant and lounge. Beefeater, what a perfect name, it matches the feeling in here." She leaned on her elbows and stared at the high arched windows. "Can't you just feel the history here. So different than the history in Tucson."

"This is one of my favorite places to eat here in Bradford so I'm glad you like it. Oh, and I enjoyed the movie, too. It was nice to let loose and laugh. Things have been a bit too serious here lately." Jazz took a sip of his drink.

Cherie thought about the past week and agreed. "Absolutely. So, not to bring things down, but have there been any new developments that you can talk about? I'll keep it off the record if necessary, I'm just curious as to how things are going."

"Not much, we're still conducting interviews. Alan, Jim and I went to see Owen Harper last night. He's a cool one. We're not done with him yet. Alan and I are getting closer to the final determination on the origin of the fire. I'm waiting on a few reports to come back." He paused and took another sip of his drink. "I guess the biggest news is they found a body last night."

"Oh no, where? Is it anyone you know?" Cherie thought quickly, "Was it Corey Tanner? Aunt Pansy will be devastated if it is."

Jazz reached out to take her hand, "The body was found in the water at Kinzua Dam but no identification has been made. Yes, there is a possibility that it could be Corey Tanner. We hope to know more in a couple of days. Cherie, this is NOT public information and I ask that you please keep it to yourself. You can't even tell your aunt about the body."

Cherie nodded, "I understand. I appreciate your trust."

The waiter brought their dinner and any meaningful conversation paused while they ate, only murmuring about how good the food was. Once their plates were cleared and they had ordered after dinner drinks, they resumed. Jazz started, "So, do you want to talk about Buttley from Tucson?"

"It's Bradley and no, I really don't want to talk about him. He's my ex-fiance and an idiot. I don't know why he's here but I guess I'll find out tomorrow."

"Would you like me to be there? I'd be happy to." Jazz reached for her hand again.

"Thank you, Jazz. I can't tell you how much that means to me, but I suspect Aunt Pansy has called in reinforcements for support. I won't be facing him alone."

"Good, I'd hate to think I'd have to come and arrest him for harassment. Of course, if he does harass you..." He let that thought remain. Before either could speak again, his phone beeped a text message. "Sorry, this is my work phone." He glanced down and read the text. "We've got to go. There's been a bad crash on 770 going up to Klondike. The driver was Diana Crocker." He stood and motioned for the check.

"Janie's daughter? Oh no. I'll go get my coat while you pay." In less then five minutes they were on their way up the hill, siren blasting.

---