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The neat, short haircut emphasized the bold lines of his face, making him even more handsome. She could once again smell his scent. It was all clean male and some woodsy fragrance she found so appealing.

“We need to get our story straight,” she said. “And turn right at the next street.”

“I know my part of the story. I’m teaching some men in the swamp to learn to read and I’m looking for book donations. So what’s your story? Why are you with me?”

“We met in the swamp one day and got to talking. You told me about what you were doing, and I instantly wanted to help you,” she replied. “By the way, I want to tell you again that I think it’s quite admirable…what you’re doing for the men.”

“They’re all eager to learn, and I’m happy to help them out,” he replied.

“Mama insisted we go to school. She impressed upon us how important a good education was,” she said. “Turn left on the next street, and Ralph’s house is the second one on the right.”

The Dupree home was a large ranch house painted in a deep blue with white shutters. Jacque pulled into the driveway and parked. The front porch held a couple of chairs and a small round table, making it appear quite inviting.

“Ralph’s wife’s name is Heidi.”

“So you know her?” Jacque asked.

“Yes, she comes into the dress shop fairly frequently. I have to admit, working at All That Jazz has given me the opportunity to know most of the women in town.”

He turned off the engine, and they both unbuckled their seat belts. “Are you really ready for this?” he asked.

Her heart quickened as tension coiled tight inside her. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Together they got out of the car and headed for the front door. “Here we go,” she murmured as he knocked.

He had to knock twice before the door was opened by Heidi. The mayor’s wife was in her late forties. She was an attractive redhead who, along with her husband, Ralph, was very well-liked by the people in Dark Waters.

“Monique,” she said in surprise and then looked quizzically at Jacque, who quickly introduced himself.

“Hi, Heidi. Could we come in and talk to you for just a few minutes? I promise we won’t take up too much of your time,” Monique said.

“Of course, please come in.” Heidi opened the door wider to allow them entry.

They walked into a large living room that held an oversize blue floral sofa and matching love seat. An enormous television hung on one wall and a huge china cabinet filled with fragile-looking figurines and beautiful dishes sat on the other.

“Please, have a seat and tell me what I can do for you.” Heidi gestured to the sofa while she sat on the love seat that faced it.

“I’ve started a program in the swamp,” Jacque began.

“Excuse me, but before we get into it…” Monique interrupted and gazed apologetically at Heidi. “I’m so embarrassed but could I use your restroom?”

“Of course, and there’s no reason to be embarrassed when nature calls.” Heidi got up and walked with Monique to the mouth of a long hallway. “It’s the second door on your right.”

“Thank you,” Monique replied. She hurried down the hallway and went into the bathroom. She only stayed there a moment and then quietly opened the door again.

She could hear Heidi and Jacque talking about the upcoming fall festival that was happening in three weeks. She slid back out of the bathroom and crept farther down the hallway.

She passed a bedroom that appeared to be a guest room. She assumed that if somebody had her mother’s book, it would be hidden in a drawer or tucked into a bookcase. But she didn’t believe it would be kept in a guest bedroom.

The primary bedroom was on the left at the end of the hallway. It was easily identified by the alarm clock on one of the nightstands and the collection of women’s perfume and men’s cologne on the top of the dresser. This room also had an en suite bathroom, further identifying it as where the couple slept.

She quickly pulled out drawers in the dresser and in the nightstands, checking all through them for the missing dark blue hardback notebook.

Not finding it in there, she stepped out into the hallway and had only taken a step or two forward when Heidi appeared. “Wha…what are you doing, Monique?” she asked with a curious wrinkle dancing in the center of her forehead.

“I’m so sorry,” Monique released a small laugh. “I walked out of the bathroom and got completely turned around. I didn’t realize my mistake until I got down here.”

Heidi laughed. “Just follow me, and I’ll take you back to the living room.”