Page 28 of Love's Bloom
Misty let out a long, worried breath. “After crashing during the movie, I spent a restless night. I just need to know if the man JoEllen saw was Vince Tucci.”
“We’ll call Nick as soon as we can. For now, how about a cup of coffee?” asked David.
“That would be delightful. Thanks. I take mine with just a touch of milk.”
“That’s easy. I’ll be right back with it.”
Misty didn’t have to wait long. David quickly returned with coffee for them both and sat in a chair next to hers.
“I’ve been considering your situation and have two strong suggestions for you,” said David. “I think you should enroll in my karate class and learn some valuable defense techniques. I also think you should get a dog. They are a huge protection from someone prowling around.”
Misty was quiet. “You’re right. I carry a spray on my key chain, but I want more security. I need to learn some karate moves. And I love dogs. I didn’t see how I could have one while sharing space with someone. But now I think I can.”
“Why don’t I help you pick out a dog? And you can start karate lessons with me tomorrow when I’m at the studio.”
“Okay. It's a wise idea even if the man JoEllen saw isn’t Vince.”
“I know someone in the Dog Rescue Program. I’ll give him a call in a little while. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the sunrise.”
As she sat quietly observing her surroundings, Misty realized David was strong, not mean; smart, not foolish; and caring, not self-absorbed. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
He caught her looking at him and smiled, lighting his face, emphasizing his deep-blue eyes.
Caught in the moment, Misty struggled to find something to say. “Thanks for your help.”
His features softened. “Glad to do it.”
Misty finished her coffee and went inside to freshen up. She knew Crystal would be awake and called her.
“Morning,” Crystal said. “I was just about to call you. Nick phoned to say he talked to JoEllen right after we left Jake’s, got a detailed description, and went to the hotel bar where she’d met him. No one by the name of Vince Tucci was staying at the property, and the bartender said the man hadn’t been there all evening.”
“What about the description? Does it match Vince Tucci?” Misty asked.
“It’s hard to say. His name was Vince, but there was no last name. He had black curly hair, eye-color uncertain- maybe hazel, and a broad, muscular build. In today’s world, that could mean a lot of different people.”
“No noticeable tattoos?” asked Misty, not feeling much better about it.
“He had none that JoEllen remembered. She’s not the best witness,” said Crystal. “I think she’d had plenty to drink when she saw him.”
“Sounds like her,” grumped Misty. “David wants to teach me a few karate moves and thinks it’s smart for me to get a dog.”
“Superb suggestions,” said Crystal. “Nick said he’d add another lock to your front door.”
“I guess that’s all we can do,” said Misty, disheartened. “I’m not on social media, and I have kept any information about me pretty private.”
“Everyone in our social group in town is aware of the situation and will keep their vigilance,” said Crystal. “For all we know, this person could simply be a regular guy named Vince.”
“That’s what I have to believe going forward,” said Misty. She hated not knowing.
“Have a good day,” said Crystal. “Let me know how you do with a dog.”
“Okay.” Misty was excited to own one.
David came into the house. “Any news?”
“The man JoEllen saw is apparently gone and can’t be identified as Vince Tucci. But Crystal likes the idea of karate lessons and my having a dog. She says everyone will keep an eye out for someone looking like Vince Tucci.” She shrugged. “I guess that’s all I can hope for. Oh, and Nick is putting a stronger lock on my front door.”
David studied her. “Okay then. Let’s get ready. We’ll go to breakfast at the Lilac Lake Café before heading over to the pet rescue center. Sound like a plan?”
