Day Two

As the two waited outside the residence of one their neighbors, they each exchanged a look at one another. Just then the door opened as an older man now stood there holding a glass of scotch in his hand, "Come in, you two are late but everyone's already here."

"We're told be here at nine pm," Scotty replied," It's exactly that."

The older man let out a sigh," I'm Sal, president of the board of this community here. You two must be Darren and Melissa Taylor," seeing them each nodding their heads," Well Melissa the ladies are all in that room, "pointing the right," You might want to introduce yourself, while Darren gets to know some of the men here."

Melissa/Lilly now headed into the other room. However, the women were all sitting there drinking martinis as she entered. One of them now stood up," You must be Melissa, my name's Diane," clearly all the women in this room including Diane were much older than she was. Making her feel as if she didn't belong here with them.

"You're a newlywed aren't you," seeing the younger woman nodding," Nobody in this community has even had a divorce, things like that just don't happen here," which now prompted Lilly/Melissa to ask a question.

She knew that she had to ask this question in particular," The realtor that sold us the house, said it's been abandoned for a long time. What happened to the former home owners, I'm just wondering."

Diane looked uncomfortable, before another woman Linda now answered the question," No one ever lived there, there was going to be couple that had kids, even put in that pool but they never moved in. A man did own it for awhile, him and his wife would come out here to swim. I just couldn't understand why they never stayed inside that house."

To an experienced detective, Lilly knew that they were all hiding something. Even for Linda who appeared so nervous that she ended up spilling her martini all over the floor. However after he had been cleaned up, the woman began talking, as one of them now handed Lilly a drink.

Soon after everyone was called into extra large living room, both Lilly and Scotty were sitting together on the couch. They had no idea that this wasn't really a get together, but soon found that out once Sal had came into the room.

"Some of us aren't taking in our newspapers by 7am, which is against the rules. All newspaper must been inside by 7am and not later. No garbage cans should be out after all the garbage has been collected. Lawns should be mowed every week, now I know that you are known Darren but you need to keep your shirt on."

Lilly/Melissa made a face," What's so wrong about my husband mowing while shirtless? It's our property, it's not like he's doing this in the nude."

Everyone was practically staring at her as Sal motioned for them to stop, "Just abide by it and there won't be any reason for any concern. Moving on, there's going to be big dinner for all the neighbors, so I'd like to ask Melissa to cook the meal for everyone over at her house on Sunday at 4pm."

That was one thing that Lilly couldn't do, besides neither could Scotty. They both were now trapped but couldn't back out, knowing that this investigation was important, "Sure," she replied," Darren and I would love to you all over for dinner."

"Mel's a really good cook," added Darren, as he kissed her cheek," Aren't you honey?'
"You know I am," she said giving a smile.

That's when Danielle now stood up, as all the women followed from behind, "I'll see you later," while following them back into the next room. For Scotty, he already had sensed that there was in fact; something even weirder about these people," All due respect Sal, Mel and I haven't finished unpacking yet. "

His comment went nowhere as the guys all sat down to play poker, while in the other room; Lilly sat there bored beyond belief. These women did nothing but complain; about little thing including husbands, which she now added to that," Darren can drive me crazy at times, probably going to nag me about what I'm serving this Sunday."

"Just a pot roast would be fine dear," Mary replied, who looked about fifty-five yet it was hard to tell if she was older or younger than that. However the rest of the women didn't agree," That's too heavy for this time of the year. Maybe some casserole or something, I'll bring the wine," Ashley now added.

Melissa/ Lilly gave a tight smile," I don't know yet, still need to go to the store. I don't even know where the nearest one is?"

" I'll take you," Emily said whom appeared to be around her age," Show you around town a bit," which made her feel a bit more relaxed," Pick you up tomorrow around 10am. We'll have a day out; you're going to need something nice to wear for this."

Yet this would give Lilly ample opportunity to ask more questions, "Sure, I'd like that," noticing that the other women were now able to look at her. However she stayed even after the get together was over, to help clean up.

The women weren't clearly in a talkative mood, which gave her the feeling that they didn't want her to stay and help. Being polite, Lilly said her good-bye and proceeded to walk home, with a use of a flashlight.

Just as she was walking up the gravel driveway, hearing a rustling sound. Not wanting to take any chances, Lilly unlocked the door and went inside; locking it again. She knew that something very strange was happening in this neighborhood.

Once upstairs, Scotty was already lying in bed," Pretty odd right, the people?"

"Yeah, Emily is going to pick me up tomorrow take me shopping. I'll be able to talk with her alone," grabbing a pair of pajamas from the drawer," So how was playing poker the guys like?"

"Boring as hell, makes me appreciate playing with Nick and everyone," hearing the bathroom door now closing. He sighed, still thinking about the man who was putting out the fire. Why did he even warn him, did something happen in this house long ago?

Whatever it was, nobody seemed to be talking. Once Lilly had emerged, she too climbed into bed," Someone lived in this house Scotty, probably one of the victims. This isn't a summer home."

"I know, but how the hell are you going to cook Lil? Probably burn the damn thing."

She glanced over," and you shouldn't talk either. I'm going to try, it can't hurt."

"Try like what make everyone's stomach hurt?', as Lilly hit him a pillow, "Quit it Lil, I was just teasing."

"Yeah well, that idiot Sal had to nominate me to cook. At least we could have barbequed something, have some beers and drinks," seeing the look on Scotty's face," Oh what, because I said that so I could get out of cooking, you're so full of shit ."

He smiled, "Since I woke up with a blonde head restin down on my chest."

"You never said anything about that. Besides I was comfortable, even rubbed my back," as Scotty shot her look, "Don't even try to deny it, admit it you like me."

That instantly made him turn over," Give me a break, just go to sleep," feeling her pulling the blankets up closer to her," This ain't all yours Lil."

"You're just going to kick it off anyways; beside I tend to freeze;" as he sat up pulling the covers away," Now leave it Lil, and got to sleep!"

Tomorrow was going to be a bit stranger, but at the same time would bring both detectives a bit closer, well almost.