Page 48 of Exposure of Murder

Jane glanced around. Whoever owned the restaurant had blended rustic with Old World charm. All the tables had white tablecloths, with a small arrangement of fall flowers and candles on each. An enormous stone fireplace dominated a far wall but wasn’t lit tonight. The romantic atmosphere was subtle yet enchanting.

“People have spoken highly of this restaurant. Farm-to-table, innovative delicious dinners…” Jane smiled at Victor. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“The pleasure is all mine. Here I am in a beautiful setting with a beautiful woman.” He sighed and reached for her hands. “I’m a lucky man.”

“Oh you!” she chuckled.

The server arrived and asked if he could start them off with cocktails or wine. Victor raised a brow at Jane.

“I’ll just have water and wine with my meal.”

“Give me a glass of the eighteen-year-old Dalmore for now. We’ll order wine with dinner,” said Victor.

“Ah, a scotch drinker,” Jane said. “I’ve never acquired a taste for it.” She picked up the menu. “So many choices, and they all sound delicious.”

“Please order whatever you want,” Victor said. “I’m going to start with the Pemaquid oysters with the mignonette sauce. I don’t have oysters very often.”

“Where are they harvested?” she asked.

“I believe Maine.”

“Hmm. In keeping with this seafood theme, I’ll have the lobster bisque, which is my very favorite soup, and then”—she scrunched her brows—“the cedar-planked salmon.”

Victor nodded. “Sounds good. Although I’m a beef guy. The surf and turf will satisfy my appetite and keep this seafood theme going.”

Jane laughed. The server came back with the scotch and filled their water glasses. Victor gave him their appetizer order, and the server left.

“Finally, we’re alone,” he whispered conspiratorially.

“True, except for the sixty or more people surrounding us.”

Victor smiled, took a swallow of his scotch and placed the glass on the table. “So, Jane, tell me about yourself.”

“That encompasses a lot of ground,” she teased. “I could start from when I was born until today.”

“If you want. I’m all ears,” Victor replied. He gave her a small smile that made his eyes crinkle.

Jane laughed. She hadn’t had this much fun on a date in … well, years. “I moved up to Vermont months ago. When I saw thefarm, even though it was in terrible condition, I bought it. I love the rolling hills, Elephant Mountain, the peacefulness of it.”

“So you moved here by yourself?”

“Yeah. My husband died a while ago, and I needed a new start. Boston held too many memories.”

Victor furrowed his brows and rubbed her arm. “Hey, hey. I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

She shook her head. “I’m sad but not melancholy. Besides, it’s been a while. I have happy memories of my husband.”

“I would imagine. He was a lucky man,” Victor said. “Why did you choose Beaver Creek, besides loving a dilapidated farm that’s probably a money pit?”

She sighed. “I know. I’m taking it slow and renovating what is most important first. The barn was done first as well as several rooms in my house and fencing for the animals. Eventually, I’ll finish the farmhouse.”

“So, who is Bucky? A boyfriend? A friend?”

“Bucky is my farmhand. He takes care of the animals and greenhouse.” She took a sip of water. “Enough about me. What brings you to Beaver Creek? Have you found any land?”

Victor leaned back in his chair, swirling his scotch. The amber liquid glinted in the light. “Not yet. I’m still looking for the perfect area. It’s a big investment.”

Jane nodded. “It’s so worth it when you find the right spot.”

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