The Killer Enigma

The way she bounded up and danced around like a kid with a new toy, he suspected a hidden spring ejected her from her chair. The hug and kiss that followed her excited display got filed in the best ways to delight your bride folder in his mind. His mind raced between her enjoyment and worries about the logistics of keeping the media in the dark about their plans. His relief was palatable when Brayson succeeded in eliminating last evening’s pictures from social media. He authorized a bonus to the man’s next paycheck.

Jo’s giddiness between her dancing, clapping, and sing-song, fragmented her speech on all the things she wanted to experience on their trip. JJ was glad he’d made her decide, as she alternated between kisses and hugs, so he added his own, plus a fanny pat.

“Sweetheart, are you certain Magnolia Bluff is the place to spend our first anniversary? Are you planning to test your frying pan swinging skills like when we helped stop the human trafficking mobster? We could go to a private beach with water sports. I’d get us a boat for skiing or fishing if you want. The Mediterranean, or even Europe, provides us privacy in certain locations.” He watched part of her exuberance deflate before his eyes.

“Honey, those places are like going to work. Exotic destinations for backdrops to the latest fashions. Unless you prefer them, I’d rather not go where all the rich and famous hang. I’ll get spotted. I’d rather avoid getting mobbed and questioned to death. In Magnolia Bluff, only Lily knows me, and she’s sworn to secrecy. Plus, we have actual friends, and I’d like to see how Camila and Renata have changed.”

Seeing the light in her eyes and the bounce in her step convinced JJ. “If it’s what you want, then great. We have friends and it is quiet.”

“Wouldn’t it be fun to ride horses around the Texas Hill Country from Ann and Hank’s ranch again?” Jo grabbed her thick hair into a tie and kicked up her heels. “We can swim in the reservoir, and I can show you my new bikini.”

JJ waggled his eyebrows and pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around his best girl. “I love you, Jo.”