No Body, No Crime

Chapter 1

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

It's 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Every Tuesday night, Este Haim and her friend Anne Hollows go to Olive Garden for dinner and a glass of wine. They keep up with what is going on in their lives. Since they became friends in 1989, these dinners have become a tradition. They talk about their careers or their loved ones most evenings. 

"Please, a table for two," Anne said to the woman at the entryway. Anne sits at the table, as usual, waiting for Este. Este walks into the restaurant looking stunning like she always does. Este dresses professionally and wears her hair in a tidy bun. She's carrying her Louis Vuitton handbag, which has all of her work essentials. "Hey, girl!" Este exclaims. "Hi. What's new with you? "... "I'm doing fine," Este says with a smile to Anne. The two ladies are sipping their wine and catching up on what has transpired in their lives since they last saw one other.

They split the bill and leave after approximately 2 hours. "See you next week, Este!" Anne says this as she pulls Este in for a hug. Este exits the restaurant after saying her goodbyes. Este gets in her car and dials Alans' number. "You've reached Alan Winsler," says the voicemail. I'm not near my phone right now, but please leave a message and I'll respond as soon as possible." Este rolls her eyes and murmurs, "Oh, Alan." Este comes into her driveway over ten minutes later. Alan's automobile is not visible to her. "Could he be somewhere?" Este feels he's probably working late and didn't tell her. Este opens her back door, sets her belongings down, and strokes Shirley, her cat.

Este get's all ready for bed. She is beginning to get upset with her husband for being out this late without telling her where or why he isn't home.  She tries calling him again. -He picks up this time- "Alan???"  Syas Este grunted. "Hey love, I'm sorry. Ben needed me to help with the new menu." Este would be more upset but she doesn't want to start an argument over something this stupid.  "It's ok, are you on your way home?" 

"Yes. I'm about 3 minutes away."  He says. "Alright, see you soon. Love you." Este says to him. Alan hangs up the phone without saying anything else. "That's weird. Hm, Whatever" Este says to herself.  Alan enters their house and comes upstairs into Este and his bedroom. "Hi baby, I missed you!!" Says Este coming over to kiss Alan. "Missed you too. How was dinner?" he says. "As usual, enjoyable," Este says hugging Alan. 

"I'm going to go take a shower, gotta wash this long day off of me," Alan says walking out of the room.  Este grabs her new book out of her drawer and unmakes her bed. She lays down and starts to read while Alan showers. About 10 minutes into her book, Este falls asleep.