The Red Light Girls (Unsolved Mysteries Book 2) Kim Knight (best romance novels of all time txt) 📖

From behind it, she plucked her paper umbrella to shield her skin from the sun, hitched up the side of her kimono, and then made her way down to the lush grounds. There, she would enjoy the afternoon sunshine under the Japanese blossom tree that Suzy loved as a child.

20

Date Night

Chris Visser

Friday night…

Chris checked his watch for the hundredth time.

She’s ten minutes late. He sighed and braced himself to be stood up.

The door chime went off, and he glanced back over to the entrance to see who had entered.

Probably another couple—arriving together. The thought annoyed him.

Madeline walked into the restaurant.

His heart leapt into his throat, and his eyes moved over her figure.

Her mocha skin glowed against her light make-up. Her normally bone straight hair, she’d left in its natural state, and it fell to her shoulders.

Wow! Chris licked his lips.

Tonight, dressed in a simple black dress, a smart winter coat, and a sky-high pair of black stiletto heels, Madeline’s look contrasted starkly against the first meeting he had with her almost a week ago when her car broke down, or their second meeting, when he fixed her leak.

“Hi, great to see you again, Chris.” Madeline took a seat at the table.

“You too, you look great.”

“Thanks.”

Chris took a moment to admire her as she slipped off her jacket, then glanced down at the wine menu.

“What do you prefer red or white?”

“Rose. I walk the middle road.” Madeline chuckled.

Chris joined in and signalled to the waiter, and then requested a bottle of rose wine.

“So, how’s your week been?” He asked with interest.

Madeline sighed. He noticed her shoulders sag, then roll forward.

“Man, it’s been eventful! I’ll say that much.”

“Why?” Chris asked wide-eyed.

“Well, I found out some information on the Red Light Girls.”

“What? How?”

“I went over to the District and asked around. The articles I ran after that, well, it really rattled someone’s cage.”

“Yeah, I read the articles.” Chris frowned with concern. “The Politie seem to be moving kinda slow.”

“Right. My thoughts, exactly. It’s been eight months Ana’s been missing and girls have dropped left, right, and centre. They really need to get their asses into gear!”

“So, what did you find out?”

The waiter set the wine on the table. “Are you ready to order, Sir? Ma’am?” He stood, pen in hand, waiting to take their order.

“I’ll take the shredded beef and special fried rice, please.” Chris handed the waiter his unopened menu.

“Wow. You didn’t even need the menu.” Madeline chuckled, then glanced down at hers. “I’ll take the chicken chow main, and Satay chicken, please.”

She snapped the menu shut and handed it to the waiter. He noted their orders, then left the table.

“So, you were saying…” Chris leaned in and whispered, “What did you find out?”

“Oh yeah, the girls were apparently using some dating site to find rich men. Ana and Suzy were, anyway. I don’t know if there’s a link to their cases but, it’s what’s been confirmed.”

Chris covered his mouth to stem a gasp. “Damn, so what happens next?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Oh, and I started getting these weird messages at work about the cases. Someone doesn’t want anyone digging around.”

“You think it’s the person who’s responsible?” Chris probed further.

“Well, we only know for sure that Suzy and Lotte are dead. Ana’s body and the rest haven’t been found yet.”

“It could just be a coincidence. Women use dating sites all the time.” A deep frown touched his mouth, and he mulled over the possibility.

“True. But I also put the appeal out this morning, remember, via my article. I got a ton of responses that I need to go through on Monday.”

Chris shook his head and chewed on his lip. “Well, if you need a hand looking into anything, give me a shout.”

“That’s really sweet, Chris. Thanks.” Madeline tilted her head and looked him over from across the table.

“It’s strange, but the cases touched me too. I want whoever’s responsible found. Just like you do,” Chris responded with sincerity in his voice.

The waiter arrived with their orders. He and Madeline looked down at the plates in reflection over the sad fate of the Red Light Girls.

“More?” Chris motioned to her wine glass.

“Yes, please.”

Chris refilled her glass, and then his. “So, what did your boss say about the random messages you got?”

“Well, I told Detective Janssen first, and then I went to Fleur, my boss. She was in as much shock as I was,” Madeline lowered her voice. “Everyone in the office became a suspect. My account is being monitored. Detective Janssen said she’ll be in contact.” She loaded noodles onto her folk.

“Great, keep me posted.”

“Tell me about yourself, Chris? Let’s forget my work drama.”

“Work drama?” Chris laughed. “Don’t say it like that.” He sighed. “I’m interested in what happens—your well-being. If you’re getting these messages, someone clearly isn’t all too impressed with you shedding light on the murders.”

“Hmm, true. But I want to know about you.” A twinkle glinted in her eyes.

“What can I say? I was born here in Amsterdam. And I’m an only child.”

“You speak English really well. Have you travelled much?”

“Yeah, I’ve been to London a few times. I spent a lot of time working on my English for my job. We have a lot of English families and customers who use our service.”

“How long have you been a plumber for?”

“It’s all I’ve ever done. Straight out of school,” Chis laughed with shyness. “I’ve been in the trade over fifteen years now.”

Madeline nodded and took a mouthful of her food.

“My, God. This is so good.” A smile danced on her lips. “I love Chinese food. It’s my favourite.”

“Me too.” Chris tried to gain Madeline’s eye contact. “So, no boyfriend back home in London?”

“Nope, and let’s not go there!” Madeline chuckled.

“Why? Bad break up?”

“Yeah, I’m over it though. I really want move forward.”

Madeline sighed, then pushed her food around her plate. From her words and body language, it was clear to Chris, she didn’t want to go down relationship lane. And now, all he wanted