CHAP 2-SUSPENSE GROWS, DEXTER TAKES A STEP AHEAD DESPITE HIS FEARS

***Please remember that his is my first draft of this novel, and it will go through several revisions until the final version is ready for publication. I am posting, as I go, to let people know I'm here and I do have a talent for writing. My hope is by the time I'm done, I will have an agent willing to pitch my book to some publishing companies on my behalf. And, if you are a first time reader, the first blog is the beginning. Thanks for looking***

Sometime around dawn Dexter arose to start his morning routine. So comfortable he was with his life, everything was exactly the same every day. His mind wandered to yesterday's murder again. That probably was the most fun, although it seemed bad at some one Else's expense, he had in years. The mystery, however small it was, got his creative juices flowing. He felt young again, even though he was only in his mid thirties. After the morning routine, he went downstairs and waited for Mrs. Houser to show up. She always stopped in around mid morning to say Hi. Or at least that's what she says, Dexter thought, smiling. Her real motive was to make sure Dexter didn't starve or die among all the clutter in his house. They both knew it, but, it was something that they just didn't talk about.
Dexter took at look outside at Mr. Peabody's house. There was still crime scene tape up and police looking for more clues. Obviously they hadn't found the killer yet. Dexter was still convinced it was a worker that Mr. Peabody worked with. Well, not really his problem, I guess. I'm sure Danny is on top of it. Danny! He all but forgot about calling him and asking him out tonight with Chris and himself. Dexter pulled Danny's card from his wallet. He sighed, unsure if this is what he wanted to do and not something Chris had just talked him into. Perhaps a little of both. It was nice talking to Danny again.
Dexer picked up phone and dialed the number. Danny picked up on the other side. "Detective Johnson speaking. How can I help you?"
"Danny, it's me, Dexter. How are you doing this morning?"
You could hear the surprise in Danny's voice as he said, "I'm doing pretty good. Still struggling with this murder from yesterday. You would have thought it would be easy, especially with the button clue we have. Thanks to you. Everyone seems to have an alibi. But, not your problem. What's up with you?"
Dexter paused and then said, "You remember my  cousin Chris, right?"
"Yes"
"Well we normally go out, have a few beers and shoot pool a few times a month. We were planning on going out tonight and wondered if you would care to come out with us?" There he had said it. One step in the right direction, Dexter thought.
"Actually, that sounds like a of fun. And it would be really nice to see Chris again. Where and when?"
"It's downtown, Mezza Luna. Have you heard of it?"
"Yep", Danny said laughing, "Have pulled more than one drunk out of there."
Dexter smiled, "OK, we get there around 7:00 before the major crowd sets in. The pool tables are at the back. Even with all the people there, I really enjoy spending time with Chris."
"Sounds great to me, Dexter, I'll see you there around 7 tonight. Time to get back to work"
"OK, Danny see you tonight. Bye"
"Bye"
Just then there was a knock at the door. Dexter didn't even have to look, he not only knew because of the time it , but he 'felt'her. Dexter had what most people might call a 6th sense. But, with Dexter, it was beyond that. He was well read on what some people would call horse hockey or worse. However, Dexter knew what he read was true. He had witnessed things over and over again to prove out his theories. Yes, there were ghosts, or a better name would be spirits. He was able to pick up things from other people. Not mind reading, not even clear thought but he could read there emotions. That combined with his fantastic talent for seeing things other didn't, it made look smarter than he felt most days. He had known about this things from his teenage years forward and now he didn't even think about it. He just used it automatically. Mrs. Houser, for instance, he could tell it was her and tell she was in a good mood ever before he got to the door. The sensation was stronger with people he knew better.
Opening the door, Dexter smiled, "Good morning, Mrs Houser. How are you today?"
"Except for the arthritis kicking in worse this morning I'm doing good. Must going to rain later, always gets worse then."
"Tell ya what," Dexter said, "Let me cook you breakfast instead."
Mrs. Houser took a long look at him, so used to cooking breakfast herself, but maybe it would be nice to have someone else do it instead. "That would be wonderful Dexter"
Dexter headed to the kitchen, and Mrs. Houser took a seat at the table. "So," Dexter started, Ï called Danny this morning. My friend from the police yesterday.
"I remember"
"I did what you and Chris said I should do. I asked him out tonight to shoot pool with Chris and myself" Dexter said.
Mrs. Houser, smiled, and asked, "And his response?"
"He said he'd be happy to meat up with us"
"See, I told you so." , Mrs, Houser said, "You don't have to be the one waiting around for people to call and get hold of you. I bet he was happy you called. Now, if I can just get you to approach women the same way." Mrs. Houser sighed.
Dexter got the dishes down and set the table. He divided the eggs and sausage he had made for breakfast. He grabbed the orange juice from the fridge and sat down with Mrs. Houser.
"Probably not as good as yours." Dexter said, "But, I thought for once you deserved a break. You do so much for me around here."
"I do the things I do out of caring and love Dexter. I have been in yours and your families life a long time now. I still remember you as a baby and a young child. You were brilliant even then. Gave me a run for my money for sure." Mrs. Houser said, thinking fondling of her previous position of Nanny for Dexter and Chris. She retired when they were grown, but always checked on Dexter. Believing he would be a total recluse if she didn't visit on a regular basis. At lease Chris gets him out as well too.
After breakfast, Dexter cleaned up the dishes quickly. He was thinking of going to the park to read some today. But, Mrs Houser had said it probably was going to rain and was surprisingly accurate. Mrs. Houser had already gotten up and started picking things up around the house. Dexter settled down in his favorite chair, grabbed his book and started from where he had left off yesterday.
Before Dexter knew it was time to get up and start getting ready to out. Dexter would just drown himself in a book and get lost for hours. Normally he just throw on whatever and go. Tonight was different, tonight Danny would be there. And even though Dexter despised himself for comparing himself to anyone, he found himself comparing his life to Danny's life. Feeling that he came up so short. He kept reminding himself that he was happy with his life the way it is. He quickly threw on something a little nicer than usual and headed out the door.