Styled for Murder

by Nancy J. Cohen

  Nicole’s dark eyes sharpened. “Did you get to meet them, too?”

  “No. Bradley Quinn, the company president, was there but busy in his private office. The architect wasn’t present, either. She’d be the one to come to our house for an evaluation.”

  “Oh? Are you thinking of remodeling?”

  Marla shook her head. “Not really, but I pretended we were in the market as an excuse to ask questions.”

  Nicole stuck a comb into the Barbicide jar on her counter. “Did you learn anything worth telling the detective?”

  “The foreman had an ex-girlfriend. Wanner probably knows that already if he’s been checking into Jack’s background.”

  “Is the autopsy report back yet?”

  “Not that we know. I’m not even sure Wanner will share the details with Dalton since he has a conflict of interest.”

  Nicole tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She wore her raven hair pinned atop her head. “Is that detective still harassing Reed?”

  “Yes. He wants Reed to come in for more questioning. Ma is concerned about why Reed picked this company when they had lower bids. I don’t think that’s unusual. We’ve done the same when we believed another place would do a better job.”

  “Have you looked at their reviews?”

  Marla grimaced. “Do I have any free time these days? I can barely keep up with my email.”

  “You should ease up on your schedule, girlfriend.”

  “No, thanks. Work keeps me sane. Did Robyn tell you we were invited to do hair at the garlic festival for the beauty pageant contestants? It’ll be great publicity. Dalton and I can bring Ryder. He loves being outdoors.”

  Nicole’s eyebrows lifted. “I’d like to participate. Maybe Kevin could pick up some new sauces for his barbecue dishes.”

  “That would be great. I can’t wait for your party on Memorial Day weekend.”

  “It’ll be fun. Some of Kevin’s friends from the fire department will be attending.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Kevin, a paramedic at the fire station, had helped to rescue Spooks when Marla’s poodle got in trouble a while back. “Are there any single guys on your invite list? You could invite Robyn to meet them.”

  “That’s an idea. I’ll tell her to reserve the date,” Nicole said with a grin.

  Their next clients arrived, cutting off the discussion. Marla focused on doing hair for the next few hours.

  Before she knew it, five o’clock had come and gone. This being her late night at the salon, she had her last client at seven.

  She was grabbing a snack in the back storeroom when her cell phone rang.

  “Dalton, what is it? Is Ryder okay?” Her husband would have picked him up from daycare earlier. It was almost time for the baby’s bath.

  “Yes, he’s fine. I got a call from Detective Wanner. The M.E.’s report is back. The foreman didn’t die from strangulation. His neck was broken.”

  Chapter Four

  “That’s a surprise. Did Wanner offer a theory as to why Reed’s tie was wrapped around the victim’s neck?” Marla asked her husband.

  “No, and I didn’t ask. I was happy Wanner was sharing information and didn’t want him to clam up. He said Laredo’s shoes had soil in the treads and grass blades stuck in his clothes, along with grains of dirt.”

  “You think he got killed out on the lawn and was dragged inside? If so, why?”

  “To stage the body so Reed appeared guilty? Laredo could have encountered anyone in the backyard. He had to walk around the house to reach the bathroom door. However, the neighbors didn’t notice any other strange cars outside.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything. If someone meant him harm, they could have parked around the corner. Did the neighbors see anybody lurking by the house?”

  “Not really. I imagine most people were getting ready for work and weren’t peeking out their windows. Wanner would have canvassed the neighborhood as a matter of routine.”

  Marla grunted. “It’s too bad this isn’t your jurisdiction. I hope he’s considering other suspects besides Reed, such as Jack’s ex-girlfriend.” She gave Dalton a summary of her visit to the design center.

  “Hopefully, Wanner got a list of company employees, subcontractors and suppliers,” Dalton said, his tone reflecting her own frustration. “Anyway, go back to work. I’ll see you when you get home.”

  He didn’t have much else to add that evening, and Marla was too weary by the end of the day to discuss the case in detail.

  Dalton packed the baby’s lunch on Friday morning while Marla fed and dressed him. It was her turn to drive Ryder to daycare.

  She was in the car when she realized she’d forgotten to tell Dalton about the garlic festival. Oh well, it was nothing urgent. Hopefully, the weather would cooperate, and Ryder would have fun seeing the sights from his stroller when the time came.

  Her schedule at the salon kept her fully occupied on Friday. She didn’t give the murder case another thought until Saturday morning when her mother phoned.

  “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Marla asked, her pulse accelerating.

  “Reed had his interview with Detective Wanner. I’m afraid Wanner suspects him of being the killer. You have to do something to get that man off our backs.”

  “I’m doing my best, Ma. I went to the design center on Thursday as promised, and I met Caroline, the admin assistant. She said Nadia is their architect and Brad Quinn is the company president, but I didn’t get to meet either one. I’m sure the detective has other suspects. He’s just doing his job.”

  Marla glanced at the front door. She was waiting on her next customer, someone new to the salon. The whirr of hair dryers blended with the splash of water in the background. Scents of hair spray drifted her way as Nicole misted a client’s hair at the next station.

  “I hope you’re right,” Anita said in a forlorn tone. “Reed shuts up when I ask him questions. I’m afraid he’s keeping things from me.”

  Maybe he’s upset that you’ve lost faith in him. “Did you get any hint of a prior relationship between Reed and the victim when they were together?” Maybe they’d crossed paths in the past. It was an avenue that might be worth exploring.

  After a moment, Anita replied in a squeaky voice. “Reed did seem startled the first time they met. It was almost as though he’d recognized a ghost. But he denied any previous contact with Jack Laredo.”

  “Did he admit why he chose this firm if the price was better elsewhere?”

  “He mentioned a celebrity endorsement. I’ll ask him for the person’s name. Then again, he’s going out for a haircut later. He’s so methodical that he must have kept notes on the estimates we got somewhere in his files.”

  “Don’t snoop in his desk, Ma. That would invade his privacy. We’ll find out the information another way. In the meantime, please trust your instincts. He’s a good man.”

  Marla hoped her words rang true as she hung up. It was sad how the seeds of distrust had been planted. She hoped this blip in her mother’s life didn’t pan out to be anything more serious. Marla liked Reed and the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled. He treated her mother well and added an air of dignity to their family.

  This brooked the question as to where else Reed might have encountered Jack. Their occupations were at opposite ends of the pole, and Dalton had vetted Reed’s background before he married Anita. Maybe her mother had read things into their greeting that weren’t there.

  At any rate, her next client must have just walked in, because Robyn was waving at Marla from the front desk. The receptionist handed the lady a questionnaire to fill out. It was Jodi Fischer’s first appointment for a cut and style.

  After she’d completed their new customer form, Jodi walked over. Marla scanned the document then asked what kind of change the woman wanted.

  “I’m tired of the same boring hair,” said the young woman with wispy blond bangs and stick-straight hair. “Since I’m turning thirty this month, I don’t want to look like I’m in c
ollege anymore, if you know what I mean. What do you suggest?”

  Marla ruffled the woman’s locks while studying her facial structure. “We could bring it up to chin length and add some layers. I think that would look great on you. Do you want to keep the bangs?”

  “Yes, for now. I’m letting them grow out.”

  “Okay, we can work with that. Go on and get shampooed. Then come have a seat in my chair when you’re done.”

  Usually when people wanted a change, they didn’t mean for her to lop off all their hair. A new style could make a big difference same as a color change. Marla hoped Jodi would like what she had in mind.

  A half hour later, she stood back to admire her work. Jodi smiled at her in the mirror.

  “I love it,” Jodi said after Marla gave her a final spritz of holding spray. “It feels so much softer and lighter than before.”

  “I’m glad you’re happy. As a new customer, you’ll get a ten percent discount on today’s services. How did you hear about us, by the way?”

  “A friend of mine told me about you. Caroline at the design center was impressed by your hair when you walked in to ask about their work.”

  Marla gave her a surprised glance. That wasn’t what she’d expected to hear. “You’re friends with Caroline?”

  Jodi bobbed her head, her newly styled hair swaying with the movement. “We’ve known each other since we both went to FAU as business majors. I work in the office park over by Jacaranda.”

  “Oh, really?” This could be her opportunity to learn more about the administrative assistant. Then again, maybe Caroline had sent her friend to get the scoop on Marla.

  “Caroline impressed me as being a savvy businesswoman,” Marla said. “How did she end up working at the design center?”

  “Caroline met Brad at a bar. I mean, Mr. Quinn, her boss. She’s always been the type to snatch at an opportunity if one falls into her lap. He was looking for help at the office. It wasn’t quite the job she’d wanted, but being out of work at the time, she took it. The salary isn’t great, although she’s found ways to supplement her income.”

  Jodi’s tone hinted at disapproval and her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Marla sensed old friction between them on that point.

  “How so?” Marla asked in a sugary tone while Jodi stood and removed her cape.

  “Brad put her in charge of hiring their subcontractors. She verifies their credentials.” Jodi looked around and lowered her voice. “One time, she was tricked into signing with an unlicensed company. It might have cost Caroline her job if the boss found out, although she wasn’t too worried about his reaction.”

  “I’m not sure I understand. Did their applicant provide false information? If so, Caroline couldn’t be blamed.”

  Jodi winked. “She might not have verified things as well as she should have, especially when she expected to benefit from any subsequent assignments.”

  Do you mean she accepts kickbacks in exchange for her approval? Why are you telling me this?

  “What happened when she realized her mistake?” Marla asked.

  “Caroline removed the guys from her vendor list, but it was too late. The project manager had noticed their inferior work and called her out on it.”

  “You said Caroline wasn’t worried about getting fired?”

  Jodi’s eyes gleamed as though she enjoyed spreading gossip. Marla still couldn’t guess her purpose in being so talkative. “Caroline has herself covered in that regard. She was more concerned about any rumors Jack might have spread.”

  Marla couldn’t decide which thread to follow first. Caroline knew she wouldn’t be fired because she had a personal relationship with her boss? Then what threat did Jack pose?

  “Who would Jack have told, if not Brad?” she asked.

  Jodi waved a hand. “He had connections. It could have damaged the firm’s reputation if anyone dug deeper.”

  Marla peered at her. “Are you afraid Caroline wanted Jack out of the way and took steps to make it happen?”

  Was that why Jodi had come to her? So she could pass the tip along to her detective husband? Dalton wasn’t involved in the investigation into Jack’s murder. Nor had she told Caroline what Dalton did for a living.

  Jodi stiffened. “Certainly not. Caroline might have been displeased with Jack, but she wouldn’t hurt anyone. Tell me, do the police have any leads?”

  Marla’s suspicions intensified. Jodi would only ask that question if Caroline had put her up to it. That meant Caroline must have checked into Marla’s background and knew all about her husband’s job. “I have no idea,” she replied. “Why would you think I’d know anything?”

  “A little birdie told me you might be involved. I’m worried for my friend. If someone had it in for Jack, could she be in danger by virtue of association?”

  “Tell Caroline to ask the detective in charge of Jack’s case. I’m not privy to the details.”

  Jodi snatched her purse from the hook where she’d hung it and slung the strap over her shoulder. “I love my hair, Marla. Thanks for doing such a great job.”

  She hurried off to pay up front while Marla squinted at her retreating back. On the one hand, Jodi had implied that Caroline might have a motive to do away with Jack. But then she’d done an about-face and said she was worried for her friend’s safety. She also knew Marla had a connection to the police investigator.

  If Caroline had sent Jodi there on a fishing expedition, how much of what Jodi had said rang true? Either she did suspect Caroline in Jack’s death and needed to unburden her fears, or Jodi had confided in Marla hoping to loosen her tongue.

  Marla rubbed her temple, still confused at the purpose of their conversation. She’d let Dalton sort it out when she told him about it later.

  That night at home, she gave him a brief summary. He tended to believe Jodi had been sent as a spy for Caroline, but he promised to follow up on her allegations regarding the subcontractor issue. Or at least, he’d pass the info along to Wanner when they spoke next.

  Relieved of duty in watching the baby, Dalton plopped himself in front of the TV to watch a sports game. The dogs settled at his feet, content after being fed and petted.

  Brianna waved a greeting on her way out the door to meet friends. By the time Marla put the baby to bed and did the dishes, she lacked the energy to think straight. She really should consider cutting back her hours, especially on Saturdays.

  Sunday morning, Dalton took care of Ryder so she could sleep in. Once awake, she stretched her arms and started the day at a leisurely pace.

  The morning had dawned bright and sunny, and she looked forward to their walk in the park. She dressed Ryder in a light jacket with a cap on his head and tickled him on the chin after placing him in his car seat. His big eyes stared at her as he babbled in response.

  She loved his baby talk. Sometimes he woke up early and talked to himself in his crib. She’d even heard him laugh on occasion. How amazing it would be when he could communicate what was on his mind. Then again, that meant he’d learn how to talk back.

  Spring blossoms scented the air at the park as they exited the car. Dalton transferred Ryder to his stroller and soon they meandered down the concrete path toward the playground. Brianna had decided to join them, surprising Marla that she hadn’t wanted time alone at home. Going on nature walks on Sundays had been their family tradition, but Brianna had drifted apart as she neared graduation.

  Dalton pushed the stroller. Marla enjoyed her freedom as she sniffed the perfumed air and savored the balmy temperature. Live oaks shaded the path, where woods lined the walkway on either side. Palm trees dotted the landscape in the distance while bird songs filled the air, broken only by an occasional raucous cry.

  “I’ve too much to do today and a brisk walk will help clear my brain,” Brianna said, her ponytail swishing as she strode beside Marla. She wore distressed blue jeans and a short-sleeved knit top in a jeweled pattern. Lately, she’d developed a fondness for Mardi Gras colors, purple and gre
en. “We have debate team practice this afternoon. Then I need to finish the stupid homework that our statistics teacher gave us.”

  “You’ll be finished soon, honey,” Marla reassured her. “In the meantime, I’m sure you’ll do great in the final debate. You’re highly skilled at presenting an argument. Are you sure you don’t want to change your college major from molecular biology to pre-law?”

  “Nuh-uh. School is dragging on these last few weeks. It’s torture to go to class.”

  “Don’t worry. Before you know it, it’ll be time for your graduation ceremony. Meanwhile, you have to get through prom. Has Jason made arrangements for transportation?”

  “He and some friends have hired a limo. We’ve been invited to a party afterward. I hope you’re not going to give me a curfew.”

  “No, but please send us a text as to when we can expect you home.”

  Jason and Brianna had been close since junior year. Dalton approved of the young man who seemed set on a career in finance. Personally, Marla didn’t think their long-distance relationship would last once they each went their separate ways. Jason was headed to New York for his studies, aiming for a position on Wall Street. They were both math whizzes but had different goals in mind.

  “The girls are excited about coming to your salon for our hair and nails,” Brianna said, holding up her hand and wiggling her fingers. “It’s generous of you to give them a discount.”

  “It’s a benefit for Locks of Love,” Marla reminded her. “We’re happy to offer our services for a good cause. And it introduces our salon to their moms.”

  “I’ll miss my friends but can’t wait to start school in Boston.”

  “At least Glinda will be going there, too. It’s great that you’ll have someone you know for a roommate.” It made Marla feel better knowing Brianna had a friend to rely on.

  “How are Anita and Reed? I spoke to Grandma earlier and she asked about them.”

  Dalton’s parents, Kate and John, lived in Delray Beach. Since this was Marla and Dalton’s second marriage, Brianna wasn’t related to Anita by blood.

  “Ma is nervous about the police investigation,” Marla admitted. “She’s worried that Reed isn’t telling her everything he knows about this design firm. Dalton, did you have a chance to call Detective Wanner about the things Jodi Fischer mentioned?”