Styled for Murder

by Nancy J. Cohen

  “No, it hasn’t. You’re a great mom. And Luke is doing well, thanks. At least, he doesn’t have a cold this week.” They laughed, both of them having experienced their child’s frequent infections. “What’s new with the murder case? Has the detective arrested anyone yet?”

  “Not to my knowledge.” Marla gave her a quick update.

  Tally gasped on the other end of the line. “Davinia Quincy is related to the design company president? She comes into my shop to buy gowns for award ceremonies.”

  “For real? I thought actresses wore famous designer dresses and borrowed expensive jewelry.”

  “That’s for the big awards, like the Emmys or Golden Globes. These are smaller events.”

  “How much do you know about her? Does she come in alone?”

  “Hah, are you kidding? She’s always accompanied by that manager of hers, Oscar Fielding. I can’t stand the twerp. He has this creepy way of looking at a person and is rather rude.”

  “Does she ever mention her brother?”

  “Not that I recall. Besides, we usually discuss what event she’s attending and what style dress she wants. Money doesn’t appear to be an issue. She’s purchased gowns for several thousand dollars in my store.”

  “It’s surprising that she lives in Florida and not California.”

  “We have a film industry, although it’s not as well known.”

  “That’s true. Anyway, you and I still have to set a date to get together. Any chance you’re going to the garlic festival? We could meet up there.”

  “I’m afraid I have other plans that weekend. Can you do lunch a week from Monday? That’s the only opening on my calendar. It’s been crazy busy here.”

  “Sure, that would be great.” They talked a few more minutes about work and children before ringing off. Marla fell into her routine at the salon and didn’t finish until five.

  She let Dalton sleep in the next morning and got Ryder up and fed. Her husband was more than willing to do his share, but he deserved a day of rest. Or at least, a few hours’ worth.

  Kate and John would be arriving at nine o’clock. Marla had a mountain of chores to get done first, including getting ready for the funeral.

  By the time the doorbell rang, she’d done her morning pumping, thrown a load of baby laundry into the washing machine, prepared a meal for brunch, and dressed Ryder in a preppy shirt and pull-on pants.

  Spooks and Lucky bounded to the front door as Marla ushered her in-laws inside. She shooed the poodle and golden retriever aside so the older couple could enter. John held a shopping bag that he handed to her.

  “Something for the baby,” he said, his gray eyes twinkling behind his wire-framed eyeglasses. His eyes matched the color of his hair.

  Kate went straight for Ryder, held in Marla’s arms. “There’s my grandson. Hello, sweetie pie. You’re my little doll.”

  Marla let her hold him while she drew out the box inside the bag. “He’ll love this,” she said, viewing the colorful xylophone instrument. She put it on the activity table Dalton had set up.

  He couldn’t help buying things for their son, showing a playful side that she adored. She’d frowned at the finger-paints he’d brought home last time, but they didn’t create as big a mess as she had feared. Ryder had a good time smearing the paint around, grinning with pride as they praised his efforts. Now they had several examples of his artwork taped to the fridge.

  Brianna wandered in, still sleepy-eyed and in her pajamas. She greeted her grandparents and then went to get dressed. The men watched Ryder play with his toys while Kate helped Marla put food on the table.

  “Dalton said Anita and Reed are going through a hard time,” Kate said, slicing a tomato on the cutting board. Her auburn hair gleamed in the sunlight streaming in through the window.

  “Yes, it’s been tough on them. The sooner this case is solved, the better. Ma feels guilty about not going to the memorial service today, but she’d be too stressed out. I told her to stay home and relax.”

  “That was good advice.”

  Marla fell silent, hoping they’d learn something useful at the funeral to make their time worthwhile. Once this issue was behind them, Ma’s life could get back to normal. But would any of them truly be able to return to the way things were after the killer was behind bars?

  The aroma of her zucchini and egg casserole permeated the kitchen. She plated the bagels and cream cheese Dalton had bought yesterday while Kate set the table. Since they were eating together, Marla had made more of a production than normal. She stuck a quick-fix peach cobbler into the oven for dessert.

  “Does John have any art shows coming up?” Marla asked, changing the subject. Her father-in-law, a retired attorney, had gotten interested in stained glass art and now displayed his work at various craft shows.

  Kate rolled her eyes. “He has an event on the west coast. It’s the same weekend as my bridge tournament, so he’s going with a buddy of his from the studio.”

  “It’s good he’s keeping busy.” Marla remembered how Kate had difficulty adjusting to her husband’s retirement. His presence at home all day had upset her routine and then thrown her into a flummox when he’d announced his intention of entering art shows. She’d learned to compromise and became more adept at being flexible.

  “Tomorrow is National Garlic Day,” Kate said. “You’re going to the festival in two weeks, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, we’ll be attending the final day. Do you want to join us?”

  Kate’s brow creased. “I’d love to, but we signed up for a trip to Vizcaya that day. It sounds like fun, though.”

  “Ryder will enjoy being outside. Did I tell you my stylists will be doing the hair for the garlic queen contestants?”

  “No, but that sounds wonderful. I’ll be eager to hear all about it.”

  Brianna and the men joined them for the meal. Brianna strapped Ryder into his highchair and entertained him while Marla retrieved the food she’d cut up earlier for his late breakfast. As they ate, she told his grandparents how much he loved daycare. He played with different toys there than the ones at home and learned important socialization skills.

  Kate praised his progress, making Marla swell with pride. It was too bad they had to leave this happy environment to attend a funeral.

  ****

  Marla’s mood sobered as she and Dalton arrived at the cemetery close to two o’clock. He followed directions to the gravesite where the service would take place. Already a number of vehicles were parked under the shady oak trees bordering the lanes.

  The scent of freshly turned earth reached her nose as she and Dalton exited his sedan and padded across the dry grass to the designated area. She’d worn a black blazer with a cream shell and a black skirt along with sensible closed-toe shoes. She wouldn’t want to tempt fire ants by wearing sandals, although she expected the funeral home kept their lawns sprayed.

  The seats under the awning were taken. She didn’t recognize any of those people, but she did give a nod of acknowledgment to the staff from Amaze Design Center. Brad, Caroline and Nadia stood in the wings. They cast startled looks her way upon noticing her presence.

  A number of strangers made up the rest of the guests. It wasn’t a large crowd but enough for a decent showing. Her gaze flitted from person to person as she tried to identify the people who’d known Jack Laredo.

  She bent her head as a minister began the service, which was brief and devoid of any personal eulogies. A young man who must have been Jack’s son scattered the first symbolic handful of dirt onto the coffin after it had been lowered. Then they went through the sad ritual of taking turns shoveling piles of dirt into the hole.

  Marla stood back, blinking away moisture from her eyes, the scene reviving memories of her father’s death. Dalton, too, had a haunted look on his face, doubtless remembering his first wife’s funeral.

  She gripped his arm, and they gave each other watery smiles. They had each other to lean on now. The feel of his solid arm through
his sport coat brought her comfort.

  Marla continued to hold onto him when the ceremony concluded and people split up. A number of people she didn’t know huddled in clusters to speak in low voices. Caroline conferred with Brad off to the side. Their heads almost touched as they spoke quietly. Then Caroline made a vamp-like wiggle that left no doubt about her intentions.

  As Marla surveyed the scene, she noted a stocky fellow in dark sunglasses who stood observing the crowd. He wore a bowtie with a tailored suit and vest that must have been uncomfortable in the heat. When he caught Marla’s glance, he smirked at her. The hairs on her nape rose and she looked away.

  “We should introduce ourselves to Jack’s son and offer our condolences,” Dalton said, pointing in the man’s direction. “Maybe we’ll get a hint about their relationship.”

  “It didn’t sound as though they were close. Did Jack have a will? It might be enlightening to see who inherits his estate.”

  Dalton gave a rueful chuckle. “More likely, they inherited his debts. I doubt Laredo had much to leave anyone, but that’s a good question. I’ll see if he filed a will as a public record.”

  “How will you introduce us?” Marla asked out of curiosity. “As a police detective and his wife, whose mother’s house was the site of Jack’s murder? That might not go over too well.”

  “I’ll just say we were acquaintances. Speaking of detectives, Wanner is standing over by that leafy tree. He must have arrived during the ceremony.”

  “Has he spotted us? I’ll bet he won’t be happy about our presence.”

  Before they could gracefully slink away from his line of vision, Nadia sidled up to them. “Mrs. Vail, is this handsome man your husband? It’s kind of you to attend poor Jack’s funeral.”

  Marla introduced them. “I’d heard Jack’s son planned to hold a service. I felt it was only right to pay our respects since Jack was, um, in charge of my mother’s remodel. Ma wanted to come, but I felt it would be too stressful for her and advised her to stay home.”

  “I understand. Are you two really considering renovations? If so, you might want to attend the Home Expo next weekend at the convention center. Our company has reserved a booth in the exhibition hall. We’re giving away a generous prize on Sunday.”

  Marla’s interest perked at the mention of a free giveaway. “Like what? If it’s a thirty-thousand-dollar kitchen makeover, I might show up to enter.”

  Nadia chuckled. “Now where would we get those funds? I’m afraid it’s not that generous an offer. You could win a free double vanity for your bathroom, however. That is, if a remodel is truly on your agenda.”

  Marla didn’t respond and Dalton remained on silent mode, letting her take the lead. She released her hold on him and stepped to the side, waggling her brows in his direction. Nadia might be more forthcoming if they spoke privately.

  “This situation has been rough on my mom,” Marla admitted once Dalton had wandered off. “I want to see Jack receive justice so we can put him to rest. I know I may have asked this question before, and forgive me if I sound insensitive, but who do you think might have done him in?”

  Nadia glanced around. Marla followed her gaze, noting Brad who stood off to the side, glaring at them like an evil ogre. Standing under a shady tree, Caroline gave them the stink eye. Detective Wanner was chatting up the son, while others stood around in small groups.

  “Jack didn’t have many friends,” Nadia replied, “but it’s hard to single out any one person who would have done such a horrible deed.” A strand of blond hair loosened from her twist and she tucked it behind an ear. Her jerky movements betrayed her state of nerves.

  “George and Lenny weren’t happy with him,” Marla remarked, aware that they hadn’t attended the service. “George said he hadn’t been paid for his last two orders, and Lenny was missing a couple of paychecks. I’m wondering why your company is having problems meeting its payroll. I hope this shortcoming won’t affect my mother’s remodel. She only needs a few things done for the job to be completed.”

  “You’ve been talking to our contractors?”

  “I’ve been asking around.”

  Nadia’s mouth pinched and her eyes took on a worried cast. “You might want to be more careful. People could be watching.”

  What people? You just indicated you had no idea who might have wanted to harm Jack. Were you lying?

  Before Marla could follow up on those remarks, Brad strode up to them and grasped Nadia’s arm. He leaned in and spoke close to her ear. Whatever he said made the architect lurch away, mumble a hasty goodbye to Marla, and hasten toward her car. Was Brad angry she’d been speaking to Marla? What was he afraid Nadia would say?

  Instead of accosting her next, Brad spun on his heel and stalked away. Relieved he hadn’t stayed to berate her, she searched for her husband. Her glance caught him speaking to the homicide investigator, so she meandered toward a young woman who stood dabbing her eyes with a tissue. Could this be Jack’s ex-girlfriend?

  “Hello, I’m sorry for your loss,” Marla said. “Were you a friend of Jack’s?”

  The willowy brunette gave a sad smile. “We used to be together. We’d broken up, but I couldn’t let him go without saying a final goodbye.”

  “I’m Marla Vail. And you are?”

  “Hannah Brody.”

  “Did you come alone, Hannah?” It didn’t appear as though anyone waited for her by the line of vehicles, at least no one who was visible.

  “Heck, yes. My brother would be furious if he knew I’d come.”

  “Oh? Why is that? It’s reasonable for you to want to pay your respects.”

  The younger woman rubbed her belly. “Stuart wasn’t very fond of Jack.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Marla responded, noting her gesture and mentally filing it away. How long ago was their breakup? “It was thoughtful of Jack’s son to hold a service for him here. I understand he lives out of town. From what I’ve gathered, he and Jack didn’t have a close relationship.”

  “To be honest, I’m surprised Kit held any kind of memorial for him.”

  “Maybe Jack had left his son a generous legacy.”

  Hannah gave a snorting laugh that turned into a hiccupping cough. “Please excuse me,” she said, swiping at a tear trickling down her cheek. “The idea of Jack being generous to anyone except himself is a hoot.”

  “I never knew him that well,” Marla admitted. “It’s sad that now I won’t get the chance. What kinds of things did he do for fun? Did he tinker with work tools in his garage?” she asked with a loopy grin meant to encourage confidences.

  Hannah waved a hand. “He rented an apartment, so he didn’t have a garage. He loved the old Jackie Chan movies and took martial arts classes. Jack had quite a few trophies from tournaments.”

  “Really? He must have been quite good then.” This also implied that either his killer got the drop on him or the murderer was someone even more formidable than they’d thought. A shiver danced down her spine at the notion.

  “How did you say you knew Jack?” Hannah asked, a suspicious gleam springing into her eyes.

  “We were acquainted through his work.” Marla fumbled for a way to keep their conversation going. She was learning about Jack’s personal life and didn’t want it to end.

  Hannah glanced at her wristwatch with an exclamation of dismay. “It’s getting late. My brother will wonder where I’ve gone. I told him I was visiting a friend, but he might check up on me. It’s getting too hot out here anyway.”

  “Here’s my business card,” Marla offered. “I’m a hairstylist if you’re ever looking to change your style. Also, my husband is a detective. This isn’t his case, but he does keep in touch with Detective Wanner.” She mentioned it in hopes the woman would get the hint that she could pass along any relevant information through Marla.

  “Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind. Bye for now.” Carefully stepping between the graves, Hannah headed to the road.

  Flummoxed as to who to speak
to next, Marla wasn’t aware someone was sneaking up on her until she felt a tap on her shoulder. She whirled around to face Bradley Quinn, whose face was twisted in a snarl.

  “Mrs. Vail. I see you are interfering again where it doesn’t concern you. First you attack Nadia and now you’re speaking to Jack’s former girlfriend.”

  “I didn’t attack Nadia. We were having a friendly chat.”

  “You’ve also visited our business partners. I won’t let you spread rumors and damage our firm’s reputation.”

  “It’s already damaged. Your contractors aren’t being paid. Customers are angry over unexpected delays. For the most part, they’ve blamed Jack for these problems. Why did you keep him on with all the complaints against him?”

  Brad’s complexion darkened. “He knew the business and was good at his job. It wasn’t his fault if a supplier promised a shipment that didn’t come through. Or if the plumber, for example, was due on site but got called away by an emergency.”

  “True, but shouldn’t he have informed his clients? They’d wait at home and nobody would show up. I’d be annoyed if my time were wasted that way.”

  “Nonetheless, people loved the results. We’re the best remodeling company in the area.”

  “So what’s the problem with paying your partners, as you call them?”

  If steam could have emitted from his ears, she’d see it now. “We’ll get it fixed. We’re due some deposits that haven’t come in, not that it’s any of your business.”

  She had to admit that did sound logical. “Nadia seems to be a very talented member of your team. I hope you weren’t angry with her on my account.”

  He squared his shoulders. “Nadia is a skilled architect, but she wants more. She needs to think about her son. In our company, she has a steady job with good pay and benefits. It doesn’t behoove her to risk her position.”

  Marla bristled. “Talking to me was risking her position?”

  “Talking to anyone about our company affairs is against our policy and will not be tolerated.”

  “You and Caroline seem to get along,” she said, unable to help her snide tone.