Styled for Murder

by Nancy J. Cohen

  “Afraid not, but the lab boys are still working on it for other clues.”

  “Caroline asked me about Detective Wanner’s progress. I got the feeling she was pushing for info about his investigation.”

  Dalton’s mouth compressed. “I expect she’s nervous about his inquiries into their company. My chat with George Eustice was interesting. He had no qualms about warning me against Amaze Designs, saying they were late in paying their bills. He’d been in business with Brad before and wouldn’t trust him beyond his nose.”

  “Did he give you more details about why they parted ways?”

  “He’d learned Brad ignored shortcuts his work crew took, as long as they produced satisfactory results.”

  “What kind of shortcuts?” She could imagine a few of them, based on the reviews she’d read. Improper wiring, sloppy plumbing, cheaper grade of wood on the cabinetry.

  “He wouldn’t elaborate. I’m surprised he signed on to fill their granite orders if he didn’t trust them. I mentioned what you’d told me about Jack eyeing his daughter. George looked like he was about to throw a fit. As a father myself, I can understand his rage.”

  “Do you think he hated Jack enough to kill him? If he was frightened for his child’s safety, George might have thought he needed to protect her.”

  “He seemed more resentful of Brad. I wonder what Detective Wanner has on their prior partnership.”

  Marla snorted. “I’ll bet you have more information than he does. You should call him and fill him in on what we know. It might take the heat off Reed.”

  “We’ll see. Let’s go retrieve Ryder. Your mother probably wants a break by now.”

  As they strolled down the aisle, Marla sniffed the scents of coconut and vanilla. They passed an aromatherapy display with oil lamps, room fragrance, diffusers, and wax melts.

  The aroma of roasted coffee drew her toward the food court at the rear of the exhibit hall. Marla spied Anita and Reed seated at a table. They waved to catch her attention.

  After greetings all around and a fast check on the baby who smiled and gurgled at her arrival, Marla addressed the elder couple. “Thanks for watching Ryder. We can hold down the fort if you guys want to get something to eat.”

  They took turns ordering food. Meanwhile, Marla set up the baby’s tray, popped the lid on his lunch container, and gave him his milk.

  Once they’d all finished eating, Marla and Dalton shared what they’d learned.

  “Oscar Fielding, Davinia’s manager, was speaking to Brad when I approached the design company booth. He was angry about something the manager said.”

  Anita perked up. “Isn’t Davinia the celebrity actress who endorsed Amaze Designs?”

  “Yes, that’s correct,” Marla replied.

  “I still don’t understand why her review made a difference to you in choosing this company,” Anita told her husband.

  His eyes blazed. “Since you all seem set on prying into my life today, I’ll tell you. Davinia did me a favor a long time ago. I owed her one, so I figured I would support her brother’s enterprise. I had no idea Jack Laredo worked for their company.”

  What? He’d known Davinia personally? What else wasn’t he sharing with them?

  “What sort of favor?” Dalton asked, pouncing on Reed’s words. His brows knitted together as he regarded his stepfather-in-law.

  “It’s a private matter.”

  “You do know we’re trying to help? That can’t happen unless you tell us everything.”

  “You’re as bad as Wanner with your questions. I’ve had enough.” Reed shot to his feet and collected their trash.

  Marla felt the heavy mantle of disappointment. Clearly, Reed wasn’t done keeping secrets from them, and now he’d insulted Dalton. How could they trust him under these circumstances?

  “Oh look,” she told her mother, who sat by in stony silence. “Ryder is throwing his diced cucumber on the floor and laughing at us. He’s making a mess.”

  “I’ll get it,” Dalton offered, rising so quickly he almost knocked his chair over. “See if he’ll drink more milk.”

  “Today is National Hairstylist Appreciation Day,” Marla mentioned, hoping to lift her mother’s spirits. “We’re celebrating at the salon on Tuesday. I’ve placed an order with Arnie’s deli for lunch to be delivered. It’s my treat to the staff.”

  “That’s generous of you.” Anita’s eyes glistened as she glanced up and offered a small smile at Marla’s change of topic. “How is the dear man? Is his wife pregnant yet?”

  “With two school-age children from his previous marriage, he may not have that on his agenda. I need to give his wife a call to see how she’s doing. We haven’t touched base in a while.”

  Anita paid attention to Ryder during the drive home while Reed stared grim-faced out his window. Marla twisted her hands in her lap. Instead of smoothing things between the elder couple, she’d only succeeded in widening the wedge between them.

  “Do you think Reed’s sons would know any more about his connection to Brad’s sister?” she asked Dalton once they were back home and had settled Ryder in for a nap. Marla stood by the sink washing the baby’s lunch dish and bottles while Dalton put away the rest of their gear. Anita and Reed had already left.

  “I’m not asking the boys behind his back. If he isn’t going to come clean, his dirt will wash out in the end. What’s on your agenda for tomorrow?”

  “I’m meeting Tally for lunch,” she said. “Maybe she’ll have some fresh insights. I don’t feel as though we’re getting anywhere on this case. We open one door, and another one slams in our face. We’re not any closer to nailing a particular suspect, although the granite guy still tops my list.”

  He came over and tickled her arm. “Hey, where’s my spirited sleuth who won’t let anything get in the way of justice?”

  “She needs to retire.” When her husband stepped away, she dried her hands on a towel and spun to face him. “I’m limited in the amount of time I can spend looking into things, and so are you. This case isn’t even your jurisdiction.”

  “No, but it involves my family. That’s enough for me.”

  “Can you do anything to light a fire under Wanner?”

  “He’s probably just as frustrated as we are. Everything seems connected and yet the facts don’t add up. I’ll keep digging further into these people.”

  “Okay. Tally always has good ideas when it comes to catching bad guys, so I’ll see what she says. In the meantime, we need to tread carefully because someone is watching.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  The next morning, Marla stepped inside Dressed to Kill boutique and paused to gawk at the racks of glittering evening gowns. She never tired of admiring the beautiful creations with colors ranging from sexy black to tropical turquoise, royal blue, and claret red. Sequins, seed pearls, and beads reflected light from the crystal chandeliers hanging overhead.

  Off to the right stood a counter with bar stools and a refrigerated display case offering sandwiches and snacks for sale. The aroma of fresh pastries permeated the air along with a faint citrus scent.

  A seating arrangement with couches tempted shoppers to linger in the elegant setting. Usually Marla gravitated toward the section with high-end daywear as well as the handbag and shoe collections. Her fingers itched to pull out her wallet and buy something. Maybe a pair of crystal earrings? That wouldn’t add too much to her credit card balance.

  “Marla, it’s great to see you!” Tally bustled over to embrace her in a tight hug.

  “Likewise.” She withdrew to regard her friend. Tally wore a teal twist dress that looked great on her slim figure, but then she could wear anything and pass muster as a model. “I love coming here. It makes me wish I had an occasion to wear one of these gowns.”

  “Hah. Then you’d have to get a babysitter for Ryder. It’s not easy having a social life with a toddler,” Tally said in a wry tone.

  “Hey, speak for yourself. Ryder is only turning one this June.”
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  “I know. I miss the little guy. He’s so cute.”

  “I can say the same for Luke. Do you want to eat in or go out?” Marla asked, okay with either choice.

  “Let’s go to Lara’s on the corner. I feel like being served. Hold on a sec while I close up for lunch.” Tally grabbed her purse, set the alarm, and locked the door. “Remind me to show you our new stock,” she said as they headed toward the restaurant anchoring the end of the shopping strip. “There’s a skirt you’re going to love, and I have the perfect poppy-colored top to match it.”

  Marla gave a rueful chuckle. “If I didn’t have to go into the salon every day, I’d probably hang out in my pajamas.”

  “Ugh, I remember that feeling. The first year with a baby is so exhausting. It goes by in a blur.”

  At the restaurant, they requested a quiet table at the opposite end from the bar. Marla appreciated the modern ambiance with recessed ceiling lights and an open kitchen. Potted plants softened the cavernous room while soft jazz music played in the background.

  They commiserated over the responsibilities of motherhood until the waitress brought their drinks along with a basket of warm bread. She took their meal order and left them alone.

  “Tell me what’s been going on with your mom,” Tally said, spreading a napkin over her lap.

  Marla took a sip of her iced coffee then filled Tally in on recent events.

  “I’m still wondering why the killer wrapped Reed’s tie around the foreman’s neck,” Marla concluded. “It had to be meant as a message to Reed or as a distraction for the cops.”

  “What kind of message?”

  “A warning, perhaps. Like, he’d better stay silent about what he knows, or else.”

  “That sounds scary.”

  “I know. However, Reed seems just as confused as we are about what it means. That leads me to believe the tie was used to throw suspicion his way.”

  “What did it look like? That might have bearing on the killer’s intent, unless it was a random choice from his closet.” Tally buttered a piece of bread as she spoke. She’d always had a wholesome appetite. Her tall, lithe frame allowed her to eat more calories than Marla without adding to her weight.

  Tally’s gaze wandered to a group of businessmen striding past. They cut handsome figures in their suits.

  Marla lifted her brows. Tally hadn’t been actively seeking to date since her husband Ken’s death over two years ago, but perhaps she was ready for that step now.

  “Reed confirmed the tie belonged to him, but he didn’t give us a description,” she said in response to Tally’s question.

  “So you don’t know the pattern or colors?”

  “No. I hadn’t thought to ask.” Marla tamped her urge to call Dalton with this inquiry and settled for eating a bite of buttered bread instead. “I’ll ask Ma for more information next time I talk to her. She organizes the stuff in their closet. Reed has kept all his neckties and work clothes even though he’s retired.”

  “Old habits die hard. So who’s on your suspect list? Have you eliminated anyone else since our last chat?”

  “Pete and Juan are the general contractors. Juan has a verifiable alibi so he’s off the list. Before Jack’s death, they’d completed the demolition and installed the cabinets. Ma is happy with the finished look.”

  “Are they done, or do they have to come back?”

  “They still have work to do. I’m hoping to talk to one of them and ask about Reed’s prior connection to Jack.” She described the incident with Jack’s son when he was a college student.

  Tally’s mouth rounded in an “O” sign. “Holy smokes, no wonder the detective is interested in Reed. He had a personal connection to the victim.”

  Marla’s glance rose to her friend’s hair. Was that a streak of gray on top? This was new since they’d last met. A natural blonde, Tally had a thick head of wavy hair other women would dye for... so to speak.

  “I wish Detective Wanner would regard the other people involved with as much interest,” she said. “Lenny Brooks, the tile guy, is the person who found the body. He still has to finish the shower seat. Lenny didn’t appreciate how Jack treated customers. He also said the design company hadn’t paid him for his last two jobs. The granite dealer complained about the same issue.”

  “What’s the holdup with the money?”

  “Brad funds the payroll, but Jack was the one who handed out the checks. The problem could stem from either one of them. I’m wondering about Brad’s bookkeeping. Did Jack suspect him of withholding money on purpose and confronted him about it? Or did the opposite happen? Brad issued the funds that his crew and suppliers never received.”

  “Sounds like they both could be rotten apples. If someone suspected Jack of stealing their paychecks, they might have decided to get rid of him.”

  “True, but is that a strong enough motive for murder?” Marla spied the waitress heading their way and fell silent until she’d delivered their entrees. The grilled salmon salad looked divine. She dug in, savoring the teriyaki flavor on the moist fish. Tally had ordered a turkey burger with sweet potato fries.

  “George Eustice, the granite guy, had the best reason to want Jack gone,” Marla continued. “He’s still number one on my list.”

  “Yes, you told me about him. Jack had inappropriately propositioned his daughter.” Tally took a big bite of her turkey burger and then wiped her greasy fingers on her napkin. “I agree he’s a viable candidate. Who else have you got?” she said between bites.

  Marla speared a piece of fish with her fork. “I met Hannah at the funeral. She’s Jack’s ex-girlfriend. Her brother wasn’t happy about their relationship. I don’t know anything about the guy, but he’s worth a follow-up. Maybe he wanted Jack permanently out of his sister’s life.”

  Tally’s brow creased. “It doesn’t seem reasonable that the brother would resort to murder to get rid of him. He could have paid Jack to bug off.”

  Marla considered this suggestion. “Good point. Jack did appear to be the type to take the money and run. Meanwhile, there’s Caroline who works at the design center’s office. She approves the subcontractors. Her friend Jodi, who came into my salon, hinted that she takes kickbacks from applicants. I don’t think she did it, but she might be covering up for Brad.”

  “How so?”

  “If he’s doctoring their accounts and Jack found out about it, Brad would have had a reason to do away with him. Plus, Brad threatened me at the home expo. His words echoed the warning note I received at the salon.”

  Tally pursed her lips. “It sounds as though he should top your list along with the granite guy.”

  Marla ate for a few moments in silence. “I spoke to Tobias Banyan, the permit inspector. He acted defensive when I questioned the design center’s ethics and his role in approving their work. It’s possible Tobias may have known Brad before he established Amaze Design Center.”

  “Didn’t you ask Dalton to trace Brad’s background?”

  Marla lifted a forkful of salad. “Yes, and he’s a ghost. There’s no record of what he did before he set up this company. The granite dealer gave us a lead, however. Apparently, George Eustice was a former business partner of Brad’s. George said he dissolved their partnership upon learning Brad overlooked shortcuts by their workers.”

  “What does that mean? Are you implying they did slipshod construction? That could involve those two contractors you’d mentioned.”

  “Pete and Juan? Yes, I suppose so, but I don’t see how it would benefit them. If Jack was supposed to bring in licensed operators such as an electrician, and he let his general contractors do the job instead, he could have been pocketing the difference in their pay scale.”

  “That makes you wonder about the inspector’s role,” Tally pointed out.

  “One customer, whose review I’d read, indicated Tobias might be taking bribes.” Marla chewed and swallowed another bite. “I’m hoping to meet Brad’s sister at the garlic festival. Maybe she can tell me
more about her brother’s history.”

  Tally dipped a sweet potato fry into the sauce that came with her dish and popped it in her mouth. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. Davinia came into my shop the other day along with her manager. She ordered a dress for the garlic festival. She’s on the judge’s panel, and as their headliner guest, she’ll be announcing the winner at the grand finale. It’s amazing how celebrities won’t be seen in the same outfit twice, although it’s great for my business.”

  “You should start a consignment section for their castoff gowns, unless you’re afraid it would cannibalize sales from the full price racks.”

  Tally chuckled. “Rich people will still pay retail.”

  “True, but it might make your shop more affordable for us average folks.”

  Like me, she thought but didn’t say aloud. She supported Tally’s shop by buying a new outfit each season. Tally had an uncanny eye for pointing out what would look great on her. She may not have her friend’s enviable figure, but she appreciated clothes that flattered her five-foot-six frame. Plus, Tally gave her a discount.

  “I haven’t bought anything new since I had Ryder,” she confessed. “Aside from work, I don’t go anywhere special to warrant shopping for myself. I’d rather get more baby clothes.”

  “I can’t resist buying things for Luke, either. Once he turns three in August, at least he’ll be able to stay in the same toddler size until next year.”

  “What else did Davinia say when she was in your shop?” Marla asked, eager for any tidbit that might help the case.

  “She was excited about the festival, but that awful manager tried to convince her to withdraw. He said it was a demeaning role in such a provincial venue. She replied that the publicity would enhance her image of a hometown girl who had become famous. Davinia reminded him that she had gotten her start there when she’d been crowned queen.”