Aromatherapy & Arsenic (A Cozy Spa Mystery Book 7)

by Jenn Cowan

“Autumn, breathe,” Travis instructs, taking me by the shoulders and forcing me to look at him. “We’re not going to let that happen. We’ll figure this out. Follow the clues. Interview people even interrogate them if we have too.” He smirks, causing me to laugh. “You’ve solved more cases than I have in my entire career, I have faith in you. Nikki has faith in you. We’ll make sure she doesn’t have this baby anywhere but in the hospital.”

  “Or her home,” I suggest.

  He frowns and raises an eyebrow. “Her home?”

  “You know. A homebirth. It’s becoming extremely popular and is supposed to be an easier and more enjoyable experience for both baby and mother.”

  Travis is staring at me like I’m talking about moving to Peru. “You have the baby in your house? What if something goes wrong? What if there’s complications? What if you need a C-section?” Now, he’s beginning to have a panic attack. Why? I’m not sure, but he looks a little green.

  “Travis, breathe.” I pat his arm. “It’s okay. There are midwives and it’s not like the hospital is that far away if medical intervention were needed. Women have been having babies at home for years. It’s nothing new.”

  “I think I need some air,” Travis chokes out then turns toward the door and escapes into the night.

  I chuckle to myself then flip off the lights and lock the door. I find him leaning against the wall of the spa taking in lots of air. “You alright?”

  He turns his head to look at me. “You’re not going to have a homebirth, are you?”

  “We’re considering it, but it will all depend on what my OB says since I’ll be over thirty-five when I get pregnant. I’m technically considered high risk at this point in my life.” I start walking toward my Jeep.

  Travis sighs beside me and seems like he wants to say something but isn’t sure he should.

  “What is it, Travis?” I click the un-lock button on my Jeep.

  “Nothing.” He pauses. “I just can’t help thinking we’d have a few little ones running around of our own by now if I hadn’t messed everything up.”

  I give him a sympathetic smile. “You’ve got to stop beating yourself up over this. That was a long time ago and you got Cat out of it. I got Cat out of it and I wouldn’t trade her for a pack of kids.”

  He grins. “Thanks, Autumn. She is pretty great. I’m glad she has you.”

  “I’m glad I have her too.” I stifle a yawn and glance at the time. “Oh, my gosh it’s going on three.” I groan. “I have to be up in four hours.”

  Travis opens my door. “You’d better get home. I’ll follow you to make sure you make it safely then I’ve got to head back to the station. Getting a list of suspects is my top priority. As soon as the autopsy comes back that Lindy was murdered, the captain will be chomping at the bit to make an arrest. There’s already talk about Lindy and Nikki’s fight. This will get ugly quick if we don’t get out in front of it.”

  I nod. “I’ll try and move some clients around so I can go with you to interview Raphael.”

  “I have a busy morning so we can shoot for mid-afternoon that way you don’t have to cancel anyone.”

  “Sounds great.” I slip into the Jeep as my phone starts to ring. “Hey, babe. I’m on the way.”

  “Everything ok?” Josh sounds on edge.

  “Long story, but yes. Travis is following me home now.”

  “Travis? What is he doing there? Did something happen?” His voice is full of concern.

  “He followed me to the spa where I met Nikki. She had some big news so it took some time.”

  “Big news? Like what?”

  I chew on my lip, debating if I should tell him over the phone or in person. The look on his face the last few months when I’d get my period about breaks my heart. We both want a baby so badly. Maybe we’re putting too much pressure on ourselves. We’ve been under a lot of stress lately. We should take a vacation. Maybe after the holidays. We could go to a massage conference and tack on a few extra days just to relax.

  “Autumn, are you there?”

  “I’m here.” I must be tired, if my mind’s wandering and I’m planning a vacation at three a.m. “Nikki’s pregnant.”

  The line’s silent.

  “Josh, are you there?”

  He clears his throat. “I’m here.” He pauses. “Does Bobby know?”

  “Not yet. She just took a test earlier today. It’s a long story. I’ll tell you when I get home.”

  “Be safe,” he whispers before hanging up.

  I frown at the phone. What was that? Josh usually wants to stay on the phone until I get home or at least tells me he loves me.

  “Everything ok?”

  I jump, forgetting Travis is still standing there. “Um, yes. Fine. It’s fine. I’d better go.” I reach for the door to close it, but Travis holds it tight.

  “What’s wrong, Autumn?”

  “Nothing, Travis. Josh and I are fine. We’re both tired and I need to get home.”

  He studies me for a moment then shuts the door after murmuring a good night.

  I start the Jeep and head for home, thoughts of Josh’s reaction running through my mind. When I reach the house, the porch light is on and Josh is waiting on the porch swing, a blanket across his lap with two steaming mugs of what I’m sure is chamomile tea. I smile. There’s my thoughtful hubby. I push open the door and step out into the cool night.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, Autumn. Have a good night,” Travis calls from his SUV before heading toward the station.

  I wave to him, lock the Jeep and head for Josh. “What’s this?” I gesture to the blanket and tea.

  “I should have stayed on the phone with you.” He hands me a cup of tea and pulls back the blanket so I can snuggle in next to him.

  “Why didn’t you?” I inquire, sitting down and wiggling under the cover to stay warm.

  “I guess I was in shock. I didn’t know Nikki and Bobby were even trying for a baby. Bobby told me he couldn’t have kids. He and April tried for years, but could never have a baby. They were even going through IVF. I don’t understand. Is the baby Bobby’s?”

  I smack his arm. “Of course, it’s Bobby’s. Nikki isn’t a cheater. How dare you accuse my best friend of something like that.”

  “Sorry, it’s just I think Bobby is going to have the same questions. How could he not have a baby with April, but have one with Nikki with so little effort?”

  I shrug. “Maybe Bobby wasn’t the problem. Maybe it was April.”

  “But April had Cat.”

  “True, but that doesn’t always mean the second time around is easy… or even the first time around,” I mutter into my cup.

  Josh squeezes my hand. “We’re going to have a baby, Autumn. When the time is right, you’re going to get pregnant. I think we’re putting too much pressure on ourselves.”

  I gasp. “I was thinking the same thing. Maybe we should go on a trip. Get away after the holidays.”

  “I like that idea. We didn’t really have a honeymoon. Want to go to the beach? The slopes? You name it and I’m booking it.”

  I laugh. “I was actually thinking about going to a massage class. There’s one on adding more spa services to your practice. Salt scrubs being one of them. Then I thought we could add a few days on the end of it just to relax.”

  Josh grins. “I like it. We could definitely stand to expand our menu especially with all the new residents and tourists that will be coming through when your dad completes the new housing development and shops.”

  “True.” I take another sip of tea. “I’ll look up courses tomorrow, but I think we should head to bed. We have to be up in a few hours,” I complain.

  Josh chuckles. “And we all know how grumpy you get when you don’t get enough beauty sleep.” He takes my mug and helps me to my feet. “Let’s go, Sleeping Beauty.”

  “Does that mean you’re my prince who’s going to kiss me so I wake-up in the morning?” I tease.

  Josh kisses me on the lips. “Absolute
ly.”

  I smile. “How did I get so lucky?”

  “We’re both pretty lucky.”

  “That we are,” I say as a chill runs down my spine. I glance over my shoulder and see movement in the woods behind our house. Was it an animal or was someone watching us?

  6

  I yawn and stretch my arms over my head. The smell of lavender and ylang ylang wafts off my scrubs. It’s soothing and relaxing, which only makes me want to go back to bed. I glance it at the clock. My last aromatherapy client just left and I need to clean up before Travis gets here.

  Arms wrap around my stomach and lips meet my neck. “Hey, gorgeous wife, how are you feeling?”

  “Exhausted. You?”

  Josh nuzzles my neck. “About the same. I was thinking of picking up a pizza and movie, how does that sound?”

  I groan with pleasure. “So, good.” My stomach growls then I moan. “Ugh. I forgot to mention I’m going with Travis to Lindy’s office today. We’re going to question Raphael to try and get a list of suspects.”

  “Will he even be there? It’s Saturday.”

  “Saturdays are their biggest event day. He may be out ensuring birthday parties or bridal showers are running smoothly. I don’t think there’s any weddings today unless there’s one in Villsboro. I guess we’ll start at the office then drive around until we see a bounce house or balloons. Want to come with us?”

  Josh rubs his eyes. “I think I’m going to head home. It’s been a long day and morning came way too early.”

  My shoulders slump. I don’t like sleuthing without Josh. Working with him on our last case was nice and it just won’t feel the same without him.

  “Hey,” he says, tipping my chin up so my eyes meet his. “What’s this?”

  “Nothing,” I mumble. “Just tired and wanting to spend time with you.”

  “Well don’t take too long and we’ll have the whole night.” He wiggles his eyebrows, causing me to laugh.

  “Fine, but be sure to save me some pizza.”

  “I’ll get you your own pizza so you’ll have plenty.”

  I nudge him with my elbow. “Are you sure it’s not so you can have a whole pizza to yourself?”

  He places a hand to his chest. “You wound me with your words, Mrs. Parker.” Then he smiles. “But you’re not wrong.”

  I laugh again. “You’re terrible.”

  “But you love me anyway.” He leans to kiss my lips when someone clears their throat behind us.

  “Sorry to interrupt, but we need to get moving if we’re going to catch Raphael. He has a birthday party at four-thirty, but he’s at the office right now,” Travis says, looking anywhere but at me and Josh.

  “Hey, Dad,” Cat says, coming out of the break room. “Autumn, I’ll help Josh clean up so you can go.”

  I take in her yoga pants, t-shirt and tennis shoes. “You sure changed in a hurry. Where are you off to tonight?”

  “The gym.”

  “The gym?” We all three ask in unison, looking at Cat like she said she’s going to outer space.

  “Yes, the gym.” She shrugs. “Is that ok?” Her brows furrow as she takes in our confused faces.

  I smile and clear my throat so Travis snaps out of his shock.

  Travis blinks then smiles. “Of course. I’ve had the family membership for years, but you’ve just never gone before. What’s changed?” He inquires, turning on his interrogation skills.

  Cat swipes a hand down her red ponytail, toying with the ends nervously. A habit I know she picked up from me. “I was talking to your physical therapist and he told me that your exercising and keeping your muscles strong helped with your recovery. I guess it kind of inspired me to want to take better care of myself. Since I’m not dancing anymore, I’m not getting as much exercise as I used to with the exception of a sporadic yoga class with Autumn.” She smiles at me.

  I wink back at her then save Travis, who is still staring at her like she’s turned into an alien. “I think it’s a great idea, sweetie. In fact, I need to work out more too. Want to meet tomorrow after church for a workout?”

  She nods enthusiastically and exclaims, “That would be so fun!”

  “Can I join you ladies too?” Josh asks, trying to hide his grin. He’s been trying to get me to go to the gym with him for years.

  “Of course.” Cat’s practically bouncing up and down on her toes then she takes in her dad’s grim expression and stops. “What’s wrong, Dad?”

  He clears his throat and forces a smile. “Nothing, honey. It sounds like a great idea. I could even show you around if you’d like. We could lift weights together sometime this week if you’d like?”

  She lunges at him and throws her arms around his neck. “That would be awesome, Dad.”

  Travis grins and pats her back. “Just be sure to text me when you get to the gym and when you leave so I know you made it home safely.”

  “I always do.” She kisses his cheek and skips off to the massage rooms to clean up.

  I fight the urge to interrogate Travis about what’s going through his mind because he seems off, but know I’ll have time in the car. “Ready to go?”

  He blinks like he’s lost in thought and mumbles, “Yeah. Let’s go.” He nods to Josh. “I’ll have her back as soon as I can.”

  “Just be sure she comes home unharmed.”

  I roll my eyes at him. “We’re questioning Raphael not wrestling bears. What could possibly happen?”

  Both men groan.

  “What?”

  “Infamous last words,” Travis mumbles.

  I scoff. “You two are a couple of drama kings.” I lift up on my toes and give Josh a kiss on the cheek. “I won’t be long.”

  “Love you,” he says, pulling me into his chest and kissing me on the lips.

  “Love you more,” I murmur against his lips then turn to let Travis know I need to grab my bag, but he’s nowhere to be found. “Huh, guess I’ll meet him in the car.”

  “He still loves you, Autumn,” Josh says, following me into the break room.

  I scoff. “No, he doesn’t. He’s moved on with Taylor.”

  Josh shakes his head. “He ‘moved’ on with Allison and even proposed, but he was still in love with you. I don’t think he’ll ever get over you.”

  I snag my bag off the coat rack. “Yes, he will. He’ll fall in love and forget I ever existed.”

  “You underestimate your charm, my dear. You’re pretty unforgettable.” He gives me another kiss and says, “Call me if you need me. I’ll keep my phone on and please be careful.”

  “Always.” I blow him a kiss and slip out the door. I find Travis checking his phone in the driver’s seat. “Any news on the case?” I inquire, gesturing to his phone.

  “We’re still waiting on the test results. We put a rush on it, but it will probably be Monday before we have anything definitive. That gives us today and tomorrow to get a suspect who isn’t Nikki. The captain’s already talking about having me bring her in for a chat, but doesn’t want to ruffle Bobby’s feathers by doing it before the cause of death is officially determined.”

  “Upsetting the mayor isn’t a good idea especially when it involves his girlfriend who’s pregnant with his baby.”

  “Hmm,” Travis mutters and pulls out of the parking lot.

  We ride in silence for a few minutes.

  “What’s with you being weird about Cat working out at the gym?”

  His jaw tenses. “I wasn’t weird.”

  I laugh. “Yes, you were. What gives?”

  He shrugs.

  “Come on, what is it?”

  Travis lets out an exasperated breath. “Cat’s almost sixteen. Guys are at the gym. She’s not a little girl anymore.”

  “Oh, so this is more about you being an overprotective father and nothing to do with Cat deciding to take better care of herself after your accident. An accident where you almost died.”

  “Of course, why wouldn’t it be?” Travis slides his gaze from the
road to me then back again.

  “Have you seen a counselor since your accident?”

  Travis scoffs. “What are you talking about? I’m fine. It was just a little bump on the head. Nothing to get worked up about.”

  “Travis, you were in a coma. You lost your memory. Your leg didn’t work for over a month and you’re still getting headaches.”

  He whips his head around then cringes. “How do you know about my headaches?”

  “You do realize your aunt works next door to me and gives me an update on you every single day.”

  “I’m fine,” he mumbles and returns his gaze to the road.

  “Alright, well you keep telling yourself that. Want to know what I think?”

  He rolls his eyes. “Not really, but I know you’re going to tell me.”

  “Being in that coma, relying on a cane to walk and not being able to work or drive for weeks made you feel weak and helpless. Cat took care of you, which made you feel even worse because it’s your job to take care of her. Now, she’s working out and getting stronger while you feel like you’re just playing catch up. You’re afraid she’s not going to need you to protect her anymore, aren’t you?”

  Travis scowls.

  I place a hand on his forearm and he stiffens, but I don’t remove it because he needs to hear what I have to say. “Cat is always going to need you. Even if she decides to get her black belt, she’s going to need you. Daughters always need their fathers no matter what, remember that.” I remove my hand and let my words sink in.

  We don’t talk for the rest of the ride.

  When we park in Lindy’s office parking lot, Travis turns off the engine and faces me. “Thanks, Autumn.” He smiles at me. “It’s amazing how well you know me.”

  “Well you’re pretty easy to read.” I reach for the door handle, but freeze when he mumbles, “No one else can read me like you do.”

  He clears his throat, gets out, rounds the car to open the door for me, but refuses to meet my eyes.

  I don’t blame him. I’m feeling a little uncomfortable about our interaction. It’s not like I want to be able to ‘read’ him, I just can. We’ve always been able to sense when the other has something bothering them. Being with Travis was natural, but so is being with Josh. I’ve been pretty lucky in the guy department.