by Cindy Bell
Lipstick, a Long Iron and Lifeless
A Bekki the Beautician Cozy Mystery
Cindy Bell
Copyright © 2014 Cindy Bell
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and locations portrayed in this book and the names herein are fictitious. Any similarity to or identification with the locations, names, characters or history of any person, product or entity is entirely coincidental and unintentional.
All trademarks and brands referred to in this book are for illustrative purposes only, are the property of their respective owners and not affiliated with this publication in any way. Any trademarks are being used without permission, and the publication of the trademark is not authorized by, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owner.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter One
Business was booming at Bekki's salon, Harroway’s Hair and Beauty. It was summer, and the season for having glossy highlights and fun summer cuts. Many women were also coming in to update their summer makeup collection with new shades and products. That morning Bekki had two ladies from her parents’ circle of friends in for a cut and style. Stacey Brunner, was a friend of her father's. More specifically she was the wife of her father’s good friend, Dave. Bekki’s father, Robert, and Dave had known each other for most of their lives and when the country club had opened about a year ago they became golfing companions and very good friends. Stacey had a sunny disposition when compared to the other wives of Robert’s friends, many of whom were also country club members. Bekki was happy to have the chance to work with her hair and they had been chatting through the entire cut about Bekki's time in New York City and the different celebrities she had encountered when she was there.
Stacey was a travel agent and had been to New York City quite a few times so they had a lot to talk about. Bekki ran the comb through her long, silky, light blonde hair. Bekki smiled as she watched the strands separating easily. She found the action to be very relaxing.
Across the salon from her Sammy was working on Stacey's friend, Janet, who had moved to Harroway with her husband, Josh, about six months ago. Sammy was Bekki's best friend from high school and since Bekki had moved back to her hometown they had picked up their friendship where it had left off and enjoyed working together on an almost daily basis. Janet's hair was the polar opposite of Stacey's with wild curls in a deep auburn shade. Sammy was having a more difficult time taming it.
“So, are you going to give me some tips on how to play golf?” Bekki asked cheerfully as she continued to trim Stacey's hair. Bekki's father had invited her and her husband, Nick, to join him, her mother and their friends at the country club for a round of golf. Bekki had never played before, but she was sure she would enjoy it, if only because she would get to spend some time with her parents and Nick.
“Sure, I'll give you a few,” Stacey said as she smiled into the mirror. “It really is a lot of fun to play golf once you get to know the rules.”
“I think that's what intimidates me the most,” Bekki admitted with a chuckle. “All of the rules.”
“You'll do fine,” Janet assured her from the other side of the salon. “My first round I hit the ball right into the water. Then I tried to wade in and fish it out,” she giggled. “It was quite embarrassing.”
“But then Josh was so sweet,” Stacey reminded her fondly. “He waded into the water and got the ball for you, so you wouldn't be the only one who was wet.”
Janet shifted slightly in her chair.
“Janet, please be still,” Sammy chastised in a friendly tone as she tried to finish the haircut.
“Sorry, Sammy,” Janet smiled and looked through the mirror at Stacey. “Yes, my husband is so very sweet.”
“Speaking of husbands,” Stacey said as Bekki clipped the last few stray hairs. “I'm looking forward to meeting yours, Bekki.”
“Oh, I'm sure you must have met him before,” Bekki said with a slight shrug and brushed Stacey's neck free of any hair. Even though most of the town had attended Bekki’s wedding Stacey had missed it because she was traveling at the time. “He's always around town for work.”
“Sure, but that doesn't count,” Stacey laughed a little. “I mean out of uniform, or I should say, when he's not being a detective.”
“Ha, good luck,” Bekki grinned as she spun Stacey so she could view the back of her hair. “I don't think he ever stops being a detective.”
“Well, hopefully on Saturday he'll take the day off,” Stacey laughed softly. “Bekki, you did a wonderful job, my hair looks great,” Stacey said happily. “But my face could use a touch up. Do you mind?” she asked as she gestured to one of the small, round makeup mirrors on Bekki's station.
“Sure, go ahead,” Bekki smiled at her. “A summer shade would look great with that cut,” she added.
“Yes, you're right,” Stacey squealed. “I can't believe how a haircut can take years off my looks. I feel like I'm ready for fun at the beach,” she laughed and fluffed her hair a little. Bekki smiled warmly. It always made her happy when one of her clients discovered their beauty again. It wasn't the haircut or the makeup, it was the smile that took the years off, but Bekki knew that Stacey wouldn't agree with her on that.
Stacey began rummaging in her rather large purse.
“Huh, I know I had my makeup bag in here,” she mumbled with a frown. “Janet, have you seen it?” she asked as she continued to sort through the contents.
“No, sorry,” Janet replied, doing her best to keep very still as she spoke. “Maybe you left it at the club.”
“Maybe,” Stacey said thoughtfully. “We had breakfast there before we came here,” she explained to Bekki.
“Here,” Bekki placed a makeup kit in front of Stacey. “Maybe you can find some things you like in there. I think the peach shades would look lovely.”
“Oh, thanks so much, Bekki,” Stacey smiled and began sorting through the kit like it was a treasure chest.
“Finished,” Sammy smiled as she finished styling Janet's hair.
“It's gorgeous,” Janet nodded, but her tone wasn't as enthusiastic as Stacey's had been.
Bekki finished tidying up her station and set out some bottles of water for the two women. Stacey finished touching up her makeup and stood from the chair.
“Well, at least my wallet is still here,” she grinned as she walked up to the register to pay for her cut. “Let me pay for Janet's, too,” she said in a hushed whisper to Bekki. “As a surprise.”
Bekki smiled back at Stacey. She didn't know her too well, but she could tell that she was generous. As Janet walked up, Bekki was running Stacey's card through for both cuts.
“It's already taken care of,” Stacey smiled at Janet.
“Oh,” Janet said, startled. For a split-second she wore an annoyed look, but it faded beneath a quick smile as Bekki glanced over at her. “Thank you, Stacey, that's very nice of you,” she said and then hurried
out of the salon.
“Is she okay?” Bekki asked as she passed Stacey the receipt.
“I'm sure she's fine,” Stacey nodded though she cast a troubled look in Janet's direction. “I've been trying to get her out to have a little fun. She's a bit of a homebody.”
“I see,” Bekki nodded and then handed Stacey a card. “Come back in three weeks and I'll trim that for you,” she said.
“Wonderful,” Stacey nodded. “Don't forget to bring your detective on Saturday!” she called out as she walked out of the salon.
“Oh boy, I don't envy you,” Sammy laughed as she walked over to Bekki.
“Huh? Why?” Bekki asked as she finished the transaction on the register.
“A day on the golf course is not my idea of fun,” Sammy grinned.
“I think it will be fun,” Bekki insisted. “Stacey seems nice and I'm looking forward to getting to know Janet better. Besides it'll be great for the salon,” Bekki added. “They have lots of friends from the neighboring towns!”
“Good point,” Sammy nodded. “But I'm glad I'll be manning the salon on Saturday instead of baking in the heat on the green.”
“Oh,” Bekki's fierce blue eyes widened. “I didn't really think about that. Oh well, hopefully we can take a dip in the pool after.”
As Sammy walked back over to her station to straighten it up, Bekki pulled out her cell phone and gazed down at it. She had yet to actually invite Nick to the game. Although Nick had played golf before he hadn’t played in some time. When he used to play he played at a small club a few towns over and he was not a huge fan of the new country club. She was sure he would think of a million other things that he'd rather be doing than spending his day off at the country club.
***
After closing up the shop for the day, Bekki stopped to pick up dinner and then headed home. She always felt a little buzz of excitement when she thought about pulling into the driveway and finding Nick waiting for her. She smiled to herself as she parked and spotted him sitting on the porch swing. As she stepped up onto the porch he stood up and crossed the distance between them. His arms were around her before she could even say hello.
“I missed you,” he sighed beside her ear.
“I was only at work,” Bekki laughed and then kissed him softly. Nick took the bag of food from her and opened the door so that she could step inside.
“I've been so busy lately at work,” he said as he stepped in behind her. “It feels like we haven't had much of a chance to just spend the day together lately.”
“Well, then I have some good news,” Bekki said as Nick set the bag of food on the table. “My dad has invited us to play a round of golf with him and his friends,” Bekki said as she poured a glass of iced tea for Nick. Nick accepted the glass and leaned back against the kitchen counter.
“Golf?” he repeated incredulously before taking a sip of his tea. “At the country club?”
“I know, I know, you’re not a fan of the club, but you did like playing golf and I think it would be nice,” Bekki smiled warmly at him. Nick studied her over the rim of his glass before lowering it and then setting it down on the counter.
“What you mean by that is, you'd like for me to go?” he smiled faintly as he watched her.
“It won't be so bad,” she promised and stood on her toes to lightly kiss his lips. “You might actually find that you enjoy it.”
“Bekki,” Nick hesitated and shook his head. “You know the country club is not exactly a place I enjoy.”
“But my parents really want to spend time with us,” Bekki said as she pouted. “And I’ll be there.”
“Bekki, if it's important to you, of course I will go. I just didn't expect to have to spend my Saturday at the country club,” he cringed at the idea.
“At least you’ve played before,” Bekki assured him. “I’m sure I’ll learn quickly though. I mean, how hard could it be to hit a ball into a hole?”
“Hmm,” Nick took another sip of the iced tea. “I guess we'll find out, won't we?” he smiled and looped his arm around her waist to pull her close.
“Saturday at twelve?” she smiled.
“Absolutely,” he replied and kissed her softly. “But now, let's eat. I'm starving.”
“Me, too,” Bekki admitted. “I got a little caught up with customers today and only grabbed a few snacks.”
As they settled on the couch, Bekki spread the food out across the coffee table.
“Don't worry, I remembered the ranch dressing,” Bekki smiled as she set a container of ranch dressing in front of Nick.
“Good woman,” Nick said as he rubbed his hands together. “Is there a movie to watch tonight?”
“There's a new detective movie out,” Bekki reminded him. “I've been dying to watch it.”
“Hmm, should I be jealous?” he asked with a grin.
“Maybe a little,” Bekki winked at him as she put the movie on. Once the movie started and they were snuggled close Bekki released a soft sigh. She felt as if she could finally relax. With Nick's busy schedule it had been hard to squeeze in any time together, so even dinner and a movie seemed like a luxury.
“Oh, really?” Nick said and shook his head. “This movie is unrealistic. Who would ever let a screenwriter into a crime scene?”
“But look, he's solving the crime,” Bekki pointed out with a laugh.
“Reminds me of someone I know,” Nick said and hugged her close.
“I have no idea what you're talking about,” she replied innocently. She knew exactly what he was referring to. Bekki had a habit of getting involved in the cases that Nick worked, though they had both agreed she would do her best to stay out of them.
“I bet,” he laughed and fed her a french fry.
Nick was asleep before the movie was over. Bekki wanted to be annoyed, but with his mouth hanging open and his subtle, soft snores, she couldn't find him anything but adorable. She knew how hard he had been working. She sent him to bed and cleaned up. As she crawled into bed beside him she was already looking forward to Saturday. She was sure that the more time her father spent with Nick the closer they would become.
Chapter Two
The next morning Bekki left early to head to the salon, she was going to pick up breakfast for herself and Sammy. As she was getting into her car her cell phone rang. She smiled when she saw it was her father.
“Morning, Dad,” she said after accepting the call.
“Morning, Bekki,” he replied cheerfully. “Do you think you could swing by before work this morning?” he asked. “I have something I want to show you.”
“Sure,” Bekki nodded after glancing at her watch. “I should have some time.”
She knew the real reason her father wanted her to come over was to find out for sure if Nick would be joining them for the golf game. He had been asking her about it ever since he had suggested the idea. Nick and her father had a lot of respect for each other but Nick had barely spent any time with him recently because Nick was always so busy. Bekki adored her father and her mother, in her opinion she had the ideal upbringing with loving parents and an entire community that practically raised her.
Bekki had shocked everyone when she left home to head for the big city, and now that she was back, she was really enjoying the small town life. Here, everyone knew everything about her, from the fact that she once split her pants while roller-skating to her successful career in New York City as a hairstylist and makeup artist to the rich and famous. In one sense it was comforting, but in another it was quite unnerving. When it came down to it, she wouldn't trade the home she had returned to for any of the glitz and glamor of the city, but she would prefer it if a few people in town had shorter memories.
As Bekki pulled into the driveway of her parents’ house she was reminded of how much they had done for her. When she returned home her mother had asked her to take over the salon, which she had run since Bekki was little. They had both been very supportive of her, and Bekki did her best to make sure that t
hey knew how grateful she was.
“Bekki!” her father called out happily as he stepped out of the garage. She could tell from the shavings on his t-shirt that he had been doing some woodworking.
“Hi, Dad,” Bekki smiled as she climbed out of the car. “I'm sorry I can't stay long, I only have a few minutes before I need to open the salon.”
“Oh, that's all right,” he smiled. “Come here, I want to show you my latest creation,” he waved her into the garage. Bekki followed after him. She paused a moment to breathe in the scent of the wood shavings. It was a smell that she always enjoyed. Her father had taken up woodwork as a hobby after he retired.
“Take a look,” he said eagerly as he pointed to the wooden carving on his work table.
“Wow, that's beautiful!” Bekki exclaimed as she studied the detail of the design. It was a wooden dragon, with layered scales, a detailed spiked tail, and even a flame pouring from its open mouth.
“It's not my usual style,” he explained. “But I'm making it for Dave, and you know how he likes his dragons.”
“Yes, I do,” Bekki laughed as she recalled visiting Dave’s home. He had dragon statues on shelves, dragon paintings on his walls, he had even named his dog, Dragon. Apparently, in high school he had been the mascot for the basketball team, which of course was a dragon. Dave was nothing if not consistent in his taste. Stacey managed to encourage a few dragon-free rooms, but Dave was always looking for a new dragon to bring home.
“It's going to go over the entrance of their house,” her father explained. “I tried to keep it subtle for Stacey,” he winked.
“I think it's perfect,” Bekki smiled.
“Thanks, Bekki,” he smiled in return and then blinked. “Oh that's right, the golf clubs, that's the real reason I wanted you to stop by,” he said quickly and gestured to a corner of the garage. “I have two extra sets.”