by Cindy Bell
Mistletoe, Makeup and Murder
A Bekki the Beautician Cozy Mystery
Cindy Bell
Copyright © 2013 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 One
Angela's coffee shop was bustling with early morning customers seeking the finest coffee and pastries that Harroway had to offer. Sammy was one of the last customers in line, impatiently glancing at her watch every few seconds. She was in a hurry because she was running late to get to the salon, and she knew that Bekki was counting on her to open up as she was spending a rare lazy morning with Nick. Bekki didn't often come to work late so Sammy was feeling under a little pressure to do everything just right, to show her best friend that it was okay to relax a little.
So far getting the coffee and bagels for her and Bekki was not going especially well. Angela was running a special on her coffee and it had drawn a lot more customers than she expected it would. As Sammy juggled her purse from one shoulder to the other and glanced at her watch yet again, she decided she'd better skip the coffee and head to the salon. As she turned to leave she didn't look up from her watch in time to see the man who was walking towards her with a cup of coffee in his hand. Her shoulder bumped right into his and knocked the coffee all over the front of his suit jacket.
“Oh no!” Sammy gasped as she heard the splash and slosh of the coffee. When she looked up at the irritated man she recognized him right away as John Simmons, a local real estate agent. He grimaced as he looked up from his coffee soaked suit jacket. “I'm so sorry,” Sammy gushed, her cheeks blazing with embarrassment, as she grabbed a handful of napkins from a nearby table. “It didn't burn you, did it?” she asked as she attempted to mop his suit jacket clean. He took the napkins from her and politely pushed her hands away.
“No, it's fine, it was lukewarm,” he smiled faintly as he wiped at his jacket. It was clear he was trying to be calm and polite about the matter.
“Please, you have to let me pay to have it cleaned,” Sammy said swiftly, her eyes wide. She was still in such a rush, but she didn't want to walk off after causing a mess and interfering with his day.
“Really, it's fine,” he tried to insist, but Sammy was already thrusting some money towards him that she had fished out of her purse.
“Take it over to Larry's Cleaners, he's new in town but he's great at getting any stains out,” Sammy said with confidence. She had a tendency to spill what she was eating or drinking, so she had a lot of experience with Larry, even though he had only been in town for a few months. He seemed nice enough, and gave her a discount because she used his services so frequently.
“Okay,” John managed a smile as he finally accepted the money. “Thank you.”
Sammy hurried out of the bakery and hoped that Bekki wouldn't mind picking up the coffee on her way in. As she left the shop John followed right behind her, taking off his jacket as he walked. She waved to him with a sheepish smile as she walked towards the salon and he crossed the street to Larry's Cleaners. He waved back with a light wink as he draped his jacket over his arm.
***
When John stepped inside the scent of the cleansers that Larry used billowed around him. He held his breath for a moment until he adjusted to it.
“Wow, strong scent,” he said as he walked up to the counter. Larry appeared behind the counter, his thick, bushy, black eyebrows furrowed as he surveyed John.
“I guess, I'm just used to it,” he said with a slight shrug.
“Better you than me,” John said with a chuckle. “I'm not sure I could stomach it.”
“Do you have something for me?” Larry asked.
“I do,” John nodded as he laid his jacket on the counter. “You come highly recommended,” he added.
“Oh?” Larry looked at him suspiciously. “By whom?”
“Sammy,” he replied. “She works at that hair salon...”
“Sammy, oh Sammy,” Larry's scowl was suddenly transformed into a glowing smile. “Yes, she gives me lots of business. Any friend of hers is a friend of mine,” he said and smiled wider, revealing his yellowed teeth.
“Great,” John said with a short nod. “Can I pick it up tonight?”
“We close at five,” the man said gruffly. “Should be done by then.”
“Okay, if I can't get here in time I'll swing by in the morning,” John suggested with a mild shrug.
“Fine,” Larry nodded and swept the jacket off the counter and onto a hanger.
As John left the dry cleaners he noticed Bekki heading towards the salon with a coffee carrier. He waved to her and she smiled in return.
“Sorry about the mishap,” she called out. She had heard a blow by blow account of the great coffee collision from Sammy, when she had called, a flustered mess, to ask Bekki to stop by Angela's on the way in. “Come on in anytime for a free haircut,” she offered, knowing that it would make Sammy feel better if they extended the courtesy.
“Thanks!” he called back as he headed for his car.
***
Bekki finished the walk to the salon and found Sammy desperately trying to mop up some water she had spilled on the floor.
“Morning Bekki,” she said with a cringe as she looked up from the puddle.
“Morning,” Bekki replied with a slow smile and an incredulous shake of her head. “I see that you've been having quite a morning, how about some coffee?”
“Yes,” Sammy replied with desperation as she reached for the cup of coffee. The two had been friends for a long time, since they were in school together. They both enjoyed a cup of coffee and a chat in the morning. In New York City where Bekki had fled to after school to become a stylist to the rich and famous, she had become used to a certain type of coffee, fancy and delicious. Since moving back to Harroway, Bekki had a hard time finding a good cup of coffee, until Angela's bakery began serving it. She had a knack for creating the tastiest brew.
As Sammy and Bekki settled in for a brief chat and some early morning coffee, Bekki sighed with contentment. She was happy to be back home, even though it lacked the flash and style of New York City. Coming back home after heartbreak had been the best decision of her life. Not only was she able to take over the salon her mother had run, that she had grown up in, but she was able to reconnect with people she had lost contact with while she was in New York. This included Nick Malonie who was someone she had an intense summer romance with, but due to some misunderstandings had ended abruptly and rather harshly. Now that she had the chance to rekindle things with him, it was hard for her to remember a time when she wasn't with him. The more she
learned to trust again, the more grateful she was to have the second chance with Nick that she had never expected to get. It made every sip of coffee just a little sweeter, every breath of air, just a little more treasured. She was, unquestionably, in love.
“Do we have a busy day today?” Sammy asked as she glanced at the schedule.
“Not too bad,” Bekki replied with a slight shrug. “So far we've just got a few of our regular ladies, and I also told John that he could stop by for a complimentary haircut if he'd like,” she added and attempted to hide an amused smile.
“Oh good,” Sammy said with relief. “He's such a nice man, and I could have left him permanently scarred if that coffee had been hot!”
“Now Sammy,” Bekki grinned at her friend with both sympathy and tolerance. “You know it was just an accident.”
“But I'm often having accidents,” Sammy sighed morosely. “If I'm not tripping, I'm spilling.”
“It's just part of your charm,” Bekki reminded her with a light wink. “Besides, Morris certainly doesn't seem to mind.”
“Oh Morris,” Sammy blushed so brightly that Bekki couldn't help but giggle. “No he doesn't seem to mind at all.”
“Are you guys going out tonight?” Bekki asked curiously.
“Well, I was hoping to,” Sammy admitted hesitantly.
“Of course you can,” Bekki said with an enthusiastic smile. “I'll close up.”
“But, what about Nick?” Sammy asked as she sipped her cup of coffee.
“Nick knows where to find me,” Bekki replied with a devilish grin.
“I bet he does,” Sammy said with a loud laugh. “Did you ever think that the two of us would end up with people in our lives who work in law enforcement?”
“Well,” Bekki grinned, “no, at least not like this!”
“Good point,” Sammy squealed with laughter. “I bet you had some wild times in the big city.”
Bekki arched an eyebrow and smiled lightly as she looked at Sammy teasingly, but she did not say a word. Before Sammy could press for more information their first customers of the day began to arrive. Soon they were bustling between perms, feather cuts, and highlights. Bekki didn't even notice at first when John walked in the door around lunch time.
“Hello?” he called out when he noticed Bekki's back was turned as she rinsed out one of the sinks.
“Hello,” she replied with a smile as she turned to face him. “Are you here to claim your haircut?”
“If you have an open appointment,” he asked with a hopeful smile, his light blue eyes had a kindness to them that seemed to be very natural.
“I sure do,” Bekki assured him and waved him towards the seat. She pulled the long dark waves of her hair back into a tight ponytail and then tied a cape around his neck. “Sammy just ran out to pick us up some lunch, but she'll be back in a few minutes. Do you mind if I work on your hair?”
“I'd be honored if you did,” he replied in his normal kind and courteous tone. She didn't know John too well, but she had seen him around town now and then, and every time she had spoken with him he had always been polite and warm. As she began combing through his sandy brown hair she noticed that he hadn't had it cut in a while.
“Do you want me to keep it a little long, or short?” she asked him.
“Short,” he replied with a sigh. “Haven't had a good haircut in a long time. Finally, I'll look like a member of society again,” he chuckled at that.
“Long or short, you still look great,” Bekki assured him with a light pat on his shoulder. “How come it's been so long since your last cut?” Bekki asked as she began to trim his hair.
“I've got lunch,” Sammy called out as she walked in with two sacks from the café. “Oh John, I'm glad you're here!” she said happily. “I was hoping to get the chance to apologize again,” she rushed forward with her large soda in her hand.
“Sammy, no!” Bekki gasped as John cringed back. They both stared in horror at the tipping soda cup. Their horror melted into laughter when Sammy stopped and looked guiltily down at the soda she was holding.
“Oh sorry,” she sighed and winced. “Again.”
“No need to apologize,” John assured her. “Just watch it with that soda,” he requested, eying it as if it was a deadly weapon.
“I will,” Sammy laughed as she set the cup of soda down on the small table beside the counter.
“You're all set,” Bekki said with a smile as she spun him around so that he could see the end result of his haircut. He looked quite handsome with his sandy hair cut short and framing his square features.
“Looks great!” he said with relief. “Maybe it'll be what I need to push this buyer over the edge this afternoon,” he said. “The market has been so slow lately.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Sammy said with a frown. “I've noticed a lot of the ‘for sale’ signs are staying up for longer than usual.”
“Yes they are,” John said as he walked up to the cash register.
“It's on the house, remember?” Bekki said sternly as she waved him away from the register.
“No, really it's fine. Soon I'll be rich,” he grinned and winked at them both.
“Oh?” Bekki perked up a little, as she loved a good secret or mystery. “Did you come into some money?”
“No, but I’m feeling lucky,” he smiled and glanced secretively away. Bekki laughed and assumed he was just counting on his real estate deal going well. As he left the salon she glanced over at Sammy and shook her head.
“He really is a nice guy.”
“I think so, too,” Sammy agreed as she led their next customer to her chair.
The rest of the afternoon was fairly busy until Morris arrived. He poked his head into the salon and smiled the moment he saw Sammy cleaning off her chair.
“Hi Morris,” she smiled at him and tried not to blush.
Morris stepped all the way inside the salon. He puffed out his chest a little beneath his crisp blue uniform top and the badge that was pinned to his chest.
“Are you ready to be treated to a romantic evening?” he asked in a chivalrous tone.
“More than ready,” Sammy sighed with pleasure and wiggled her fingers at Bekki. “Are you sure it's okay?”
“Absolutely,” Bekki insisted and waved her hand towards Sammy, shooing her out the door. The salon phone began to ring so Bekki snatched it up as Morris and Sammy disappeared out the door. Bekki hoped it wouldn't be a last minute appointment, as she was looking forward to getting home and hopefully snuggling on the couch with Nick.
“Harroway’s Hair and Beauty,” she chirped into the receiver.
“Bekki, it's me,” Bekki's mother, Marie, said cheerfully. “Just wanted to see how things are going at the salon.”
“Oh, fine,” Bekki replied with a smile. She knew that her mother knew everything was fine, she was just checking up on her. Since she'd been spending a lot of time with Nick, she was pretty sure that her mother was feeling a little neglected. “Just about to close up actually,” she murmured as she turned the sign on the door from ‘open’ to ‘closed’. “Why don't I stop by on the way home?” she suggested.
“Oh, that would be great!” her mother replied enthusiastically. “I'll make sure I have some wine open, and we can make an evening of it,” she sounded very pleased by the idea. Bekki felt a twinge of gratitude for having the caring and attentive family she did.
“Perfect,” Bekki smiled into the phone. She could see Nick another night, even if she would miss him, she was way overdue for a girls’ night with her mother. As quickly as she could she went through the process of closing the shop, cleaning up, and shutting down the register. When she stepped outside there was a cold breeze blowing through, reminding her that winter was upon them.
As she locked the door of the salon she noticed John down the street. He was standing in front of the cleaners and peering through the darkened windows.
“Looks like he already closed up,” Bekki called out as she walked towards Jo
hn. John jumped a little as if she had startled him.
“Oh Bekki,” he laughed a little. “Yeah it looks like it. I was just hoping he might actually still be in there so I could pick up my jacket.”
“I'm sure he'll be open in the morning,” Bekki pointed out. She noticed that John was nervously rubbing his fingers together.
“Sure, of course,” he nodded and then forced a smile. “I'll just stop by in the morning.”
“Did your deal go well?” she asked, hoping to get his mind on something more pleasant.
“Deal? What deal?” John said with a mild shrug. “I've got to get going Bekki, thanks again for the haircut!” Bekki stared after him for a long moment. She wondered if he was just joking with her. She was sure he had mentioned a deal he was trying to close that day, and now it seemed as if he didn't remember it at all?
“Stop it, Bekki,” she commanded herself with a firm shake of her head. She had a nose for mysteries, well in truth most of them ended up landing in her lap, but either way she found herself in the middle of them. Perhaps she had made it a bad habit to find everyone's actions suspicious. As she began to walk back towards the salon where her car was parked, her cell phone buzzed. She pulled it out and smiled as Nick's face appeared on the screen. He looked so handsome, even when he was pixilated.
“Hi Nick,” she said as she answered the phone.
“How did you know it was me?” he asked in that smooth voice that still sent shivers along her spine.
“Hmm, your phone number, your picture, your excuse for working late?” she postulated and tried to hide the grin in her tone.
“You really are a good detective,” he sighed and then cleared his throat. “But as the actual detective in this relationship I'm sorry to say I have a case I need to work late on, I hope you don't mind.”
“Nope,” Bekki replied cheerfully. “Not at all. I have a date,” she smiled.