by Kim Alexis
Moonflower pulled a loose thread from her muumuu, her face unreadable. “Not immediately. The letter came in January, just a couple of days before her semiannual visit here, so she brought it with her and showed it to me, to get my advice. I told her I needed a day to think about it, then I spent most of that afternoon and evening reading through her entire file, trying to refresh my memory by going over all of my old treatment notes. The next day—”
“Wait, what did your treatment notes have to do with anything?”
Moonflower blinked, surprised by the question. “They provided a good record of all the things she’d shared with me over the years.”
“The things she shared? Verbally?”
“Of course. Don’t you keep treatment notes?”
“Yeah, sure, about physical issues. In a million years I wouldn’t write anything down about emotional things. Especially if it was something I’d been told in confidence.”
“I only saw the woman twice a year.” Moonflower shrugged. “How else was I going to remember all the stuff she told me if I didn’t write it down?”
Crystal frowned. While Moonflower may have been a fully trained and licensed massage therapist, she was definitely not a fully trained or licensed mental health therapist. And yet it sounded as if she’d practically been conducting private counseling sessions along with Raven’s massages!
“Anyway, once I’d done some reading and brought myself up to speed, I told Raven that I agreed with her manager, that she should refuse to pay and let the chips fall where they may.”
Crystal’s eyes widened.
“Oh, not for the same reason he said. I just felt it was important that she not be ruled by another’s threats. Also, I thought if the film actually did get out, she might find it liberating, in a way.”
“Liberating?”
“Secrets can be like battery acid, eating away at the soul. The threat of that stupid movie had hung over her for so long, I thought that having it out there might put an end to the matter. No more waiting for that other shoe to drop, you know?”
Crystal sat back. While she understood what Moonflower was saying, she certainly didn’t agree. It sounded like poor Raven had been a victim her whole life. The last thing she needed was for the world to witness a filmed version of that victimization.
“So anyway, she said she was going to take my advice. As far as I know, she went back home and turned the blackmailer down.”
“And the movie came out?”
“Not that I ever heard, actually. When I learned Raven was coming here outside her regular biannual schedule, I thought maybe she needed to talk about whatever happened with all of that.” Her expression grim, Moonflower met Crystal’s eyes. “Now that she’s been murdered, I have to believe it all ties in together somehow.”
“But how?”
Moonflower’s fingers returned to the loose thread, only now her hands were trembling. “I’m not sure, but I’ve been thinking about it all day. My guess is that the blackmailer was bluffing, that maybe he knew about the film but didn’t actually have it. Then when she called his bluff, he got so mad that he killed her.”
Crystal’s eyes widened. “And because you were the one who advised her to turn him down, you think that means you’re next?”
Moonflower shrugged, dropping the thread and clasping her hands together in her lap. “I didn’t think that at first. But then I tried calling her manager to get more information, and it’s like the man has ceased to exist.”
“What do you mean?”
She sighed. I think he’s gone into hiding—and that maybe I should too. Because if Raven’s killer isn’t caught soon, I just might end up becoming the next victim.”
MUCH TO JULIETTE'S RELIEF, for the next hour she somehow found a way to put Marcus from her mind and focus on the task at hand. She loved doing these retreats so much, it wasn’t difficult to immerse herself in it. The women in her small-group session were delightful, and their discussion about priorities and time management ended up being as helpful to her as it was to them. Juliette taught a seeker’s Sunday school class back at home, and though she appreciated the opportunity to tackle the doubts and confusions of those new to or considering the faith, sometimes it just felt good to be surrounded by mature Christians instead, women who knew exactly what they believed and why they believed it.
After small group came the dinner hour, which ended up being a bit more difficult to get through. At every retreat Juliette tried to use the mealtimes as a way to connect with her attendees on a more casual level. She would sit with a different group each meal, and once she was finished eating, she always tried to circulate a bit, pausing at the different tables to chat. Usually she enjoyed it, but having Marcus Stone there in the very same room made it nearly impossible to focus. As her partner in this secret bond known only to them, he tormented her ruthlessly with flirty winks and sly glances clearly designed to tease.
She shot him one or two pointed looks in return, but Didi was far too omnipresent—not to mention perceptive—for Juliette to get away with more than that. At least Marcus’s mother seemed oblivious to their interactions. Clearly a natural in social settings, she was too busy chatting with newfound friends to notice anything beyond her own table.
As for that table, Juliette avoided it for as long as she could, but eventually she had no choice but to make the obligatory stop there as well. As she did, she positioned herself with one hand on the back of Marcus’s chair, ready to give him a discreet poke if he tried any monkey business. He stayed on his best behavior, however, even when his own mother “introduced” them.
Somehow Juliette managed to muddle through, but as dinner ended and the group set off on their sunset hike, she discreetly pulled him aside to let him know that his antics weren’t funny.
“These people paid good money to be here,” she whispered as they started down the walkway. “It’s hard enough to give them the attention they deserve without you constantly making faces at me from across the room.”
He apologized, but from the slant of his grin she could tell he wasn’t really sorry.
They continued trudging along, taking an uphill trail past the mud baths and the Watsu pools. Eventually they came to a broad clearing where they could spread out and watch as the sun set behind the mountains in the distance.
Tonight’s sky was cloudless and clear, and as the glowing orb slipped down behind the far peaks, the horizon took on a beautiful pinkish–purple hue. The hike was being led by a resort employee, and as one by one the brightest of stars and planets began to appear in the sky, he pointed them out by name. A few of the hikers had brought along their cameras, and many of those who hadn’t were using their camera phones. Juliette was standing a short way behind the crowd, taking in the happy sight of everyone snapping away, when she sensed a presence beside her. Marcus.
She had trouble tearing her eyes away—she could gaze at him forever. She’d never been able to imagine him as older than thirty, but here he was, a gorgeous specimen of a mature man. Turning away, Juliette told herself to calm down, that she was being ridiculous. She barely knew this man. She’d spent time with him only once, and that had been many, many years ago. For all she knew, he was a psychopath or a serial killer.
Then again, she admitted to herself with a small smile, the very thought of that was ludicrous. Stranger or not, Marcus Stone exuded goodness from his very pores. To spend five minutes with the man was to know he was about as solid and dependable and kind as they come. To think that she’d blown it all those years ago by accepting the proposal of a man she didn’t love enough simply broke her heart. Earlier Marcus had said it was his fault, that he shouldn’t have waited so long to come and find her. But she knew the truth, that she shared the blame. She should have waited. She should have trusted that he really would show up once he was ready.
“A penny for your thoughts,” he said now, his voice a warm whisper in her ear.
Feeling her cheeks flush with heat, Juliette gav
e him a shy smile and replied, “I was just playing a little ‘what if.’”
“Ah, yes, the ol’ ‘what if.’ When it comes to you and me, babe, that’s a game I know well.”
They shared a rueful smile, and for just a moment she felt the warmth of his hand brush across hers. Then he simply moved away, going over to stand beside his mother to ooh and ahh at the pictures she’d taken.
Fun and game time back at the conference center followed, and though team assignments were random, the two of them somehow ended up in the same group. Marcus proved to be every bit the competitor she was, and together they were nearly undefeatable. After a while, however, Juliette sensed Didi watching her, and she realized she needed to tone down her behavior lest she give away her biggest secret—that her TOTGA, as Didi liked to call him, was alive and well and sitting right next to her on the sofa! Juliette made a point of separating herself from him during the refreshment break, but once that break was over and it was time for the final round of competition, Didi pulled her aside.
“The guy is a major hunk, I’ll give you that.” Didi spoke softly as she tossed a paper cup into the trash can. “But you might want to tone things down just a tad. As my mama used to say, when you meet a fellow you really like, it never hurts to play it a little close to the vest.”
Juliette rolled her eyes. “Point taken, Ms. Finkleton.”
When fun and games drew to a close half an hour later, Juliette found herself nearly breathless with the anticipation of spending time alone with Marcus. She wasn’t sure where they might find some relative privacy where they could talk, but if need be they could always head into town and look for a coffee shop or something.
Extricating herself from Didi, however, was going to be an issue. Every time they did these retreats, the two of them made a point of ending each day back in one of their rooms, sitting in their pajamas, debriefing and discussing the day. Juliette supposed she could make up some fib about having a headache or something, but that wouldn’t be right. Besides, she already felt guilty enough about not telling her very best friend in the world the truth about who this man was.
She would tell her eventually, of course, but not yet. Definitely not yet.
Juliette was still trying to decide how she was going to get out of her debriefing with Didi when the evening drew to a close. The group gathered for a prayer, and though it lasted perhaps a minute at most, she felt the telltale vibration in her pocket of at least three text messages coming in while she prayed. After a hearty group “amen,” she pulled out her phone and noticed Didi doing the same as well.
Looking down at the screen, Juliette saw that there were, indeed, three messages, and that they had all come from Elsa, back at home. Elsa? At this hour? At 9 p.m. here, it was midnight there. Looking more closely, she saw that even though the messages had come through all at once, they’d each been sent about an hour apart, starting about two hours ago. Pulse surging, she read them in order.
Sorry to interrupt, but I’ve been going through some records as per our earlier conversation. We need to talk. Call when you get a minute.
The next one sounded a bit more urgent.
Did you get my text? Really need to talk! Am heading home now but will keep cell handy. Please call ASAP.
Juliette swallowed hard as she moved on to the third message.
Still up, still waiting to hear back from you. Will try calling your rooms.
Raising her head, Juliette’s eyes met Didi’s.
Whatever Elsa had turned up, it couldn’t be good.
BY THE TIME CRYSTAL left Moonflower’s house, it was late. Though she felt bad leaving her friend in such a state, there wasn’t much else she could do for her at the moment. Moonflower remained adamant on not calling the police, which now left Crystal in the difficult position of having to choose between going to them herself or respecting her friend’s trust and privacy.
As she barreled down the quiet, empty highway, she once again reviewed the blackmail situation in her mind, trying to make sense of it all. One thing Moonflower had said kept coming back to her: My guess is that the blackmailer was bluffing, that maybe he knew about the film but didn’t actually have it.
If the film never surfaced after Raven called the blackmailer’s bluff, then that theory made sense. According to Moonflower, only four people even knew it existed: the now-deceased photographer, Raven, Raven’s manager, and Moonflower. Given that, how could the blackmailer have found out? No sooner had Crystal asked herself that question than the answer popped into her head.
The notes!
Moonflower’s treatment notes!
If someone had gotten hold of those and read through them, they would’ve learned all about Raven’s youthful indiscretion. Then, once they had that information, they could’ve put together a blackmailing scheme even without having the film itself. If that’s what happened, then it really was true. The blackmailer was only bluffing, so when Raven turned him down, he must have decided to kill her instead.
Crystal’s mind raced as pieces of this puzzle began to click into place. Everyone at the spa knew that Raven confided in Moonflower. If someone also knew that Moonflower kept a written record of those confidentialities—and where she stored that record—all he’d have to do was break into that locker and read Raven’s file.
Certainly the late redhead had had enough enemies around that place. Was it really that big of a stretch to imagine that one of them chose blackmail as a means to get even?
Crystal’s heart pounded with a sudden realization: Raven’s killer was someone they knew, someone with whom they worked at the spa, side-by-side, day after day.
Chapter Twenty-Three
DIDI STAYED IN THE game room and tried to get Elsa on the phone while Juliette herded the last of the group from the building. As she led the handful of stragglers toward the lobby exit, Marcus fell in beside her to ask if something was wrong.
“Just an issue at the home office. I’m sorry I can’t slip away yet.”
Though his face showed deep concern, Marcus didn’t push. Instead, he assured her he didn’t mind waiting, that he could use the time to help get his mother settled in their suite for the night. They exchanged cell phone numbers so she could text him when she was done, then Juliette called out a friendly, “See you in the morning!” to everyone and closed the door behind them all.
She returned to the now otherwise empty game room to find Didi sitting on the couch, Elsa on speakerphone.
“So what’s up?” Juliette plopped down next to Didi.
“We were waiting for you to get into the details, but it has to do with the FBI.”
Juliette nodded, listening as Elsa launched into an explanation for them both.
“I was doing some in-house follow-up on the questions the FBI agents were asking us earlier, you know, like talking with employees and going through records and stuff. The reason I wanted to talk to you guys is because I may have found something, a new account that seems kind of odd.”
Juliette and Didi exchanged alarmed glances as Elsa went on from there.
“The thing about this company that first caught my eye was the fact that it showed no affiliation with any salon or spa.”
“That’s unusual, but not unheard of,” Didi interjected.
“Worth taking a closer look, though,” Juliette added.
Elsa continued. “I thought so too. Anyway, the contact’s name is David Walden, the company is JSM Enterprises, and they’re located in Phoenix, Arizona. According to our records, they placed a small order just once, back in September, for less than $100.”
Juliette’s eyes widened. “A hundred dollars? Anyone with an order of that size should be buying retail, not wholesale.”
“Ordinarily yes,” Elsa replied. “But this was a sample request. Ruth handled the sale, and she has it marked as a ‘new vendor.’”
“Did she follow up after the fact to see how the company liked the products and if they wanted to place a full order?”
“Yes, her file notes indicate that she tried to contact the man two weeks after the order was sent but that the phone number had been disconnected. I tried it myself and it still is.”
Elsa went on to explain how she decided to do a quick Internet check on the address—only to learn that it was bogus. Rather than being a legitimate location in some Phoenix office building, it was actually that of a shipping store, the kind that could be used by people who wanted to receive packages anonymously.
“I spoke to the manager there, and she was able to confirm that the shipment was received by them and picked up by the customer on the same day. Not surprisingly, no one on staff there at the shipping store remembers that particular transaction at all. Ruth doesn’t remember much about it either, other than her surprise that the phone number didn’t work when she tried to follow up.”
Juliette wasn’t sure what to think. This could be nothing—or it could be really important. There was just no way to know for sure without more information. She said as much, and Didi and Elsa both concurred.
“I think I’ve done everything I can to track this down on our end,” Elsa told them. “Though I imagine if anyone could take it from here, it would be the FBI.”
Juliette suggested they wait until they heard back from the lawyers before doing anything else with the information. Elsa and Didi agreed. Once they thanked Elsa and concluded their call, Juliette and Didi just sat there together for a while in silence, one thought going around and around in Juliette’s mind. Her life had been on an even keel for so long . . .
Why was everything falling apart now, just when she’d finally found Marcus again?
MARCUS WAITED UNTIL HIS mother went to bed, then headed back out into the night. Juliette hadn’t texted him yet to say she was finished, but in the meantime he could scope out some place at the resort where they could chat with relative privacy.
According to the literature in his information packet, the only public areas open at this hour were the grotto and the patios that surrounded it. That was near the resort entrance, so he decided to drive up rather than walk, thinking that if it didn’t pan out, his car would be handy to take a quick run into town and look for something there. No telling how long Juliette would be, but if he could find a place before she did, that would give them more time to focus on each other.