It seemed like seconds later that Teresa was waking her up. She explained she had wiped the facial mixture from Julia’s face, and she was now ready to do the body scrub.
Julia nodded slowly, still with her eyes closed.
The body scrub was just as wonderful as the facial but more invigorating and Julia started to come out of her drowsy state. She became awake enough to try some of the chocolate in the dish at her side. It would be rude not to.
When Teresa had finished the body scrub, she said, “There’s a shower behind that door over there. If you wash the scrub off, then I’ll take you to the floatation tank area.”
“Won’t I just get covered in chocolate again?”
“Yes, but it’s a different kind of chocolate. You won’t feel the benefit if you have this body scrub still on you.” Teresa smiled at her. “I’ll come back in a few minutes.” She left the room.
Julia took herself into the shower and washed off the body scrub. The smell of chocolate was intoxicating and as soon as Julia was out of the shower, she helped herself to more chocolate from the dish.
She put her dressing gown back on and waited for Teresa. The young woman hadn’t returned after five minutes so Julia opened the door and popped her head out. Someone popped their head out of the door opposite.
It was Gemma. “Hiya. How’s your treatment going? I’ve just had the facial. I’m having the body scrub next.”
“I’ve had the scrub, it’s marvellous. My skin feels lovely. I’m waiting for Teresa to take me to the floatation tank room. She said she’d be back in a few minutes but that was a while ago.”
“Perhaps she’s busy with someone. Erin told me where the floatation tank room is. Why don’t you go down there on your own?”
“I think I will. I can’t wait to see what it’s like.” Julia walked out of the room.
Gemma stepped out of her room. “I’ll come with you and have a little peep while I’m waiting for my therapist to come back too.”
Gemma and Julia walked down the corridor. Julia opened the door at the end and they walked in. They looked around them.
“Ooo. I like this. Everything is a dark chocolate colour,” Gemma said. “And I like the gentle music. How long do you think we’ll be allowed to soak in the tank?”
Julia moved to one side of the room. “I don’t know. I hope it’s a long time. This looks like one of the tanks.” Her hand hovered above the dark liquid. “It feels warm. Do you think I should get in? Or should I wait for Erin? I wonder where she is?”
Gemma moved to the other side of the room. “There’s another tank over here. We could get in at the same time.” She put her hand over the liquid and looked down.
Julia wiped a bit of drool from the corner of her mouth. “I hope there’s some edible chocolate nearby. Have you eaten any at the side of your treatment bed yet? I’ve eaten loads.” There was no reply. “Gemma? Did you hear me?”
Gemma was staring down at the tank. In a quiet voice, she said, “Julia, I’ve found Erin. She’s dead.”
Chapter 9
Julia walked slowly over to the tank and looked into Erin’s unseeing eyes as she floated on top of the melted chocolate.
“What a way to go,” Gemma said sadly. “Do you want to phone the police, or shall I? One of us needs to let Sienna Moss know about this.”
They heard footsteps behind them and turned their heads. Teresa walked into the room, a smile on her face. “There you are, Ms Blake. I’ve been looking for you. Did Erin tell you to come down here? Are you ready to get into the tank?”
“Not quite,” Julia said. “Don’t come any closer. Could you go and get your manager, please?”
Teresa’s smile faltered but she continued walking forwards. “Is there a problem? Is it about me? Haven’t I done my job correctly? I know I left you for more than a few minutes. I nipped out for a cigarette. I know I shouldn’t have.”
Gemma shot forward. “Don’t come any closer.”
Teresa craned her neck and looked over Gemma’s shoulder. “What’s that in the tank?” She pushed Gemma out of the way. “Is that … Erin?” Teresa’s eyes almost popped out of her face as she took in the sight of the body in the tank. She let out an ear-splitting scream and slithered to the ground.
Gemma knelt at her side. “She’s fainted. She could have fainted in a more convenient spot, she’s right in the middle of the crime scene.”
Julia took her phone out. “I’ll call for the police. Have you noticed the splashes of liquid at the side of the tank? It looks like Erin struggled with her killer. And the patio door over there is open. I can see the curtain moving in the breeze.”
Gemma straightened up. “You’re right. I’ll go and look for Sienna.” She pointed to Teresa. “Keep an eye on this one.”
Julia gave her a small nod and then phoned for the police. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time she’d had to make a call like this.
Julia ended the call and tapped the phone on her chin. Who would want to kill Erin? She shook her head. That was none of her concern, it was up to the police to make their enquiries.
Gemma came back into the room. “I can’t find Sienna, she’s not on reception and the woman there didn’t know where she was. I asked her to put an urgent call out for Sienna, and I told her where we were. I think the police will be here soon. I could hear the distant sound of sirens. I’ve got a good ear for things like that. It must be because of my days on the force.” She moved closer to Julia. “Are you alright?”
“Yes. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a dead body.”
“Me neither, but it’s always a shock.”
Julia sighed. “She seemed like a lovely person. It’s such a shame.”
Gemma gave her a little nudge. “I’ll tell you what’s a shame. We never got the chance to try these chocolate floatation tanks out.”
“What?”
Gemma gave her a small smile. “I’m joking. I’m trying to lighten the atmosphere.”
Julia indicated her head in the direction of the other tank. “You could always have a quick dip in that one.”
“Unless there’s a dead body in that one too,” Gemma said with a laugh. Her laugh was cut short as horror washed over her face. “Julia, you don’t think there’s another body in that one too? The woman who did my facial never came back.”
“I didn’t see a body in it when I came in.”
“It could have floated to the top by now.”
“Well, I’m not having a look. You can if you like.”
Gemma pointed at Erin. “I’ve already found one corpse, it’s only fair that you find the next one.”
“No one will be looking for any corpses. Stay right where you are,” a deep voice boomed out.
Julia recognised the voice. She looked at the older man who was standing in the doorway. He had a thick moustache and a thick waist.
The man spoke first, “Julia Blake? Well, well, well. We meet again. I thought we might do. Ha! What have you got yourself into this time?”
“Hello, DI Thostlewaite. I haven’t got myself into anything.”
DI Thostlewaite wagged a finger at her. “And yet you’re standing in the middle of a crime scene with a dead body not far away from you.”
Julia opened her mouth to reply. She couldn’t think of a suitable thing to say so she closed her mouth and merely nodded.
DI Thostlewaite took a step closer. “Is that the deceased? Have you touched her or moved her at all?”
Julia looked at where he was pointing. “No, that’s Teresa. She fainted when she saw the actual deceased.”
Gemma said, “The body is in this floatation tank. She’s definitely dead.”
DI Thostlewaite’s thick eyebrows shot up. “Gemma Clarke? What are you doing here? I haven’t seen you for a couple of years. You’re looking well. How’s young Charlie? And how’s that hubby of yours? I was only talking to him last week.”
Gemma said, “I’m fine. Charlie’s fine and Arnie is fine. Do you wa
nt to know more about the deceased? Her name is Erin Baker.”
“In a minute, she’s not going anywhere.” DI Thostlewaite looked from Julia to Gemma with a big grin on his face. “Well, this is a fine kettle of fish. I’m not that surprised to see Julia here, but I am surprised to see you, Gemma. I thought you’d left the force.”
“I have. I’m here on pleasure. How do you know Julia?”
“We met in Edinburgh during a murder investigation.” DI Thostlewaite stopped smiling and he gave Julia a kind look. “How’s your Sam doing? It was a shock for him to lose his friend that way.”
“He’s doing fine. You know what young people are like.”
“Aye, I do. I do miss Edinburgh, but it’s great to be back on Yorkshire land again. I put in for a transfer last month. I didn’t think I’d get moved so quickly.” He rubbed his hands together. “Right then, ladies, as much as I’m enjoying your genteel company, it’s time I got down to business. I’d like you to leave the room now. I saw a seating area when I first came in. Go have a seat and I’ll send someone to take your statements.” He moved closer and looked into the tank. “What’s all this brown stuff?”
“Chocolate,” Julia and Gemma said in unison.
DI Thostlewaite chuckled. “Death by chocolate, eh? I once had a dessert called that. Off you go, ladies. We’ll speak soon. I’ll get someone to take care of this lass on the floor.”
Chapter 10
Julia and Gemma walked away from the scene. As they went towards the main reception area, a grim-faced Sienna Moss hurried past them.
“Do you think she even saw us?” Julia asked.
“I’m not sure. This is all very strange, isn’t it? Where has Sienna been?”
Julia said, “Are you thinking she’s a suspect?”
“I am. I can’t help it. I used to work on murder cases and I found it easier to suspect everyone.” They made their way over to the seating area. “Aren’t you curious, Julia?”
“A little. I did hear Erin on the phone just before my facial started. She was having a disagreement with her room-mate, Lori. Erin said she was sorry, but it had to be done. There was also mention of Lori being involved with a man.”
Julia and Gemma sat down. Gemma said, “I wonder who they were talking about? And if it has anything to do with Erin’s murder. Have you seen Lori?”
“No. Erin told me she runs exercise classes. I haven’t been anywhere near an exercise class, and I was intending to.”
A smiling waitress approached them and offered them complimentary tea and coffee. Once she had their order, she walked away, still smiling.
Gemma’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t like how everyone keeps smiling around here. It’s not normal. And why did she offer us complimentary drinks? And does she know about Erin?”
Julia gave her a small smile. “You’ve got a lot of questions. Perhaps giving out tea and coffee is just something they do. And I think that once they find out about Erin, they won’t be smiling.”
The waitress returned with their drinks, along with a plate of mini date and walnut muffins.
Gemma picked up her cup of coffee. “I don’t think I can eat anything at the moment.”
“Me neither. I’m still full from all that chocolate.”
“Has this put you off eating any more chocolate?”
Julia considered the matter. “Would I be an awful person if I said no? It would take a lot to put me off chocolate.” She took a sip of her coffee. “Looks like the police are here to take our statements.”
Two police officers approached them. They weren’t smiling. One of them said, “We’ll need to take your statements separately. Ms Blake, could you come with me to the other side of the room?”
Julia nodded and followed the young man, taking her coffee with her. She sat opposite him and gave him the full details of her dealings with Erin, starting from when she’d met Erin that morning. It took quite a while to get all the details written down as the policeman had a peculiar habit of repeating everything she said, as if he doubted her recollection of the events.
When Julia was finally allowed to leave, she looked over to where Gemma was sitting. She was still giving her statement and Julia was surprised to see the red flush of anger on her cheeks. Whatever was she saying to the police officer?
Julia tried to get Gemma’s attention so that she could indicate she was going back to her room, but Gemma was now waving her hands at the police officer in an agitated manner.
Julia left them to it and made her way back to her room. She was nearly knocked off her feet as Mum came dashing out, dressed in her exercise clothes.
Mum’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright. “Julia! Hi! I didn’t see you there. How was your chocolate therapy? Oh! You’ll have to tell me later. I’m on the way to an exercise class with some young man called Harry Lewis. I’ve had a marvellous session with Indigo and I feel so energised! Indigo managed to get me a session with Harry even though he’s busy. See you later!”
Mum jogged off down the corridor before Julia could utter a word in reply. Julia was glad Mum was in a better mood, and she was glad she didn’t have to tell her about Erin Baker’s murder. She wasn’t looking forward to that.
Julia went into her room and over to the patio doors. She swung them open and stepped out on to the balcony. She needed some fresh air. She heard some voices below her and looked over the side to see uniformed police making a search of the grounds. Her room must be above the chocolate therapy rooms. Her eyes stung as she thought about Erin and she went back inside, closing the door behind her.
She changed out of her dressing gown and into jeans and a T-shirt. All thoughts of relaxation had left her mind the second she saw Erin floating in that tank. Who would do that to her? Was it Lori? They had been arguing about a man. Had Erin threatened to do something about it? Perhaps Lori had been having an affair with a married man and Erin was going to tell his wife. Lori could have killed her to keep her quiet. People had killed for less.
Julia walked over to the kitchenette and took a bottle of water from the fridge. This murder had nothing to do with her, and that’s the way it was going to stay.
There was a thudding at her door. Julia opened it and Gemma marched in.
Gemma’s hands went to her hips and she said, “You’ll never guess what’s happened? That policeman downstairs, the one who took my statement, thinks I killed Erin! Can you believe that?”
“Why does he think that?”
“Because I was the last one to see her alive. She spoke to me and then went into the floatation tank room. You should have seen the way he was looking at me, like I was some sort of criminal!”
“But why would you kill her? Did he mention a motive?”
“No he didn’t. He kept going on about me being the last person to see her. I got more and more annoyed, and then he said it was obvious I couldn’t control my temper and I probably killed Erin because she was charging too much for the chocolate therapy session! I shall be having words with DI Thostlewaite about him. That’s no way to talk to a witness. How dare he?”
“I’m sure he thought he was just doing his job. Come and sit down.”
“I can’t. I’m too mad.” Gemma’s hands dropped from her hips. She gave Julia a direct look. “You know what I have to do now, don’t you?”
Julia had a suspicion, but she kept those thoughts to herself and waited for Gemma to continue.
Gemma said, “I’ve got to clear my name. I’ve got to find out who killed Erin Baker. And before you say anything, I know DI Thostlewaite is dealing with this investigation, but I’m sure he won’t mind if I make my own enquiries. I won’t get in his way.”
“I see.”
Gemma smiled at Julia. “I’m glad you agree with me. I want you to help me. Will you help me? Please? I can’t bear being a suspect.”
Julia sighed. She couldn’t say no to Gemma. “Of course I’ll help you.”
Chapter 11
Julia grabbed a bottle of
water for Gemma and they took a seat on the sofa in front of the patio doors.
Gemma’s phone rang. She took it out of her pocket and looked at it. “It’s Arnie. It’s a video call. Do you want to say hello to him?”
The last person Julia wanted to see was DI Clarke. She moved further along the sofa and said, “No, thank you.”
Gemma took the call and Julia could just see the corner of the screen as DI Clarke’s concerned face came into view.
“Gemma! How are you? I’ve heard about the murder there. I can’t believe it. You were supposed to be having a rest. Shall I come and get you? Do you want to come home?”
Gemma smiled at him. “I am having a rest. There’s no need to worry. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a dead body, you know that. How’s Charlie? How are you coping without me?”
“Not very well. We both miss you and you’ve only been gone a short while. You know I don’t like being away from you.”
Julia tried to move even further along the sofa. She was tempted to make an escape through the patio doors. She wasn’t used to hearing DI Clarke talk so tenderly. He was usually barking orders at her.
DI Clarke said, “Are you sure you don’t want to come home? I can come for you if you don’t feel like driving. I don’t like the thought of you being there all on your own.”
“I’m not on my own. I’ve made a friend.” Gemma shot a smile at Julia. Julia flapped her hands at her to keep quiet.
“A friend?” DI Clarke asked. “You’ve only been there a few hours. What’s the name of this person. I’ll run some checks on them. I don’t want you talking to just anyone.”
Gemma slid across the sofa and leant against Julia. Julia had no means of escaping. She closed her eyes and wished she was invisible.
Gemma moved the phone closer and said, “Arnie, look who I’ve met. Isn’t this a coincidence? We’ve been having some lovely chats.”
There was silence. Julia opened one eye, then the other. DI Clarke’s piercing blue eyes bored into her. She gave him a weak smile and said, “Hello there.”
Death At The Spa (Julia Blake Cozy Murder Mystery Book 10) Page 4