Death At The Spa (Julia Blake Cozy Murder Mystery Book 10)

by Gillian Larkin

  Gemma looked left and right before shuffling closer to Julia. In a quiet voice, she said, “When I was at the station I had a little peep at the file they’ve got on Erin. No one was watching me so I flipped through a few pages. I saw Lori’s statement. She said she was in her room at the time of Erin’s murder. She says she was with Harry Lewis.”

  “But I thought they weren’t a couple?”

  Gemma said, “I peeped at Harry’s statement. It was taken ten minutes after Lori’s and he confirms he was with her. They’re either a couple, or they’re lying about being a couple. One could be covering up for the other. What do you think?”

  Julia rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know what to think. There are too many suspects. What shall we do now?”

  Gemma tugged at her dressing gown. “I want to get changed first. Then we’ll make a plan. I’m still furious about someone planting evidence in my room. I have to clear my name.”

  “I know you do. I’m going to help.”

  Julia and Gemma made their way into the spa and towards Gemma’s room. As they passed the dining hall, Julia saw Lori Sanders sitting alone at a table.

  Julia said to Gemma. “I think it’s time we had a chat with Lori. And I know exactly what to say. Follow me.”

  Chapter 28

  Julia walked into the dining hall and quickly grabbed the nearest thing from the buffet. It was a glass of cucumber juice. She grimaced, put it back and took a date and walnut muffin instead. She put a big smile on her face and walked to the table where Lori was sitting.

  “Hi there! You don’t mind if we join you, do you?” Julia took a seat before Lori could answer. Gemma sat next to her with a matching big smile on her face. Julia said, “Do you remember us? We were in your exercise class yesterday. You were brilliant! We’re both aching today. Aren’t we, Gemma.”

  Gemma nodded. “We are. Aching all over. Your class was brilliant.”

  Lori gave them a polite smile. “I think I remember you. To be honest, my classes get so full that it’s hard to keep track of everyone who turns up.” She took an exaggerated look at her watch. “I really must be getting back to work.”

  Julia gestured to Lori’s plate. “I do admire you. Look at you, having a bowl of fruit salad. What a perfect example you’re setting for the rest of us. I think you’re wonderful. Truly wonderful.”

  Lori gave them a benevolent smile. “I do enjoy healthy food. It’s a lifestyle choice. One we can all make, with a little bit of willpower.” Her eyes rested on the muffin in Julia’s hand.

  Julia waved the muffin in Lori’s direction. “I could eat fruit all day and I’d never look as good as you. Would I, Gemma?”

  “Never in a month of Sundays,” Gemma added.

  Lori nodded in agreement.

  Julia carried on, “It must be genetics, surely? How do you manage to look so good? Can you tell us your secrets?”

  Lori put a hand on her chest. “Well, genetics do play a part in it. But it’s a combination of hard work, determination and, like I said, willpower.”

  She started to tell them about her exercise regime and diet. From the corner of her eye, Julia caught Gemma stifling a yawn.

  When Julia was satisfied that Lori wasn’t going to rush off anywhere, she said, “Can I ask you something? It’s about that lovely young man, Harry Lewis. Do you know if he’s single? I know I probably have no chance with him, but a girl can dream.”

  The colour drained from Lori’s face and a steely look came into her eyes. “Harry Lewis isn’t single. He’s in a relationship, a serious relationship.” She got to her feet and looked Julia over. “And even if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t consider dating a woman who has so little respect for her body. I have to go. I’m teaching an exercise class for people who are serious about looking after themselves.” She gave Gemma a cold glance too before walking away.

  Gemma muttered something under her breath which Julia chose to ignore. Gemma said, “What was the point of all that? Were you buttering her up just so she could insult you?”

  Julia broke the muffin in half and gave half to Gemma. “I wanted to flatter her so she’d stay and talk. And I wanted to find out her true feelings for Harry. It’s obvious she likes him. And it’s obvious he’s not in a relationship with her.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “She would have told us. She would have gloated about it. Did you see the cold look in her eyes? I don’t think she knows who Harry is dating. It isn’t her, and I don’t think she was with him when Erin was murdered. But for some reason, Harry is saying that he was.” Julia took a bite of the muffin. “Her insults mean nothing to me. Women can’t live off fruit and veg alone.”

  Gemma said, “How are we going to find out who Harry is dating? And why he lied about being with Lori?”

  “We’re going to ask him.” Julia finished the last of the muffin and stood up.

  “Just like that? Just ask him?”

  “Yes. I think it’s time we got some straight answers, don’t you? Come on. There’s an itinerary over there. It shows when all the exercise classes are taking place.”

  They soon found out where Harry Lewis was holding his class and went over to the correct hall. The class had recently finished, and when Gemma and Julia walked into the hall, they found him surrounded by adoring women who were fanning themselves and drinking water. Most of them were giving Harry unashamedly loving looks.

  Gemma pointed. “Isn’t that your mum standing right in front of Harry?”

  Julia’s eyes narrowed. “It certainly is. Why’s she looking at him like that? She only looks at my dad like that.”

  Harry laughed loudly and put his arm around Mum’s shoulders and pulled her closer.

  Julia couldn’t help herself. “Oi! You! Get your hands off my mum.” She marched over to Harry, pushed wilting women out of the way, and glared at the man in question. Harry’s arm dropped, along with his smile.

  “Julia, goodness me. Whatever’s the matter with you?” Mum came forward and looked into Julia’s eyes. “You need to let some of your anger out, young lady. Try one of Harry’s classes. I’ve bought some of his DVDs, you can borrow them. He’s marvellous. I’ve never felt so good.” Her skin glowed and her eyes twinkled.

  Julia folded her arms and muttered, “He shouldn’t be touching you like that.”

  Mum laughed and ruffled Julia’s hair. “I won’t hear a bad word about Harry. I feel like a new woman since I’ve met him. I’m going to a meditation class now. I’ll catch up with you later, hopefully when you’re in a better mood.” She gave Harry a friendly wave and walked away.

  Something wasn’t right here. Julia couldn’t get rid of the frown on her face and turned her attention towards Harry. Gemma picked up on her mood and came to her side in support. An uncomfortable silence settled on the women around them, and one by one, they left the exercise hall.

  All the friendliness vanished from Harry’s face and he glowered at Julia. “What the hell do you want?”

  “We want the truth,” Julia said. “And we’re not leaving until we get it. I don’t know what’s going on with you and Mum. I’ll come back to that later. I want to know why you gave a false alibi to the police.”

  “I didn’t.”

  Julia raised a finger at him. “You did. I know you did. I want to know where you were at the time of Erin’s murder.”

  Harry sneered. “I don’t have to tell you anything.”

  Gemma moved closer to Harry and gave him a cool look. “Someone’s trying to set me up for Erin’s murder and I’m not having it. I’ve had a terrible morning, Harry, and I can’t be held responsible for my actions. Do you know I have a black belt in Karate? It was all part of my police training. Would you like to see some of my moves? I could do with letting some of my aggression out.”

  “Now just a minute. You can’t threaten me like that.”

  Weariness washed over Julia and she said, “Harry, please, tell us where you were. It’ll help us find out who killed Erin.
It’ll help us clear Gemma’s name.”

  “Shouldn’t the police be doing that?” Harry said.

  Julia said, “We’re helping them in an unofficial manner. Don’t you want to find out who killed Erin?”

  Harry looked from one to the other. He ran a hand over the back of his neck and said, “Okay. I’ll tell you.”

  Chapter 29

  Harry leant against the table behind him and folded his arms. “I wasn’t with Lori at the time Erin was killed. Lori is delusional. She’s been after me for months. I keep telling her I’m not interested but she doesn’t take any notice. She’s not used to men turning her down. She’s even started telling people we were meeting in secret. I think she told Erin that. Lori knows I’m seeing someone else, but she won’t accept it.

  “Anyway, when Lori gave her statement to the police she came up to me afterwards and told me what she’d said to them. She had a funny smile on her face, as if she was getting one over on me. She asked what my girlfriend would think about me being in Lori’s room. I think she was hoping my girlfriend would find out, we’d have a row, and then split up. I was going to set the record straight but then I realised it could work in my favour. So, I told the police I was in Lori’s room.”

  Julia understood his reasoning. “You were with your secret girlfriend, weren’t you?”

  Harry gave her a curt nod. “I was. And I’m not going to tell you who she is. I’m protecting her, and that’s how it’s going to stay. I wasn’t the one who killed Erin. I was elsewhere.”

  Gemma shook her head. “You need to let the police know. You’ve given Lori a solid alibi. You have to put things right. Lori could have been the one who killed Erin, and you’ve provided a way out for her. Don’t you realise what you’ve done?”

  Harry looked at the floor. “I know what I’ve done. I’ve done it in the name of love. And I’m not going to change my statement.” He looked back at them. “If the police ask me, I’ll deny this conversation took place.”

  Gemma shook her head and walked away from them.

  Julia said to Harry, “I can see why you’ve done this. Tell me, do you think Lori is capable of murder?”

  “Isn’t everyone capable if they’re pushed enough? She has got a quick temper. I’ve told her many times that I’m not interested in her, and she’s given me a sympathetic smile in return as if I was making a mistake. But I was on the wrong side of her temper last night. She asked me to meet her in her room at eight yesterday and I said yes. I was going to have it out with her once and for all. I was even going to threaten to report her to Sienna for sexual harassment. But I couldn’t make it because I was helping Indigo out with her twilight walk. I had a message from Lori on my phone later. It was a nasty one, she was almost screeching.”

  Julia thought back to what Toby had told her about Lori talking on her phone the previous evening. It did fit in with what Harry was saying. She wondered for a moment if Indigo was Harry’s secret girlfriend. There was an age difference but that didn’t stop people.

  Harry straightened up. “I can’t tell you any more than that. You’ll have to leave now. I’ve got another exercise class and I need to stock up on my water bottles. These older ladies get through it quickly. Excuse me.” He walked to a small room at the side of the hall and went inside.

  Gemma came back to Julia, her fists clenched at her side. “I can’t believe what an idiot he is. His lies could be protecting a killer. I’ll have to tell DI Thostlewaite.”

  “I know. Gemma, your face has gone all red. Take some deep breaths.”

  “I’m too angry.”

  “Do you want me to phone the inspector?”

  “In a while. After we’ve done some more investigating.” Gemma patted her dressing gown pocket. “The police used a universal key to open the door to my room. And that key accidentally slipped into my pocket. I wonder if it will fit Erin’s door? Lori’s taking an exercise class so she won’t disturb us. Shall we go and have a little peep?”

  “And then we’ll phone the inspector?”

  Gemma smiled. “Of course.”

  Julia shook her head. “You’re a bad influence on me, Gemma Clarke. Come on.”

  Feeling as if everyone was watching them, they made their way to Erin’s room. Gemma’s hand shook slightly as she placed the key in the lock. The door opened and they swiftly stepped inside, closing the door behind them.

  It was easy to see which side of the room was Lori’s. There was an assortment of exercise clothes strewn across the floor and bed. The bed cover was hanging off the bed and Julia had to fight the urge to straighten it up.

  Gemma scanned Erin’s side of the room. “I can’t see a computer. I bet the police have taken it with them. There are some files over there. Let’s have a look.”

  Julia waggled her fingers in the air. “What about finger prints? You’re already a suspect, you don’t want to give the police any more ammunition.”

  Gemma’s eyebrows rose as she reached into her pocket. “Oh, didn’t I say? Two pairs of gloves fell into my pocket earlier too. Here.” She threw a pair of blue latex gloves in Julia’s direction.

  Julia put the gloves on and said, “When your husband finds out about this, which he will, I hope you’ll be honest with him about my part in all of this.”

  “Don’t you worry about Arnie. I know how to handle him. I’ll start with these files, you have a look around the room.”

  They made a quick search of the room and its contents but didn’t come up with anything useful.

  Gemma put her hands on her hips. “I was sure we’d find something.”

  Julia was looking at the drawers under the bed. “I think there might be something here.”

  “I’ve already checked the drawers. They’re full of underwear.”

  “Have you checked behind the drawers? Some of my clients have teenage sons who like to hide certain things from their parents. I’ve caught my leg many a time on a bed drawer that no longer closes properly because there’s something behind it. Let me show you.”

  Julia got to her knees, pulled the drawer fully out and placed it on the carpet. She reached inside the gap and ran her hand around.

  “Aha! I’ve found something.” She pulled out a book and showed it to Gemma. “It looks like a diary.”

  Gemma took it and started to flick through the pages. Julia came to her side and read over her shoulder.

  Gemma said, “Look at these entries. She’s made notes about certain clients and then put the word ‘scam?’ after them. And she keeps mentioning certificates for some reason.”

  “And look at the visits she’s made to colleges recently. It’s as if she was checking up on something.”

  “Or someone. Look at this entry she made two weeks ago. It says ‘letter sent’. That could be the letter the police found in my room. But who did she send it to?” Gemma gave the book a gentle shake. “Give up your secrets! We’re trying to help you.”

  A photograph fell from the book and fluttered to the floor.

  Julia picked it up. “It’s a photo of Erin and Teresa in the garden. Look who’s in the background.”

  Gemma did so. “It’s Harry. And Sienna Moss. They look very friendly with each other. That must be his girlfriend.”

  “Sienna Moss? I wouldn’t have guessed it was her.”

  The door opened behind them and Sienna stepped in. She gave them a cold look and said, “Did I hear my name being mentioned?”

  She closed the door behind her.

  Chapter 30

  Sienna folded her arms. “I thought I could hear voices in here. Would you like to explain what you’re doing in here?”

  Gemma said, “I’m trying to clear my name. You probably know the police took me away for questioning a while ago. Someone planted something in my room. It was most likely the person who killed Erin.” She wafted the photo at Sienna. “Was it you? Did you kill Erin because she found out about you and Harry?”

  Sienna’s arms dropped to her side. “I certai
nly did not kill Erin. Not that it’s any of your business.”

  Gemma’s voice rose, “I’m making it my business. Everyone who works here seems to be lying about something. Where were you when Erin was killed? You weren’t on the reception desk. It took the police a while to find you.”

  Julia put her hand on Gemma’s arm in an effort to calm her down.

  It didn’t work. Gemma took a step forward and yelled, “What sort of a spa are you running here? You let staff get murdered, and you let your guests get arrested. If I wasn’t already getting this spa break for free, I’d demand my money back!”

  Sienna swore loudly and told Gemma what she could do with her money.

  Julia put her hands up and said, “I think we all need to calm down, this isn’t helping anyone. Sienna, I take it from this photo that you and Harry are together.”

  “Yeah. What of it?” All the warmth and softness had gone from Sienna’s voice.

  Julia said, “Were you with each other at the time Erin was murdered?”

  “Yes. We’ve got a room that I never let out to guests, and we were in there. I’m not telling the police that. It’s no one else’s business.”

  “You’ll have to tell the police,” Julia said. “Have you been with Harry a while? Are things serious with you?”

  Sienna nodded.

  Gemma prodded a finger in Sienna’s direction. “Then why don’t you tell everyone? It’ll shut Lori up, for one thing. And the police need to know the truth.”

  Julia said, “I know why you’re keeping it quiet. Harry’s got that womaniser thing going on, hasn’t he? He wants the guests to think he’s available so that they have half a hope of being the woman of his dreams. Is that right?”

  Sienna’s shoulders dropped. “You’re right. I wanted to tell everyone but Harry pointed out how full his classes get with women clamouring for his attention. He said it makes more business sense for him to be seen as single. The staff know he’s got a girlfriend, but they don’t know who. Erin found out when she noticed us in that photo. She came straight to me and said she’d keep it a secret. She said we need to be more careful if we don’t want people to find out, especially Lori.”