The Bakers and Bulldogs Mysteries Collection: 20 Book Box Set

by Rosie Sams

  The walk to the hair salon was perfect. Birds were singing, the sun was shining, and Smudge enjoyed being out and sniffing all along the sidewalk. It took them only 10 minutes, and soon they stood outside the salon. It was a pastel blue color, with a fancy font displaying the name above a big window. Inside, three patrons were already sitting with stylists working on them.

  Just for a moment, Melody hesitated. Alvin would love it, whatever she did, wouldn’t he?

  At her feet, Smudge gave a little yip and pulled her to the door. It looked like they were going in. It looked like the decision had been made.

  Melody pushed on the door, it swung open smoothly. As they walked in, Smudge sneezed once, then again. Melody looked down, and the pup was wrinkling her nose. Melody sniffed herself and realized that the chemicals would be strong for Smudge. Bending down, she picked her up, and Smudge nuzzled into her neck. The sneezing was over, it looked like Smudge was getting used to the smell. Melody stepped further into the salon.

  She was greeted by Amy Gallagher, the proprietress. The woman wore a smock the same pastel blue as the shop front. She dropped a pastel blue handled pair of scissors into the smock’s pocket.

  With a big smile, Amy came over. “Melody, right?”

  Melody nodded, feeling a little overawed. Amy was beautiful, her short blonde hair was tousled on top of her head and run through with bright pink streaks. It was sassy and perfect for her amazing cheekbones and lovely smile, but it was a bit further than where Melody wanted to go. Had she made a mistake?

  Smudge yipped. It looked like the little pup approved of her being here, either that or she was just happy to be out.

  “I’m looking for a change,” Melody managed as Smudge sat at her side.

  “Then you came to the right place. We have a short delay, do you mind waiting?” Amy pointed to some chairs and a table with magazines. “I can get you a coffee, latte, or mocha, you name it? We do white and dark chocolate, caramel, most things, just ask.”

  Melody smiled and let Amy guide her to the luxurious looking white leather chairs. “A white chocolate, caramel, mocha, would be lovely,” she said, taking a seat. Smudge sat down next to her and leaned against her leg.

  “We have two stylists working today, Nancy Evans.” Amy pointed to the far right chair where a stunning and confident woman was working her magic. She sported a fire brick red mohawk with caramel lowlights.

  Melody wished that she was brave enough to go that far, but not today. Yes, she wanted something different, totally different, but that was, maybe one for the future.

  Amy pointed to the left chair. “We also have Rochelle Crawford, do you mind who you have?”

  “No, not at all,” Melody said and then wished she had asked for Nancy. Rochelle had plain long brown hair that looked a little uncared for. There was also a sag to her shoulders. It was almost a look of defeat. Melody pushed the thought away, she couldn’t even see the woman’s face, and here she was deciding her future.

  “Good, that will make the wait quicker.”

  As Amy walked away, Melody looked around. All the hairstyles looked amazing and perfectly suited the patrons, even the one Rochelle was working on looked fabulous. She had made the right decision.

  A young girl, Lulu Morgan, with long straight blonde hair and a sweet smile, placed a delicious looking drink in front of her, Melody thanked her and picked up a magazine. Lulu smiled again then returned through a white bead curtain to a back room. The curtain suited the salon perfectly. Melody hadn’t spotted it until Lulu pushed through. It matched the slick, high tech lines of the modern salon, and yet was strangely retro. It tinkled as it settled into place.

  The minutes ticked by as Melody sipped her rich, smooth drink, stroked Smudge, and looked half-heartedly at the magazine. There was nothing of interest, and she found her eyes straying to the chairs. Three customers were seated. In the middle seat, directly in front of her, was an older woman with short, beech brown hair styled perfectly around her face.

  Amy worked professionally and quickly but was constantly in touch with her customer chatting and adjusting as needed. The smile on the woman’s face told Melody that she was very pleased with her cut.

  On Amy’s right, Melody could see a middle-aged woman that she thought she recognized. Her salt and pepper hair was cut into a cute pixie style that was stunning, but Melody could see by her reflection, that she wasn’t pleased.

  There was now a strain in the shoulders of the stylist, Nancy, and Melody couldn’t help but watch the scene play out. Something told her fireworks were coming. Melody’s mouth dropped open as she recognized the weathered face and pinched lips of the patron, it was Eloise Floyd. Her normally shoulder length and plain hair was now stunningly different.

  The door to the salon opened, and a customer walked in. Amy made her apologies and went to see to the newcomer.

  As Melody watched, mouth open, Eloise pushed her chair back and stood up. Long lengths of her hair dropped to the white tiled floor and looked somehow out of place.

  Lulu appeared as if out of nowhere with a dustpan and brush, but before she could sweep up the offending cuttings, the salon exploded.

  “What do you call this?” Eloise asked, pulling at her fashionable locks.

  “Don’t you like it?” Nancy asked her face flushing.

  “How could I like such a thing? I look ridiculous. Like a mother with her child’s wig. What have you done to me?”

  Nancy leaned her hands on her waist and shook her head. “You asked for a makeover, something different and stylish, that is what I gave you. If you don’t like it, then you have no taste. You look fabulous.”

  Melody had to agree with Nancy’s opinion, but she was not impressed with the woman’s customer service. It was suddenly uncomfortable sitting there, and she wondered if she should go. Maybe it would be better to come back another day?

  “How dare you speak to me like that!” Eloise’s lips were always thin, but now she clasped them tightly, and they almost disappeared.

  The customer who had entered the shop turned and walked out.

  “I speak the truth,” Nancy said, just as Amy arrived back with her. Amy stood in front of her and gave her a look that had Nancy retreating to the back room.

  “Mrs. Floyd, Eloise, I am so sorry that you don’t like the style. Take a seat, and I will sort this out for you. I can give you another cut, tone it down for you, whatever you want. The last thing I want is for you to be unhappy,” Amy’s tone was friendly, calming, and it had the right effect.

  “I can’t stay.” Tears were shining in the older woman’s eyes as she looked down at what was left of her hair scattered over the white floor. “What can I do?”

  Amy put an arm on her shoulder. “I will come to see you, I will sort this out, I promise. Go now, and there’s no charge.”

  For a moment, Melody thought that this had worked, but she watched as Eloise bristled and stood up tall, her face was red, her eyes like icicles.

  “It’s too late. I will never book another appointment at this salon. I will share this disastrous experience with all my friends, you hear me, I will ruin you!” With that, she tore off her gown, threw it at Amy, grabbed an oversized brown bag, and stormed out.

  Melody let out a sigh of relief and looked down to see Smudge lying on the floor with her paws over her eyes. Melody couldn’t help but chuckle at her funny little Frenchie.

  As she drank the last bit of her mocha, Melody wondered if this boded well for her new haircut.

  Chapter Two Hundred Thirty-Six

  Hearing the door slam, Nancy returned to the salon. In the left-hand chair, Rochelle was finishing off with her client. They were carrying on as if nothing had happened, and Melody wondered if there was often trouble in the shop. It made her so pleased that she got on so well with her colleagues.

  Nancy was coming towards Melody. Thinking it was her turn, Melody put her cup down and told Smudge to wait. Before Nancy could get to her, she was intercepted by Am
y. The proprietress flashed Melody a smile and steered Nancy over to the basins. They were just to Melody’s right, Melody stared at her magazine, but strained to hear what was going on.

  “This has gone too far, Nancy,” Amy's voice was controlled but stressed. “You have to listen to the customer and do what they want.”

  “Even if I know better?” Nancy had her arms folded, and her look was full of defiance.

  “Even then. We are here to provide a service, what the customer wants, the customer gets, do you understand?”

  Nancy shook her head. “It’s my skills that are keeping this place going. More customers are coming back because of my cuts, you would be lost without me.”

  Melody was spellbound, she hardly heard the door close as the last customer left, but she saw Rochelle join in the fray.

  Rochelle was clearly furious. “You are driving away customers and threatening my income. This is the busiest we’ve been in weeks, and you still drove one customer away. You’re destroying the salon.”

  “No, I’m not. I’m what this town needs.”

  Amy sighed. “That may be your opinion, but this is my salon. You will listen to customers and give them what they want, or you will be looking for another chair to hire. Are we clear?”

  Nancy harrumphed and stormed out, nearly knocking Lulu over as she did. It was only then that the women turned and remembered that Melody and Smudge sat there. Melody gave them a weak smile, she was really wondering if she should leave, but she had been spotted now. It was too late!

  “Miss Marshall,” Rochelle said. “Let’s get you shampooed, Lulu will look after you.”

  Melody stood. “It’s Mrs. Hennessey now, I just married a few months ago.”

  “Of course, congratulations. We’re both very sorry you had to hear that, but we will look after you well, I promise,” Amy said. Her smile was back, only it was a little more fixed than when Melody walked in. What had she gotten herself into?

  Throwing Smudge a butter cookie, she told the pup to stay and followed Lulu to the bowls.

  Lulu draped a gown around Melody, and once she was in the chair, she eased her back against the bowl. Melody started to relax. This was what she needed. Something shorter, new, something exciting.

  “I love your dog,” Lulu said as she ran the soothing warm water over Melody’s scalp, massaging her hair as she did.

  “Thank you, she is such a sweetie.”

  “Is she a French Bulldog?”

  Melody nodded and then laughed as the gesture was barely noticeable with her head back the way it was. “She is. Her name is Smudge because of the smudge of white on her back.”

  “That really suits her,” Lulu said as she applied shampoo.

  “Are you okay?” Melody asked. “Nancy pushed you a little hard.”

  Lulu massaged the shampoo into Melody’s hair, the silence stretched between them. Melody was beginning to think she should have kept quiet when the young girl cleared her throat.

  “Nancy’s not all bad… despite what Rochelle might think,” Lulu was whispering. “She… well, she cares so much for what she does that she comes over all wrong.”

  “I loved what she did with Eloise’s hair,” Melody admitted. “I guess I’m hoping for a new look too.”

  Lulu was rinsing the shampoo as they spoke. Her fingers were so relaxing that they were almost mesmerizing. “We have quite a few customers who would agree with you. Though there are a few that cause scenes like the one you saw. It’s getting hard to work here some days. The tension, the animosity… I don’t know, I just wish they would all get on and see each other’s strengths.”

  Melody agreed, she was surprised that such a young person was so intuitive. She wanted to ask if that was the reason that Rochelle was so angry. Nancy was her competition and if she was taking customers, or driving them away… Melody tried to decide how she would feel under the same circumstances. The moment was gone, Lulu had finished. Helping her sit up, she wrapped a towel around her head and helped her over to Rochelle’s chair. Just for a moment, Melody was disappointed that the fiery Nancy was not doing her hair.

  Rochelle appeared behind her and smiled via the mirror. Melody could still see an aura of defeat hanging over her, so putting on her best smile, she determined to make her feel better.

  “I’m so sorry about that little argument,” Rochelle said. “Now, what can I do for you today? We really do value our customers here at Short Cuts and what you want is key.”

  “Thank you, and no problem. I run a business; I know that people are people. At times we have our disagreements. As long as we remain friends, then that’s all that counts.” Melody smiled again but was surprised to see Rochelle’s lips narrow, and her shoulders stiffen even further.

  “Professionalism is just as important,” Rochelle’s words were curt, then realizing her mistake, she softened her tone. “What would you like done? Your hair is fabulous.”

  Melody knew she should have been prepared. The problem was she knew she wanted a change, but she didn’t know what. That had to be either a nightmare or a challenge. Thinking about her own business, she loved it when a customer gave her free reign; Kerry, on the other hand, found it too complicated. For her, a customer should know what they want. “I’m looking for a change,” Melody managed. “Shorter, but not too short, feminine, pretty, something that suits my face. Oh, I guess you must hate customers like this!” Why had she just said that?

  Rochelle smiled and picked up a comb. “I know exactly what you are looking for, relax and we will soon have a new you.”

  “That sounds great,” Melody said, feeling herself relax. She loved coming to the salon, and she knew that this was the perfect solution to her feelings of angst over the last few weeks.

  As Rochelle combed, cut, and talked about her holidays, Melody found her mind drifting. It was always the same when she had her hair done. The relaxing combination of touch and talk lulled her into a semi-doze. Only this time, her mind wouldn’t let go. There was a mystery here, she was sure of it.

  “How long have you worked here?” Melody asked.

  Rochelle paused, mid-cut. “Too long.”

  Melody gulped. “Don’t you enjoy it?”

  “I do… it used to be a great place to work. We all got on, everyone helped out. I enjoyed my job, but now…” Her words drifted off as sprinklings of Melody’s hair landed on the gown in front of her.

  “What happened?” Melody pushed.

  “It’s her.” Rochelle waved her scissors at the door as if that made it clear. “I just wish she’d disappear!” Then she pulled a clip from her tunic and pinned up a chunk of Melody’s hair. The movement was a little harsh, Melody winced.

  “I really do wish she would just be gone,” Rochelle continued.

  Melody laughed. “I guess we all feel that way at times, I’m sure you don’t mean literally.”

  “No, of course, I don’t.” Rochelle laughed and dropped her head, but not before Melody saw a glint of anger reflected via the mirror.

  Oh, dear, what had she stumbled upon? Maybe, she should move it back to safer grounds? “When are these holidays you were telling me about?”

  Rochelle raised her head and smiled. “I’m away in just two weeks. I can’t wait.”

  Via the mirror, Melody could see that Smudge was sniffing around the salon. Just before she could tell her to wait, Lulu sat down on the floor and pulled her in for a cuddle. It made Melody’s heart warm to see that the pup had won over the young girl. The two were playing happily as Melody listened to Rochelle talk about her upcoming holiday to Las Vegas.

  It reminded her of her recent trip to Vegas, to see Kerry married. It had been a great trip, especially as it involved a mystery. There it was again, her need to find trouble. What is wrong with me? Why can’t I just relax and enjoy the good times?

  Amy came out and called Lulu into the back. Smudge was left on her own. She sat up on her back legs, waving her paws in the air. Melody was giggling via the mirror, prompt
ing Rochelle to look around.

  “What does she want?”

  “Just to be near me,” Melody said.

  “Well, that is fine,” Rochelle said though her face was not entirely convincing.

  Melody called Smudge over, and she curled up under the counter next to her feet.

  “Where did you go on your honeymoon?” Rochelle asked.

  Melody sighed. “We plan to go to Tahiti, we just haven’t made it yet.”

  “Oh, that is such a shame, you must go, you will love it.”

  Melody nodded and was about to answer when Rochelle started the dryer. The hot air was soothing, but the noise was too much for a meaningful conversation. Though she would have loved the honeymoon, it wasn’t to be just yet. Alvin, the local sheriff, was too busy with work. Maybe they could get away in a couple of months. When she analyzed her feelings, she knew it didn’t matter. Time with Alvin was great wherever they were.

  “There, all finished. Do you like your shorter cut?”

  Melody felt her heart drop. Maybe she should have been concentrating on what Rochelle was doing, rather than trying to find a mystery. All she had got was a trim. Nothing was different; in fact, she doubted that Alvin, or anyone for that matter, would notice she had had a haircut.

  As Melody paid, still giving Rochelle a nice tip, Nancy returned to the salon. Rochelle gave her such a dark look, but Nancy either didn’t notice or chose not to. Melody couldn’t help but wish that it was Nancy who had done her hair. After making the decision to have a change, it felt like a letdown to come away with nothing done.

  “Thank you for your custom, please call again,” Rochelle said.

  Melody clipped the leash on Smudge and left the salon. It felt good to be out of the oppressive atmosphere, and she breathed a sigh of relief. “We are so lucky to work with such fabulous people,” Melody said.

  Smudge spun in a circle and gave a little yip of agreement.

  Chapter Two Hundred Thirty-Seven

  That night, Melody and Alvin left Smudge at home, curled up with her favorite frog squeaky toy, and a butter cookie. Melody had not mentioned her trip to the salon. It said it all when Alvin failed to notice her new cut. He would pay for that later, she thought with a cheeky smile.