Styled for Murder Read online

  “How about the customer’s insinuations that he was on the take? Maybe he needs to pay for his kid’s doctors.”

  “I couldn’t come out and accuse him directly.”

  “Oh, no? That hasn’t stopped you before.”

  She heard the wry amusement in his tone and could imagine his wide grin. Her heart somersaulted at the image.

  She put her earpiece in so she could move around the kitchen. “I did ask Tobias about the quality of building materials and workmanship at Amaze Designs,” she said, rising to take her empty mug to the sink. She grimaced at the mound of dirty bottles that needed cleaning. “He said the company’s clientele were usually satisfied and complaints went along with the job.”

  “Not when so many of the complaints were directed against Jack,” Dalton pointed out. “It makes me wonder why Brad didn’t fire him.”

  “He got the jobs done, didn’t he? Maybe that’s all that counts in the long run,” Marla said.

  “Not if there’s any truth to the rumors about inferior products or unsafe craftsmanship. It’s possible the foreman had some kind of leverage over Brad for job security. Brad got rid of him in the only way he could.”

  “Or perhaps Caroline is the guilty party,” Marla suggested. “If she’s having an affair with the company president, she might do anything to preserve the status quo. Jack brought unwanted attention their way by garnering customer complaints. She could have killed him—or gotten someone else to do the deed—to protect Brad.”

  “Then again, we shouldn’t discard Nadia, a single parent who needs her job. She seemed innocent to you but that could be an act,” Dalton said.

  “I don’t really think she’d care that much. With her skills, Nadia could get a job elsewhere even if it didn’t meet her standards.” Marla rubbed her eyes. Despite the boost of caffeine, she wasn’t feeling any more energetic.

  “We can debate this later. You sound tired. Go take a nap.”

  “You’re right. I can barely keep my eyes open. We’ll talk more about it after dinner.”

  Yet Marla couldn’t sleep. She worried about the toll this situation was taking on her mother and on what it might do to Ma’s marriage. It didn’t bode well when you couldn’t trust the man you married. Why was Reed being so damn stubborn?

  Was he wary of incriminating himself, or could it be that he was nervous about a killer being out there? What did he know that he wasn’t telling them?

  Maybe Reed wasn’t afraid of being accused of murder. It could be he’d realized that unless he kept silent, he might become the next target.

  Chapter Twelve

  Marla called her mother back and warned her to be careful, just in case she and Reed were in any danger. She didn’t relate it to Reed’s reticence to talk but explained her warning based on logic.

  “I’m just nervous thinking about a murderer being on your property. Don’t let your guard down. Somebody might hold a grudge against Reed, and that could be why he wrapped that tie around the dead man’s neck.”

  “Oh, my. Should we put our alarm on during the day?” Anita squealed into the phone.

  “Not if you’re home. Just be vigilant, that’s all. Listen, I’m planning to call Michael to see what’s new with him.”

  If she’d hoped to sooth Ma’s fears by discussing her brother, it didn’t work. Their conversation only brought up his marital issues.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to him,” Marla promised before ringing off. She’d failed to reduce Anita’s worries and instead had only added to them.

  Not in the mood to get involved in anybody else’s affairs and busy with chores, she didn’t get around to making the call to Michael until the following afternoon.

  She had a free moment on Tuesday during her lunch break at the salon. After grabbing her turkey sandwich from the fridge, Marla sat on a stool and dialed Michael’s number.

  “How is Charlene doing? Any change in her plans?” she asked, unwrapping her sandwich and taking a bite.

  “She’s still intent on leaving,” Michael said in a morose tone. “I’ve consulted a lawyer as you suggested to see what my options might be regarding the kids. I’m not certain, but Florida law might not allow Charlene to take them if she leaves the state.”

  “I’m sorry you have to go through this. How much do Jacob and Rebecca understand about what’s going on?” At ages ten and six, respectively, they could tell something was wrong.

  “Jacob realizes his mommy isn’t happy. I’ve reassured him that it’s about his mother’s job and has nothing to do with him. She still loves him even if she’s annoyed with me.”

  Marla hoped they didn’t argue in front of the children or talk loud enough that little ears could hear. “Have you talked to Ma about it?”

  “I don’t want to bother her. She has her own problems. What’s new with the murder case?”

  Marla updated him on their progress.

  “Who’s your strongest suspect?” Michael asked, while voices sounded in the background. She’d caught him at work at his investment firm. They didn’t have much time before his next client appointment.

  She took a gulp from her water bottle. “The granite dealer has the best motive as a parent protecting his child. My other bet is on the home office. Brad, the company president, clearly has something to hide. His assistant may know what it is, but she won’t talk. We have a few other possibilities as well.” She mentioned the celebrity actress and her manager, the girlfriend’s brother, the tile installer, the permit inspector, and Jack’s son. Their motives might be fuzzy, but they weren’t out of the picture.

  “Be careful, sis. You don’t know which rock you turn over that will hide a snake.”

  “You’re right. I’ve told Ma to watch her back. I’m wondering if Reed is keeping silent to protect her. He might be afraid to reveal what he knows because then the killer will go after him next. And by association, his wife as well.”

  “That’s a scary thought. What other reason would he have for being uncooperative? I don’t like that he’s not confiding in Ma.”

  “I agree. We’ve invited them to join us at a home expo this coming weekend. Maybe we can coax Reed into revealing what he knows.”

  “Good luck. I hope it works out.”

  “Keep me posted on your situation, too. I’m here to support you, whatever happens with Charlene.”

  Marla rang off, depressed by their conversation. She’d hate it for Michael to get into a custody battle over the kids. Things were bad enough with their mother’s issues.

  As she polished off her sandwich and the bottle of water, she mused over her findings in the murder case. It irked her that the lead investigator hadn’t made an arrest yet. Why was Wanner dragging his heels? He must not have enough evidence to convict anyone. But did he still suspect Reed of masterminding the foreman’s death?

  If so, why would her stepdad wrap his own tie around Jack’s neck?

  That tie could be the clue to determining why Jack was killed and how Reed fit into the scheme. Surely Wanner had spoken to Reed’s former colleagues by now. What had he learned about Reed’s relationship to Jack?

  There had to be some factor she and Dalton were missing.

  As she headed back into the salon, Marla decided to review the case with Nicole. The other stylist was sharp at coming up with new angles.

  But this time, Nicole didn’t have anything to add. She put a hand on her belly as she regarded Marla. “I hope you get this case solved fast. I’m excited about our Memorial Day barbecue and want you to enjoy it. Kevin got me a new apron to wear. Wait until you see what it says.” Her eyes sparkled and her lips quirked in a half-smile.

  Marla’s gaze dropped to her friend’s hand and where it was positioned. Hmm, was something brewing that Nicole and Kevin meant to share?

  It made her think of Jack’s girlfriend who’d made the exact same gesture outside at the gravesite. Could this possibility also apply to Hannah?

  Her next customer arrived, and Marla�
�s thoughts evaporated. She didn’t consider the case again until later that evening when Dalton raised the topic.

  “I spoke to Wanner this afternoon,” he said, sitting in bed wearing only a pair of pajama bottoms. He’d picked up a book, the biography of an explorer, and rested it on his lap.

  “Oh? What did he say?” Standing by the dresser, Marla let her gaze roam from his manly chest to his angular face. Her interest stirred, but she tamped it down. After caring for Ryder and dealing with her other chores, she lacked the energy for lovemaking.

  “He shared the suspects’ alibis. Nadia was at her kid’s school function that morning. Caroline and Brad alibied each other. They met at the office to confer on a new project that had come in.”

  “That’s convenient. How about the tile guy? He’s the one who found the body.”

  “Lenny Brooks claims he’d left his house around eight-thirty. It’s normally a half hour drive but traffic held him up. He didn’t get to your mom’s house until nine-fifteen or so.”

  “What’s the estimated time of death?”

  “Between seven and nine. Your mother left to go grocery shopping around eight. There were no other cars out front. She was home by nine. Lenny’s truck wasn’t there yet.”

  “He could have arrived earlier and parked elsewhere. How about the others involved?”

  “Pete had another job, although he didn’t get there until ten. He can’t account for his earlier hours. Juan had a leak in his tire and was waiting for it to get fixed at the auto place. Wanner verified his statement.”

  “So Pete’s movements were unaccounted for during that time, and Lenny may have arrived sooner than he said. Anybody else?”

  “That’s all Wanner gave me.”

  She moved to her nightstand to check the portable video monitor. Ryder was sound asleep in his crib. He looked so adorable that she had to resist the urge to go in there and kiss him.

  Dalton followed the direction of her glance. “He’s lost his pacifier. Should we put another one near him?”

  “No, we might wake him up. He’s conked out, thank goodness.”

  Marla and Dalton had sworn they wouldn’t use the device, but one day, Ryder had been howling and nothing had soothed him. They’d stuck a pacifier in his mouth and were awed by the instant silence. Now he was addicted, but the doctor said it was better than his thumb.

  “Is there anyone else who didn’t have an alibi that you know about?” Marla moved to the bedside and plumped her pillows, appreciating the freshly laundered scent. She’d finally been able to do their sheets and towels in between the baby’s loads.

  “An employee at the granite place said George Eustice had gotten to work late that morning. He’s still a prime candidate in my mind. But Wanner agrees there’s something fishy about the design company. We’ll see those folks again at the home expo. It’ll be a good chance to ask around about them.”

  “That’s a long way off yet. I’ve too much to get done before the weekend.”

  Weariness dragged at her. With a groan of fatigue, she lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. She murmured an affectionate goodnight and turned off the light.

  Soon blissful sleep pulled her into its embrace.

  The girlfriend’s image wafted into her mind from a dream. She mentioned it to Dalton as they went through their morning routine the next day.

  “Did Wanner ever interview Hannah as a person of interest?” she asked as she sat at the kitchen table feeding Ryder his breakfast.

  “We didn’t discuss her. They’d already broken up, so what reason would she have to get rid of him?” Dalton, in a rush to get to a work meeting, collected his wallet, keys and other pocket items from where he’d tossed them on a counter the night before. She sniffed his favorite spice aftershave in his wake.

  “Hannah was afraid her brother would find out she’d gone to Jack’s funeral. When I asked the permit inspector about her, Tobias said he’d never met the girl. However, he did admit Jack had a temper. Do you think Jack might have been abusive toward Hannah, and the brother took steps to end their relationship on a permanent basis?”

  Dalton’s brows lifted. “I can suggest to Wanner that he talk to the woman and ask about the brother. You could be far off base, but it’s an idea worth checking out.”

  Another idea jolted her. “Here’s a different possibility. Maybe Jack and Hannah split up because he lost interest in her. That could have happened when Jack got fixated on George’s daughter.”

  “I’ll mention these theories to Wanner. You never know what’ll pan out in a case.”

  Ryder babbled from his seat at the kitchen table, drawing her attention. He pushed the bottle away when she offered him another drink and made a grimace that she recognized.

  “Uh-oh. He’s pooping. I’ll have to change his diaper again before we leave.”

  “Can you manage by yourself? I’ve got to go.” Dalton put a hand on her shoulder, his eyes shining with love and concern.

  “Yes, of course. Have a good day.”

  Her morning off to a good start, she hummed on her way to the salon, after dropping Ryder off at daycare. But her happy mood evaporated when Robyn handed her an envelope at work with her name typed on it.

  She turned it over in her hand, puzzled by the lack of a return address. “Where did you get this?” she asked the receptionist.

  “It was on the front bench. I brought it inside, figuring one of our customers must have left you a note.”

  Marla waited until she’d reached her station and put away her purse before opening it. What she saw made her blood run cold. She stared at the message typed on the paper.

  STOP ASKING QUESTIONS. YOU DON’T WANT YOUR FAMILY TO BE HURT.

  Her breath came short. She stood frozen, her hands shaking. When reason returned, she dropped the paper on the countertop, aware she shouldn’t put her fingerprints all over it.

  “What’s wrong?” Nicole asked from the next chair over. The other stylist had been reviewing her schedule. She put it down and stepped closer. “Did that note upset you?” Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the contents. “Omigosh, Marla, do you know who sent it?”

  “How would I? It could be from anyone.” Her pitch rose as she fought hysteria. Any potential threat to Ryder had to be taken seriously.

  “You have to tell Dalton.”

  “I know.” She steeled herself to face this problem rationally. After taking a cell phone photo of the message, she donned a pair of gloves, carefully refolded the paper, and put it back into the envelope. She put this inside a paper bag from the storeroom and hid the nasty item in a drawer.

  “You realize what this means, don’t you? You’re getting close to the killer,” Nicole said, hovering nearby. “Who have you spoken to most recently? Something must have triggered this warning.”

  Marla waved a hand in the air, her body still trembling. “I talked to guests at Jack’s funeral, then I had a chat with the permit inspector. Actually, we mentioned our families.”

  “This note was delivered to your business address. It’s possible the sender doesn’t know where you live. That’s a good thing,” Nicole pointed out.

  “You could be right. I have given my business card to everyone I’ve encountered.”

  “Do you think the threat refers to Ryder or to Anita and Reed?”

  She stared at Nicole. “I’ve no idea. It could be either or both. I’ll send Dalton a photo along with my text.”

  He called her back almost immediately. “You’re done investigating this case, Marla. You can’t jeopardize yourself or our family when we have Ryder to consider. Have you noticed any unusual cars cruising the parking lot there? It’s likely the person who left the message stuck around to make sure you got it.”

  Her gaze flew toward the front window as she squinted for a better view. “If true, it’s too late for me to spot anyone now. I stuck the envelope in a bag in case you want to check it for prints, although Robyn and I have both touched it.”

 
“I’ll come over and pick it up.”

  “Will you tell Detective Wanner about this?” she asked, realizing the fellow might confiscate the item if he thought it related to his case.

  “I’d rather send the note to my lab,” Dalton replied. “Meanwhile, I’m going to call Ryder’s school and tell them to notify us if anyone comes around asking about him. Their security is tight, but we can’t be too careful. That goes for you, too.”

  “I know.” As her first client walked in, Marla cut their conversation short. “My nine-thirty appointment just arrived. I’ll see you soon.”

  Busy working on her customer’s hair, Marla paused when Dalton walked through the door twenty minutes later. He hadn’t wasted any time in coming over.

  She gave him a peck on the mouth in greeting. With her client waiting for her to finish a cut and blowout, she couldn’t stop to discuss the case. She handed Dalton the bagged envelope and nodded her farewell.

  All through the day, she startled easily and kept glancing toward the entrance. Obviously, she’d riled someone enough to warn her off. The most logical person was Tobias Banyan since she had spoken to him last.

  The permit inspector had dodged her questions about sketchy actions by the design company and his own possible complicity. Yet he could be much more culpable than he’d appeared. She moved him a few notches higher on her suspect list even though he lacked a strong motive. Would Jack have really ratted him out for taking bribes? If so, Jack would be admitting his own involvement in offering the payments.

  Then again, the annoyed customer in the review had only mentioned an exchange between the permit inspector and a workman. He hadn’t said who had paid whom, assuming money was the item passed along. What if Tobias had been the one paying off Jack for some reason?

  That idea deserved consideration, but she didn’t have time. Work occupied her attention throughout the rest of the day.

  Finally on her way home, she peered into her rearview mirror to make sure she wasn’t being followed. Fortunately, it had been Dalton’s turn to pick up Ryder at daycare.