11 Hanging by a Hair Read online

  Marla shuffled through the sheaf of papers while a sense of overkill stretched up her spine. “May I ask why you are applying for this position when you’re obviously so well qualified?”

  “I could get my hair and nails done for free, right? It’s not like I can afford these prices on my own. I’m willing to tackle anything.” Her face colored. “Well, almost anything. I wouldn’t want to sweep hair off the floor. Ugh.”

  Marla’s lips tightened. “Thank you for coming by. I’d like to look these over, and then I’ll give you a call back if I’m interested in going further.”

  Another strikeout, she thought glumly as she pushed open the door to her salon. Luis looked at her hopefully until she gave him a quick shake of her head.

  The familiar noises and smells of her salon brought comfort as the afternoon progressed. She was walking to the front to search for her next customer when she spotted a familiar face at one of the nail stations.

  “Susan, it’s nice to see you again,” Marla said to the woman who lived on the other side of Krabber’s house.

  “Likewise, Marla. I thought I’d try getting a manicure here.”

  Marla nodded at the technician. “Linnie is one of our best.” She shifted feet. “Thanks for taking charge of the toys at the garage sale. I really appreciated your help.”

  “Oh, you’re welcome. We made out great, didn’t we?”

  “I believe so, although Cherry hasn’t tabulated all the results yet.”

  “No big surprise, since she was so busy talking to that guy from the protest, and then I saw her with Ron Cloakman later.” Susan held out her other hand for the manicurist to tend.

  Hadn’t Gene Uris mentioned his name to Marla? “What business would Cherry have with him?” They had three different builders within the community. Ron was the master planner for the neighborhood. Part of their HOA dues went to his company.

  “Something to do with our funds, maybe? As treasurer, Cherry is responsible for the budget.”

  “I suppose that’s possible.” Too bad Marla hadn’t met the guy.

  “Is anything new with our mutual neighbor?”

  Marla glanced around to see who was listening besides the nail tech. “It’s officially a homicide case. They finally announced it on the news.”

  “Scary, isn’t it? I wish they’d hire our security guard for the daytime, too.”

  “Dalton would like to get involved on the committee. Maybe you could suggest it to the Board. Gene wasn’t too enthusiastic about the idea.”

  “I’ll do that, Marla.”

  Marla’s next client arrived, and she stayed busy until four o’clock when her cell phone buzzed. Dalton had texted her to call him when she had a free moment.

  “What’s up?” she said, squinting in the afternoon sun. She’d gone outside to make the call in private.

  “I have bad news.” His deep voice sounded gloomy. “Cherry Hunter is dead.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  * * *

  “Oh, my God. How did that happen?” Marla clapped a hand to her mouth.

  “Her body was found inside her garage. She’d been bludgeoned to death.”

  “That’s horrible. Susan Feinberg and I were just talking about her. Who discovered the poor woman?” She thought of Cherry’s kids who would be called home from college. How terrible for them.

  “The mailman who happened to be walking by and smelled something peculiar.”

  “No one heard or saw anything?”

  Cherry’s car headlights would have been on as she parked her vehicle. She could have seen anyone hiding in the garage, so the bad guy must have been waiting in the shadows outside. He’d crept in after she’d parked and rushed her when she came out the driver’s door. But then she would have yelled for help, unless it didn’t happen that way at all. What if she didn’t call out because she knew the killer?

  “Did you find the weapon?” Marla forced herself to ask.

  “We searched through the tools in the garage but nothing stood out.”

  “We? Are you assigned to the case? Who’s your partner?” Numbness claimed her. She kept seeing Cherry’s dark hair, unseeing eyes, and painted red mouth open for the bugs to fly in.

  “I’m reinstated to my team. The chief feels Cherry Hunter’s death may be related to Krabber’s murder and that I can be a valuable asset.”

  “I’m glad for you, Dalton. It’s about time Chief Williams realized you can be useful in that regard.” She ran a shaky hand over her face as a couple of young women sidestepped her and proceeded along to Arnie’s deli.

  “You said you were just talking about the victim?” Dalton’s deep voice sharpened her mind and helped her to focus.

  “Susan is here getting her nails done. She said she’d seen Cherry talking to Ron Cloakman at the garage sale. Part of our HOA dues goes to his company.”

  “I vaguely remember noting that in our homeowner’s documents. I’ll have to check. Didn’t you say Hunter could be related to that Indian guy who staged the protest?”

  “Yes, but can we discuss this later? My next customer is pulling into a parking space.”

  “All right. I love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  She stayed mute as she went indoors to prepare for her client. Her tongue itched to tell the news to Susan, but she’d have to wait until the police issued a public report. Sometimes it was tough having insider knowledge, but it came with the territory of being married to a cop. Dalton needed someone to confide in, and she served that purpose.

  Maybe she could be more helpful. She’d wanted to talk to Herb Poltice, and now that mission became even more imperative.

  The police would be sure to talk to the tribal shaman, especially after his altercation with Cherry and his protest in front of their clubhouse. He could be a person of interest in her death as well as Alan Krabber’s. Marla didn’t want to spoil their interview, so she’d have to wait until after Lieutenant Minnetti or Dalton spoke to him.

  Now that her husband was back on the case, he might become more tight-lipped about their findings. But that didn’t mean Marla had to be quiet. If she learned anything new after speaking to Herb herself, she’d pass on the info to Dalton. Likely Herb would only repeat what he told the detectives.

  When Sunday rolled around, she broached the subject to Dalton during their morning walk. They’d driven down to Hollywood Beach to stroll the Broadwalk and shop in the organic farmer’s market. Brie had gone to a friend’s house to work on a school project.

  Outside, the temperature had risen to the low seventies and the air was scented with the tang of the sea as they strode along the wide concrete strip bordering the beach. Roller skaters and joggers stuck to their designated lane while people of all ages walked the miles-long trail. One café after another sported customers wolfing down breakfast. Marla’s mouth watered as she sniffed the aromas of bacon and coffee. In the near distance, the sun rose at the eastern horizon, casting jeweled sparkles on the water. Peace settled over her soul. While walking here, one could forget about daily concerns.

  And that’s precisely why she’d suggested they take a walk there today. Dalton could relax, and maybe he’d be more forthcoming about the case. She couldn’t turn off her curiosity if she tried.

  She brought him up to date on her attempts to find a replacement for Luis, making him laugh with her descriptions of the applicants. Then she segued the conversation toward her discussion with Susan.

  “Did you ever speak to Ron Cloakman?” she asked.

  “Very briefly.” Dalton maintained a brisk pace.

  “Where is his office located?” Marla dodged an older couple with a slow gait. She glanced to their left. A yoga class was performing stretches on the beach.

  “He’s in Miami at Brickell. His company owns multiple real estate holdings.”

  “Why did he stop by the garage sale? Was it specifically to speak to Cherry?”

  “I’ll find out on Monday. I’m planning to drive down there
to talk to him.”

  Marla turned her brightest smile on him. “Can I go? I have the day off, and a nice drive would take my mind off things. We could do lunch after you finish your interview.”

  Well aware of her methods, Dalton gave her a searing glance through his sunglasses. “Kat is going with me. I don’t think she’d appreciate having a civilian tag along.”

  “How about Herb Poltice? Have you spoken to him since Cherry’s death?”

  Dalton nodded, a lock of hair falling across his forehead. “Kat and I touched base with him. He didn’t have much to add to what we already know. We’re thinking of bringing him in for questioning.”

  “Have you found out where he works? I’d never heard of his tribe before.” She knew of the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood and the Miccosukee place on Sample Road. Those were the two main ones in Broward County.

  They passed the concert shell on the left where people could come for open-air entertainment. Colorful art deco buildings bordered the walkway on their right. She cast an envious glance at a woman and young girl sitting outside on their own patio eating croissants. This beach was popular with French-speaking Canadian snowbirds who bought seaside condos.

  “The Immowakee tribe has a smaller casino further west on Sample,” Dalton replied, fast-walking past a slower fellow in Bermuda shorts and his bejeweled wife.

  Marla broadened her stride to match his pace. “Oh? I’ve never heard of one out there. Why don’t we swing by this afternoon?”

  “It’s Sunday. He isn’t likely to be there.”

  “Isn’t the casino open twenty-four hours? He might have a shift today. And if not, you can ask around where to find him.”

  “I don’t think so. I’ll follow up with Minnetti. You should concentrate on your salon problems and not on my business.”

  Marla tightened her lips. Like that’s stopped me before. “Sure, honey. You’re absolutely right. I have enough to keep me busy.”

  Knowing he’d be occupied in Miami the next day prompted her to call her friend Tally later that afternoon. Marla sat in the study with the door closed. Dalton was watching TV, and Brianna was on the landline in her bedroom. Marla intended to track down Herb Poltice and wouldn’t mind having a girlfriend along for the ride.

  “Hi, Marla. I’ve been meaning to call you.” Tally’s voice sounded exuberant.

  “Really? I’m wondering if you want to meet me for lunch tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at your store, if you can get away from work for a few hours.”

  “A few hours? Where did you want to go?”

  “I’d like to drive to an Indian casino. I’m hoping to talk to the guy who staged the protest at our garage sale.” She filled Tally in on recent developments.

  “Holy smokes, Marla, you don’t quit, do you?”

  “It would help Dalton if I can find out more information. I feel awful about Cherry. That man might know something important.”

  “That’s why you should let the detectives do their job. Anyway, I can’t get away for that long. If you’d like to go somewhere local, I can meet you.”

  “It’s the only time I have free, sorry.” Marla hesitated. “Speaking of work, I’m having shortages of inventory. I told Luis to have surveillance cameras installed. Do you have them in your shop?”

  “Not yet, although it’s a good idea. With the prices today, I’m not surprised that some people pilfer things. Do you have any idea who might be involved?”

  “There’s one employee who’s always giving me problems, but I’m not sure she’s guilty. I don’t want to make assumptions. On top of this issue, Luis is leaving. I’ve been interviewing candidates for a replacement. It’s hard to find someone qualified to run our computer programs and who would be happy as a receptionist.”

  “No kidding. I’ll keep my ears open in case I hear of anyone looking for a job.”

  “Enough about my problems. What’s new with you? Are you feeling okay?”

  “Oh, sure. Ken and I have been checking out baby supplies. You wouldn’t believe the cost of strollers! A good one costs, like, over three hundred dollars.”

  “No way.”

  “One baby store sells cribs that convert into twin beds and changing tables that turn into full-size dressers. They’re made from good-quality wood and are expensive. I don’t want to spend that much! We’d rather get standard baby furniture and then buy a bedroom set later when Luke is old enough.”

  “Luke? You know you’re having a son?” Marla’s voice rose. This was noteworthy news.

  “We found out on the ultrasound. Ken couldn’t stand to wait, although I wouldn’t have minded being surprised. This is what I meant to discuss with you. I wouldn’t ask it of anyone else, but we’ve been close friends for so long. Will you give me a baby shower?”

  Her jaw dropped. “Why, uh, I’d be honored.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll help you with the plans.”

  Marla’s thoughts collided, and she said the first thing that came to mind. “You’ll register for gifts, right, in case people ask me what to get?”

  “Of course. I’ll pay for it, Marla, since this was my idea. It just doesn’t look right for me to hold a shower for myself.”

  “Don’t be silly. I should have thought of it first.” Her face heated. If she hadn’t been so caught up in sleuthing, she might have been more thoughtful. “Give me some potential dates, and I’ll get to work on the arrangements.”

  “Super. I’m sorry I can’t go with you tomorrow. Let me know what happens, and good luck on finding a replacement for Luis. He’s a peach.”

  Marla gave up on her plan to visit Herb at his casino, deciding she should let Dalton and his partner do their job, until her mother called. Ten minutes later, she hung up with a smug smile on her face. Anita had asked Marla to accompany her to the Festival Flea Market on Monday. Marla agreed, if Anita would visit the nearby casino with her beforehand. Marla’s mother hadn’t needed any convincing to hit the slot machines.

  “I wonder what kind of games they have,” her mother said in the car on their northbound journey. “I’ve been to the Hard Rock in Hollywood but never to this place.”

  Marla kept to her lane on the turnpike. At eleven o’clock on Monday morning, traffic had thinned. “Those machines are beyond me. They’re way too confusing.”

  She’d been to a Seminole casino once, and the flashing lights and general din in the slot machine section had thrown her into sensory overload. She couldn’t spare the time to learn the games, including the Florida lottery, nor did she care to waste her hard-earned cash. She’d rather go shopping and have something to show for the expense.

  She turned into a wide driveway lined with stately royal palms. At the far end rose a palatial white structure with garish neon signs. Locating the self-parking lot, Marla drove around until she found an empty space. It was crowded for a weekday, but tourists probably came here.

  She slung her purse strap over one shoulder and exited the car. Warm air drifted her way, along with the aroma of barbecued meat. Her mouth watered. They’d eat lunch after Marla spoke to Herb Poltice, and then they would head over to the indoor flea market.

  A bewildering array of slot machines faced them as they entered the spacious carpeted lobby. Anita wandered off to try her luck while Marla looked for an official to query. Displays of Native American artifacts stood about in glass cases or hung on the walls, properly labeled for the curious viewer. Marla strode past a painting of the Everglades on her way to the cashier. Maybe she could get the info she needed over there. Otherwise, she could always ask the bartender. A bustling bar nestled in the center was trimmed in gleaming brass and rich mahogany. It wasn’t too early for the drinkers who sat on cushioned stools.

  “Excuse me,” she said to the woman behind the cashier’s window. “I’m looking for Herb Poltice. He’s a tribal shaman, and I’ve been told he works out of this location.”

  “Sorry, I’m with the casino staff, honey. You must be looking for administration.”


  “Are their offices elsewhere?”

  “I really don’t know. You might ask Tom Fairweather. He’s head of security.”

  “Okay, thanks.” Marla searched for someone in authority. For all she knew, these employees might have nothing to do with the Immowakee tribe.

  After several more inquiries, she finally located the security chief. He was speaking to a uniformed guard in the doorway to a high-stakes game room.

  “Oh, sure,” he said upon her introduction. “Herb’s office is upstairs. I’ll take you there. Is he expecting you?” The man gave her a scrutinizing glance.

  “Not exactly. I wasn’t sure where to find him, but I need to discuss an important issue with him. We’ve met before at Royal Oaks.”

  “Why don’t you wait here then, and I’ll see if he’s available.”

  “Tell him it’s about Cherry Hunter.” Marla paced the carpet, hoping her mother was occupying herself. She scanned the patrons at the slot machines but didn’t see Anita’s head of short white hair.

  Her heart thumped in nervous anticipation. Would Herb be present and agree to see her?

  Cherry’s visage floated into her mind. Marla couldn’t believe she was dead. What motive could someone have had to kill her? Was her death related to Alan Krabber’s?

  Her speculation was cut short when the security man hurried up to her, a look of approval in his eyes. “Herb will see you now, miss. This way, please.”

  Marla glanced around in awe as she followed the guy through a private door, up a flight of stairs and down a carpeted hallway. Glimpses of offices showed luxurious furnishings, comparable to those downstairs. Undoubtedly, the casino did quite well in terms of income if the elegant administrative wing was any indication.

  Herb’s sumptuous corner made her gulp in surprise. She hadn’t expected a shaman to inhabit such plush surroundings, not when his practice relied on herbal medicine and the spirits to guide him. But what did she know about modern medicine men and their culture?

  “Mrs. Vail, isn’t it?” He came around the side of his desk to shake her hand.

  “Yes, that’s right. Thank you for meeting with me.”