Murder by Manicure by Nancy J. Cohen Read Free Book Online

with her?"
    Tally shifted uncomfortably. “No, I own a dress boutique. What's your beef, lady? Marla hasn't done anything to you. Why don't you pick on someone your size?” Tally's considerable height above the shorter woman gave her words more emphasis.
    If Cookie's eyes could have spurted venom, Tally would have been dead. “Are you meaning to take me on?” Cookie snarled. “Go ahead, I've got room for the two of you. From now on, you're both on my blacklist. Watch your backs, ladies.” Thrusting her chin forward, she marched out.
    Tally swiped a hand across her brow. “Whew, I'm glad she's gone. What a witch! She's got a hell of a nerve talking to you like that."
    Marla shrugged. “I'm not going to lose any sleep over her. Sorry to cut this short, but Ma expects me for lunch, and I've got to do some errands on the way.” Pulling a cranberry sweater and black slacks from her bag, she proceeded to switch outfits. She didn't care to be seen in her sweatsuit around town.
    "When shall we meet here again?” Tally asked.
    "Well, let's see. Tomorrow, I'm visiting my brother and his family. Tuesday evening, I promised to take Brianna to dance class.” Noting Tally's raised eyebrows, Marla offered a quick explanation. “Dalton has to work late for a few weeks, so he'll be unable to take her. I said I'd do it, but it doesn't mean we're getting more involved."
    Tally snorted. “That's what you think, darling."
    Pointing a finger, Marla leaned forward. “Look, I'm not a schmuck. I won't let myself get tied down on a regular basis. You know I'm not into kids and that whole routine."
    "Uh-huh."
    "Wipe that expression off your face, pal. Unless you want to be added to my blacklist,” she mimicked with a grin.
    Tally snatched up her gym bag and slung the strap over her shoulder. “What about Wednesday night? Any plans? I know you work late on Thursdays."
    "Okay, Wednesday it is.” She rolled her neck. “I should make a massage appointment. My shoulders have been stiff lately, and I could use a good rubdown."
    "You try it first,” Tally said, grinning. “I've never had a real massage, but then Ken has magic fingers. Maybe you should ask Dalton to rub your neck."
    "Yeah, right.” Marla wouldn't want him to stop there. The prospect of his fingers touching her skin sent tingles of delight along her nerves, as she could just imagine his caress descending lower. “What time Wednesday should we meet?” she rasped, a heated flush warming her face.
    "How about seven o'clock? We can work out on the machines and try the low-impact aerobics class, unless you want to stick with Dancercize."
    "We'll see. I'll make a massage appointment for nine."
    She approached Sharon at the reception counter. Whoever normally staffed the massage desk was absent. “Who are your other therapists besides Slate?” she asked. “I need an appointment for Wednesday night."
    Sharon's nose crinkled. “Manny Kosmo might be available, but if you want my honest opinion, he's not as good as Slate. Wait here; I'll get the appointment book."
    "Did Jolene schedule a massage with Manny on Friday night?” Marla asked when Sharon had returned.
    Sharon flipped a couple pages back in the calendar. “Manny's name is crossed out. He's been sick all weekend, so he must have canceled his appointments for Friday."
    Leaning her elbow on the counter, Marla lowered her voice. “Does that mean Jolene switched to Slate? She didn't like him because he'd asked her for a date and got angry when she refused him. Or so she told me."
    "Slate is used to getting his way,” grated a harsh voice behind her.
    "Amy, this conversation doesn't involve you,” Sharon said in an icy tone.
    Turning, Marla caught the Smoothie King attendant running stiff fingers through her bleached hair. You need your roots done, pal, she thought, her gaze drawn to the dark-brown layer growing in.
    Amy frowned, a movement that accentuated the creases in her overly made-up face. She wore skintight jeans