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

and a white blouse unbuttoned to mid-bosom, revealing a lacy bra. “Slate shouldn't have asked Jolene out. He knows I'm hot for him, and I can handle his moods. He gets nasty when he's crossed."
    "How nasty?” Marla asked.
    "Why do you care?"
    "I was Jolene's hairdresser, and I'd like to understand what happened to her.” She glanced at Sharon, who gazed at Amy with an unconcealed look of contempt. Animosity crackled between the two women, and Marla wondered why. Was it merely their difference in values, or was it something more?
    When Sharon turned away to tend to another customer, Amy spoke. “If you're looking for someone who had a grudge against Jolene, don't bother with Slate. He's my territory, understand? Go talk to Keith Hamilton instead. That jerk is happy she's dead. So are a lot of other people around here."
    "Really? I'll keep that in mind.” Wishing she had time to question the girl further, Marla glanced at the wall clock and frowned. If she wanted to get her errands done, she'd better get moving. “I've got to go,” she said regretfully, “but thanks for the tip."
    After the girl went back to her post, Marla signaled to Sharon. “Book me with Slate for Wednesday at nine,” she said. “It could prove to be an interesting session."
* * * *
    "Why do you think Amy said those things to you?” asked Anita Shorstein an hour later.
    "Ma, please sit down. I have enough to eat, and it makes me nervous when you bustle around like that.” Holding a corned-beef-on-rye sandwich, Marla sat at her mother's small kitchen table. After Anita got a cream soda and joined her, Marla answered. “It sounds like Amy has the hots for Slate, who hit on Jolene. According to Amy, Slate might have gotten nasty when Jolene rejected him."
    Anita took a swallow of her drink. “Do you think he had anything to do with her death?"
    "As far as I know, no one had anything to do with Jolene's accident. I'm not sure what Amy meant, but maybe Slate will tell me his version when he gives me a massage on Wednesday."
    Anita waved an admonishing finger at her. “Is that wise, Marla? If you take my advice, you won't go back to the sports club. You didn't pay anything for your trial membership."
    "Tally would be disappointed if I dropped out now.” She chewed a bite of sandwich, relishing the salty meat. “Besides, I'm not a quitter. I didn't give up my position as chef coordinator for Taste of the World when someone sabotaged our efforts. Cynthia depended on me to do my job, just as Tally needs me to go with her now. I don't let my friends down."
    "That doesn't explain why you're making a big deal out of Jolene's tragic end. Somehow I don't think it's just because she was a client.” Anita's all-knowing motherly gaze met Marla's troubled glance.
    Putting down her sandwich, Marla folded her hands on the table. “Okay, so I'm bored."
    "Oh?"
    "Taste of the World gave me a focus for the past few months. I was so busy between the fund-raiser and work that I didn't have time to think about anything else. Now the holidays are over, and I'm stuck in my everyday routine again."
    "You should say a prayer every time you wake up in the morning to face another day. Be grateful for your routine.” Anita hardened her gaze. “Remember when Papa died? That phone call we got?"
    Marla hung her head. “Of course I do. His heart attack was totally unexpected."
    "Things could be worse. Think of that when you go about your daily business. Jolene's accident had nothing to do with you. Don't make it into more than it was to liven things up."
    "You're beginning to sound like Dalton."
    Anita rolled her eyes. “I hate to say this, but sometimes I agree with the man. Don't take that as approval of your irregular relationship with him."
    "Irregular? What does that mean?"
    "You're still dating other guys, like Ralph. I know the two of you are friends, but if you felt a commitment to Detective Vail, you wouldn't want to be in anyone's company but his."
    Marla kept