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

her tone neutral. “And if that's what I decided?"
    Her mother shrugged. “I've already told you my opinion. Cops make lousy husbands."
    "So do arrogant lawyers who impose their will on others."
    "Stan believed he was acting in your best interests."
    "By keeping me from seeing my own friends and putting me down constantly? I don't think so.” She chomped on another piece of sandwich. “Anyway, I didn't come here to discuss Stan or my love life."
    Anita patted her hand. “I know, bubula. Are you going to let me take you to lunch for your birthday?"
    "Ugh, don't remind me. I don't want to get older."
    "You'd prefer the alternative? I doubt it."
    "I'm getting fat, and the sports club receptionist asked if I dyed my hair. Do I look that bad for my age?"
    "You look beautiful."
    "Soon I'll be getting wrinkles."
    Anita laughed, a pleasant sound like clinking crystal goblets. “Snap out of your mood, Marla. Or do you have PMS?"
    Marla nearly choked on a morsel of corned beef. “Hell, no. I had that last week."
    "Then you need something to focus on, so you don't think about yourself so much. Plan a dinner party. That always works when I'm depressed, because I get busy planning menus and can look forward to being with friends."
    "Thanks, but it sounds like more aggravation to me.” Finishing her sandwich, she fell silent. True, she'd been feeling restless lately. Was her moodiness due to a letdown after the holidays, or was she upset over her upcoming birthday? Either way, Ma was right. She needed a new goal, one that was more fun than getting into shape.
    Unwilling to address her insecurities further, she wiped her mouth with a napkin and got up. “What are you doing this afternoon?” she asked her mother. “I've got some errands to run if you want to come with me."
    Anita shook her head of short, white hair. “I have ballet tickets with my friend, Lil. I'm picking her up in a half hour.” She glanced at a table in the hallway. “I won't have time to stop at the pharmacy. My blood pressure prescription needs to be refilled."
    Marla spotted the paper with the doctor's scrawled handwriting. “Want me to drop this off? The pharmacy is on my list of errands. I need more vitamins and a few other things."
    "That would be helpful. Then I could pick up the medicine on my way back from the theater.” Anita embraced her in a quick hug. “Call me after you see Michael tomorrow. Your brother thought he might be coming down with a cold."
    "Maybe I'll bring him some zinc lozenges.” Marla grinned. “Have a good time at the ballet."
* * * *
    Hank Goodfellow was behind the counter at the pharmacy. After twelve years, his white-coated figure was a fixture in the community. Neighbors relied on his advice, which he dispensed with a twinkle in his blue eyes. At forty-two, his dark hair had receded considerably, but his face held enough character for him to be regarded as a handsome devil by female clients.
    "How are ya, Marla?” he queried when she approached. A wide grin lit his entire face. His winged brows lifted, the deep creases beside his eyes indicating that he smiled frequently.
    She tipped her head in acknowledgment. “Just fine, Hank. Here's a prescription for my mother. She'll stop by later to pick up the medicine."
    "Okay. You need any more of your favorite hand cream?"
    "No, thanks. That stuff really works, and I've been careful not to let my hands get too dry. They're not so chapped now."
    Hank glanced behind her, and his mouth tightened. “Excuse me, Marla. Here comes Wally."
    Marla twisted around to see Councilman Wallace Ritiker bearing down on them, an angry scowl on his face.
    "Hey, Marla,” he greeted her before turning his attention to the pharmacist. “Hank, can I have a word with you?"
    Marla caught the hint and drifted discreetly away. Studying a display of vitamins, she still heard every word they said.
    "I understand you had a break-in a couple of days ago,” Wally's voice grated in a low tone. “Why