Massage & Murder (A Cozy Spa Mystery Book 1)

by Jenn Cowan

  Josh clears his throat and I glance over at him. He motions for me to follow him.

  Travis quirks an eyebrow. I mouth “Cafeteria” and he nods.

  Josh leads me down the hallway. Neither of us speaking. I think we’re both still shell shocked by everything we just heard.

  “Do you think Vicky killed April?” Josh shivers.

  The smell of disinfectant hits me as we turn a corner. “I don’t know. It sure sounds like it. If Vicky killed April then who killed Vicky?”

  He gives me a look. I know what he’s thinking, we’re both thinking it as we run into a familiar dark-haired friend.

  “Sally.”

  “Isn’t it awful?” Her eyes are blood shot and there are tear streaks are on her cheeks. “I can’t believe Vicky is dead.”

  I exchange a look with Josh. He frowns. I turn back to Sally. “Did you get a chance to see her before she died?”

  Sally shakes her head. “I showed up right after. Bethany had just found her.”

  I exchange a look with Josh. Seems a little too convenient.

  Dr. Gregory comes up behind Sally and wraps his arms around her tiny waist then kisses the top of her head before looking at us. “I’m sorry to hear about your boss. The security around here is awful. Sometimes I think working in Chicago was safer. At least we had guards on staff.”

  “That’s why we’re moving back, honey,” Sally leans back into his chest.

  “Honey?” I try to keep the level of surprise out of my voice.

  Sally sniffles then smiles. “I’ve talked Brian into coming back to Chicago with me. We’re going to give our relationship another shot.”

  I’m speechless. I must look like a deer in headlights because Josh nudges me in the ribs. “Well…that’s unexpected.”

  He nudges me harder.

  “I mean…Congratulations?” I say it more like a question than a statement. I’m totally confused. Didn’t Sally just tell us at breakfast Brian or Dr. Gregory was planning to stay here?

  Sally wipes her eyes then takes Brian’s hand. “We’re leaving right after Vicky’s funeral whenever that will be. Hopefully, before the end of the week.” She wraps her free hand around Brian’s arm and puts her head on his shoulder before looking at us. “We’re going to grab some coffee and check on Bethany. Want to join us?”

  “No. Thank you.”

  They nod and walk off.

  I watch them walk away hand in hand. “What just happened?”

  Josh shrugs. “Beats me.”

  “I thought Dr. Gregory was staying here.”

  “Love makes you do crazy things.”

  “Or murder does.”

  14

  “I’m closing the spa for the week.” Bethany’s voice is shaky as she taps on the computer keys. “I have so much to do before the funeral on Thursday.” It’s Monday and we’re huddled around the receptionist desk. “There’s not enough time to get everything done in between working here and planning Mom’s-”, her voice breaks off and tears spill from her eyes.

  I move around the desk and pull her into a hug.

  She gives me a squeeze then steps back, wipes her eyes and says, “I’m sorry. I know you both need the hours.”

  “We’re good. You take care of you this week and let us know if we can help with any arrangements.” Josh pats Bethany on the shoulder.

  She smiles up at him and nods.

  “Do you need us to reschedule any clients?” I turn toward the desk to see what she’s been working on. Josh and I are a little concerned Bethany will close the spa. She’s young. Only twenty-one. She doesn’t have much business experience. Her mom was grooming her to take over, but she’s nowhere near ready to take on everything that goes with running a spa. Our jobs could be in jeopardy.

  Bethany toys with the end of her braid and stares blankly at the computer screen. “I sent out a mass email to all the clients last night informing them of mother’s passing although everyone probably already knows, but I included the funeral details and told them we would be closed this week. I’m going to finish up some paperwork then head to the funeral home. You two can go. I want to be alone.”

  Josh and I exchange a look. Something seems off with Bethany. I know she just lost her mother, but she seems like she’s in shock.

  “Are you sure everything is ok?”

  Bethany blinks then focuses on me. “I’m fine. Why?”

  “You seem…well…not yourself.”

  She blinks again. “My mother just died. I don’t know how to run a business. I don’t know how to do anything. She did everything. I’m lost without her,” She drops her head in her hands and sobs.

  I bend down and give her another hug. “We’ll help you, Bethany. We’re a team.” I look to Josh for support.

  “Autumn’s right. We’re a team. The spa is in good hands. Nothing has to change.” He pats Bethany’s shoulder again.

  “Everything has changed. I don’t know if I can do this.”

  “Do what?” I ask, a sinking feeling forming in my gut.

  “The spa. I’m not sure I can keep it open.” Bethany bursts into another round of tears.

  She sobs onto my shoulder, soaking my black scrub top. Several minutes pass which seem like hours. My knees start to wobble and feel about to give out. I need to get up, but don’t want to seem insensitive. I pray she’s almost done, but don’t want to rush her.

  “I’m sorry, guys.” Bethany lifts her head and wipes her eyes.

  Josh hands her a tissue as I stand up.

  She takes the tissue, blows her nose then stares at us. “I’m not prepared to make any decisions right now. That’s another reason I want to close the spa. I need time to wrap my mind around things.”

  “Of course. We totally understand.” I reach out and squeeze her shoulder. “We’ll leave you to your work and check in later. Call if you need anything.”

  Bethany nods and turns back to the computer.

  I follow Josh from the room as I glance around the spa. The chipping white paint, green tile, framed pictures of hot stones and palm trees line the walls. This place has been my second home for the past ten years. The thought of it closing makes my stomach and my heart hurt. I sigh and run a hand through my ponytail. Static crackles and shocks my fingers.

  Josh is putting on his coat in the break room as I pass by. He catches me eye and I nod toward the office. He narrows his eyes and shakes his head. We talked about this plan last night. Check out Vicky’s computer to see if she has anything incriminating on it or anything linking her to April’s murder. We were going to wait until the spa was empty, but time is of the essence. If Sally was in on April’s murder and killed Vicky, she’s going to skip town and get away with murder.

  “What are you doing?” Josh hisses, following me.

  “Checking out Vicky’s computer.”

  “Now?”

  “Yes, now. Cover for me.”

  He crosses his arms and gives me a disapproving look.

  I ignore him. “If Bethany comes back tell her I went to the bathroom. I’ll turn on the fan and the light so it looks like I’m in there. If she tries to go to the office turn on some Josh Parker charm and distract her and talk loudly so I can hear you.”

  He gives me a doubtful look. “This is a bad idea. Why don’t we come back once Bethany’s gone?”

  “It will look suspicious and we can’t let Sally get away with murder. Vicky’s computer may have something on it.”

  He sighs and retreats to the break room.

  I’m glad he doesn’t fight me on this. He can be really stubborn especially when it comes to my safety. That’s what best friends are for, right? I head toward the office at the end of the hall. The bathroom is directly across from it so it will be easy to make it look like I’m in the bathroom. Thankfully, the door to the office is open. Even Vicky’s computer is on and there’s no password. That’s a relief.

  The usual files are on the desktop. I click into the ‘Files’ tab and nothing abnor
mal shows up. Maybe I’m on the wrong path. I sigh and move to get up when my scrub pants snag on something. Shoot. These are my favorite pants. I check my pants, it’s only a little tear. I can probably sew it shut. Then I go in search of the culprit. Protect another pair of innocent pants from its jagged clutches.

  I run a hand down the side of the desk and find the piece of the desk sticking out. I try to push it in and it pops out. It’s a secret compartment. I slide out the secret drawer and pull out a file folder.

  “Josh, what are you still doing here?”

  “Autumn had to use the restroom,” He replies, loudly.

  Shoot, I need to get out of here. I stuff the folder back in the compartment when a photo slips out and floats to the floor. I gasp. Frozen in place. I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from the couple in front of me.

  “She should be out any minute. The hospital food must have upset her stomach.” Josh stomps his foot on the ground. “Did you see that spider?”

  “A spider? Where? Mom said she had the place sprayed for bugs. I hate spiders,” Bethany whines.

  “Stand on the chair and I’ll kill it,” Josh orders, even louder.

  “Spiders don’t have ears, Josh. You don’t have to yell.”

  I scoop up the photo and shove it back in the file folder. I’ll come back for it once Bethany’s gone. Once the secret compartment is in place, I slip across the hall and into the bathroom. My heart is racing and I’m shaking. The picture is forever burned in my mind. I turn on the water and splash some cool water on my face then take a deep breath and shut off the light. I almost collide with Bethany as I walk out. “Sorry, didn’t see you there.”

  “Are you alright?”

  My palms are sweaty and my heart is beating like a drum in my chest. “Some tummy issues. A little too much cafeteria food last night.”

  She raises an eyebrow, but nods. “Well I hope you feel better. I’m getting ready to lock up and head to the funeral home.”

  “Do you need any help? We’d be happy to go with you.” I smile and pray it’s reaching my eyes. The picture is flipping through my mind. Josh is going to freak out when I tell him.

  “No. I’ve got it. Thank you though.” Bethany continues to stare at me with a weird expression on her face. Am I sweating? I feel like I’m sweating.

  “You look kind of flushed. Are you sure you’re not coming down with something?”

  I raise a hand to my forehead. It is kind of warm, but I was almost caught snooping in my dead boss’s office. “Maybe some food poisoning. I should probably go home and lie down.”

  Bethany nods and gives me a once over when my stomach growls. I place a hand over it as she glances down. “Hope you feel better soon.”

  “Thanks. Call if you need anything.” I hurry down the hall and practically plow into Josh. He’s holding my coat. “We need to leave, now.” I slip on my jacket and move toward the back door.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Tell you in the car.”

  “Oh, Autumn,” Bethany calls from the hallway.

  Shoot. Did she figure out I was in the office? “Yes.” I whip around, holding my breath and feeling like I may faint.

  She pops her head around the corner and studies me for a moment before saying, “Peppermint tea should help soothe your belly.”

  I let out the breath I’m holding and smile at her. “I’ll be sure to pick some up. Thanks, Bethany.”

  “Feel better,” she coos.

  I push open the back door and into the bitter cold air. Out of the corner of my eye I see a black SUV parked in the back of the parking lot. Someone is inside. “Get in the Jeep, now.” I tug on Josh’s hand and pull him toward the Jeep, trying not to seem too obvious. I hear an engine start up. Once we’re in the Jeep I feel a little safer, but we need to get out of here. “Drive.”

  “Autumn, what’s going on?”

  “Ask later. Drive now.”

  Josh doesn’t question me anymore and pulls out of the parking lot. I check the rearview mirror. The dark SUV pulls out a few minutes behind us. I watch to see if it turns off, but it doesn’t. “Take the next right.”

  “I thought we were going home.”

  “Just do it,” I snap. I should feel guilty, but my adrenaline is pumping. “Someone is following us.”

  Josh checks the mirror. “Is that a dark SUV?”

  “Pretty sure.”

  “Do you think it’s the same one that tried to run you over?”

  “Maybe. Just keep making turns, but don’t speed up. Make it look like we’re headed somewhere.”

  “Where are we headed?”

  “Let’s drive around for a bit and if they’re still following us, let’s go to the police station.”

  “You’re the boss.” Josh makes another turn. The tires squeal slightly on the wet surface. Luckily, the roads are clear, but they’re still wet, which could make driving dangerous in these cold temperatures. At least it’s above freezing. He makes another turn. “We’re headed out of town, Autumn. I’m not going to be able to circle back to the police station without turning around somewhere.”

  I check the rearview mirror. We’re still being followed. “Turn off at Harrington’s Farm. We’ll make it look like we’re going to buy some furniture.”

  “Furniture?”

  “Yes, I need a new end table by the front door.”

  “You do?”

  “No, but we can make it look like I do if push comes to shove. Just pull into the drive and veer off on one of the side paths leading to the barn. If they follow, keep driving. If not, we can turn around and go back home.”

  Josh makes another turn. His jaw is clenched and he’s focused on the road. He keeps gripping and un-gripping the steering wheel. I know he’s nervous; so am I. “We must be getting close to solving this murder, otherwise they wouldn’t be following us.”

  “A lot of good that does us if we’re the next victims,” he mumbles and checks the rearview mirror again.

  I bite my lip. I hadn’t thought of that. Are they following us to kill us? “The Harrington Farm is up ahead on the right. Don’t turn on your blinker.”

  Josh whips into the driveway and pulls onto a path off to the side. We both turn around to see if they follow us. The dark SUV drives by without turning in. I let out the breath I’ve been holding and see Josh exhale too. Then we look at each other and laugh. “Are we paranoid or were they really following us?”

  “Better safe than sorry.” He reverses the Jeep and heads back to town.

  I keep checking the rearview mirror, but no one’s following us. “I’m starving. Let’s stop at the café for lunch.”

  “Sounds good to me. I’ve been craving a BLT since breakfast.”

  “It’s only noon.”

  “What can I say. Food is always on my mind.” He winks at me.

  I roll my eyes then remember the photos. “I found something interesting in Vicky’s office.”

  Josh pulls into the café parking lot. It’s full since it’s lunch time. He finds a spot in the back and parks. “What did you find?”

  “I didn’t get a chance to look in the folder, but a picture fell out.”

  “A picture of what?”

  “You mean of who?”

  Josh rolls his eyes. “Autumn, what did you find?”

  “A picture of—” Before I can answer there’s a knock on my window. I jump and turn.

  “I need to talk to you.” Travis’s eyes are narrowed and his jaw is clenched.

  I want to ignore him. He’s been a jerk, but I shouldn’t have let Cat talk to me without Travis present. I sigh and unbuckle my seatbelt. “I’ll meet you inside.”

  “You don’t have to talk to him.” Josh glares over my shoulder at Travis.

  I shake my head and say softly, “Yes, I do.”

  Josh scoffs and shoves open the car door.

  I step out into the cold and button up my coat before stuffing my hands in my pockets.

  “Do you want me
to order you anything?” Josh calls from the front of the Jeep.

  “Same as you.”

  He smiles at me then shoots Travis a piercing glare before heading inside the café.

  I want to follow him. The old fifties themed diner looks lively and inviting. I can even see Tiffany bouncing from table to table in her poodle skirt. Snow blows across the parking lot. I shiver and huddle against the Jeep to shield myself from the wind.

  Travis steps closer to me. I refuse to look at him. He does smell really good though. Woodsy with a hint of oranges. I close my eyes and drink him in.

  “Cat told me everything.” His breath is minty and hot on my cheek.

  My mind goes to mush and I almost forget what Cat told me yesterday. “She did?” I give in and look up at him as snow begins to fall lightly around us. To anyone else we probably appear to be a couple in love except we’re not. We’re discussing murder.

  He nods. “I took her down to the station. The Captain got her statement. We have Bethany down there now to see if she knew anything about April’s murder or if her mother acted alone.”

  “So, you think Vicky killed April?”

  “Based on what Cat heard it sounds like it.”

  I frown. “Who killed Vicky?”

  Travis looks around the parking lot. “I’m not supposed to be sharing this with civilians, but we have a warrant out for Sally and Dr. Gregory.”

  “Why?”

  “We think they acted together with Vicky to kill April. Vicky killed April then to make sure Vicky doesn’t rat on them, Sally or Dr. Gregory killed Vicky and they’re each other’s alibi.”

  My head is spinning. “What’s the motives?”

  “Bobby told me April wanted to open another spa in town. It would have sunk Vicky. He also said April was bullying Sally about her bad massages and Dr. Gregory was having an affair with April. She ended it, he didn’t want to end it. Revenge. I think he’s the one who’s been breaking into the spa.”

  “For what reason?”

  Travis shrugs. “Maybe the original plan was for Dr. Gregory to kill April, but when you scared him away, Vicky decided to kill her. Sally was her alibi.”