Hair Brained

by Nancy J. Cohen

  “You found something,” Brianna observed, her saucy gaze meeting Marla’s in the rearview mirror as they snapped on their seatbelts.

  “Tally’s iPad. It was hidden in the family room sofa.”

  “Let me see it.” The teenager took the tablet from Marla’s outstretched hand. “The battery is down. It needs to be charged.”

  “I found the wire in a kitchen drawer. It’s in the bag along with their mail.”

  “You could have used my charger.”

  “It might be a different model. Listen, I should make another visit to Tally’s shop. She might have a laptop there that she uses in the back office. I didn’t even think to look at her computer when I visited the place.”

  “Why would that matter?”

  Marla put the car in gear and backed out of the driveway. “It’s possible Tally was meant to be the target that night. She would have been home alone with Luke once Ken went out.”

  “But what about the two dead people? They relate to Ken and the insurance fraud case.”

  “We’re trying to figure out the connections. Your Dad is working on Ryan’s case. I’m focusing my efforts on Tally, and I’ve been neglectful in that regard. Tally’s manager told me about a couple of people I should interview.” She steered down the street toward the development’s exit.

  “Who’s that?” Brianna asked.

  Marla waited until she hit the main road before replying. “The landlord and a former employee both have reasons to resent Tally.”

  “Hey, I have an idea. We should make one of those crime boards like Dad uses at work. We can do one of our own. Then you won’t forget anyone.”

  “We won’t be doing anything. You have to finish your homework, and Luke will need his bath and bottle.” Nonetheless, it wasn’t a bad idea. Maybe she’d find more connections by laying it all out in a diagram.

  Now wasn’t the time, though. Back home, Marla got occupied with baby care and meal preparation. In a spare moment, she plugged Tally’s iPad into the kitchen wall socket. While the battery charged, she turned on the power button and swept her finger to activate the interface. A keypad popped up asking for a password. Damn. Marla tried every combination of dates that might be important to Tally, but none of them worked.

  This might be a job for Dalton’s cyber techs, but she hated to give the tablet to them. Maybe the dress shop manager had Tally’s codes.

  She let the thing charge while fixing a quick casserole with cut-up cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cooked orzo pasta, cannellini beans, and stewed tomatoes. By the time Dalton came home, the aroma of Italian spices filled the room.

  After dinner, Marla broached his daughter’s suggestion to set up an evidence board. Dalton’s mouth curved in amusement at the idea.

  “You do know we use a software program at work for this purpose now.”

  “Yes, but a visual isn’t a bad idea. We’re not sure how the victims connect to each other, if you include Tally in that category.”

  “I suppose we could do our own link chart. But we don’t have a bulletin board that’s large enough.”

  Brianna chimed in. “I have an extra poster left over from my science project. You could use sticky notes.”

  “That might work,” Marla said with a proud grin. Brianna always came up with fresh ideas. “I have kitchen string that we can use to connect the dots. How about people photos? We have pictures of Tally and Ken, but no one else.”

  “Use a blank head with their name on it,” Dalton suggested. “In real life, we don’t get high-resolution photos of suspects like they do on television.”

  “All right, let’s clear the dishes and get started.”

  When they had a basic chart assembled, Marla pointed out the loose ends from Tally’s viewpoint. “Tomorrow, I’ll visit the vegan restaurant and the chocolate factory where the tea ladies met, and then I can track down the landlord and former employee.”

  Dalton clamped a hand on her shoulder. “Good plan, but take care. We aren’t clear about what type of nest we’re disturbing.”

  Brianna pointed to the chart, her ponytail loosened and wisps of hair fanning her face. “Look, Ken is the one person who links to everyone else.”

  “True, but there’s something we aren’t seeing yet,” her father replied.

  Marla agreed. Maybe she’d learn what it was on Monday. She had the entire day free and could complete many of her tasks.

  The next day, she pondered her to-do list after dropping Luke off at day care. Which item should she tackle first? She’d have to hit the vegan restaurant around lunchtime, since the place didn’t open until eleven. It was too early for the chocolate factory as well.

  That left Tally’s landlord and her former staff member. Marla, sitting in her parked car, accessed her cell phone notes. She’d typed in their contact info from Tally’s shop manager.

  The landlord wasn’t in when she called, so she left a voice mail stating her relationship to Tally and that she’d like to speak to him.

  Fortunately, the former employee answered her ring. After identifying herself, Marla had to distance the phone from her ear at the loud voice that responded.

  “I’ve got nothing to say about that bitch. She doesn’t have a heart,” Iris Caswell said. “I told her my situation, and she didn’t believe me.”

  “Maybe you can tell me about it,” Marla replied in a soothing tone. “Where do you live? I can meet you nearby.”

  “What’s it to you?”

  “As I mentioned, I’m Tally’s best friend. She’s in the hospital. I just need to ask you a few questions.”

  “Why, do you think I put her in there? What happened, did someone beat her up?”

  “No, she was in a car accident. Her husband got killed.”

  Iris inhaled an audible breath. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. How bad is Tally?”

  “She’s recovering from a head injury. I’m handling her affairs for now. Are you available to meet in person? I can explain more later.”

  “I have to go to work this morning. Tally might not have liked me, but my new boss appreciates my talents.”

  Marla realized she should offer an incentive. “I own a hair salon. If you’d like to come in at eight a.m. tomorrow, I’ll give you a free wash and blow-out while we talk.”

  “That’s nice of you, although I don’t understand what you want from me.”

  They confirmed arrangements. After Marla disconnected, she sent a text to Robyn. Her receptionist would schedule Iris for an early appointment on Tuesday.

  With those two leads on hold, Marla did other errands until lunchtime. Then she headed to the vegan restaurant that Tally’s tea ladies had visited. Hopefully the menu would offer something appealing to her.

  A long counter on one side had stools for seating while offering a view of the cook fixing meals. The dark-haired fellow looked like a guy off the street in rumpled clothes and a stained apron. Along the opposite wall were four lime green, high-top tables, so wide it would be difficult to hear the person across from you. The accompanying seats looked as bare and uncomfortable as the tabletop. Harsh florescent lighting shone down from overhead.

  Figuring she had a better chance for conversation at the counter, Marla took a seat. Condiments vied for space with plastic-covered menus. As she scanned the ordinary meal choices, she wondered who would eat there. Maybe local business people came in for the sandwiches and salads.

  A draft blew on her from an air-conditioning vent as she studied the menu. The waiter took her drink order for an iced green tea, which Marla noted cost three dollars. When it arrived, she took a sip of the pinkish fluid and wrinkled her nose.

  “This is too sweet, and it’s flavored. Don’t you have regular brewed green tea that’s unsweetened?”

  “Nuh-uh. That’s it,” the waiter said. He was a scrawny fellow with tousled brown hair and a prominent Adam’s apple. His youthful complexion, marred by various blemishes, reddened under her scrutiny.


  “I’ll have an iced coffee then, with cream on the side. And I would like to order the hummus sandwich with avocado and tomato.” The meal was pricey at fourteen-fifty, especially for such a simple place with an unappealing ambiance.

  She waited until the waiter delivered her food before getting to the point of her visit. “A friend told me about this place. Do you recognize her?” Marla showed the waiter and the cook a photo of Tally on her cell phone.

  “Sorry, we get a lot of people in here,” the waiter replied with a shake of his head.

  “She would have come with a bunch of other ladies.” Marla gave their descriptions. “Here, this might jog your memories.” She handed each fellow a ten-dollar bill.

  “Oh, I remember them,” the cook declared, his face brightening. “They were a fussy bunch. You could tell this wasn’t their regular kind of joint.”

  She gave him an appraising glance. Was he telling the truth, or making up a tale to please her? “Go on. Did you hear what they talked about?”

  “The usual girlie stuff. Kids. Husbands. Movies and TV shows.” He leered at her. “Undergarments that either suck it all in, or new styles that attract a man.”

  “How about my friend in particular? The woman in the picture?”

  “She said her husband left her out of things to protect her, but she knew when something bothered him. A marriage should be a true partnership with no secrets. The other women laughed. They all kept secrets, one of the other blondes told her, and it should be that way. They argued over this point until the subject changed.”

  “Do you always listen to customers’ conversations?”

  The cook toed the floor and glanced away. “It’s research. I like to write stories.”

  “You’re a writer?” Marla gaped at him. From his street-wise accent, she wouldn’t have guessed he had literary aspirations.

  “I’ve been at it a while, but don’t tell nobody.”

  Marla sipped her iced coffee. “One more question. Did you see the gang with anyone else? It was just the five of them?”

  The waiter, loitering nearby, cut in. “I had to push two tables together. There were six gals altogether.”

  Marla knew other women must belong to the group besides the ones she’d met. “Did anything strike you as peculiar about their visit?”

  The young man scratched his head. “I saw a dude outside hanging around the parking lot like he was waiting for someone. I thought he might come in here and ask for a meal, but he made a move on the redhead when she was leaving.”

  “Really? How so?”

  “He approached her as she headed to her car. She said a few words to him then reached inside her bag and gave him a handout. I assume she felt sorry for the guy. He looked like yesterday’s trash.”

  Oh, and you’re an example of good grooming? “Were the other women still there, or had they already left?” This incident sounded eerily like the one Shannon had mentioned at the yoga studio. The redhead had to be Rissa.

  “They’d gone. This chick took her time getting outta here.”

  “What did the man wear? Can you give me a better description?” Marla bit into her sandwich, licking her lips after swallowing. It was actually quite good. The hummus had a garlicky flavor.

  “He wore a hoodie so I didn’t see his face.”

  “Had you ever seen this person before, or has he been here since?”

  “Nope. Maybe another shopkeeper chased him away. It’s not good for business to have beggars hanging around.”

  “Do you have video surveillance outside? You know, cameras to monitor activity in the parking lot or the storefronts?”

  “No, our landlord is too cheap.”

  Marla offered him a card. “If you see this guy again, can you give me a call? I’d appreciate it.”

  The kid shot her a suspicious glare. “Are you a cop?”

  “No, I’m a hairdresser.” She glanced at his stringy, unkempt hair. “Come into my salon, and I’ll fix you up. I guarantee the girls will like you better.”

  Marla reviewed what she’d learned while driving to her next stop. Tally had mentioned Ken wanting to protect her. The women admitted they kept secrets from their husbands. And at each location where they’d met, Rissa gave a handout to a scruffy man in the parking lot.

  Next on her list was the chocolate factory. This was the last place she meant to visit until the tea circle ladies met this Thursday. They planned to tour the Flagler Museum in West Palm Beach and partake of the high tea at the on-site café. Marla looked forward to the visit as she’d never been there.

  It was easy to see how a day’s outing would appeal to these women. Their adventures were different from mommy and me classes focused on babies. Not all the women were new mothers, but they were all looking for an escape. They visited interesting places. If she weren’t employed full-time, she’d consider participating in the group on a regular basis. It didn’t seem so strange to her anymore as to why Tally might have joined.

  The jangle of her phone on the car’s system jarred her. She pushed the answer button. “Hello?”

  “This is Ollie Weaver. You called me?”

  The name gelled in her brain. That’s Tally’s landlord. “Yes, I’m wondering if we can meet. I’m representing Tally Riggs, who’s been in a serious auto accident.”

  “Are you her lawyer?”

  “I’m her best friend. I’ve been using her power of attorney while she’s disabled.”

  “Can you come to my office? I’ll be available in a half-hour.” He related his address.

  “Sure, I’ll be there shortly. See you then.” Her heart racing with excitement, Marla pressed on the accelerator and sped down the road.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The landlord’s office was located in a stand-alone building belonging to a large real estate firm. This wasn’t any mom-and-pop owner who’d invested in a single shopping strip, Marla realized. That meant the landlord would be less sympathetic to Tally’s plight. She might have to fight for her friend’s right to stay in her current location.

  Wishing she had armed herself with more knowledge about Ollie Weaver’s company, she swung the door open and marched inside to a small reception area.

  It didn’t take long for the landlord to come out and greet her. He was a roly-poly individual with a balding hairline and a gruff but cheerful manner. His slate gray suit matched the color of his remaining hair.

  “Mrs. Vail, it’s good to meet you.” He gave her a firm handshake. “Please come this way.”

  She followed him down a corridor lined with offices, impressed by the upscale furnishings. His space occupied the far corner with a view of landscaped greenery out a wide window.

  “Tell me what’s happening with Mrs. Riggs,” he said, claiming a leather chair behind his polished wood desk.

  She settled into an armchair facing him and laid her purse in her lap. Glad she’d worn comfortable black pants, she crossed her legs. “How much have you heard about Tally’s condition?”

  “She was injured in a car crash. Her husband didn’t make it. What a horrible tragedy.”

  “The doctors expect her to recover. Meanwhile, I’m handling her business affairs. I understand you’ve asked her to move before the lease is up.”

  “We have an offer on the shopping center, but the buyer has plans that do not include our present tenants. Everyone else has agreed to our proposal except for your friend.”

  “Maybe it doesn’t matter as much to the others there, but Tally’s customers know her place and live in the area. Moving would be disruptive to her business.”

  “It’ll be more disruptive if she doesn’t go. I’m offering to cancel her remaining balance on the lease and to provide a relocation bonus. This buyer requires a response by the end of the month. Can you make a decision for Mrs. Riggs?”

  “I won’t go against her wishes. Is there an alternative that would work for both of you?” Maybe he’d caused the accident, anticipating that Tally’s heirs woul
d want to sell the business.

  “I’m afraid not. She’ll have to move anyway, when I follow the terms in the lease and initiate eviction proceedings. Then all the other tenants will be mad at her for making them lose this opportunity.”

  “The home goods store doesn’t have to move.”

  “They’re a free-standing building and an anchor for the shopping center.”

  Marla noted the stubborn tilt to his chin. He wasn’t going to budge on the issue. “What does the buyer intend to do?”

  “Seamus Cross plans to make it into a multi-use site with rental apartments, retail, and dining. Here’s his proposed site plan.” He grabbed a blueprint and showed Marla the improvements.

  “Why can’t Tally rent one of those spaces? Won’t the buyer need tenants?”

  “He has a different clientele in mind and has already begun offering leases. The demolition and construction is expected to take two years after the sale and all approvals.”

  Marla had to admit the plan would modernize the location and potentially bring in new customers. Even if Tally wanted to rent a space in the remodeled property, she’d have to wait too long to reopen. Plus, the new owner might not even want her business.

  It was a tough call and one Marla wasn’t prepared to make.

  “What happens if she doesn’t comply? I’m not ready to make a decision for her, and Tally might be unable to give a response by your deadline.”

  Mr. Weaver folded his hands on his desk. “Then I suggest you read the early termination clause in the lease. If she doesn’t accept my offer by January thirty-first, I’ll send her an official notice under the contract terms. She won’t be liable for the remainder of the money, but she’ll lose my bonus offer.”

  “When do people have to vacate the premises?”

  “March fifteenth is the deadline. After that, we’ll file for eviction.” His lips curved in a sly smile. “If you’re willing to cooperate, I can offer a finder’s fee. Believe me, it’ll save your friend a ton of hassle. She doesn’t need to deal with these issues while she’s recovering. Make it easy for her.”