14 Hair Brained

by Nancy J. Cohen

  Chapter Ten

  By nine o’clock on Sunday morning, TooJay’s in Coral Springs was already packed. Smells of garlic and brewed coffee reached Marla’s nose as she and Dalton elbowed their way through the crowd waiting in line for seats. They were looking for Jeri Cresthaven from Ryan’s office and might not stay if she wasn’t there.

  “We’re meeting a friend,” Marla told the hostess. She breezed past to scan the patrons in the spacious restaurant. A moment later, she poked Dalton’s arm. “Look, there’s Jeri. She’s alone in a booth, although she might be waiting for her husband to join her.”

  Jeri nursed a cup of coffee but hadn’t been served her meal yet. She wore a sad, resigned expression as Marla moseyed over.

  “Hey, Jeri, fancy seeing you here. Would you like company, or are you expecting someone?”

  Jeri gave her a surprised glance. “Why, Marla, what are you doing in Coral Springs? Don’t you have a TooJay’s closer to where you live?”

  “Yes, we do, but we’re planning to visit the farmer’s market after breakfast, so we thought we’d stop in here along the way. My mother is watching Luke so Dalton and I could have a few hours to ourselves.” Brianna hadn’t been available. She’d made plans with a friend, and Marla didn’t want to disrupt her schedule each time they needed a babysitter.

  “Ethan, my husband, is home watching our daughter, bless his heart. Sunday is our aide’s day off,” Jeri said without elaborating. “Hello, Detective. Why don’t you both join me?”

  “Mrs. Cresthaven, it’s good to see you,” Dalton said with a curt nod as they slid onto the bench opposite her in the booth.

  Jeri grunted, as though she thought otherwise. “How did you know where to find me? And don’t tell me it was a coincidence.”

  “Dalton did his research,” Marla hedged, unwilling to compromise Ryan for tattling on his colleague. The waitress bustled over with menus for the newcomers.

  “What else did you learn?” Jeri asked, her gaze narrowing.

  “You have a heavy burden to carry with your daughter’s illness. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be; we’re managing. On Sundays, Ethan stays with Cassie so I can have some alone time.”

  “What about your other children? Do they help out?”

  “One daughter is in college, and the other one is busy with her friends. She stays home for us on Thursday nights. That’s our date night. And John, my stepson … well, he can’t be bothered. He’s in his own world.”

  “Cassie’s care must be expensive. I hope your health coverage is adequate.” Marla, having made her meal choice, put down her menu.

  “Your husband works for a tech firm, doesn’t he?” Dalton asked, shifting his position to stretch his legs. “I’d expect he has a family policy.”

  “Neither of our health plans covers long-term care. Who thinks someone so young is going to need it? Cassie didn’t get sick until ten years ago. She’s twenty-one now. We can keep her as a dependent for a few more years. Then she’ll have to get her own policy, and good luck with that.”

  Marla digested this information. Had Jeri been working for Ken when her daughter became ill? Or had she applied for the job when two incomes became necessary?

  Jeri stirred her coffee, moving the spoon round and round, her eyes glassy. They’d better change the subject. This line of conversation was agitating her, and they still had more to learn.

  Marla sat back when the waitress arrived to take their orders and fill their coffee cups.

  “How is Tally doing? Has anything new happened since I saw you last?” Jeri asked after the server left. No doubt she felt this was a safer topic than her personal problems.

  “She’s breathing on her own and moving around. Those are good signs. She could come out of the coma any day.” Marla added cream to her coffee and stirred the brew.

  “I’m worried she might want to sell the agency rather than holding onto it and appointing a manager. A new boss might not want to keep us on.”

  “That’s a valid possibility. Maybe you should make a contingency plan.”

  “How is the agency doing?” Dalton asked in an idle tone. “Was Ken having any financial problems in terms of the company?”

  Jeri glared at him. “If anything, revenue was up. He gave us generous bonuses at Christmas.”

  “That must have pleased Shawna,” Marla said. “I understand her husband is out of work. When did that happen?”

  “It’s been over six months now since he got downsized. I’d feel sorry for her, but she wore a new bracelet to work the other day. She said it was David Yurman. He’s her favorite jewelry designer, so I doubt she’d wear a knock-off.”

  “Was it her birthday? Maybe she got it as a gift.”

  “Her husband wouldn’t have bought it, not when they’re dipping into their savings while he’s looking for a job. So I’m thinking she may have a honeypot on the side.”

  “A boyfriend?” Marla’s mouth gaped.

  “Why not? I’ve heard her on the phone when her voice gets all soft and syrupy. She doesn’t speak that way to the hubbie.”

  “You haven’t seen her around the office with a strange man, have you?” At Jeri’s shake of the head, Marla’s gaze caught Dalton’s. The boyfriend could be a bad apple, making Shawna do things she might regret. Dalton’s imperceptible nod told her he’d look into it.

  “I haven’t met Shawna’s husband,” Jeri added, “although I’ve seen his photo on her desk. She keeps her social life private.”

  “Where does she like to hang out on her time off? Does she have a favorite spot where she goes to relax?” Marla asked to keep the ball rolling.

  Jeri jabbed a finger in the air. “Check out the nail salon, sugar. Have you seen the expensive acrylics she wears with those fancy designs? I’ll bet she spends a lot of time in that place, not to mention money she can’t afford. The woman should do her own nails if she needs cash for the household budget.”

  Their breakfast arrived, and they fell silent while eating. Marla debated what else to say. At her side, all she could hear was Dalton’s munching. He seemed more interested in the food than the conversation. But he had a knack for listening and observing verbal cues. Often he’d come up with insights beyond her scope.

  “You indicated you’re worried about the agency’s future,” Dalton managed between bites. “What if Tally decides to keep the place and promote Darryl to manager?”

  “I wouldn’t mind working for Darryl, although he can be a prick sometimes. I doubt he’ll be as inspiring to work for as Ken.” Jeri stuck a forkful of veggie omelet into her mouth.

  “Why not?” Marla bit into her smoked salmon bagel sandwich. She chewed and swallowed, the taste of salty fish lingering on her tongue.

  “He’s not much of a team player. You can tell by the way he jumps on a potential sale to score a higher ranking. Darryl’s out for his own gain.”

  “You’re saying he’s more competitive than Shawna?”

  “Oh, yeah. And he has an attitude, like people owe him. I wonder what dirt he had in his files that made him scurry to clean up his data when we heard about Ken’s death.”

  Dalton’s shoulders stiffened. “That was his reaction to learning his boss had been killed? He went straight to his computer?”

  Jeri gave a vehement nod. “I thought it was peculiar. But he’s always been an odd ball of cotton. You know that his wife left him? I’m wondering if it’s because she found out he’s gay.”

  “Is that true?” Dalton asked.

  “I’ve gotten that impression, but if so, he hasn’t come out. We all have our secrets.”

  Yes, you do, Marla wanted to say but didn’t. “How does he spend his spare time?”

  “Darryl loves boats. He rents one at the marina near Bahia Mar whenever he gets the chance. The man wants to own one of those fancy yachts someday. Have you seen the photos on his office wall? He attends all those boat shows. Even with commissions, I don’t see how he’ll ever afford one, let alone
pay the dock fees and maintenance.”

  They dissolved into small talk, Marla chatting about her hair salon and baby care. Jeri offered advice, not that Dalton hadn’t been through the experience once before.

  “When are you two going to have your own?” Jeri asked with a smile. She’d pushed away her empty plate and reapplied her rose lipstick. The color matched the top she wore over a pair of black jeans.

  Marla’s skin warmed. She didn’t dare glance at Dalton. “We’re still talking about it.”

  “She’s talking. I’m ready.” Dalton pointed to his chest.

  “Caring for Luke is giving me practice,” Marla admitted. “It helps me see that I’m able to juggle work and home life. I can’t understand how single mothers manage things with all they have to do.”

  “It’s amazing what you can get done when you have no choice,” Jeri mentioned in an emphatic tone. “How did Tally plan to go back to work?”

  “I believe she meant to enroll Luke in day care, so I hope she won’t mind that I’ve taken the initiative. He had his first experience there on Monday.”

  “Yes, so you said when you visited our office that day. Be prepared to get sick. Children pick up all sorts of germs from other kids.”

  “Oh, joy. Thanks for the warning.”

  Dalton reached for the check after the waitress left it on the table. “I’ll get the tab. Thanks for talking to us, Jeri.”

  “I hope I’ve been helpful. What does the other detective have to say about the case?”

  Dalton’s mouth thinned. “There’s evidence another car purposefully bumped Ken’s Acura and caused him to veer off the road.”

  “No way. That’s terrible. Can you trace this other car?”

  “Sergeant Mallory’s team is handling it. Marla and I are working on the motive angle. Why would someone want to harm Ken?”

  Jeri’s gaze darkened. “As I said before, Mr. Vail, everyone has secrets.”

  *****

  “What do you think? Is Jeri hiding something she doesn’t want us to know?” Marla mused during the drive back to Palm Haven. Dalton hadn’t said a word since they’d left the restaurant.

  “If so, we’ll figure it out. We have other concerns in the meantime.” He stared ahead, his jaw firm. He seemed more focused on his inner thoughts than on the light Sunday traffic.

  “What’s on your mind, then?” she asked, annoyed that she had to pry it from him. Why was it always the woman who had to get her man to open up?

  “How long are you going to vacillate on extending our family? Either you’re for it, or you’re not.”

  Marla’s muscles tensed. She should have known Jeri’s innocent inquiry would fuel the torch. “Dalton, we’ve only been married for a year. Can’t I get adjusted to our new life first?”

  “What is there to adjust? It’s a second marriage for both of us. You knew what to expect. Brianna would love to have a baby brother or sister.”

  “She’ll be going to college soon. She won’t even be home to watch a sibling grow up.”

  “That’s not the point. She knows it would make me happy. I’d venture to say, our parents would be overjoyed as well. And despite the age difference, Brianna wouldn’t be alone some day when we’re all gone.”

  “Are you feeling pressured by your mom, is that it? She wants more grandchildren?”

  “No, that isn’t why I feel this way. I see how good you are with Luke. You’d make a wonderful mother. You’re already great with Brianna.”

  “Let’s not discuss this topic right now.” Marla burrowed into her leather seat. She’d been considering going off the pill, but his response irritated her. She knew this decision affected everyone in their families. However, it was her body and her life, and Dalton should respect her choices.

  Staring out the side window, she decided a change of subject was in order.

  “We shouldn’t go home right away,” she said in a pleasant voice meant to suggest a truce. “It’s Sunday. If we’re going to catch Darryl, he’s more likely to head over to the docks on his day off. At the very least, we can talk to other boaters and see if it’s the right place where he hangs out.”

  From the corner of her eye, she saw Dalton’s lips flatten into a taut line. He wasn’t pleased by her evasion. Well, too bad for him. He’d known coming into this marriage how she felt about having children. It shouldn’t come as a surprise when she stuck to her resolve. And even if her viewpoint was softening, he hardened her shell every time he pressured her like this.

  “You’re right; let’s do it,” he replied in a curt tone. He turned east at the next major intersection, and they headed toward the beach.

  Marla attempted to make small talk to lighten his mood as they cruised down Las Olas. She pointed out some new restaurants along the way. By the time they reached the Bahia Mar area, he’d loosened up.

  They found a parking space in a lot close to where the Jungle Queen boarded tourists for its cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway. The marina was busy, crowded with charter boat customers, yacht owners, fishermen, and visitors looking for some action on the ocean.

  Outside, a briny breeze freshened her lungs. Glad her arms were covered, Marla straightened the V-neck sweater she wore over a pair of black denims. Dalton strolled beside her, his figure imposing in a long-sleeved shirt tucked into blue jeans. Nearby, a pelican sat atop a post at the water’s edge, while seagulls soared into the sky with raucous cries.

  “Who should we ask about Darryl?” Marla tucked her arm into Dalton’s to show him her affection hadn’t waned over their argument.

  “Let’s try that booth over there where they do daily rentals.” He led the way, his long stride guiding them in that direction.

  “Darryl Trent?” The bearded guy at the reservation stand wore gold hoop earrings, a bandana around his head, and tattoos on both muscled forearms. “We have a reservation for him. He’s going out at one o’clock. Are you his guests? If so, I’ll need to see some I.D.”

  “We just want to talk to him.” Dalton leaned forward to be heard above the clacking noises from sailboats and the whine of machinery from a motor vessel, where a deckhand worked. “He’s checking in at one, or is that the time he casts off?”

  “He’ll be at the booth then.”

  “He’s a regular at this place?”

  “Oh, yeah, the dude loves his boats. He can’t wait until he can afford one of his own.”

  “Does he have a plan for making that happen?”

  The fellow spread his hands. “How would I know, man? Hey, how did you say you knew him?”

  “We’re acquaintances. Does he come alone or have company when he goes on these jaunts?”

  “He’s always got a hot-looking chick with him, although a couple of times he’s brought a pretty boy toy along. I can’t figure out which way he goes, if you know what I mean.”

  “Thanks for the info. We’ll come back in a while.” Dalton turned to Marla. “We have a few hours to kill. What do you want to do?”

  “Let’s go across the street to the beach. We can take a walk and then relax at those picnic tables, since we didn’t bring any folding chairs.”

  At Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, the thud of a ball from the basketball court reached her ears. She sniffed the remnants of barbecue fuel from blackened grills scattered under the shade of palm trees. The public parking site had a lineup of cars waiting to get in. On Sunday morning, this place filled up fast. Tourists didn’t care about the chilly weather. Unlike the natives, they waded into the water year-round.

  Far to the horizon, Marla could make out a freighter on the sparkling sea. The water glittered like diamond chips in the rising sun, its glare hurting her eyes. Wishing she’d worn a hat, she adjusted her sunglasses. They turned left to stroll along the sidewalk bordered by a low wall with a white wave design. The scent of coconut oil from suntan lotion wafted into her nose.

  “I’m sorry,” Dalton said abruptly. “I shouldn’t push you to make a major decision or to change
your mind about things. We both went into this marriage accepting each other’s baggage and our plans for the future.”

  “I wouldn’t call your daughter a piece of baggage, and plans can be modified. I just wish people would stop pressuring me.”

  “You made it clear how you felt about having kids before we wed. It’s my bad.”

  “No, Dalton, don’t apologize.” She took his hand and squeezed it. “I didn’t anticipate how I’d feel with a teenager in the house, or a baby for that matter. Taking care of Luke has opened my eyes to new possibilities. I’ve been meaning to have this conversation with you.”

  She walked along, eyeing the strangers who passed them. This wasn’t a dialogue she’d meant to have in public, but so be it.

  “I’m thinking about going off the pill,” she confessed. “I’ve been on it for so long, that even if we decided to have kids, it might be difficult.”

  Still holding her hand, Dalton peered at her with laser-like intensity. “Are you truly entertaining the idea? Because it would be a life-altering event. There would be no going back.”

  “I know, and I still want to travel and visit Bora Bora someday. That’s been my dream vacation since forever. But the Caribbean is closer and can substitute for now. We could go places together as a family.” She paused. “Plus, I was afraid having children would conflict with my career, but now I see having kids and going to work are not mutually exclusive. That is, if you don’t mind day care centers and babysitters.”

  “Or we could hire a nanny. With two jobs, we can afford one.”

  “I’m not fully sold yet.” She dropped his handhold. “I need to let the idea stew in my brain a bit longer, so no promises.”

  “Okay. Whatever you decide, you can count on my support.” He stopped, put his hands on her shoulders, and kissed her soundly in front of passersby. “I love you, and it’s wrong of me to put my needs before yours. I’m happy with the way things are, if that’s how it will be.”