“Oh yes,” I commented. “I can attest to that. I couldn’t get in the front door.”
Her teasing tone from earlier and irritation of a moment ago turned to sadness. “I like this job. I don’t want to lose it, but Frank said Randall is nicer. He said he’ll give me a little more time to change my attitude.”
“Then it’s not too late.”
She jumped to her feet and paced before the bench. “It is. I’m not some nicey nicey person like a lot of these people around here.”
I tended to think more often than not they spoke their mind, but maybe that was the circle I moved in lately.
“Just a little more time,” she grumbled.
“Did you tell him it’s your last year, and he won’t have to deal with you after this?”
“He knows.” She flopped down on the hard wood beside me and kicked her feet out. The clunky half boots had been with her all summer, along with a yellow, red, and purple pair. Her legs were bare, toned, slim legs of youth. “At first he made really great money. People came in all the time, all day. Then the restaurant in the next block started serving what they call healthy treats. My dad expanded the services of the gym and lowered the prices. Everybody started thinking they should get in better shape and eat less donuts.”
“It’s because of the heat,” I encouraged her. “In the winter, you watch. We’ll all be fat and holed up with as many donuts as our conscience will allow without meltdown. Mine is quite tolerant, I assure you.”
She chuckled. “Well, that’s why they had to speak with the sheriff. They had lost a lot of money over the last year, and I think they were in trouble.”
I considered what she was saying. Money was a common reason for murder. “How did you know this?”
“I heard them arguing—him and Peony.” She shrugged. “And like I said, he blamed me for running off the customers. Never mind the other changes around here with the restaurant and the gym.”
“Maybe he’s not as business savvy as he thinks.” Not that I was so smart, I reminded myself in silence. My personal venture was a risk too, but all businesses were. With my rattling around town, I was starting to feel like I would soon be on the losing end along with Frank. “This morning could have pulled him out, or even gotten him some new customers.”
“Who knows?” Inna seemed to have grown bored with the subject. I hurriedly asked her a few more questions.
“So the sheriff could have looked into the financial status of all Alvin’s clients to know who might have had a motive to kill him.”
“Oh, he had more than that to go on.” Inna dangled a new carrot in front of me.
“Spill,” I demanded.
“Last week Frank went to see Alvin at the bank.”
“Really?”
“Yep.” She examined a nail and then chewed on it. “I heard he asked Alvin for an extension on the deadline for their loan payment or another small loan.”
“Another loan! He can’t make his monthly payment, but he wants another loan?”
“Well, Alvin said no. That might be why he killed him.”
“Inna,” I chastised her. “First of all, we don’t know who killed Alvin. Second, I doubt Frank is stupid enough to kill Alvin because he won’t give him a loan. I mean what will that get him in the long run? A new loan officer who has no history of working with him, who will just follow the bank rules about who gets money and who doesn’t.”
She appeared irritated at my logic, but I went on.
“Also, by your own admission, the sheriff is talking to several different people.”
“Couples,” she said.
“Only couples?”
She shrugged and didn’t answer, and then I understood. Inna had heard about Frank and Peony talking to the sheriff because she worked with them. Another couple she would know about were her parents because she lived with them. I began to see how upset she was and how she’d hidden her true feelings behind a snarky attitude.
I reached out to take her hand, and she flopped down next to me on the bench. “It’s going to be okay, sweetheart.”
“I don’t know that,” she muttered, staring ahead toward the bookstore but probably not seeing it.
I debated back and forth whether I should ask the question hanging in my mind. Hurting Inna was the last thing I wanted to do, and if she weren’t leaning toward suspecting her parents of wrongdoing, I certainly didn’t want to guide her mind there. Curiosity or just being nosy didn’t motivate me. I wanted to ease her mind and give her peace. “Do you have reason to think your parents might be involved in Alvin Aston’s death?”
Her eyes widened, and she turned her head toward me, a blank expression on her face as if the thought had just occurred to her. Just great. I’d done what I didn’t intend to do. “It’s possible, isn’t it, Makayla?”
I opened and closed my mouth several times. “Um…”
“I’ve been thinking about it ever since I found out, and it’s worse since the sheriff has released the body.”
I gasped. “He did?”
She nodded. “Brandon works weekends sometimes with the funeral director.”
“You’re kidding?” Just how many jobs did one man need?
“No, he said his boss got the call a couple hours ago. That’s why he has to go in tomorrow to help get everything moving. Susan wants Alvin buried as soon as possible.”
Of course, I thought. I had no idea how insurance worked or inheritance, but I imagined it entailed actually burying the deceased first and then collecting their money. I pressed my lips together thinking of Susan, and my suspicions swung back in her direction. Then I recalled Inna’s fears, and confusion set in again.
“Why is the situation worse since Alvin’s body’s been released?” I asked Inna, reminding her of what she’d said.
“Because my mom keeps crying. I hate seeing her cry. She’s the happiest one, even bubblier than dad. They’re weird, but it’s always been like that.”
“Oh, sweetheart, Alvin was just her friend. She’s grieving,” I assured her. “She’ll come through, and it doesn’t mean your parents are guilty of anything.”
A hopeful expression came over Inna’s face. I hugged her, and she let me.
“I was just talking to your mom at the salon. She told me Alvin was her friend, and that he was a good man. Those aren’t the words of an evil woman. They’re the words of a person who has lost someone dear. So, no more worrying. The police have to be thorough. That’s what they do. Got it?”
“All right, fine.” She brightened. “But if they turn out to be Bonnie and Clyde, I’m getting that nose ring before I move to New York.”
I laughed. “Okay, I assume they felt the nose ring was too much?”
She extended her arms. “Like these tats weren’t. My parents are free-spirited, but I guess I push them, especially ’round here.”
“New York,” I commented.
She touched a black-tipped nail to her lips. “Mum’s the word. I accepted a partial scholarship to NYU.”
“Congratulations. I’m proud of you, but I admit I’ll miss you next year.”
“You can come visit me and show me around.”
“Let’s talk about it when the time comes.” She agreed, and we parted ways.
Chapter Nine
The small jewelry store sat on the south side of the laundry. I hadn’t done more than window shop previously and had spotted some lovely pieces I would like to own. With the excuse of continuing my investigation, I stepped through the door onto plush wine-colored carpet beneath my feet and glass cases lining the walls around me. Diamonds, silver, and gold sparkled, nestled in black velvet, and even before I moved more than a step, a particular ruby ring caught my eye.
Resisting the pull of the ring, I continued to scan the shop that was slightly smaller than the salon and my shop but had been designed with comfort in mind. On the walls were beautiful landscapes, and in gaps between the cases were tall, richly-colored vases with long stemmed flowers sprin
ging from them. Soft classical music played over a speaker built into the ceiling. Fancy, I thought, and smiled when the proprietor appeared before me.
“Hello, welcome to Kirei.” The slender Japanese man offered me a glass of wine, and I wasn’t going anywhere, so I happily took it. “I’m David Kokichi. Please look around, and I’ll be with you after I finish up with this customer.”
“Thanks, David.” I watched him walk back to the woman he had been serving and took in the sleek, dark suit he wore, the grace of his movements, and the attention he gave to the woman. David’s compliments sounded not only genuine, but he listened to her preferences and gave her advice on what would work for her while staying within the bounds of her likes and her budget. I lost track of what I was doing to focus on them.
At last, the woman purchased the jewelry she had been worrying over and then left the store. As soon as David waved her off and shut the door, he whirled toward me, bright eyes full of mischievousness. “So, are we here to add to your fabulousness or to dish about the murder?”
I blinked. Whoa, where had the professional and reserved proprietor gone? David raised his eyebrows at me, smiling. The slight southern drawl to his voice seemed so incongruent to his person, but I decided that was my own narrow thinking.
“My fabulousness?” I asked, liking him right away.
“Oh yes, we are all fabulous in our way, aren’t we?” He strode over to the door and flipped the sign that said Closed then locked the door. “Come on. I need a break, and I’ve got more wine in the back. Or if you prefer something harder?”
I laughed. “No, wine is fine.”
We headed to the back of his store, and I discovered more finery, almost like a living room with a love seat, a recliner, and a small crafted table for serving drinks. David topped off my glass of wine, and I sipped while trying to gather myself.
“I was hoping for the chance to talk to you, Makayla,” David said. He tipped something harder into his glass. “We’ve missed each other several times on the street.
“You know my name too, huh?”
He waved a hand. “Doesn’t everyone know everyone else in this town? I personally love it.”
“I guess you’re right. “A thought occurred to me. “Were you the one who told the sheriff I was seen with Alvin Aston?”
David pouted and stared down at his drink. “I’m sorry.” I started to speak, but his solemnity popped in an instant, and he fairly bounced in his seat, the liquid in his glass sloshing the sides. “But have you seen the sheriff? He’s so yummy. I had to find something to tell him.”
Despite him throwing me beneath the bus so to speak, his attitude amused me. “So you sacrificed me.”
“Oh, pish, I knew you wouldn’t be a suspect, Makayla. You just got here. And look at us now. We haven’t known each other long, but I know we’re going to be like soul sisters.”
I chuckled. “You know it, huh?”
“Yes, don’t you feel it?”
He topped my glass again. If I didn’t know better—and maybe I didn’t—I’d say David was trying to get me drunk. My new soul sister didn’t know; I could hold my liquor with the best of them, thank you very much.
“Anyway,” David continued, “I told the sheriff if I think of anything else, I will be sure to call him. Let me tell you, honey, I am racking my brain for tidbits I can share.”
I didn’t miss his choice of words. “That you can share?”
He just rolled his eyes. Did everyone share the same secret, or did each have one of their own? If the problem was that I was an outsider, then surely Ollie would have told Talia what he kept quiet about.
“I threw you to the wolves, but I’m going to make it up to you right now, Makayla.”
I leaned forward.
“You’re coming with me to the gym.”
“Um, how is that making it up to me?”
He held up a forefinger and swirled it in circular movements in the air, indicating my entire being, it seemed. “Honey, you can use some work on those hips, and my membership lets me bring a friend once a week. You’re my new friend.”
“Thanks.” I winced at the reference to my figure but knew he spoke the truth. Maybe because it was David and not, say, the sheriff, I wasn’t offended. Since he felt free to voice my shortcomings in the figure department, I decided to ask what was on my mind at the moment. “David, why do you change your personality for your customers? You’re not hiding who you are, are you?”
Far from being taken aback by my question, he clapped his hands together and grinned. He had a nice smile, straight and white. His skin smooth and youthful, I put him at late twenties. “You’re so sweet,” he cooed. “No, I’m not hiding. I just found out that while everyone in Briney Creek knows my preference, they don’t like it thrown into their faces at the shop.”
I was about to comment, but he placed a hand at the side of his mouth as if he shared conspiratorial information he didn’t want anyone overhearing.
“I have a lot of old biddies as customers.” He winked, and I laughed.
“I understand.”
“And don’t worry, honey, my fabulousness always shines through no matter what.”
“That it does.”
“I’m an artist, but I have to eat.”
“An artist?” I asked.
David stood up, and I joined him. “Oh yes, I designed everything you see in the store.”
“No, really? That’s amazing. Now I have to take time and look through it all.”
“I will give you a discount on the entire stock, and we can talk about photos because I want to go online and sell to the world.”
“Deal!” We strode toward the front of the store, and I paused. “Are you okay to go to the gym this time of day?”
Again, he took on the look that said he was up to something. I wondered if he knew I wanted to speak with John and Allie Kate Brinlee about Alvin. Allie Kate had said she didn’t want to speak ill of Alvin, but maybe John would be different. Not that I was looking for bad, just more insight as to what happened. If John knew something about the murder, he might let it slip. I didn’t want to believe either of them was involved, for Inna’s sake. Inna was obviously suffering over the tragedy, and I wanted to clear her mind once and for all. David’s excuse for going to the gym was as good as any. I would be there to pick John Brinlee’s brain.
“I like to go to the gym around this time every day,” David said, reminding me of my question. “Most of my customers come by earlier or later anyway. It works out for everyone.”
“Can you wait for me while I run home to change?” I asked. “I promise it won’t be more than fifteen minutes or so. I’m close by.”
“I know. You’re right near Talia.” He shooed me toward the door. “Hurry, or I’m going without you, because I won’t miss my treat.”
I couldn’t imagine how sweating and aching could be a treat in any way possible, but I took him at his word. Within my self-imposed time limit, I had driven home and dragged out some old sweats that were too tight around my hips and too short at the ankles. I decided to take a couple extra minutes to make the pants into capris and pulled a sweatshirt over my head to match. More exploration in town for clothing was in my future.
As I left the apartment, my cell phone rang, and I paused to answer. My heart raced at seeing Spencer’s name flash on my screen. Don’t judge me for saving his number so soon. I suppose I was no better than David in this case, and I probably should have mentioned my mutual interest. Then again, maybe David was just window-shopping.
“Hello, sheriff,” I said, and kicked myself for sounding breathless.
“I thought you were calling me Spencer now?” His deep voice rumbled over the line, and I paused in my walk to the car to savor it. “Your formality makes it difficult to ask the question I was calling to ask.”
That pulled me up short. “What question?”
He said nothing.
“Spencer?”
“Would you like to ha
ve dinner with me?”
“Yes.” I spoke too quickly, but I refused to take it back. He’d asked because he wanted to. I accepted because I wanted to go. This reasoning did nothing to ease the burn in my cheeks.
“Good.” I heard the smile in his voice, full of amusement and pleasure. We discussed the details, and then Spencer said he had to go. He expected to get my key back to me that day. I was glad to hear it.
On the way back to David, I wondered if I should tell him about the coming date. When I climbed out of my car in his lot, he narrowed his eyes as he studied my face. “Honey, you’re already flushed, and we haven’t even exercised yet. Maybe I shouldn’t have given you so much wine.”
I laughed. “Don’t worry. Wine never affects me much, and I didn’t drink enough to get a buzz. You kept filling my glass after one sip.”
“I’m used to the biddies knocking it back in a gulp or two. Did you overdo it rushing home?”
I scoffed, deciding in that instant I wasn’t ready to talk about Spencer. After all, I didn’t know where if anywhere he and I would go. “Everyone can’t be as slender as you, David.”
He preened. Although he ran fingers through his midnight black hair, it lay down again in a perfectly crafted style. I wondered if Louisa had cut it for him. “Yes, that’s true, honey, but don’t worry. There’s hope for everyone.”
David slung a black bag over his shoulder and linked his arm through mine. We turned toward the street and crossed to the gym. “Let’s get our exercise on.”
Inside the gym or fitness center as John called it, the wide-open floor was taken up with exercise machines of all kinds, from treadmills to stair climbers to cycles. Benches at the back were for free weight lifting. One wall was all mirrored from floor to ceiling, and the other walls were painted a cheery lime green with Beautiful Nu U emblazoned in giant white letters at the top.
I heard a shout and glanced up to find a second level like a loft running along one side of the room. A small group of elderly women and a few middle-aged men and women performed aerobic exercise.
“I would have thought they’d have a room for that,” I wondered aloud.
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