by Jenn Cowan
“I need to talk to you.”
“About what?”
“Roger.”
I perk up at his words. “What about Roger?”
“May I?” Gil gestures to the chair in the break room.
“Of course.” I watch him sit down, but don’t join him. I’m not sure I trust him and want to be able to get away if this is a trap. “Tea?”
“Peppermint, please.”
I rifle through the cabinets for the tea then fill the tea kettle and place it on the stove. When I turn around, Gil's staring at his hands. I clear my throat. "You said you needed to talk to me, so talk." I'm not feeling very welcoming, not after the way he treated me the last time he was at the spa.
Gil blinks like he was deep in thought and forgot I was standing next to him. “I'm sorry for the way I acted the other day." He hangs his head then peeks out at me.
I nod to show I accept his apology.
He sighs. "I came here the other day to tell you about Roger."
"What about Roger?"
"He asked me to keep an eye on Maggie. I think she's mixed up in something.”
“Mixed up in what exactly?”
Gil doesn’t say anything as if debating whether or not to tell me. “Maggie was the love of Roger's life. It was love at first sight. I mean Maggie’s gorgeous, but it’s like Roger became entranced with her.”
I frown. “Like Roger was under Maggie's spell.”
He snaps his fingers and points at me. “Exactly. I mean Roger had girlfriends but was never serious with any of them. With Maggie, it was like he was obsessed with her. They seemed so in love and then one day he calls me and tells me she’s gone.”
“What do you mean gone?”
“She left him without a word. She didn't leave a note or anything. Just never came home. He went a little crazy, even stalked her work, her sister’s house and even Hailey's shop. Hailey kept reassuring him Maggie was fine, but she needed some time away. It was like the guy couldn’t believe she would leave him. When Maggie showed up here, I contacted him. He made me promise to keep an eye on her. Said he had some stuff to take care of then he would come for her.”
“What did he have to take care of?” The tea kettle whistles behind me and I jump.
Gil smirks. “Need some help?”
I shake my head. “I got it. Thanks.” I busy myself preparing the tea. Peppermint fills the air and wakes me up a bit. It helps with digestion, but also gives you a boost of energy. Maybe I should switch to peppermint in the morning. I set a cream-colored mug with the word breath in bold black letters in front of him.
He lifts the mug to his lips and takes a sip. “Mmm, this is good.”
I smile at him and take a sip of my chamomile tea. Nope. This tea is my soulmate tea. It soothes me and keeps me calm and grounded. I lean against the counter and wrap my hands around my blue mug with the word relax in bold white letters. “You were saying.”
“I was?” Gil studies me. “Right. He showed up here around the time all that stuff went on with the PA in town. What’s his name?”
“Eddie.”
“Yeah, him.”
“So, he showed up and what?”
“He was on edge. Kept rambling about needing money to pay someone off.”
“Did he say who?”
Gil shakes his head.
“Did Roger and Maggie steal some jewels in Florida? Were they fugitives?”
He runs a hand over his face. “Roger sent me some jewels to give to Maggie. I thought they were gifts to try and win her back.”
“What was Maggie’s reaction when she saw them?”
“She seemed anxious about them. Acted like someone was watching her. She kept glancing over her shoulder all the time.
I remember Travis saying Maggie was trying to pawn some rare gems a few weeks ago. Did Maggie sell them to pay someone off? “Did Roger say anything about owing anyone money?
He raises an eyebrow then says, “His brother.”
“His brother. Where does he live?”
“Here.”
“Here in Daysville?”
Gil nods. “You know Martin.”
“Martin at the dealership.” I frown. “I didn’t know he had a brother. He’s got to be like ten years older than Roger.”
“It’s his half-brother. Their dad remarried after Martin’s mother died.”
I pause and mull this over. Martin moved here when I was in high school. He came to work for Gil’s dad on the farm then got into car sales. A few years ago, he bought the dealership when Mr. Abbott retired. “Why would Martin want Roger dead?”
“Roger owed Martin lots of money.”
“For what?”
“Martin kept bailing Roger out of trouble, even bailed him out of jail a few times. He was always paying for something for Roger.”
“So, you think Martin was threatening Maggie and Roger. Using Maggie as a way to get Roger to pay up then when Roger couldn't or wouldn't, he kills him?”
Gil snorts. “No, Martin doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.”
I furrow my brows. "I don't understand."
“You asked if I knew someone whom Roger owed money to, and that's Martin, but there’s no way Martin killed him.”
My head starts to hurt, so I change the subject. “Did Roger see Maggie when he came to town?”
“Yep.”
“Did she want to see him?”
Gil shakes his head again. “I overheard them arguing the day he died. She told him he was the reason she was in trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?”
He shrugs. “Maggie didn’t say. I didn’t ask.”
I purse my lips and make a suspect list. Martin. Maggie. Hailey. A mystery person. I glance at Gil and decide to add him to the list as well. I’m not sure why he’s here telling me all of this. Maybe it’s to throw me off his trail. I study him and then ask, “Is there anything else?”
He shrugs. “All in due time, Autumn.”
I open my mouth to ask more when my phone starts to ring in the office.
“I’ll let you get that.” He holds up the cup. “I’ll put this away and see myself out.”
“But I have more questions for you.”
Gil smiles. “Get your call, Autumn.”
I let out a frustrated sigh and hurry to the office. “Hello?” I pant into the phone. Maybe signing up for a gym membership would be a good idea.
“Autumn, it’s Regina, sugar. I went by your house this morning to give you a ride to work, but you were already gone. Did you talk to Travis?”
“Not this morning. Why?”
“I’m surprised he didn’t call you. It’s all so creepy.”
“What is?”
“Roger’s alive.”
13
I rush into the police station and practically scare the young officer at the front desk. “I need to see Detective Mills right away, please.”
“He’s not in.”
“Where is he?”
“There was a sighting of the…well-” He stops talking as if he’s not sure he should tell me.
“Roger?”
The officer glances around then nods and leans forward. “You didn’t hear this from me, but there have been some calls of Mr. Gallahan walking around Daysville.”
My jaw drops open. "Roger was dead. I saw his body. Detective Mills felt for a pulse. Didn’t the ME do an autopsy?”
“The ME’s been out sick the past two days.”
“Aren’t the bodies locked in freezers? Someone would have to have gotten him out.”
The officer shrugs. He must be new because I’ve never seen him before and apparently, he’s not worried about protocol. Not that I mind, but Travis will be livid if gossip like this is leaking from the station. “All I know is people are saying Roger is alive and well.”
I rub my temples because all this information is giving me a headache or maybe running all the way here with a concussion wasn't a good idea. Why doesn’t Travis e
ver answer his phone? “Can you tell me where Roger was last spotted?”
He runs a hand through his short black hair then rubs the light scruff on his cheek. “I’m not supposed to.”
I smirk then give him my best smile. “It will be our little secret.”
He blushes then whispers. “The last call was from the bakery owner, Scott, I think was his name. He reported Roger was sitting at a table eating a muffin.”
“Thanks.” I rush out of the station and almost collide with Travis.
“Whoa! Where are you off to in such a hurry? You know it’s not good to run with a concussion, right?”
I roll my eyes, which only makes my head hurt more and proves Travis's point. “I was coming to find you.”
“And how did you know where I was?” He glances over my shoulder at the officer sitting behind the front desk. “Oliver told you, didn’t he?”
“No.” I cross my fingers behind my back. “His lips were sealed.”
“Yeah, right,” Travis mumbles then opens the door for me and motions for me to lead the way.
I’m about to burst with all the questions running through my mind, but keep them in until we make it back to his office.
Travis sits behind his desk and rubs his eyes. “I know why you’re here, Autumn.”
I open my mouth to jump into questioning him, but he holds up a hand.
“First off, I don’t know anything. The only thing I have are sightings of Roger. When I get there, he’s gone. None of this makes any sense. I mean the guy was dead. There was no pulse.”
“The last two days, the ME's been out sick, correct?”
Travis nods.
“Did anyone check the morgue during those two days?”
“We’re still going over camera footage, but the only person in and out of the morgue is Roger Gallahan. He walks out of the morgue around the same time we realized Maggie was gone.”
“And you don’t find that strange?”
He throws his hands up in the air. “Of course, I do, Autumn. This whole thing is insane. None of it makes any sense, much like the last case. First, there are ghosts. Now, it’s a witch, maybe invisibility spells and a walking dead guy. This stuff wasn't in my training. It’s all completely out of my scope, and the captain’s breathing down my neck to get this case wrapped up.” Travis slumps back in his chair and stares at the ceiling.
I bite my lip and contemplate asking my questions. Travis is overwhelmed and me prying will only upset him. I’ve heard rumors the captain is not happy about me solving cases around town. Something about me making them look bad, and I’m sure Travis is taking the heat for it.
Maybe I should go back to the spa. I glance at the clock, it’s almost eight thirty, and we open in thirty minutes. With Josh and Maggie out, I’m the only one who can bring in any money. I can’t let Sally down. She’s already upset about the books being off. I should let this go and focus on the spa. “Well, I’m going to let you handle this and head back to the spa.”
Travis jerks up and gapes at me like I shaved my head. “What?”
I stand and say, “You’re more than capable of handling this case, Detective. I don’t want to get in your way.”
He gets up and comes around the desk then places a hand to my forehead and inspects my bruise. “Are you feeling OK? Any headaches?”
I brush his hand away. “I’m fine.”
“Really?” He studies me. “Because the Autumn I know would be asking me a million questions and wanting to ride along while I search the town for Roger Gallahan. You’re saying you want to go back to the spa and see clients. Did Hailey put a spell on you too?”
I smack his arm. “You’re not funny. Sally is upset because the books are off and I haven’t even told her about the missing deposit from Friday. With Maggie and Josh out, I’m the only one who can run the spa. Plus, I don’t want to step on your toes. I know it hasn’t been easy on you these past few months. I never intended to solve these cases and make you or the department look bad. You know that, right?”
Travis’s worried expression softens, and he smiles. “I know, Autumn. If it weren't for you, I don’t know if things would have solved as quickly. You always seem to dig deeper and have a nose for crime solving.” He pops me on the nose then his gaze falls to my lips.
A knock on the door has him stepping back.
“Travis, I brought you-“ Allison’s voice drifts off. She glances back and forth between us, a basket of something, which smells like blueberry muffins, is in her hands. “Am I interrupting something?” her voice laced with suspicion. She’s a vision for this early in the morning with her perfectly curled red locks and form-fitting blue dress and tan boots that hit just above her knees.
“Not at all.” I skirt around her and put some distance between Travis and me. “I was reporting the theft at the spa from Friday. I never did make a formal report, and this morning I noticed the numbers were off. Sally is distraught over it, so I wanted to be sure to make a report.” Ugh. I’m rambling and sound guilty. I have no reason to feel guilty. Right?
“Oh no, that’s awful. Do you have any idea who could have messed with the books?”
I frown. At first, I thought it was Maggie, but she couldn’t have altered the records since she didn't have computer passwords. Josh wouldn’t do it. The only other person who has access to the spa’s financials is, Dr. Gregory. “I have to go.”
Allison says something to me, but I’m already moving toward the exit.
“Autumn, wait!”
I’m already outside. How did I get out here so fast? I’ve got to get out of my head and pay more attention to my surroundings. I turn to find Travis jogging up to me.
“Are you sure you’re OK?”
I give him my best fake smile. “Of course, why do you keep asking me that?”
“With everything going on, Josh, the spa, the accident, it’s just a lot. If you need someone to talk to, I’m always here for you.” He reaches out and squeezes my hand.
The touch sends sparks up my arm, and I pull my hand back when I see Allison studying us in the window. “I’m fine, Travis. Allison’s waiting for you. I’ll see you later.” I spin on my heels and close my eyes to keep from falling over. A trip to see Dr. Gregory is definitely in order and for more than to check on my concussion.
14
I flip the Open sign to Closed and take a deep breath. The spa was busy, and I barely had time to shove a bean and rice burrito down my throat for lunch. My stomach growls as I make my way back to the office. I contemplate calling in a salad and black bean burger to the cafe before I head to the hospital.
The sound of someone opening the back door has me making a beeline for the break room.
“Josh? What are you doing here?” I rush over to him and help him with the door.
His left arm’s in a cast, there’s a large bandage over his left eyebrow, and he has a black eye not to mention a few scratches on his face and neck. He’s dressed in jeans and a green sweater. “I wanted to check on you. Mondays are always busy.”
I guide him over to the couch. “I managed. Shouldn’t you still be in the hospital?”
He cringes when he sits down. “Probably, but you know how much I hate hospitals. I can rest better at home.”
“Then shouldn’t you be home…resting?”
“Hailey’s waiting for me in her car.” His eyes scan my face. “Are you OK? Are we OK?”
Tears pool in my eyes and I blink them back, forcing a smile. “Of course.” One escapes and falls down my cheek. Ugh, traitor.
Josh reaches up with his good hand and brushes it away then cups my cheek in his hand. “I’m sorry, Autumn.”
I lean into his touch. “For what?”
“For everything.” He sighs and drops his hand. “For leaving town and marrying Hailey. Getting injured and putting you in a bind here at the spa.”
There are so many questions bouncing around in my mind, but there’s only one that matters. “Why did you marry Hail
ey?”
Josh blushes and runs a hand through his hair. “Honestly, I don’t remember any of it. The last thing I remember is walking into the waiting room on Friday afternoon after giving Amber a massage.”
I lift an eyebrow. “Really? You don’t remember punching Gil?”
His eyes grow wide. “I punched Gil?”
I nod and gesture to his right hand. "That's where these cuts and bruises came from."
He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I don’t remember that. What happened afterward?”
I briefly give him the run-down of the weekend's events.
Josh pales when I tell him about my Jeep getting blown up. He loved that Jeep as much as I did. He shakes his head slowly. “I don’t remember any of it. It's all blocked from my mind. I never miss movie night, and I certainly would never have left town if you were hurt. You have to know that, right, Autumn?”
“I know,” I respond softly, then take a deep breath. “Do you wonder if Hailey put a spell on you?”
“What?" He laughs, then when he realizes I'm serious he says, "Hailey isn’t a witch, Autumn.”
I shrug. “Then how do you explain not acting like yourself or completely forgetting everything that happened this weekend?”
Josh doesn’t say anything, but he has a deep frown on his face.
“Josh, did Hailey see your bank statements or for that matter did Maggie?”
He gives me a blank look. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the fact Maggie's in financial trouble with someone, and either Hailey is helping her out, or she’s got other motives.”
“You think Hailey married me for my money?” His voice raises.
I cringe. “It’s just…” I don’t get to finish because Josh is on his feet and pacing in front of me.
“So that’s the only reason someone would marry me because I’m rich? It’s not because I’m a nice guy or would make a good husband. A great father.” His face turns red, and he’s breathing hard.
I jump to my feet. “Of course, you will. That’s not what I mean. It’s just…”
“Save it, Autumn. Hailey was right about you. You don’t want to see me happy. Just want me to be your best friend, but nothing else. To be around when you don’t have something better to do. I’m not a doormat, you know.”
