Pampered to Death

by Diana Orgain

  “Was Ryan a virgin before Kelly?” I asked as that seemed to be what Brittany had suggested.

  “His mother thought so,” Brittany said with a chuckle. “He would play Mr. Innocent to her, but when you leave a used condom in your trashcan when your mother comes over, well, she puts two and two together.”

  “Do you think Ryan—”

  She cut me off before I could even finish my thought. “Let me stop you right there. Ryan was totally in love with Kelly. I’ve never seen a man so in love.”

  “What about Merida?” I asked.

  “What about her?”

  “She did date Ryan,” I said.

  “Yeah, but that was so brief I hardly think it matters,” Brittany said. “And Kelly and Merida were super close. Like really close. Like I thought I was going to have to compete for the maid of honor position close.”

  “Strange...”

  “Not really,” Brittany said. “Like I said, their relationship was pretty brief. I doubt there are any feelings there.”

  I bet if you saw what I did at the funeral you wouldn’t think so.

  It was time to have a chat with Meirda.

  I thanked Brittany for her cooperation, and scanned the room for the other women.

  When I approached her, Meirda’s face turned bright pink.

  She doesn’t want to talk to me after what I saw at the funeral.

  For a moment, I thought she try to evade me, but she didn’t.

  “Merida, we need to talk,” I began.

  “Okay,” she said plainly, and we dipped out into the hallway.

  I did the same sort of run down I did with Brittany, explaining how I was a PI assigned to Kelly’s case. “You going to harass me now too?” she asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “The police have been bothering me ever since that cop saw me and Ryan together at Kelly’s funeral,” she said. “I told him that it was just a kiss, but he didn’t believe me. Ryan never cheated on Kelly. We were both just upset at the funeral, and he kissed me because he was distraught. I don’t even like Ryan like that anymore, but the police won’t stop bothering me.”

  “I’m not here to judge you or harass you,” I promised. “I just want to find out what happened to Kelly.”

  “So do I,” she said. “Kelly was my best friend. I know Ryan and I dated, but it was never that serious.”

  “I understand. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?” I began, and she nodded.

  We literally replayed the conversation I’d just had with Brittany a few moments before. Merida told me all the wonderful things Kelly accomplished.

  “She had a heart of gold, you know?” Merida said, her eyes watering. “I don’t understand how someone could kill Kelly. She never hurt anyone. Everyone she met totally loved her.”

  “What about Mrs. Lozano?” I asked because I had zero additional suspects.

  “Mrs. Lozano hated everyone who dated her son at first who didn’t meet her ridiculous standards,” Merida said. “She hated me for a while too. And that woman chased off other girlfriends of Ryan’s too because they weren’t good enough. But she always came around at one point or another with most girls he dated. Even with me and Kelly.”

  I exchanged information with Merida, and she promised to answer any questions that I had. It was clear that she’d become a prime suspect of the police, but that just didn’t sit right with me.

  Did the police know something I didn’t?

  I spoke with the other bridesmaids as well the groomsman, and got nowhere. I even spoke with some of guests who’d come from the homeless shelter, and they all knew Kelly by name and even cried during sharing some stories with me.

  Towards the end of the event, I managed to get a hold of the homeless shelters director of operations. She was an older woman with gray hair set in a tidy bun. And, like everyone else, she had nothing but wonderful things to say about Kelly.

  I listening to her talk about all the money Kelly had raised for the shelter, how Kelly had even let a family live with her in her apartment at one point until they got back on their feet.

  “You just don’t come across a girl like that too often,” the woman said as she ushered people out of the ballroom toward the shuttles to return to the shelter.

  “No, you really don’t,” I agreed.

  I sighed and took a moment to gather my thoughts.

  I felt like I’d hit a brick wall. I had zero leads, and I was certain that McNearny was probably already onto something while I was being left in the dust.

  I headed back inside the room to assist with cleanup duty. I bumped into the gentleman who would have been Ryan’s best man, and decided to give one last interview a shot before throwing in the towel for the day. He was pretty much the only one I hadn’t spoken with yet.

  “Would you say you and Kelly were close?” I asked.

  “Not in particular,” he said. “I mean, she was Ryan’s girl, so I knew her through him. We would hang out sometimes but only because Ryan and I were hanging out. I really liked her; she was good for Ryan, you know?”

  “Yes, that seems to be the verdict,” I said. “So you only knew her through Ryan?”

  “Well, she did use to run this blood drive before she and Ryan met. I’d met her there a couple of times,” he said and then chuckled. “I went to donate blood twice in one day because I thought she was cute and wanted an excuse to talk to her again, but I wound up passing out.”

  “So you did know Kelly before she started dating Ryan?” I asked.

  “Not really. I knew her face because she was the one who called an ambulance for me after I hit my head on a table when I passed out. It was really embarrassing.”

  “So you were interested in dating Kelly and then she wound up with your best friend?” I asked, and I realize now my tone sounded incredibly accusing.

  The young man frowned and shot me a terrible glare. “It’s not like that,” he said. “That was years before I really knew her. When Ryan first brought her around I didn’t recognize her the first couple of times we hung out. Later she put two and two together and she told us that story. We all laughed about it. I wasn’t jealous of Ryan and Kelly. I’m married myself.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “It’s been a long day. I’m trying to piece all of this together, and nothing really seems to be lining up.”

  The young man huffed at me. “Well, you know what? It’s been a rough day for everyone. Not just you.”

  And with that I learned my lesson about what sort of tone I used when interviewing people. He was nice enough to let it go, but I could tell he was furious with what I had obviously been suggesting. I’d made a ridiculous leap based on that funny antidote he’d told me all because I was getting desperate to pin down a handful of suspects.

  I’d had enough for the day. It was time to take a step back from the detective work. I headed back into the ball room to help finish with clean up duty. The hotel staff was doing most of the work, and I saw that the volunteers were gathered around a table as Ryan gave a teary eyed toast to his deceased bride-to-be and thanked everyone for their hard work at making this event honoring her a success.

  The group of friends clapped for Kelly, and soon they were all standing around drinking some champagne and talking about the wonderful person Kelly had been.

  A sense of frustration was building within me. Could these people be hiding something from me?

  Was Kelly involved in something too embarrassing for them to talk about? Or was she really the innocent victim all of these people wanted me to believe she was?

  Someone abruptly jabbed me in the side, and I jumped. It was my mother, smiling sweetly and holding up a glass of champagne.

  “Ryan gave me a glass, isn’t that just sweet?” my mom said. “He gave all the volunteers one, but you were outside.”

  “I was interviewing the director of the homeless shelter and the best man too,” I said. “Just trying to make sense of this case, but there doesn’t seem to b
e much to go on now. Honestly, it’s starting to frustrate me.”

  “Don’t worry, honey, you will get it,” my mom assured me. “You always do! Don’t try to rush it. It’s like a complicated puzzle. You can’t force the pieces to fit where they just won’t go.”

  “I know,” I said, “But I can’t even get a list of suspects down. I’ve done my research, and it seems like everyone just loved this girl. Even people you’d think might have a bone to pick with her have nothing but good things to say about her. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense. And it makes me angry too. Who would want to hurt her?”

  “Who would want to hurt anyone,” my mother said with a wave of her hand. “You’re working in a very sticky sort of business now, dear. You’re going to see things you don’t like, but you get to be the person who finds justice. That should make you feel good. A person’s motives for a murder don’t have to make sense to you -it just has to make sense for the killer.”

  “Wow,” I said. “Mom, that’s actually pretty decent advice.”

  “I have something good to say every once in a while,” she said with a wink.

  Galigani came swaggering up to us, and I suspected that he’d had more than just the one glass of champagne he was currently holding. He looked far too relaxed, and that wasn’t exactly a state I was used to seeing him in. He put an arm around my mother and smiled in my direction. “How’s the investigating going, Kate?” he asked me.

  I sighed heavily. “Honestly? Not well. I am starting to wonder if I am barking up the wrong tree. I can’t imagine anyone here having a reason for killing Kelly.”

  “Do you have any suspects?” Galigani asked.

  “Not really,” I said. “The most obvious would be the grooms ex girlfriend or maybe his mother, but even both of them seem to have had a decent relationship with Kelly even if they had had squabbles in the past. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense. I’m stumped.”

  “I know,” he said. “Try looking for a new angle. Sometimes that is all you can do.”

  “I will,” I said. “I just wish I knew what sort of angle to look for.”

  “You’ll figure it out, dear,” my mother said. “You’re smart. Smarter than you give yourself credit for.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I said. I sighed and looked at the time. “Looks like we need to get going if we’re going to make our spa appointment.”

  “Ooh!” mom squealed. “I almost forgot! I’m so excited about our spa day!” She handed her glass of champagne over to Galigani, who happily drained it.

  Mom gave Galigani a quick kiss on the cheek, and headed out to the parking lot. While we waited for the valet to bring my car, we gaze out at the Golden Gate Bridge.

  “What a view,” mom said.

  “I know. I love it,” I said, and I took a moment to breathe.

  Mom looked at me quizzically. “You sure you’re all right?”

  “I got a little winded for some reason. I probably should start exercising some. I didn’t realize how out of shape I have gotten since Laurie.”

  “Kids will do that to you,” my mom said. “They drain your energy like little parasites, and then you have no time to actually take care of yourself. You used to run all the time. When was the last time you did that?”

  “It’s been a while,” I said. “Okay, so I need to add that to my to-do list. Create a work out plan.”

  “You and your to-do lists,” my mother teased.

  The attendant returned with my car and we hopped in, excitingly heading toward the Pampered to Death Day Spa.

  Chapter Twelve

  Mom and I pulled up into the parking lot of the spa, and she was practically giddy.

  “No facials, right?” she asked as we got out of the car.

  “Mom! Please, for the love of God, do not make jokes like that while we are here,” I pleaded.

  “Oh, fine,” she said. “Don’t get your panties in a wad. I’m just glad someone’s going to work on my back.”

  “I know. After that ridiculous yoga class Paula put me in, my back hasn’t been the same. Especially my lower back.” I reached around and placed my hands at the back end of my hips and stretched a bit.

  “That could be your kidneys?” mom said, a worried expression on her face.

  “I doubt I have a kidney infection,” I said. “But if it continues, I’ll go have it checked out. I really think it’s just something I pulled during that class.”

  We headed inside where I was almost immediately greeted by that smell I’d been unable to stomach the last time I was there. I felt queasy, and I made a bee line for the bathroom. Honestly, I’ve never been so offended by a smell before!

  Thankfully I didn’t lose my lunch, but once my head was on straight again I headed out to the lobby where mom was waiting with a puzzled expression.

  “Sorry, Mom,” I said. “It’s that smell from one of the lotions they use here. It rubs me the wrong way.”

  “I like it,” my mom said and sniffed the air like she was a bloodhound.

  I shook my head, laughing off my mom’s unusual banter, and headed to the front desk.

  “We have an appointment for two,” I said to the receptionist.

  She looked up my name and smiled politely, saying they’d just finished getting the room ready, so we were good to go.

  The receptionist escorted us to a back room where two massage tables were positioned. We were told to disrobe and get under the sheets, before the woman skipped off.

  Much to my dismay, our masseuses were two very handsome looking men who trotted in once Mom and I were settled. I figured mom would giggle uncomfortably the whole time and make awkward comments.

  But, after a few minutes, my mom’s masseuse had her so relaxed she was nearly half asleep.

  I’d never really gotten a professional massage before, and boy was it nice. Jim gave a good back rub, mind you, but it sure was nice getting a full body massage from someone who knew what they were doing.

  The hour long massage ended too soon, and we tipped the gentleman well.

  I’d nearly fallen asleep myself between the nice massage, the dim lighting, the lovely scented candles, and the sound of water trickling from a little fountain in the corner.

  “You ladies are welcome to enjoy our hot tub and sauna before you leave,” one of the masseuses reminded us.

  “Believe me,” I said. “I haven’t forgotten about that.”

  Mom and I used the thick white robes the spa provided and exited the dimly lit room. In the locker room, we changed into our swimsuits and stowed our street clothes.

  As we exited the locker room, Mom was all smiles. “My back feels fantastic,” mom raved

  “Kate!” a familiar voice called from down the hall.

  I turned to see Jane North. She had an anxious smile as she approached.

  “Hey, Jane,” I said politely.

  “I saw that you were on our schedule today, and I’m really glad. I know you’re here to relax, so I won’t keep you, but I was just hoping you could tell me how the case is going?” she asked.

  Before I could answer, my mother excitedly exclaimed, “Fish tank!”

  I shook my head. “What?”

  My mom had rounded a corner and continued to point. I joined her, and observed an enormous fish tank in the room.

  “That wasn’t there before.” I said.

  “No, your friend Paula had it put in,” Jane explained. “Sean O’Neil recommended her, and I have to say she’s been wonderful. We have her working the hallways first, and then she’s going to tackle our dull lobby. Once the old part of our building is complete, I’m going to have Paula come up with some designs for the nail salon section we’re building into.”

  “I’m so glad you’re enjoying her work!” I said.

  “She’s done a great job at making this place feel a bit more relaxing. I suppose interior decorating was never my strong suit,” Jane said, sighing. “So, anyways, how is the case coming along so far?”

  My heart s
ank.

  I needed to be honest, but it sure is difficult to tell a client you’d come up empty-handed.

  “Slowly but surely,” I began. “I’m having trouble narrowing down my list of suspects. Or creating a list at all, that is. From what I’ve been able to gather, the woman who died here was a saint. Trying to find out who has a motive to hurt someone like that is virtually impossible. I’ve interviewed all of the witnesses as well as Kelly’s immediate circle of friends and family, and so far no one is standing out to me as a potential suspect.”

  “Sounds like you have been busy,” Jane said, her shoulders sagging.

  I could tell she was disappointed that I hadn’t had some sort of major breakthrough.

  “I’m worried about what this is going to do to our business—especially if we don’t find out who is behind this,” she confided. “The last thing I want is for to wind up on the news and for people to start pointing fingers at us. I don’t know if we can handle a major dip in our revenue right now with all of the money we’re putting into construction.”

  “I understand,” I said. “And I’m doing my best. I promise we will figure this out as soon as possible.”

  “Thank you so much, Kate,” Jane said, her face full of sadness . “Well, I’ll let you ladies be off then.” She headed on down the hall.

  “Look, it’s Nemo!” Mom said.

  I turned around to see her pointing at the fish tank as though she were a five year old child who believed Nemo was in that fish tank.

  “You’re ridiculous,” I said with a laugh.

  We headed down the hall, destined for the hot tub, but I ran into yet another familiar face. Sean O’Neil was working today. I introduced my mom to him, I could tell mom was getting antsy.

  “Why don’t you go on to the hot tub, and I’ll catch up?” I suggested, and my mom silently thanked me with a big grin and kissed my cheek before running off.