Death At The Spa (Julia Blake Cozy Murder Mystery Book 10)

by Gillian Larkin

Toby puffed his chest out. “Two years. I’m the head valet out here. I’ve had some tricky cars to drive, but I’ve managed to get them all parked.”

  “I admire you. I could never do that. I bet you get some expensive cars here. I’d be shaking like a leaf if I had to drive one.”

  He took a step closer. “I’ve had my moments but I had to face my fears and carry on. I had to prove my worth to Ms Moss. She’s a great boss and she notices everything.”

  Julia gave him an admiring look. “You sound like the perfect employee. Toby, would you mind me asking you about Erin? Did you know her well? It must be a shock for all the staff here.”

  Toby nodded. “I still can’t believe it. Erin was wonderful. She booked me on courses for customer care and that sort of thing. I don’t think I’d be head valet if it wasn’t for her.” He looked left and right and moved closer. “Wasn’t it you and your friend who found her body?”

  “It was. I can’t believe someone would murder her. Have you any opinions on that?”

  “I do. I think that Lori Sanders had something to do with it. And it’s not just me who thinks that, most of the staff think it too. I don’t know why the police haven’t taken her away.” He unclasped his hands and pointed a finger at Julia. “I saw her last night. She stormed out of here and didn’t give me a look; she always treats me like I’m invisible. She marched over to the car park and I could hear her yelling at someone on her phone. It sounded like she was leaving a message for someone.”

  “What did she say?”

  “She was furious about being stood up. She said they weren’t going to get away with it and no one treats her like that. I thought she was going to go out in her car but she headed back this way and walked along the side of the building. She went into the gardens because I heard the side gate opening, it squeaks.”

  Julia said, “What time was this?”

  “Not long before poor Indigo was attacked.” He gave her a knowing look and clasped his hands behind his back again. “I don’t need to say any more than that. I think you’ve got my drift. I’d stay away from Lori, if I was you.”

  “I will.” Julia wanted to ask him more questions but a car pulled up to the entrance.

  Toby said, “I have to get back to the job. Let me know if you need your car.” He bounded down the steps with a smile ready for the new guest.

  That was interesting about Lori. And it was frustrating to know she had an alibi for the time of the murder.

  Julia was about to go back inside when she saw Teresa driving into the car park. From her position on the top step, Julia watched as Teresa pulled into a parking space, switched the engine off and put her head in her hands. Her shoulders shook and it was obvious she was crying.

  Julia knew she shouldn’t get involved but she couldn’t leave the poor girl in distress like that. She went over to her car and knocked gently on the driver’s window.

  Teresa turned a tear-stained face in her direction and lowered the window.

  Julia said, “I’m sorry to bother you. I saw you were upset and I wondered if there’s anything I could do.”

  Teresa sniffed. “No, thank you. Nobody can help me. I’ve made a mess of everything. I’ve done something terrible.” She burst into tears and buried her head in her hands again.

  Julia walked around to the passenger side and let herself in. “You can talk to me.” She handed Teresa a tissue. “I promise not to tell anyone what you say.”

  Teresa took the tissue and gave her a small smile. “Even if I tell you I killed Erin?”

  Chapter 25

  Julia subtly reached out for the door handle and said, “Did you kill her?”

  “No.” Teresa blew her nose. “Although, what I’ve done might have sent her to an early grave. She’d be so disappointed in me. I’m disappointed in myself. I’ve let Erin down so badly.” Fresh tears trickled down her cheeks. “I can’t tell you what I’ve done. I’m too ashamed.”

  “Does it have something to do with stealing spa items and then selling them on?”

  Teresa stared at her. “What? How did you know that?”

  “I’ve got a confession to make. My friend, Gemma, and I followed you last night to a pub. Gemma was the one who found Erin in the tank, and she thought the police suspected her of the murder. So, we’ve been making a poor attempt at finding the real murderer.”

  “And you followed me? Do you think I could have murdered such a wonderful person? Really?”

  Julia shrugged. “I’m sorry, but friends do kill each other. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  Teresa looked at the tissue in her hands. “That’s alright. I suppose everyone’s a suspect.” She looked back at Julia. “But I’m telling the truth when I say it wasn’t me. Erin was a good friend. She helped me through some difficult times. And now I’ve let her down.”

  “Why don’t you start from the beginning? I’m a good listener.”

  Teresa gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks. It’s the usual story. I got in with the wrong crowd when I was a teenager. I was in love with this boy called Ian. I’d do anything for him. Which meant I’d steal anything he wanted me to. You can guess what sort of life I had. How I never got caught stealing is a miracle. I only got caught once, and that was by Erin.

  “Ian had been checking out the best places to steal from, and he came up with a plan to steal from a local spa. Of course, the best way for me to achieve this was to become a member of staff. Ian said I could steal from the customers and staff as well as pinching the products. I was such an idiot and I went along with his plan.”

  “Is that when you met Erin?” Julia asked.

  “It was. She was so lovely. I was only doing the menial jobs at the spa but she kept thanking me and praising me. I saw how good she was at her job, and how happy her customers were. It awoke a feeling in me. Ambition. I’d never had that before. I couldn’t bring myself to steal and I gave Ian all sorts of excuses. The truth was, I didn’t want to stop working at the spa. Erin was using her own free time to teach me about the spa business. She even let me practice a facial on her. I made a mess of it, but she didn’t mind.

  “Ian got suspicious and he threatened me. He’s handy with his fists and I knew what he was capable of. One night, I stayed late after work and put a few items of expensive face creams in my bag. Erin was watching me silently from the doorway. I was so ashamed. I wanted to run away, but she wouldn’t let me. She sat me down and ordered me to tell her everything. I did. And I told her Ian was waiting outside for me.” Teresa smiled. “You should have seen the look that came over her face. She rolled up her sleeves, marched out of the back door and confronted Ian.”

  “What did she say to him? Did she hit him?” Julia asked.

  “I’ve no idea. I didn’t ask. Whatever she said worked because I never saw him again. I continued to work with Erin and she helped me get some qualifications. She was offered a job here. She only took it on the proviso that I was given a job too. She was that kind of person. That’s why I’m so ashamed about going back to stealing. I didn’t know what else to do. I feel lost with out Erin.”

  Julia put a hand on her arm. “Are you going to continue stealing? Are you here to hand in your notice?”

  “No. I didn’t sell anything last night in the pub. I changed my mind at the last minute. I felt an inner strength, as if Erin was watching over me.” Teresa grimaced. “I’ve got a problem now. I’ve got the stock in the boot of my car. I can’t sneak it through the main entrance as Sienna will see me.”

  “Where do the items need to go?”

  “There’s a storeroom next to treatment room one. That’s where I gave you a facial yesterday. There’s a set of patio doors in the store room. They can only be opened from the inside.” Teresa blew her nose again. “I can’t go in looking like this. People will only be kind and I can’t bear their kindness. I don’t deserve it.”

  “You do.” Julia handed her the pack of tissues. “I’m sure Erin would be proud of the decision you’ve made
. Is the storeroom unlocked? Do you have a key?”

  “I do. Why?”

  “I’ll go into the storeroom and open the patio doors for you.”

  Teresa waved the hand which was holding the tissues at her. “I can’t ask you to do that!”

  “You didn’t. I offered. It won’t take me long.” Julia gave her a smile.

  Teresa burst into a fresh torrent of tears.

  Chapter 26

  Julia’s heart sank as she walked down the deserted corridor towards treatment room one. The last time she’d been down here, she’d been happily anticipating a chocolatey treat. She glanced towards the room where the floatation tanks were and her heart sank even more. The police tape was still across the door.

  Julia walked to the storeroom and opened the door using the key Teresa had given her. She went over to the patio doors and unlocked them using the key that was on the inside of the door. She opened the doors, popped her head out and checked up and down to see if any policemen were lurking around. There was no one any where and the air felt still and silent.

  Teresa came around the corner pulling a trolley full of boxes behind her. Julia had offered to help her take the boxes from the boot of the car, but Teresa had insisted that Julia had done enough to help her. Besides, Teresa had said, what would it look like if guests were seen helping staff unload products from their cars?

  Julia joked, “People would think it was some sort of new therapy treatment.”

  Teresa pulled the trolley into the storeroom and asked Julia if she wanted to go back down the same corridor to reception.

  Julia said, “No, thanks. I’ll have a walk around the gardens to clear my head. Unless you’d like me to help you unpack those boxes?”

  “You’ve done more than enough for me. I can’t thank you enough. If I can help you find out who killed Erin, let me know. I’d love to know who the monster is who did it.” Teresa closed the patio doors behind her.

  Julia didn’t need a walk to clear her head, she was going to have a look at the patio doors that belonged to the tank floatation room. There wasn’t any police tape across it, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a quick look.

  Julia walked over to the doors and ran her hand over the locking area. The wood was smooth and there was no sign of a forced entry. That led her to believe someone had used a key to get in. If in fact, the killer had entered the room this way.

  She jumped and fell against the doors as someone shouted out, “I hope you’re not interfering in my investigation, Ms Blake.”

  Julia looked into the moustached face of DI Thostlewaite. She pushed herself away from the patio doors and attempted to smile at him.

  “Hello there, Inspector,” Julia said in an overly cheerful voice. “Fancy seeing you around here. I was just out for a walk, to clear my head, you know, that sort of thing. Anyway, I must be getting back indoors. I’ve got a treatment booked. Bye.”

  She started to walk away but the inspector put out a hand to stop her. His face was serious as he said, “Ms Blake, you do realise that a killer is still on the loose? And that killer could be watching you right at this very minute and wondering what you’re up to. I thought you knew better than to get yourself involved in police business.”

  “I haven’t got myself involved at all,” Julia said. “I was just admiring the woodwork on this door. I’ve been thinking about having patio doors fitted at home.” Her lies sounded feeble to her own ears.

  DI Thostlewaite let out such a heavy sigh that his moustache lifted. “Ms Blake, I am far too tired to listen to any of your ridiculous lies. Please, move along and go back to your room. In fact, why don’t you leave the spa? It would be safer for you.”

  “Oh, you’re trying to get rid of Julia now, are you? Would it make you happy if we were both sent home and locked in our rooms?”

  Julia craned her neck and looked behind the inspector. She was delighted to find Gemma standing there.

  “You’re free!” Julia declared. “What did they do to you? Did they interrogate you?”

  DI Thostlewaite said, “We did nothing of the sort. Mrs Clarke was helping us with our enquiries.”

  Gemma moved her hand up and down her body. “In my dressing gown? You didn’t even give me time to get changed. People were staring at me down at the station. They must have thought I was some sort of mad person.” She glowered at the inspector.

  DI Thostlewaite said, “I take it you’re going to your room to pack your belongings? I’ve spoken to your husband and he said he’d be ordering you to leave the spa and return home.”

  Gemma threw her hands in the air. “He’s going to order me to go home? No one orders me to do anything. I am staying here, and so is Julia. And there’s nothing you can do about it. Haven’t you caused me enough inconvenience today? I’ve missed one of my treatments.”

  “Please, Mrs Clarke, I was only doing my job. I have to follow every lead, no matter how ridiculous it may sound. You know that. And I do think you both should go home, it’s for your own safety.”

  Gemma walked over to Julia’s side and linked her arm through Julia’s. Gemma said, “We’re not going anywhere. Have you any more questions for me? Are we free to go where we like?”

  DI Thostlewaite gave them a stern look. “You may go about your business. As long as that business doesn’t interfere with my police work.” He gave them both a nod before walking away.

  As soon as he rounded a corner, Gemma let out a breath. “I can’t believe he had the nerve to take me to the station.” She looked at Julia. “I’ve got a lot to tell you.”

  Chapter 27

  Julia steered Gemma in the direction of the lavender bushes hoping that the aroma would calm Gemma.

  Gemma shoved her hands in her pockets and Julia could almost see the steam coming from her ears. “I just can’t believe they would treat me like that. I used to work for the police! You’d think they’d take that into account.”

  Julia saw a particularly large lavender plant with a bench in front of it. She took Gemma gently by the elbow and told her to take a seat.

  Julia sat at her side and said, “Tell me what happened.”

  “I went for my head massage first thing. It was lovely, by the way, very relaxing. I was in a good mood as I went back to my room to collect my swimming things. My door was open when I got there, and I saw DI Thostlewaite inside with some of his officers. When he saw me, he held up a plastic bag with a piece of paper inside and asked if I’d like to explain myself. I looked closer at the paper and said I’d never seen it before. Then he said it was a threatening letter that had been sent to me from Erin Baker.”

  “What? That’s ridiculous.”

  “That’s what I said. I told the inspector I’d never met Erin before coming here, and I’d never seen that letter either. I asked him where he’d found it. He wouldn’t tell me anything and said we needed to go to the station immediately. He didn’t even give me the chance to get dressed. I felt like a such an idiot going to the station dressed like this. I’m so ashamed. And furious. There was absolutely no need to take me to the station.” She folded her arms.

  “Unless he was trying to protect you,” Julia pointed out. “What was written on the letter?”

  “It said something about Erin working out what someone was up to, and that she was disgusted by it. She was willing to let this person sort things out. But if the matter wasn’t sorted out, Erin would have no option but to take it further.”

  Julia tapped her chin. “I wonder who Erin was writing to? Was there a date on the letter?”

  “No,” Gemma replied. “And there was no name on it either. There wasn’t even an envelope.”

  “Did you find out where the letter had been placed in your room? Did the inspector finally tell you?”

  “He did. It was in a bedside cabinet. The inspector got an anonymous call this morning. Apparently, I’d been overheard arguing with Erin minutes before she died.”

  “About what?” Julia asked.

  Gemm
a said, “It seems I shouted at Erin to keep her nose out of my business and to stop sending me letters. I went on to say I’d brought her latest threatening letter with me and I was going to show it to her manager. I even said I’d put the letter in my bedside cabinet.” She shook her head in disbelief. “If I was having an argument with Erin, I’d hardly tell her where I’d put the letter.”

  “This is absurd. It’s obvious that someone was setting you up. Couldn’t DI Thostlewaite see that? I didn’t hear you and Erin shouting at each other. And I would have done because I was in the treatment room nearby. Did you tell the inspector this?”

  “I did. Over and over. But he said he had to be seen to be following up the lead.”

  Julia nodded. “I know why he did this. He knows full well it wasn’t you who killed Erin. He knows the killer phoned him, and the killer planted the letter in your room. He wanted to get you away from the killer, and for that person to witness you being taken away.”

  “He could have explained that to me.”

  “But then you wouldn’t have been as angry. DI Thostlewaite wants you to leave the spa, and so does Arnie. What are you going to do?”

  Gemma looked at Julia and gave her a big smile. “I’m staying right here. And we are going to find out who killed Erin Baker. I don’t give a hoot what any inspector says, even the one I’m married to. Have you been doing any investigating while I’ve been locked up?”

  “I have.” Julia told Gemma about her conversation with Karl during her manicure. She held up her nails for Gemma to admire. She then told her about her chat with Toby, the car valet, and her chat with Teresa.

  “You have been busy,” Gemma said.

  “I haven’t finished.” Julia told her about her talk with Cain and then overhearing the conversation Sienna Moss had with someone in the garden.

  Gemma said, “Looks like Sienna’s got a few secrets to hide. I hadn’t considered her to be a suspect.”

  “Don’t forget she went missing at the time of the murder. It took a while for her to be found. I think we need to find out more about Lori, and what she was doing at the time of the murder.” Julia paused and looked closer at Gemma. “What? You’ve got a guilty look on your face.”