Free Point of Betrayal by Ann Roberts Page B

Bobby Arco.”
    “They’re strong possibilities,” Jane conceded, “but haven’t you always said most murders are committed for personal reasons?”
    “Yes, but since Nina was a social worker, she falls into a gray area. Her work was very personal and dealt with people’s private lives. If she threatened to expose Bobby Arco as a child abuser, the family would be destroyed. People will do anything to protect their families.”
    “That makes sense,” Jane agreed.
    “It makes the boyfriend
and
the mother more likely suspects than any of the Garritsons,” Ari continued. “Why would any of them want to kill Nina? I’m not sure disapproving of her marriage to Sam is enough of a reason, and their alibis seem solid.”
    They arrived back at the resort. Ari was dreaming of a hot bath and her plush robe when Jane said, “I arranged a little surprise for us.” She wore a lascivious grin that scared Ari.
    “It’s not a surprise if you know about it,” Ari said, “and I’m not up for that.”
    “It’s not
that
.” She checked her watch as a knock on the door sounded. “Right on time.”
    Ari dropped onto the bed, imagining Jane had invited total strangers over for an impromptu party. She couldn’t fathom three more hours of small talk even it if was in the company of beautiful women—the standard guests at any of Jane’s get-togethers. So she was slightly relieved when only
two
beautiful and buxom women in skimpy bikinis followed her into the suite carrying massage tables.
    “Ari, this is Sage and Sunday, not their real names of course. I thought we, meaning more specifically
you
, could use some relaxation.”
    They were practically mirror images. Both wore their long bleach-blond-hair swept to the side and their matching pink bikinis revealed skin the color of copper. They clearly had read and revered the instruction manual for becoming a California girl.
    She took a deep breath and opened the balcony’s sliding glass door. “May I see you, please?” Jane bowed her head and followed her out.
    “If you think—”
    “Honey, they’re real masseuses. I know you’d never agree to a professional, and you’re not ready anyway.”
    They glanced into the room where both women were busily setting up their tables and pots of oil.
    “C’mon, it’ll be fun,” Jane said, shedding her shoes and dress on the balcony and escorting Ari back inside.
    Since all eyes were on her, she stripped and climbed on the table. It was luxurious. The knotted muscles in her back felt like stretched rubber bands about to break. She overheard Jane and Sage chatting continuously, but she preferred to listen to the quiet mood music from Sunday’s boom box. She couldn’t move when it was over.
    “Just lie still for a few minutes,” Sunday whispered. “Enjoy the after.”
    Only then in the absence of her touch did Ari’s thoughts drift to Molly and the missing link in her life. She realized Sunday had massaged her broken heart as well as her body.
    They exchanged a friendly hug as she left and Ari expressed her thanks. Jane’s goodbye was completely R-rated. When she cupped Sage’s breast, Sage scolded her.
    “No, no. I don’t mix business with pleasure. I really am a licensed masseuse, and I want to keep it that way.”
    “Sorry,” she said, stepping back. “I was getting some signals.”
    Sage smiled. “Oh, there were signals. It’s just that if you want some action, it’ll have to be off the clock,” she said, flashing a boob before she walked out.

Chapter Nine
     
    Biz slammed her cup on the granite counter, sloshing coffee over its side. Time was running out, and she needed to end this herself. She couldn’t wait for anyone else to do the dirty work. That was the most difficult part to accept since she couldn’t imagine harming a sister. Her entire business was spent helping abused women. Maybe if she paid Wanda once more she’d really disappear.
    “Not likely,” she whispered to the beautiful kitchen.
    She