Free Permed To Death [Bad Hair Day Mystery 1] by Nancy J. Cohen

wrongdoing led to her dismissal, but I got the impression she likes him."
    "You're kidding? I thought she'd sworn off men."
    "She spoke to him at the funeral. Afterward, when Darlene tried to get his attention, Lucille seemed glad he turned her away."
    "Maybe you should talk to Roy to sound out his views. Although I'm not entirely clear why you feel the need to do all this legwork. Isn't that Vail's job?"
    "Of course it is, but Bertha died in my salon. I feel it's my responsibility to learn what happened."
    "Why?” Tally persisted.
    Marla stumbled for an answer. Because her death was my fault. I should have been more vigilant. Like with Tammy ... "I was alone with her. I don't want anyone thinking I poisoned her coffee."
    Tally's eyes narrowed shrewdly. “Vail's really spooked you, hasn't he? Or are you blaming yourself, Marla?"
    The waiter swept by carrying a tray laden with aromatic dishes, distracting their attention, Marla's mouth watered, but the meals went to a rowdy group of businessmen who'd already whetted their appetite with large quantities of beer.
    "Hey!” Tally called. “We were seated before them."
    The waiter, a harried young man whose limp hair tumbled onto his brow, stopped by their table. “I'll check on your orders, ma'am."
    "I'd like a glass of burgundy,” Marla requested, needing to relieve the tension knotting her brow. She could think more clearly if so many possibilities weren't clouding her brain. Then again, maybe it was better not to think at all.
    "You're upset,” Tally said, wagging a finger.
    "Of course I'm upset.” She leveled a steady gaze on her friend. “Do you know what Vail suggested? He said I should contact Stan for legal counsel."
    "Dear Lord.” Tally raised her eyes heavenward. “Just what you need. Look, do me a favor and be careful when you talk to Todd. You don't want to invite any more trouble."
    Marla remembered the odd feeling of recognition she'd had when their hands touched at the funeral, and a shiver ran up her spine. “Roy Collins could be a pain,” she said, pushing aside her doubts about Todd. “If he decides to sue me for negligence, I'll have to notify the carrier for my liability policy. If they won't cover this situation, I'll be forced to call Stan."
    Tally grimaced. “I'm surprised he hasn't come running to you already to gloat. He must have seen the shots of your salon on TV."
    "He'll drop by when it's to his advantage.” The waiter returned with steaming-hot plates and her glass of wine. “Don't you want a drink?” she asked Tally.
    Tally shook her head, waves of blond hair brushing her face. She wore a loose, easily manageable style that Marla trimmed for her every six weeks. “My weight is up by two pounds. Alcohol adds too many calories.” She examined her plate, squinting. “This piece of chicken is undercooked,” she told the waiter. “Look, see this red juice?” She prodded the meat with her knife. “It needs to go back on the grill for a few more minutes. See that it's done properly this time, will you?"
    After he left for the kitchen, Tally leaned forward. “I stopped by the new Trim ‘N Slim sport place. It costs seven hundred fifty to join, then thirty a month. Want to go with me?"
    Marla tasted her grilled salmon with dill sauce. A warm buttery slice slid down her throat. “You know I hate exercise classes."
    "Never mind the classes. We can use the machines. I'll meet you after work three times a week."
    "Not me, thanks.” Stirring a generous dollop of sour cream and chives into her baked potato, she mixed it in with her fork.
    "You think you're eating diet food with that fish, but look at the oil running off the dill sauce. And all those high-fat toppings you put on your potato, plus the wine, and your roll with butter—"
    "That's enough!” She wanted to enjoy her meal, not feel guilty over it.
    The waiter returned, putting Tally's plate in front of her for inspection. She nodded and picked up her fork. After a few bites