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

been too shameful to confide even to her high-school friend.
    "If Todd can't tell you where Zack works, Wendy might cooperate if you've got information to throw back at her,” Tally offered. She eyed the dessert menu but just ordered an espresso.
    "Like what?"
    Tally lifted an eyebrow. “You'll think of something. You've got to play these people like musical instruments. Either they blend in with harmony, or you can use discord to make them talk."
    "You may have a point,” Marla conceded.
    "If you think one of them paid Carlos to unlock the back door at your salon, then find out where everyone was that night. Also, who else besides Wendy knew Mrs. Kravitz had an early hair appointment?"
    "Good questions."
    "So they are, although I don't know why I'm helping you. In my opinion, you should leave this stuff to Detective Vail.” Tally's face broke into a smile. “You can be very stubborn when you set your mind to do something, and I know you won't leave well enough alone. Just be careful, and stop blaming yourself for what happened."
    Marla opened her mouth for a retort but the waiter returned with their orders. Gosh, that slice of brownie pie is big enough for two! And look at that mound of whipped cream dribbled with fudge . She'd never be able to finish it.
    "You've got to help me!” she pleaded, shoving the plate forward. “Here, have some. This is too much!"
    Tally laughed, dipping her spoon into the treat. “This isn't my week for desserts, but you've forced me. Umm, it's so-o-o good!"
    Small talk occupied the time until the bill came. As they walked to the exit, Tally turned to her.
    "Call me tomorrow after your meeting with Todd. I want to know you got home safely."
    "All right, if you promise to keep me informed about you and Ken. I really don't think he could be involved with someone else, Tally. He's always been so devoted to you."
    "Not these days.” She hugged Marla, and they went their separate ways in the parking lot.
    A heavy stillness, dominated by the rich smell of rotting vegetation, hung in the night air. In the distance, a flash of lightning ripped the skies, illuminating clouds sodden with moisture. Storms heralded the approach of summer hurricanes, even though the official season didn't start until June.
    Driving home before the rain came, she pondered her conversation with Tally. How drastically her life had changed since last week. Obstacles blocked her path where before there were none, but at least she didn't have to face them alone. Friends like Arnie and Tally were ready to pitch in, as was Lance. Tonight wouldn't be too soon to call him.
    The neighborhood was quiet as she pulled into her garage. She got her mail and turned to go inside when her eye caught on a return address. Galloway and Myers, Attorneys-At-Law. Oh, no.
    Her stomach constricted as she tore open the envelope in her brightly lit kitchen. Quickly she scanned the letter embossed with the firm's name as though the paper itself could intimidate the recipient. Roy Collins, on behalf of Sunshine Publishing, intended to sue for the amount of $250,000 owing to the loss of publisher and president, Bertha Kravitz, who died on the premises of Cut ‘N Dye Beauty Salon because of the negligence of said owner, Marla Shore.
    Damnation! Marla slammed the paper down on the counter and paced the kitchen, her blood boiling. How dare the man accuse her of neglect! Who knew Bertha would consume poison in the brief time she was gone? She'd only wanted to get some clean towels from the storeroom. She hadn't been the one who'd added cyanide to the powdered creamer. Someone else who'd known Bertha had a hair appointment that morning had done it ... maybe even another customer. She hadn't considered that idea before because a relative or close business associate was a more likely suspect.
    Her eyes narrowed, and she skidded to a halt. Maybe it was Roy Collins. This lawsuit could be his attempt at a cover-up. Wendy might get her aunt's fortune, but who