Highlights to Heaven (8 page)

“Wyeth Holmes. How can you forget after what your gang did to him?”

Marla stared at her. “You know about that?”

“He whined about it for days. I’d be worried if I were you. Maybe he’s out for revenge.”

“After so many years? Give me a break.”

Their conversation left her with a sinking feeling. Perhaps there was more to Darcy’s theory than she’d thought. The so-called gang was her group of friends in class. They’d eaten lunch together, endured the lectures, shared the same lab assignment, and performed a prank that had slipped her memory until now. Eliminating the rest of her classmates, that presented two more names to check. Five of them had completed the circle: Marla, Lori Webber, Kenya Dobson, Louise Cunningham, and Eileen Joyce McFee. The latter two were dead. How could that incident have eluded her memory?

Lori Webber Snow and her husband were out of town on vacation when Marla called later in the week, using the roster from the beauty school. Lori’s mother answered; she was baby-sitting for their kids. Marla left a brief message and promised to call back the following week. She had better luck when she looked up Kenya Dobson. Kenya worked at a salon in Lauderdale Lakes.

Marla drove over during a break on Friday when a client scheduled for a highlights canceled. She caught Kenya teasing a woman’s hair into a beehive style. Her critical eye scanned rows of domed hair dryers opposite shampoo sinks that belonged in antiquity. The clientele, mostly white-haired, suited the old-fashioned environment. “Can I have a few minutes of your time when you’re through?” she asked after they greeted each other. Kenya still appeared youthful, her rich mahogany skin stretched smooth over a face contoured with high cheekbones and full wine-glossed lips. She moved with the grace of a jungle cat, her royal blue smock covering a pair of tight black jeans.

“I don’t think anyone knows what happened to Wyeth,” Kenya said after her customer departed. Marla stood by while the stylist cleaned her counter. “Maybe his hair never grew back.”

Flushing hotly, Marla regarded her. “He’d achieved a short fuzz by the time we graduated. We all thought the stuff worked, but it wasn’t a miracle like we’d expected.”

Kenya gave her a frank stare. “We were dumb to try it on him. New drugs are usually tested on animals first.”

“The formula wasn’t new, nor was it a drug.” Kenya’s words nagged at something in her memory that troubled her, but it wasn’t as bad as the disgraceful reminder of what they’d done.

During her research for the paper on Martha Matilda Harper, Marla had unearthed a diary written by a chemist from Harper Laboratories in Rochester, New York. The man, John Kagan, mentioned a nourishing tonic that rejuvenated hair. Presumably this was the formula Harper had acquired from the doctor whose household she’d served.

Kagan opened his own lab and continued to refine the tonic. He’d actually created a compound to grow new hair, but the formula was flawed. His diary contained the mixture of components. He’d died before he could complete his work.

As a prank, Marla and her classmates had prepared the solution and applied it to Wyeth during a session on hair coloring. They figured it should make his hair grow thicker. It didn’t work that way. Wyeth Holmes, who prided himself on his virile looks, went bald. The formula caused hair loss, not growth. At least on a first trial, that’s what happened.

Had Wyeth’s hair grown in after that episode? She hadn’t seen him since graduation, when a short fuzz covered his head. Maybe the formula was effective, but it needed to be applied on a regular basis. Or maybe that’s all the hair growth it produced. Considering that Wyeth’s baldness was due to their intervention, would the compound work with age-related hair loss? If someone in her group had developed it in that regard, the tonic might have become extremely valuable.

Her thoughts returned to Cutter Corrigan. As their instructor, he’d had access to everyone’s notes. What if this was something he had decided to pursue? Holy highlights, what an idea! But it didn’t explain how Goat was involved, why Yani was killed, or if the deaths of the two stylists were related.

She presented her theory to Kenya, who appeared to regard the whole notion with mirth. “Better watch your back, girlfriend,” Kenya said, chuckling. “Wyeth’s ghost is coming back after all these years to haunt us.”

“You may not be far from the truth. Why is his name gone from the class roster, and where is he now?”

“Find your missing friend, and you might find him.”

Marla shook her head. “I have the feeling everything is connected, but I don’t understand how. Maybe Detective Vail has more information.”

She’d probe him for answers tomorrow at Brianna’s party. In the meantime, finding a new chess piece became her priority. Otherwise, she’d be in more hot water. Having a possible killer after her was bad enough; having Vail as an enemy would be worse.

Marla was nearly late for Brianna’s party. She arrived at Dave and Buster’s at ten minutes past seven, rushing into the dinner theater where several tables were reserved. Vail’s daughter, surrounded by friends, looked grown-up in a black sheath dress. Her dark brown hair curled softly onto her bared shoulders. Spotting Marla, she smiled, giving a thumbs-up signal.

Dalton wore a flustered air as she approached. “It’s about time,” he told her. “I was hoping you weren’t going to abandon me to this troop of teenagers. What am I supposed to do now?”

“You could try to relax and enjoy yourself.” He looked spiffy in a polo shirt and Dockers, she thought. He must’ve taken pains to blow-dry his hair, because the texture was soft and fluffy.
His part could be a tad straighter, though
.

“You took Brie shopping today,” he said after she’d put down her gift-wrapped packages. She didn’t miss his accusatory tone.

“She picked out that dress, along with some other necessities. Didn’t Brianna give you the charge slips?”

His mouth tightened. “I’ll need to limit her spending. I didn’t expect to get a bill for over a hundred dollars.”

Marla grinned. “Things are expensive, and teenagers like to go shopping. Get used to it.”

“You did something to her hair.”

“We stopped off at the salon. Her ends needed trimming, and I curled her hair a bit. Those waves give her a softer look, don’t you think?”

His gaze narrowed. “Brie’s eyebrows look different.”

“They’re just more defined.”
My, aren’t we observant
.

Vail leaned inward, lowering his voice. “Her legs are smooth, and I forbade her to shave.”

She gave a smug smile. “Well, after I shaped her eyebrows, we used some depilatory cream on her legs. You might consider buying your daughter an electric razor.” She paused. “I’m only saving you from later grief. If you don’t allow her some freedom, she’ll rebel, and then you’ll lose her altogether. Have you noticed her makeup? It emphasizes her eyes and cheekbones.”

He raised his hands as though in supplication. “She’s only thirteen; she doesn’t need makeup. It’ll clog her pores.”

“Gads, are you old-fashioned. What time does the show start?” she asked, to distract him.

“Eight o’clock.”

Let’s lighten things up here
. She sashayed closer, giving him a coy glance. “I’d rather have a private show, just for the two of us. It’s been a while.”

“So it has.” He placed his large hands on her hips, drawing her against his hard form.

Marla wiggled her body, eliciting a groan from his lips. He kissed her with a brief, crushing press of his mouth on hers. Through her skirt, she became aware of just how powerfully her presence affected him. It was as though the antagonism between them had never existed.

He introduced her to Brianna’s friends. It wasn’t lost on her that Brie had no other relatives present. Vail had been an only child, and both sets of grandparents lived out of state. Marla gave the girl an effusive hug, glad she’d made Brianna feel better about herself.

Dinner and the mystery play that followed kept them entertained for several hours. When the kids were about to disperse to play video games, Marla suggested Brianna open her gifts. Brianna’s expression vacillated. Clearly she wanted to run off with her friends but wasn’t sure of the proper protocol.

“I’ll keep a list,” Marla said, grabbing a notepad and pen from her purse. “I’m sure your pals would like to see what you got. Read me off the names on each card.”

When Brianna reached for Vail’s chess set, Marla clenched her teeth. If this worked, Vail wouldn’t notice the mangled knight. She watched the girl rip the foil paper she’d carefully wrapped. Brianna’s face cracked into false delight when she spied the wooden box.

“It’s a chess set,” Vail explained. “Your mom and I bought it on a trip to Europe. I thought you’d like to have it.”

“Daddy, it’s wonderful.” Brianna slid open one of the drawers containing the carved pieces.

“Wait.” Marla snatched the box from her grasp and closed it. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to take this home. These pieces are so beautiful, but they need a decent matched board. I’ll get you one, honey. Here, open my package next.” She thrust the gift into Brianna’s hands. Not once did she glance in Vail’s direction, afraid he’d be glaring at her suspiciously. She focused on her notepad, pretending to be scribbling madly.

“Marla, I love it!” Brianna exclaimed happily, holding up the sterling silver and marcasite bracelet.

“Let’s put her loot in your car,” Marla said to Vail after the teens collected tokens and ran off to play games.

Outdoors, she detoured to her Camry to stick the chess set inside before accompanying the detective to his vehicle. “Any leads on Goat?” she asked in a casual tone.

“We have a few trails we’re following,” he commented, his eyes gleaming darkly under the glow of a street lamp.

“I’ll tell you what I know if you’ll share your findings.”

He pulled her into his embrace. “Do we have to talk? The kids are occupied. I can think of better things for us to do.” Kissing her soundly, he made her resolve melt away. Almost.

“Dalton, I’m worried about Goat.” Stepping away, she regarded him seriously. “I fear he’s mixed up in things beyond his control.”

“You don’t say. Dare I ask what you’ve found out?” His face, half shadowed, appeared all stark angles and craggy prominences.

She shook her head, tendrils of hair escaping to caress her cheeks. “You first.”

A muscle moved in his jaw. “Very well. Yani Verkovich worked as a biochemist at Stockhart Industries. Familiar name?”

Her mouth dropped open. The very place where her friend Jillian held a position, and where they’d had dire dealings before. Wait a minute. The dead man had worked in a laboratory? Cutter and Evan had spoken about a lab at the ranch.

“Go on,” she said encouragingly.

“He was a spokesman for the citrus canker eradication program.”

“That doesn’t have anything to do with hair products.”

Vail peered at her curiously. “Why should it?”

“Can we go back inside? We should keep an eye on the kids.” After they found a quiet spot where they could watch the teens, Marla spoke in a low tone. “Did you check out Cutter Corrigan? He has a cousin named Evan Fargutt who owns a bird-breeding ranch in Davie. Evan deals with a man, Wake Hollander, in a manner that may not be quite legal. Maybe Goat got wise to their scheme and they tried to off him, but they got Yani instead.”

Marla didn’t believe her theory even as she said it. Too many loose ends still flapped in the wind.

Vail didn’t buy her story, either. “What does your neighbor or Verkovich have to do with Cutter’s cousin and this man Hollander? And how do you know they might be doing something illegal?” Settling back in his chair, he crossed his legs. “I’m anxious to hear how you came by this information. It’s sure to be an amusing story.”

“Another time. Just consider extending your investigation to Evan. His place has a Web site: wild bird ranch dot com.”

“Hmm.”

“I’ll call Goat’s sister again to see if she’s heard from him.”

“The gal who lives in Mount Dora?”

“Right.”

“I already spoke to her. She has no idea what happened to her brother.”

“She’s more likely to confide in another woman. I should take a drive up to see her. Wanna go for a ride? I’m off tomorrow.”

“Can’t. I have an obligation.” He squared his shoulders. “Why don’t you wait until I can go with you?”

“Go where?” Brianna’s girlish voice said from behind.

Marla twisted her neck to face Brianna. “I was thinking of taking a ride to Mount Dora tomorrow. It’s a neat place to visit for the shops and restaurants, if they’re open on Sunday.”

“Why don’t I come? I’m caught up in my homework, and Dad will be gone all day. I don’t want to stay home by myself.”

Marla queried Vail. “What is this obligation you have that’s so important? Can’t you bring your daughter?”

A lock of black hair streaked with silver fell across his forehead as he shook his head. “I’m giving a crime-scene workshop at SleuthFest.”

“What’s that?”

“SleuthFest is a mystery writers’ conference sponsored by the Florida chapter of MWA. They have it every year in March. This is the first time they’ve asked me to participate.”

“It’s an all-day affair?”

“My seminar is in the morning, but I’ve agreed to stay until the concluding ceremony. They’re judging an interactive murder game they’ve had running all weekend. I agreed to play the detective. Despite what she says, Brie has been wanting to stay home alone, so this is her chance.”

“I’d be glad for the company on the road.”

“You might run into Goat, and he could be dangerous.”

“Don’t be absurd. Goat needs our help. I’ll call Jenny first to ask if she has any news.” If Jenny had learned that her brother had gone to the beach house on Siesta Key, Marla would go there instead. But if Jenny was reluctant to talk, it would be best for Marla to confront her face-to-face.

“Marla, take me with you,” Brianna pleaded when Vail left to round up the kids whose parents had arrived.

“I can’t. You heard your father. He’d rather you stay home by yourself. Isn’t there a friend you can ask to come over?”

“I’m not afraid to be alone, but it’s boring.” Her dark eyes misted. “I’d love to go to Mount Dora. We never go away on weekends. My life sucks.”

Marla hugged her. “No it doesn’t, honey. You just had a great party, and your dad loves you.”

“He loves his job more than me.”

“That’s not true, and you know it.”

Brianna used an expletive that made Marla’s face go white. “He treats me like a baby. Where does he ever take me besides G-rated movies? Daddy used to pay me more attention after Mom died, but now it’s like I don’t exist.”

Her heart swelling, Marla patted the girl’s shoulder. “Maybe he just doesn’t know what to do with you since you’ve become such a lovely young lady.”

“Since I grew tits, you mean.”

Marla’s hand dropped away. Clearly, the teen needed a guiding light. They should devise a plan together on how to approach Vail. He had to accept his daughter’s transformation before his restrictions chased her away. She didn’t dismiss his reasons for concern, but he went too far.

“Sorry, but we have to obey your dad’s rules. Most of them, anyway. It’s enough that we got you to the salon today.”

Apparently, Brianna found a way to circumvent Vail’s rules, because Marla got a phone call from her early Sunday morning. “Dad said I could go with you. I hoped to catch you before you left.”

Marla, still in bed, glanced at the clock. “I was planning to leave at nine. Let me talk to your father.”

“He’s already left for the conference.”

“Oh. Are you sure he said it was okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

Stretching, Marla considered her plans. “I’ll get dressed and then come by to pick you up. It’ll take us a few hours to get to Mount Dora. After we talk to Goat’s sister, we’ll have lunch and go shopping. It should be fun.”

But when Marla went to start the car, her battery was dead. She called Anita on her cell phone. “Sorry to wake you so early, but my car needs a new battery, and I don’t think Sears is open yet. I planned to go to Mount Dora today.”

Anita’s sleepy voice answered, “Call Triple A and drive to Sears after they give you a jump-start. I’ll pick you up there.” She hesitated. “You can take my car today. I don’t need it; Ruby is driving me to the Hadassah luncheon. I’ll stop off at Sears later and get your car fixed.”

“I’d appreciate that. Thanks.” She hated to burden her mother, but days off were so rare that she had to make the best of them.

An hour and a half later she cruised in front of Vail’s house, driving her mom’s several-years-old Lexus sport utility vehicle. Brianna, alerted to their delay, ran out the front door.

“Jenny expects us,” Marla said after they had turned north on the Florida turnpike. “I called her earlier.” She paused, glancing at the silent teen beside her. “Maybe we’ll find a game board in one of the gift shops today.” Secretly, she hoped to find a carved wooden chess set with a piece that closely matched the mangled knight in Brianna’s box. Mount Dora boasted some unusual boutiques with imported items.

“I hope your talk with that lady won’t take too long.”

“It’s important that I find her brother.” Speeding along at seventy miles an hour, she spared a glance at the girl. “Has your father mentioned any new developments in the case?” Maybe he’d revealed more to Brie than to her.

Brianna’s ponytail swished as she turned her head. “He spoke to that hairdresser downtown.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Daddy said something about where Cutter met the victim.”

“I thought Yani was Cutter’s client.”

“Right, but they’d met somewhere before. Dad was interested in looking up more of the dead man’s contacts.”

She hadn’t realized Yani and Cutter had an earlier history. She’d assumed their relationship took off after Yani started coming to Heavenly Hair Salon as a customer.

“I understand how you want your father to spend more time with you at home, but he gets involved in solving his cases,” she told the girl. “That’s what makes him such a good detective. It doesn’t take away from his love for you, though.”

Their subsequent discussion ranged from Vail’s work to his disciplinary practices to Brianna’s concerns at school. Marla could tell the girl needed someone to confide in, and she was glad to have been chosen. Miles sped by as she offered her best advice. Funny, she’d never seen herself in this role. Listening to her customers was one thing; bearing up under teen angst was another. Despite Brianna’s mood swings, wherein first she snapped irritatingly at Marla and the next she whined about not having the right socks, Marla felt strangely fulfilled.

“What do I do if I get my period in school?” Brianna asked.

Startled, Marla glanced at her. She’d just begun changing into the left lane to pass a slow car in front. “Be prepared. That was always my motto.” She craned her neck to check her blind spot on the left even though she’d already scanned the mirrors. A white car shifted into the same lane, nearly on top of them!