Facials & Fugitives (A Cozy Spa Mystery Book 4) Read online

  “Nothing.”

  “Then why did you seem upset when Cat commented about becoming one?”

  Travis flexes his jaw and doesn’t respond for almost a minute. “Cat talks about you all the time. Looks up to you.”

  “And that’s a problem? Cat wanting to be a massage therapist is a problem?”

  He shakes his head. “No, definitely not. It’s just for so long she’s always wanted to be a dancer, but she quit the team over the summer.”

  I gasp. “I had no idea.”

  He nods. “She’s struggling. Trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to be. I want her to find her own path, not latch on to yours because she’s looking for a mother figure.”

  I reach out and place a hand on his arm. “I would never steer Cat in the wrong direction. I hope you have to know that.”

  “I do. It’s just I’ve been thinking about things, and I think I’m going to ask Allison to marry me. Cat needs a mother.”

  I try not to cringe. “Have you talked to Cat about this?”

  “Not yet. I’m still thinking about it.”

  “Please be sure you’re marrying Allison for the right reasons. It’s not fair to either of you if you aren’t.”

  Travis frowns and stares at the road as if deep in thought.

  I give him time to mull over my words. The thought of Travis getting married should rattle me. Make my stomach turn, but it doesn’t. It makes me nervous because I don’t think he’s in love with Allison and I don’t want either of them to jump into something only to regret it later.

  When we pull into the driveway, I spot an unfamiliar car in Josh’s driveway. “Who’s that?”

  Travis furrows his brow and places a hand on his gun. “I don’t know.” He radios it in then tells me, “Stay in the car.”

  I ignore him and hurry toward Josh’s house. When I reach for the doorknob, it opens.

  23

  “Josh!” I leap into his arms, trying to be careful of his cast. He smells of more peppermint than tea tree, and I soak him in.

  He staggers back, laughing. “Guess, you’re happy to see me.”

  “You have no idea,” I gush and give him another hug. “Travis said the state troopers found your rental car on the side of the road and the driver's door was open."

  "We had car trouble and spotty cell reception. Had to walk to a nearby town to get help. Someone must have rifled through it after we left. Guess the police found it while we were walking."

  "Oh.” I hug him again. “I was worried, especially when I didn't hear from you all week. I'm so glad you're back. Did you just get home?”

  He lets go of me and steps back. He's dressed in a button-up blue shirt and dark jeans. His hair's damp like he just stepped out of the shower. “About thirty minutes ago. I tried to call you."

  "It's been a night."

  He frowns and gives me a once over. "Is that blood on your dress? Why are you wearing a blond wig? Are you Sarah Sanderson?"

  I forgot I was even still wearing a wig. I tug it off along with the hairnet and shake out my hair. It falls loosely around my shoulders.

  He grins. "Much better. Now, tell me what happened?

  I quickly give him the details of the evening. Pausing for groans and gasps, which all lead up to anger about finding out Hailey, who is really Celeste, and she's maybe a witch, definitely a hypnotist and for sure, a con-woman.

  "How did my PI miss this?" Josh runs a hand through his hair.

  "I don't know, but I think you should let the police handle it from here."

  "Autumn, I can't." He sighs. "I just came home to grab a few more things then I’m headed back out.”

  “What?” I gape at him. “Josh, let the police find her. It's not your job.”

  “No, but it’s my money, and I plan to get it back.”

  “Josh, she’s probably already spent it. Money isn't worth risking your life. This woman probably killed her twin. Do you think she won't think twice about killing her 'husband?"

  He sighs again and gives me a pleading look. “I have to find her, Autumn. If not to get my money back then to get her to sign some divorce papers. Not to mention, she’s going to do this to someone else. I can’t let that happen.”

  “Josh, please." I take his hand in mine and beg, "Let Travis put the police on her tail.”

  He gives me a hard look. “If it were you, would you let it go?”

  I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. As much as I want to say I would, I know I wouldn’t. “How long will you be gone?”

  “As long as it takes to find her.”

  “But the spa.”

  He cocks his head. “What about the spa?” He holds up his cast arm. “It’s not like I can do anything.”

  “You shouldn’t be driving one-handed,” I mutter.

  “The PI is doing most of the driving." He studies me for a moment then whispers. "I have to find her, Autumn. I figured you of all people would understand that.”

  “I do…it’s just,” I let my voice trail off.

  “What, Autumn?” He studies me. “What’s wrong?”

  I bite my lip.

  “Autumn, you’re scaring me.”

  “Sally isn’t coming back to Daysville, and Dr. Gregory has been altering the books and even stole the deposit last week to prove to her she can’t run the spa from Chicago.”

  “What? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Josh begins to pace in front of me.

  “You’ve been a little preoccupied.”

  He stops pacing and swipes a hand down his face. “So, what happens to the spa?”

  “Dr. Gregory offered to sell it to us.”

  “How much?”

  “A lot. More than I have saved. You?”

  Josh cringes. “When does he need to know by?”

  “The end of the year.”

  He nods. “That gives me time to find Celeste and get the money back. Hopefully, then we can buy the spa.”

  "Is that what you want to do? Buy the spa with me? Be business partners?

  "Of course, that's always been our plan. Our dream."

  I tuck some hair behind my ear. "I wasn't sure after this past week."

  He puts a hand on my cheek and lifts my chin, so I'm looking him in the eye. “Autumn, I’m sorry.”

  “For what?”

  “For this mess and for getting upset with you when you accused Hailey, I mean Celeste, of only marrying me for my money.”

  “I should have been more sensitive. Of course, any woman would be lucky to have you as her husband.”

  He smiles. “Even you?”

  I open my mouth to tell him how I feel about him when his phone starts to ring.

  “Sorry, it’s probably Harley, my PI. He’s waiting for me at the café.” Josh pecks me on the cheek then says, “We'll talk soon. I'll call you and text as often as I can. Take care of yourself, Autumn.” He hurries down the steps and nods to Travis before slipping into his rental car and driving toward town.

  I watch him until his car disappears down the street.

  Travis steps up next to me. “You OK?”

  “I will be once he gets home safely.”

  “You love him?”

  “I do.”

  “He’s a lucky guy.” Travis squeezes my shoulder then heads for his car.

  I wave to him as he backs out then murmur to no one, “No, I’m the lucky one.”

  The End.

  A Note from the Author

  Thank you so much for reading, “Facials & Fugitives”!! I so appreciate your support. This book came together quickly, and I think I love these paranormal elements, ie, ghosts, and witches. There may be a new series primarily focused on this in the future, but until the characters speak to me, I’m sticking with Autumn.

  Autumn is this strong and independent woman, but like all women, we have our breaking point and usually when it comes to matters of the heart. This book may have seemed a little more emotional while Autumn figured things out and frankly, t
hat was my intent. Love is messy and emotional. It’s a roller coaster ride which may include smiling, laughing, crying and even some nausea. I wanted her revelation of love for Josh to be real and her feelings to be palpable, but not so much, so it distracted from the mystery, so I hope I accomplished that.

  If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review at the end. I love reading them. Whether they’re good or bad, they make me a better writer, so thank you for taking the time to leave one.

  Stay tuned for “Aromatherapy & Arson” coming soon!

  Writing a book is a commitment and not something that can't be done alone. I have a few people to thank for helping with this book.

  Mariah Sinclair is the queen of Cozy Mystery Covers, and I absolutely love this cover. Her work is incredible, and I’m so thankful for her creative vision on this series.

  I would also like to thank Kate Farlow from Y’all That Graphic for the excellent social media and logo graphics. If you haven’t seen them, definitely check out my social media pages.

  A huge shout out to Kelly H. for being my eyes on this book. She helped me spot plot holes, punctuation errors and made sure this book was flawless for you to enjoy.

  My family is also amazing. They are so supportive of my writing. They call out character names when I need one, bring me food and drinks when I’m busy typing away and encourage me to follow my dreams. Without them, I would struggle. They’re my rocks, and I love them dearly.

  Another huge thank you to you, my reader, I so appreciate you and your support. If you would like to follow me on social media or check out my blog. Here are the links:

  Jenn Cowan (Blog)

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  Until next time…

  Happy Reading,

  Jenn

  About the Author

  Jenn Cowan is the author of several genres and has pen names under Jenna Richert and J.R. Cowan. When she’s not writing, you can find her in her massage office working on clients, cooking up a storm in her kitchen, hitting her yoga mat, singing and dancing with her hubby at a concert, cheering on the sidelines for her kiddos or cozied up by the fire reading a good book. She loves a good mystery and a happily ever after.

  Other Books by the Author:

  ~A Cozy Spa Mystery Series

  Massage & Murder (Book 1)

  Hot Stones & Homicides (Book 2)

  Reflexology & Revenge (Book 3)

  ~Angelica’s Manor of Love Duet

  Love at the Manor

  Fate at the Manor

  ~Non-Fiction

  Massage Basics: A Step by Step Guide to at Home Massage