Facials & Fugitives (A Cozy Spa Mystery Book 4) Page 8

  He frowns. “You need to be resting, Autumn. Not giving massages, not running the spa and certainly not running around trying to catch a killer.”

  “Who else is going to run the spa? Maggie's missing and Josh can’t do anything with his arm in a cast.”

  Dr. Gregory taps something into his tablet then sits down on a stool and studies me. “Maybe it’s time to close the spa.”

  My headache returns in full force along with high blood pressure. “What?” I screech.

  He holds up a hand. “Hear me out, Autumn. Sally isn’t able to run the spa. She’ll get released in a month, and we’re planning to stay in Chicago. Her dad is there recovering, and she wants to be there for him. He’s talking about putting his house up for sale and moving away from Daysville. Something I think would be good for him and Sally. There’s too much history here. They both need a fresh start.” He sighs. “I’ve already put in a transfer and am leaving in a couple of weeks.”

  I blink and try to wrap my head around what he’s saying. “So, Sally wants to close the spa?”

  Dr. Gregory shakes his head then rubs the back of his neck. “No. She feels obligated to you and Josh and doesn’t want to close it. Not to mention, it was her mother’s and all she has left of her. I get it, but I want us to start fresh. Keeping the spa open isn’t going to give us that.”

  “Is that why you’ve been messing with the books and taking money out of the safe?”

  He drops his head. “I’m not proud of it, and I didn’t steal it. It’s in another account. I just wanted to prove to Sally that running the spa from another city is hard. Things can go wrong, and she would have to come back here to fix them, which is something I have no interest in.”

  I sigh. I knew this was coming. I didn’t think it would happen this fast.

  “You and Josh could always buy the spa from Sally,” He suggests, giving me a hopeful look.

  I cringe. Owning a spa is something me and Josh always wanted to do. Together. I’m not sure that’s the case anymore. I know I don’t have the funds to buy it myself. Tears brim in my eyes, thinking about having to close the spa. “When do you need an answer?”

  “By the end of the year.” He pats my leg. “I know things between you and Josh are complicated right now, but maybe he’ll come around.”

  I try to smile, but all I want to do is cry. When did I become a such a crier? Maybe I should ask if concussions make you emotional. I open my mouth to ask then realize it’s because I’m in love and my heart's broken. I’m in love with the spa. With my life…the way it was with Josh. To make matters worse, I finally figured out I’m in love with Josh, and now, it’s too late. All the emotions well up and I burst into tears.

  Dr. Gregory stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. He glances around as if he has no idea what to do, so he offers me a tissue.

  I snatch it but continue to sob. I think he says something about getting me a drink of water or someone to help me. I can’t be sure. My eyes are puffy, and the ache in my chest won’t go away. Pull yourself together, Autumn. I suck in some air and try to catch my breath.

  Travis comes rushing into the room. When he sees my tears, he freezes. Travis is not the person to get to comfort me. He hates dealing with emotions.

  I close my eyes and try to think happy thoughts. Time must have gotten away from me because the next thing I know I smell honeysuckle, which means Nikki is here. I open my eyes to find her in gray and black striped yoga pants and a black sweatshirt with the words Yoga 4 Life in white across the front. Her dark hair is in a messy bun on top her head, and her face is free of make-up. “Y-You didn’t have to come,” I hiccup.

  She smiles and engulfs me in a hug. “Let’s get you home,” she whispers.

  We walk out into the waiting room just as Josh is rushing in.

  My heart stutters when I see him, and for some reason, I’m hopeful he’s here for me. By the panicked look on his face and the way he’s searching around, I highly doubt he’s here for me.

  When he spots me, he tilts his head and furrows his brow then approaches slowly. “Autumn? Why are you here? Did something happen?”

  I shake my head because I honestly don’t have the energy. Luckily, Nikki explains to him about my concussion.

  “If you’re not here for Autumn, why are you here, Josh?” Nikki raises a perfectly plucked eyebrow at him. Her blue eyes are full of curiosity maybe suspicion.

  “I can’t find Hailey. Have you seen her?”

  “What do you mean you can’t find Hailey?” I clear my throat and swallow the bile rising in my throat just saying her name.

  “I mean, I laid down for a nap after I got back from the spa and when I woke up, she's gone.”

  “Maybe she just went to grab something from the store.”

  Josh runs a hand through his dark hair. “Yeah. I thought of that, but I’ve been up for a few hours, and she’s still not come back.”

  “Did you check to see if she left a note? Call her phone?”

  He gives me an annoyed look. “Of course, I did, Autumn." Then lowers his voice and says, "All her things are gone too.”

  I hold back asking if he’s checked his bank account lately. That probably would go over like a lead balloon. “Why did you come here?”

  Josh shrugs. “I’ve checked everywhere else. Where could she be?”

  Travis walks up to us at that moment with a pinched expression on his face. "Josh, I hear you've been searching for Hailey."

  "Did you find her?" His eyes filled with hope.

  "I think you need to sit down." Travis points to the chair behind Josh.

  "Why do I need to sit down? Did something happen? Where's Hailey?" He glances behind Travis like he's hiding her or something.

  Travis slides me an uneasy look.

  My stomach drops, this can't be good.

  "Spit it out, Travis. Where's Hailey?" Josh demands, clenching his fists.

  “I don’t know how to tell you this, Josh, but Hailey’s dead.”

  18

  “Can I get you anything to drink?” I wrap a fleece blanket around Josh’s shoulders.

  He shakes his head and goes back to staring at the clock on the wall.

  We left the hospital a couple of hours ago and came back to my house.

  Nikki went home at my insistence because she has a five-thirty yoga class in the morning.

  Travis went back to the station to try and sort this mess out…and what a mess it is. It turns out, Hailey Marshall has been dead for two years. Whoever married Josh, stole her identity. So, is Josh even legally married? I try not to get my hopes up. I mean the man lost his wife, or did he? I'm not sure.

  I plop down next to him on the couch and soak in his tea tree and mint scent while listening to the clock tick.

  “You were right,” he whispers so softly I almost don't hear him.

  “About what?”

  “She only married me for my money.”

  I gasp.

  He nods his head. “I saved one account, not a very big one, but at least I'm not broke. She cleaned out all the others. She never cared about me. Just my money." Josh sighs and rakes his hand, not in the cast, through his thick dark hair. "Who is she, Autumn? Why did she target me?” his voice cracks.

  I reach out and squeeze his hand. “I don’t know, but we’ll find out. Together. Like we always do.”

  Josh gives me a small smile. “I think I need to do this on my own, Autumn.”

  “Wh-what do you mean?”

  “I mean, I’m going after her. Alone.”

  I frown. “After Hailey, or whoever, she is? You're going after her by yourself?”

  “Harold introduced me to a PI he trusted, so I've contacted him. He told me to open a smaller account and have the bank to give her access. Harold taught me some hacking skills, so I’m going to trace her activity. Hopefully, it will lead me to her.”

  My head starts to spin again. “You can't be serious." When he doesn't respond I continue, "Josh, she probably k
illed Roger and is probably holding Martin and Maggie hostage. She’s dangerous, and I’m still not sure she’s working alone. You can’t just go after her even with the help of this PI.”

  “I have to. This woman somehow convinced me to marry her then stole practically everything from me. She made a fool out of me. Why me? How did she know about my money? I have to know. I need answers, and I need to do this on my own,” he pauses and lifts his left arm, which is in a cast. “Besides, it’s not like I can work at the spa right now. You need to stay here and run it.”

  I bite my lip. Should I tell Josh what Dr. Gregory told me? He has a lot on his plate, but he deserves to know. I open my mouth to give him the bad news when his phone rings.

  He answers then listens on the other end. “I’m leaving now.” He hangs up and says, “That was the PI. He has a hit on Hai-my wife.”

  I cringe at the name. “Is she your wife?”

  He drops his head. “I honestly don’t know. I need to call your dad and get this all straightened out, but first I have to find her so I can get some answers.” Josh moves to get up, and I place a hand on his arm.

  “What if you don’t like what you find out?”

  “It’s a risk I have to take.” He stands and moves toward the door. “I’ll be gone for a while. Can you look after my house?”

  I nod. “Be safe.”

  He smiles. “I will. Take care, Autumn.”

  I watch him through the front window and wonder when I’ll see him again...if I’ll ever see him again.

  19

  It’s Thursday afternoon, and it’s Halloween. The spa has been busy, so I’ve barely had any time to think about the case, not to mention, I have nothing else to go on. With the three prime suspects missing, the only person left to talk to is Gil, and he’s avoiding me.

  The judge released Gil with a strong warning and probation for his part in helping Roger fake his death. I think the judge went easy on him because rumor has it Gil’s father is working him hard on the farm. Guess Mr. Gallahan wasn’t too happy about his son’s shenanigans and has him working night and day.

  I didn’t take any time off as Dr. Gregory ordered. I tried, but resting’s not for me.

  Josh is still gone, and I haven’t heard a word from him.

  Travis stops by every night before closing to check on me and let me know if they have anything new on the case. There's nothing so far. He also gives me a ride home.

  With Martin missing, they’ve all but shut down the dealership. Martin’s the owner so the few salesmen on staff don't feel like they can sell or trade anything without his approval. I don’t blame them, but it means I still don’t have a vehicle. I want to trade in the one with vomit on the floor for a different one or at least have it detailed. They’re still working on trying to get the smell and the stain out.

  Roger’s funeral or I guess it wasn’t a funeral, but a small gathering, was yesterday. The Gallahan’s had him cremated. The service and burial were for family only. Not that anyone in town knew Roger, but I still found it strange they kept everything private.

  Rumor has it the family is embarrassed by everything that's happened, and they don't want to draw any more attention to themselves. It makes sense, but I’m still not convinced there’s not more to it than that.

  “Are you going to the Halloween party at the town hall tonight?” Cat asks while straightening up the front desk. She’s been working every day after school this week, and I have to say I’m beyond grateful for her help.

  I sigh. My head still hurts now and then, but for the most part, I think I’m on the mend. What hurts the most is my heart. Every time I go out, people are asking if I’ve heard from Josh or they extend their condolences like he died or something. “I think I’m going to head home.” I straighten the magazines on the coffee table then stand up straight and stretch my back.

  The bell above the door chimes. A cold breeze blow's in along with several dried leaves.

  “Who’s ready for trick-or-treating?” Allison sing songs. She’s dressed as Mary Poppins from the painting scene. Frilly white dress and parasol with a white hat atop her head.

  Travis comes in behind her in a white and red striped jacket, white pants and shoes with a hat and blue bow tie.

  Cat and I exchange a glance and burst out laughing.

  “Haha. Very funny,” Travis grumbles.

  Allison tucks her arm in his. “I think you look cute, babe.”

  I try to reel in my laughter. It feels good to laugh after the past week. Has it only been a week? My, how life can change in the blink of an eye. “You two are quite the pair. I’m sure you’ll win the costume contest.”

  Cat snickers. “For sure.”

  Travis glares at us then asks Cat, “Are you ready, kiddo? Didn’t you bring your costume?” He eyes her black scrubs with a frown on his face.

  “It’s in the break room,” she answers, then turns to me and asks, “Do you need me to do anything else before I leave?”

  I shake my head. “I’ll close up. You go on. I appreciate all your hard work this week.”

  She grins from ear to ear. “I love working here. I’m thinking about going to massage school and getting my license when I graduate.”

  “That’s great!” I exclaim then sneak a peek at Travis, who doesn’t seem very enthusiastic about the idea. What’s his deal? There’s nothing wrong with being a massage therapist.

  He clears his throat. “We need to get going, Cat.”

  She nods then hurries off to the break room.

  The tension in the room is thick, but I’m not sure why.

  Allison nudges him. “You need to tell Autumn what you found out today.”

  “What?” I stiffen and focus on Travis.

  “I’ll go see if Cat needs any help.” Allison sashays out of the room.

  Travis runs a hand on the back of his neck. A move, I know means he’s nervous or uncomfortable.

  “What did you find out today, Travis?”

  “Maybe you should sit down, Autumn.”

  My stomach clenches, but I don’t move. “What did you find out today, Travis?” I repeat.

  He clears his throat. “State troopers found Josh’s rental car abandoned on the side of the road in Arkansas. The driver's door was open."

  "Any sign of Josh?"

  Travis shakes his head. "No. We traced Hailey, or whoever she is, to a hotel in Arkansas. They weren’t there.”

  I sway slightly and reach out to steady myself on the chair.

  Travis rushes toward me and helps me sit down in one of the leather chairs then crouches down in front of me. “It doesn’t mean anything, Autumn.”

  I nod but know Josh wouldn’t abandon a rental car. “He hasn’t contacted me. Not a single text or phone call. That’s not like him,” I pause. “At least not the Josh I knew a week ago.” How did everything get so screwed up in a week’s time? If I hadn’t hired Maggie, none of this would be happening. It's all my fault. “Do you have any leads on Maggie or Martin?”

  “Nothing yet, but we’re still searching. No one's giving up. We’ll solve this. We'll find out who’s responsible for Roger’s murder. Whom Roger and Maggie owe money to and why. If Maggie was Roger’s accomplice in the jewel heists and who Hailey is and why she stole a dead woman’s identity.”

  “And why she targeted Josh.”

  Travis nods. “We won’t rest until we have all the answers. I promise.”

  “Thanks, Travis.” I give him a half smile. “You’re a good friend.”

  He flinches slightly at my words but doesn’t say anything to the contrary. “We’ll also find Josh and bring him home to you.”

  I gulp. The thought of Josh never coming home is my worst nightmare.

  “Why don’t you come to the Halloween party with us?”

  “No, thanks. I don’t have a costume.”

  He scoffs. “Autumn Fisher, lover of all things Halloween doesn’t have a costume? I don’t believe it.” He gasps and pretends to faint.r />
  I laugh and nudge him with my shoe.

  “It’s a good thing I brought a spare costume,” Allison says, rounding the corner and holding up a black bag.

  Cat's behind her dressed as a witch.

  I frown and shiver at the sight. It makes me think of Hailey or whomever she is.

  “Do you not like my costume?” Cat inquires, looking concerned.

  “No, honey. It’s fine. I’m just not feeling the whole witches thing this year.”

  Now, it was Allison’s turn to frown. “Well, that’s not good. Regina is dressing up as a witch too. I thought you three could go as the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus. Regina is almost identical to Winifred.” She gestures to Cat. “Meet Mary.”

  Cat curtsies.

  “I thought you would make a great Sarah, Autumn.” Allison pouts. “I have the long blond wig and everything for you.”

  “Please, Autumn. I think we can beat Dad and Allison in the costume contest.” Cat puts her hands together like she’s praying and gives me a puppy dog face I can’t resist.

  “Fine.”

  Allison and Cat squeal in unison.

  Travis smirks.

  I sigh and say, “Let’s go win a costume contest.”

  20

  City hall smells of freshly popped kettle corn mixed with pumpkin spice and hot cider. It's lit up with twinkling orange lights and almost over decorated for Halloween. It looks like someone threw up skeletons, pumpkins, and witches then scattered them around the room.

  Cat tugs on my arm and moves me over to the entry table for the costume contest.

  “Are we too late to enter?” Regina puffs out, sidling up next to us in her witch costume. She is the spitting image of Winnie.

  Bobby grins at us with his vampire teeth. His face is painted white, and his hair is dyed black and slicked back. He swishes his cape over the papers for dramatic effect then produces a form for us to fill out. “You are just in time,” he booms in his best Dracula voice.