Read Online 5 Conditioner and a Corpse by Cindy Bell - Free Book Online

over her shoulder before unlocking the door. After reading the text message, she presumed that the men with Jeff were just as much killers as she suspected he was. She doubted if Harroway had ever had so many criminals within its town limits before.
    Once inside she really did do as she had told Nick she would. She showered and then curled up in bed. She wanted to rest and clear her mind. She had taken a big risk by going into the motel room, and hadn't found a shred of evidence, but she had found some very good reasons to be a bit more afraid. As she fell asleep that night her mind returned to Jasmine, her eager smile and her playful ways. She was the reason Bekki had taken the risk, and she was more determined than ever to find out the truth.

Chapter Seven
     
    The next morning when Bekki woke she couldn't ignore the subtle anxiety that was causing her heart to race at any little sound or loud noise. After what she had overheard the night before, she was on edge, but, she was sure that Jeff and his friends would be sticking around until they got what they came for. She had decided that instead of searching for evidence against Jeff, she would try searching for the supplies they were looking for.
    She was surprised and pleased to find Nick waiting for her at the salon with coffee.
    “ What are you doing here,” Bekki asked with a smile.
    “ I thought I’d bring you and Sammy coffee,” he answered while holding up the coffees.
    “ Thanks,” Bekki replied, knowing that he probably wanted to check that she was okay.
    Bek ki had to wiggle the key a bit because the new lock was sticking.  Once inside Nick put the coffee on the table.
    “ Any developments?” Bekki asked.
    “ No not really,” Nick replied. “Still investigating Jeff.”
    “ Good, I want that man, and his accomplices behind bars.”
    “ You mean his bodyguards?” Nick prompted and studied her. He could see from the quirk of her lips and the way she avoided his eyes that she was hiding something. “Bekki? Do you know something I don't?”
    “ It's just,” Bekki cleared her throat. She wasn't sure how to tell him the truth without revealing her deception. “What if they're not his bodyguards,” she said as casually as she could. “What if he's being threatened by them?”
    “ Why would you think that?” Nick frowned, the corners of his eyes wrinkled as he scrutinized her expression. “He never showed any sign of duress when we questioned him.”
    “ Okay,” Bekki nodded a little. “But, it's clear the two bodyguards have connections with some bad people right?”
    “ Yes,” Nick agreed. “But it's not unusual for businessmen to hire ex-cons or former gang members to protect them, because they feel it takes a criminal to know a criminal best.”
    Bekki shifted uncomfortably and glanced nervously over her shoulder out the window.
    “ Bekki,” Nick murmured from behind her.  Bekki braced herself, expecting a barrage of questions, instead when she turned around his arms were open to her. Bekki settled into the warmth and comfort of his embrace. “Let me take you to dinner tonight,” Nick said as he looked into her deep blue eyes. “Something to take your mind off all of this.”
    “ I don't know,” Bekki hesitated. It was hard for her to think of going out for a meal when the crime still wasn't solved. There was so much up in the air, and with her salon being ransacked, and murderers on the loose, she had a lot to worry about.
    “ Please,” Nick squeezed her hand gently. “Let me do this for you. Sometimes when things get so tense, you just need a little time away from it all, just a few moments of relaxation. I know you want all of this to be over, but the truth is, the police are working on it. We'll find the truth, we'll find the connection, and we'll put Jeff away. That doesn't mean you and I can't share a nice meal, hmm?”
    Bekki studied him for a long moment. She wanted nothing more than to spend the evening with