Read Online Permed To Death [Bad Hair Day Mystery 1] by Nancy J. Cohen - Free Book Online Page A

presence distracted her so she couldn't think straight. Glancing at him when his attention was diverted, she felt struck by the aura of power that accompanied him. Even her staff responded deferentially when he addressed them. Arrogance showed in the firm thrust of his jaw and the wide set of his shoulders. But even more imposing was that observant, piercing gaze that he tried to hide behind an amiable exterior. Clearly he presented a challenge, Marla decided, intrigued despite her sense of caution.
    When she was between customers again, he strolled toward her. “How well do you screen your employees?” he asked in a low tone so no one else could overhear. His deep voice had a smoky quality she hadn't noticed before, and her cheeks warmed in response. Disconcerted by her reaction, she brushed a strand of hair off her face.
    "I interview prospective staff members and verify licenses, but turnover is high in this business."
    "You don't do a background check of any sort?"
    ''That would be a waste of effort. As long as my people show up on time, are personable, and do their jobs, why ask for more? Finding good workers is difficult enough without being overly selective."
    "Darlene's home address doesn't check out Either she's given you false information, or your records are inaccurate."
    "Really? Darlene, can you come here for a minute, please?” When the stylist approached, Marla said: “Detective Vail claims your home address isn't valid. I'm sure you have a reasonable explanation."
    Darlene's jaw worked a piece of gum as she met Vail's gaze defiantly, “like I moved in with a friend and forgot to tell Marla. It's no big deal."
    "What friend?” Vail demanded.
    "You need his address? So I'll write it down for you."
    She hastened to the front desk, where Lucille, who'd been watching, gave her a blank piece of paper. Darlene scribbled the information, then handed it to the detective.
    "Is there anything else?” Marla asked Vail, a smug smile on her face.
    "Yes, one more thing,” he said, his sly look making her feel like an animal caught in a trap. “Over the weekend, I checked through your computer files which, if you recall, you gave me permission to do."
    "That's right"
    "I'm wondering why you didn't charge Mrs. Kravitz a dime in the eight years she'd been coming to the salon. The deceased never paid a cent for a single appointment Can you explain, Miss Shore?"
    "I owed Bertha some money,” Marla said, her heart racing. “Instead of payments, she wanted free hair appointments."
    "For eight years?” he scoffed.
    "She gave me a loan to pay for beauty school. My parents didn't approve of my career choice, so I was forced to secure my own funding.” Hopefully he'd believe her story.
    "You said you'd met the deceased at a charitable event."
    Marla lifted her chin. “That's right I was a volunteer at a fund-raiser she chaired and was introduced to her. I made a gauche comment about her hair and how much better she'd look with a different style. She wanted to see if I could deliver what I promised. The rest is history."
    "Was this loan money deposited in a bank?"
    "She paid my tuition directly."
    "How much of the loan remains unpaid?"
    She shifted her feet “The salon has done well, and I reimbursed her in full with interest I've been doing her hair these last few years as a favor, feeling I owe her a debt of gratitude.” Afraid he'd ask to see her canceled checks, she groped for a change of subject “By the way, did you ever get hold of Carlos?” she asked, smiling sweetly.
    "His boat is missing, and he hasn't shown up for work,” Vail said in a gruff tone.
    "I hope nothing has happened to him. He'll confirm that he left the back door unlocked. Did you find anyone's prints on the doorknob that don't belong there?"
    Vail's mouth lifted at the corners. “Maybe."
    Obviously he wasn't going to confide in her. Well, forget telling him what she'd learned so far by talking to Bertha's relatives. “There's Elanna!” she