A Wrinkle-Free Murder Read online

  A Wrinkle-Free Murder

  A Bekki the Beautician Cozy Mystery

  Cindy Bell

  Copyright © 2017 Cindy Bell

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and locations portrayed in this book and the names herein are fictitious. Any similarity to or identification with the locations, names, characters or history of any person, product or entity is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

  All trademarks and brands referred to in this book are for illustrative purposes only, are the property of their respective owners and not affiliated with this publication in any way. Any trademarks are being used without permission, and the publication of the trademark is not authorized by, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owner.

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  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Also by Cindy Bell

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  “Sammy! I’m so excited. Today is the day!” Bekki rushed into the salon, her cheeks glowing.

  “Bekki.” Sammy looked up from the hair she had swept up into a pile on the floor with a worried expression.

  “What is it?” Bekki knew her best friend well and from her pale face she knew that something was wrong.

  “Nothing.” She dropped the broom as she sneezed.

  “It doesn’t sound like nothing.”

  “It’s just a cold,” Sammy replied with a hoarse voice.

  “Are you sure you’re okay to go?” Bekki and Sammy had been invited to England for a beauty and cosmetics trade fair and they were meant to leave that night. Grace, an old friend of Bekki’s from New York, now lived in England and ran the fair. Bekki was doing some make-up demonstrations there and their plane tickets, and everything for the stay was paid for.

  “I’ll be…” She stopped mid-sentence and put a hand over her mouth as she started coughing.

  “Oh no, Sammy.” Bekki looked at her friend. “Are you okay to travel?”

  “I’ll be fine.” She coughed again.

  “I don’t think that you’re going to have much fun if you’re not feeling well.”

  “I don’t want to let you down.”

  “You aren’t letting me down. I feel sorry for you that you are going to miss out.”

  “It’s okay.” She sniffed. “I don’t like these events as much as you do and I am happy to stay in Harroway. I really don’t think I’ll enjoy it if I feel like this.”

  “Do we have any appointments on the roster?” Bekki rushed over to the front desk to check. “There is nothing for a couple of hours. You go home and rest. My mom is running the salon for the next few days anyway, because we were meant to be away.” Bekki turned to her friend. “You take the time off and get better.”

  “Thanks, Bekki.” She sighed. “I’m sorry, I really don’t mean to disappoint you.”

  “You’re not disappointing me, Sammy.” Bekki stepped back slightly as Sammy coughed again. “I guess I’ll just have an extra ticket.”

  “Unless.” Sammy smiled.

  “Unless what?” Bekki looked over at her.

  “You and Nick could use a vacation, couldn’t you? You could explore England together, what could be more romantic than that?”

  “Nothing.” Bekki sighed as she pictured Nick holding her hand as they walked through London. “But I doubt that he can get away on such short notice. You know Nick, he takes his job very seriously.”

  “According to Morris things have been pretty quiet lately.” She shrugged. “Maybe Nick has some open cases, but I’m sure he’d be willing to pull some strings for something as exciting as this.”

  “And he could certainly use a break from Clint.” She laughed. “Hmm, I’ll see if I can convince him. That’s a great idea, Sammy.”

  “Go call him now before you have a chance to think about it.”

  “I can do better than that, I’m going to go see him face to face. He has a harder time saying no when I’m looking into his eyes.”

  “Good plan.” Sammy grinned. “Have fun!”

  “You go home and get better.”

  “Thanks, Bekki. I am actually looking forward to a few days off just to relax.” Sammy coughed. “You’ll have a great time.”

  As Bekki left the salon her heart still raced. Would Nick really drop everything so suddenly and take off to England? It seemed impossible. As practical as he was, she knew that he would have a hard time agreeing. When she reached his office she peered inside to see him sitting at his desk. She knocked lightly on the door.

  “Surprise. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  “Bekki.” He smiled as he met her eyes. “Not at all, come in.” He stood up and walked around his desk to greet her.

  The moment his arms were around her she was certain that this was how she wanted to spend her time in England.

  “Nick, I have a huge favor to ask.”

  “Hmm?” He gazed into her eyes. “Anything for you, you know that.”

  “Well, this might be a bit of a big ask.”

  “Go on.” He pulled back some and studied her.

  “Sammy has a cold and can’t go to the fair now.”

  “Oh no.” He frowned.

  “So, I want you to go with me.” She bit into her bottom lip and braced herself for his reaction. Nick liked things to be planned out, not to the point that he was rigid, but he did prefer things to be organized in advance.

  “But you’re leaving in a few hours.”

  “I know, but I really want the company.”

  “Ah, I see.” He ran his hand back through his hair and glanced over at his desk. “Well, Bekki, I mean, I’m sure that going to England seems like a fun thing to do, but I’d much rather be here buried in dusty case files and listening to Clint’s view on politics.”

  “Seriously?” Her heart dropped.

  “No!” He laughed and turned back to her with a huge smile. “It just so happens that I traded shifts with another detective this weekend. I’m sure Clint can cover me for the extra day or two we might need. I was going to surprise you, but as always, you managed to surprise me first.”

  “Oh Nick, that’s great!” She planted a passionate kiss on his lips, just as the door behind them swung open.

  “Oh no, it’s fine, this is your bedroom, I’m the one interrupting.” Clint’s irritated voice shattered the romantic moment.

  “Relax Clint, you’re going to get a break from me for the next few days. Bekki is taking me to England.”

  “England?” Clint’s eyes widened. “That’s great. I’ll send you a list of things to pick up for me.”

  “Okay.” Nick rolled his eyes and smiled. “Just do me a favor and keep the cases fresh while I’m gone.”

  “No worries, Nick, I’ve got your back.” He grinned at Nick, and nodded to Bekki.

  The next few hours were a whirlwind of getting ready to leave and making last minute arrangements so that Nick could join Bekki. By the time they were on the plane Bekki was exhausted, but incredibly excited.

  “Nick, we’re really doing this.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

  “Me too.” He drew her hand to his lips for a kiss. “Hopefully we can get some sleep, and we’ll be there before we know it.”

  “I hope so.” Bekki gazed out through the window.

  Within the hour Nick was sound asleep, but she was too excited to sleep. As her mind filled with thoughts of what it would be like to be surrounded by all of the high fashion and glamour of the fair her heart pounded. Before she’d moved from New York back home to Harroway she’d had connections with some of the biggest names in the fashion and cosmetic industry. She’d dreamed about going to events like this, and at the time it was well within reach. All of that changed when her boyfriend broke her heart. At first it seemed like the end of the world, but she’d soon found she was happy to be back in Harroway, and now that she was married to the love of her life, she knew that everything had gone according to plan. She just hadn’t known what that plan was.

  Still it was thrilling to have a taste of the hustle and bustle of the high fashion industry again. She looked forward to seeing Grace and hoped that she would be able to live up to her expectations. At some point she must have nodded off, as before she knew it Nick’s voice summoned her from a deep slumber.

  “Hmm?” She blinked, then gazed at him. “I had the craziest dream. We were going to London.”

  “That is crazy.” He laughed and kissed her cheek. “Since we’re already here.” He tipped his head towards the window.

  Bekki looked out through it and realized they’d landed. “Oh wow!” She laughed as the last strands of sleep released her and she realized it wasn’t a dream at all.

  “I can’t believe we’re really here.” Bekki tight
ened her grasp on Nick’s hand as they navigated the crowd in the airport.

  “I’m excited, too.” He smiled as he guided her towards the baggage claim. “Lucky Grace has arranged for us to catch a train to Brighton for the fair. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure I’d be lost, and driving on the wrong side of the road.”

  “Yes, that’s very likely, which is why we’re going to try to make sure that you don’t have to drive at all.”

  “Thanks, Bek.” He shot her a smile. “I bet you’d drive on the wrong side of the road, too.”

  “I’m sure I would.” She laughed as she gathered her suitcase.

  Bekki and Nick followed the instructions that Grace had sent through and easily found the train. She held his hand and watched the beautiful scenery go by as they got the train to Brighton. It was only about an hour and it seemed to fly by.

  After getting off the train Bekki felt a rush of excitement. They wheeled their suitcases towards the exit.

  “Look at that crowd.” He let out a low whistle as he grabbed his bag and looked towards the group of people waiting for transportation outside.

  “Bekki? Bekki, is that you?”

  She turned towards the voice that called her name and saw her friend Grace waving at her.

  “Grace! Look at you!” She gasped as her friend jogged up to her. “You look amazing!”

  “Thanks.” She paused and caught her breath. “I’ve lost a few pounds, though I think it’s more due to stress than healthy choices. Everything that could go wrong at this fair is going wrong. I’m so glad that you’re here.”

  “Me too.” She hugged her, then introduced her to Nick. “There’s no way I was going to pass up a chance like this. I can’t thank you enough for thinking of me.”

  “Well, hold on to that thanks until I tell you what I need from you. You’re going to have to do at least eight demonstrations tomorrow. Do you think you’ll be ready for that?”

  “Not a problem. I brought several kits with me and some samples to hand out as well.” She patted her suitcase. “I am fully equipped.”

  “Great. I wanted to come and welcome you as soon as I could, I’m just so grateful that you could come. I’ll ride with you to the hotel and get you settled. After that you two are free for tonight, but the fair starts at eight tomorrow, and I need you to be one of the first demonstrations. A couple of salons have dropped out and one of them took on all of the early slots so those are the extra ones that I really need covered.”

  “Yes, that won’t be a problem. I’m just so glad to have this opportunity.”

  “I hope the rest of the fair goes far more smoothly. My nerves can’t handle any more big problems.”

  “I’m sure it will. If there’s anything more that I can do to help, please just let me know.”

  “Thanks, Bekki. Just send me good thoughts that nothing else goes wrong. I even lost my key to the convention room this morning. It’s one disaster after another. Oh dear.” She checked her phone and shook her head. “There’s another fire to put out.”

  “I’m sorry that this is so stressful for you.” Bekki frowned.

  “Honestly, I love it.” She grinned. “It’s exhausting, and scary, but that just makes it all the sweeter when things go right.”

  “Good point.” Bekki smiled. They chatted a little more on the short ride to the hotel, but their conversation was interrupted multiple times by texts and phone calls that Grace received. The chaos made Bekki’s head spin, and she realized that she was very content that she was not in Grace’s shoes.

  After Nick and Bekki were dropped off at the hotel Bekki took some time to marvel at their room. It wasn’t huge, but it was larger than any room she’d ever stayed in. The bed was piled with fancy pillows, and there was a deep tub in the bathroom.

  “Look at this view.” Bekki looked through the large window at the pebble beach it overlooked. “The pier is over there.”

  “We will have to go for a walk there.”

  “Can’t wait!”

  “Fancy.” Nick tugged at his collar as he looked around. “I’m almost afraid to touch anything.”

  “Oh?” Bekki grinned as she wrapped an arm around him and tackled him onto the bed. “Does that help?”

  “Yes.” He laughed. His green eyes shone as he pulled her close. “Now, we can just stay here.”

  “We could, or we could go get something to eat. I’m starving.” She patted her stomach.

  “Me too.” He grinned. “That airplane food was not exactly appetizing.”

  “No, it wasn’t.” She led him down to the café attached to the hotel. “I’m sure we can find something much better here.”

  As they waited in line to order, she heard some chatter from other people around her.

  “The fair is off to a rocky start with the salons dropping out.” A woman with pink hair and a leather skirt remarked as she looked through the pastries on display.

  “You know why they are?” A tall woman with long black hair and plum-shaded lips stepped up beside her.

  “Why?” The first woman looked at her.

  “Because they’re jealous of the success that Grace’s salon has, even though she only recently opened it in London. Since she started using models in her advertising campaign, everyone has been upset. Especially over Narelle.”

  “Sure, she’s gorgeous. But Grace is doing well because she’s a good businesswoman and hires the best stylists, not because of Narelle.”

  “Maybe not, but that’s not how everyone sees it. Anyway, all those that were going to leave have left now, and we’ll have a nice crop of new people to get to know.”

  “That’s true, it shakes things up a little. I can’t wait to go to the cosmetic injection demonstration.”

  “Oh, I know, me neither! I’m hoping I’ll be able to get an injection done tomorrow morning. I want to get rid of my wrinkles.”

  “You’d better line up.” She laughed. “Everyone else will be.”

  Bekki’s eyes widened as she heard those comments. Once she placed her order, she stepped closer to the two women.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I overheard that you’re here for the fair as well.”

  “Yes, we are.” The tall woman studied her. “I’ve never seen you before. Are you new?”

  “Yes, I was invited by Grace, I am from the US. I’m Rebekah, but everyone calls me Bekki.” She offered her hand.

  “I’m Tamara, and this is Chrissy.” She gestured to the woman with pink hair. “Welcome to the fair. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”

  “Something you said made me curious. Are they really doing cosmetic injections at the fair?”

  “Yes, there’s a separate section set up for it.”

  “But I thought that it’s usually administered by a medical professional. Either by a nurse, a doctor, or a dentist?”

  “They will be. There’s going to be a doctor and a nurse present for each injection.”

  “Wow, that’s amazing. I’ve never heard of that at a trade fair before.”

  “It’s been done at the last two of Grace’s fairs, but they were not nearly this large. I think it’s great that Grace managed to set it up. Are you interested in getting one?”

  “I’m just curious about how it works. My customers ask about it now and then, and since I don’t know much about it, I’m not sure how to advise them.”

  “Well, if you get a chance you should try it out. I’ve had injections done before and it’s like plastic surgery without the surgery. It’s amazing.” Tamara glanced up as her name was called at the counter. “It was nice to meet you, Bekki, I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.”

  “You too.” Bekki smiled as the pair walked away.

  “What was that about?” Nick carried the tray of food towards an empty table.

  “They’re here for the fair, too. I thought I’d get the inside scoop. Apparently, Grace has caused quite a stir with her success, and there are going to be cosmetic injections at the fair.”

  “Is that safe?” He squinted at her. “I’m not sure that they should be doing that.”