Lipstick, a Long Iron and Lifeless (A Bekki the Beautician Cozy Mystery Book 11) Read online

  “You just happen to have two extra sets of golf clubs?” Bekki asked curiously as she walked over to them.

  “Okay, you got me,” he laughed. “They had a huge sale about a month ago, and I thought it would be nice if you and Nick were to get into the sport. I know that Nick always had to borrow a set when he played before. So, I bought new sets for me and your mom so you can use our old ones. If you don't like it, I'm sure I can find someone who can use them. I think Dave has been looking for a newer set, his are getting really worn out.”

  “Nick said he's definitely going to be there,” Bekki said as she knew her father was beating around the bush to find out.

  “Great!” he rubbed his hands together. “It's about time I showed that whippersnapper what I can do.”

  “Whippersnapper, Dad?” Bekki asked with a giggle.

  “Oh, it was on one of those shows your mother watches,” he rolled his eyes. “Ever since you took over the salon she is always trying to get me to watch television.”

  “She just wants time with you, Dad,” Bekki smiled wistfully.

  “Nope, that's not it at all,” he argued playfully. “She just wants me to make the popcorn.”

  Bekki laughed and shook her head. “Well, I'll see you Saturday, Dad,” Bekki said as she gave him a hug goodbye.

  “Looking forward to it,” her father replied before he turned back to the piece he was working on. As Bekki drove away she was actually looking forward to the day of golfing, too.

  ***

  When Bekki opened the salon for the day, Sammy arrived right behind her. She looked a little frazzled.

  “Everything okay, Sammy?” Bekki asked as she glanced over the salon to make sure everything was in place for the day.

  “It's fine,” Sammy said quietly and set down two cups of coffee on the counter.

  “Huh?” Bekki raised an eyebrow as she looked directly at Sammy. “Everything doesn't seem fine,” she frowned.

  “It's nothing really,” Sammy shook her head and opened the lid on her coffee to let it cool off. “It's just that when I stopped to pick up the coffee I noticed Janet's husband, Josh, was there, too. I went to say hello,” she paused.

  “And?” Bekki asked impatiently as she opened the lid on her coffee. It wasn't like Sammy to be so cryptic or evasive.

  “And he was sitting in a booth, and as I walked up to him, I realized someone was sitting on the other side. I heard her voice,” she frowned.

  “Okay, so Janet was with him?” Bekki asked, confused as to why Sammy would be upset about that.

  “It wasn't Janet,” Sammy hissed in a quiet voice. “I know Janet's voice, she has that southern accent. This was someone else.”

  “Who?” Bekki asked, her eyes widening slightly. She despised a cheater. The reason she had moved back from New York City was because her heart had been broken by a man she thought she could trust.

  “I don't know,” Sammy admitted. “I didn't want him to know I had seen him, and I only heard her say a few words. So, I just left.”

  “Well, maybe it was just a friend,” Bekki shrugged slightly. “I mean, if he was seeing another woman would he really take her to the coffee shop?”

  “I don't know, Bekki, but it made me really uneasy,” Sammy frowned. “I know it may be nothing, but just the way they were whispering to each other, it seemed so secretive.”

  “Hmm,” Bekki took her first sip of the coffee and crinkled up her nose at the heat against her tongue. “Let's do our best to stay out of it,” Bekki warned. “You know how easily rumors get spread around town, and for all we know it was an innocent meeting.”

  “I hope so,” Sammy sighed and shook her hand. “I know Janet is head over heels in love with Josh, he was all she could talk about the whole time I was doing her hair.”

  “Isn't that sweet,” Bekki smiled. “I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding. I don't really know Josh, but the few times I've met him he seemed like a decent guy.”

  “Don't they all?” Sammy asked as she quirked a brow at Bekki.

  “Good point,” Bekki frowned and tried to put the conversation out of her mind. The past was in the past, and now she was married to the love of her life, a man she had loved when they were both just kids, and now loved even more.

  Luckily the salon got very busy and the conversation about Josh and his mystery woman was forgotten about. Bekki enjoyed talking with the ladies from around town, and laughing over recent occurrences in town. By the time she closed the shop that night, the only thing on her mind was how the golf game would go with Nick and her father the next day. When she arrived home, Nick wasn't waiting for her. As she unlocked the door of the house she received a text on her phone. Sorry, working late, sweetheart, don't wait up.

  Bekki frowned and sent back a text as she opened the door. Stay safe, don't forget about tomorrow, love you.

  As she closed the door behind her she tried not to worry. Nick's job was generally pretty safe. But that didn't keep Bekki from being concerned, especially when Nick was working late hours. She wondered what case he might be working, but Nick and Bekki had recently had a conversation. It was not an easy one, but he had explained that he needed Bekki to stop investigating. Bekki had a very investigative mind and often found herself wrapped up in the middle of investigations which had often got her into the line of danger. His tendency to fill her in or even provide information on suspects had gotten him in trouble once or twice. So, they had both agreed that Bekki would do her best to let Nick be the detective, and he would do his best to leave work at work.

  Bekki still wondered. She heated up some leftovers from the night before and settled in front of the television. It was only minutes into her second show when she fell asleep. She woke at the sound of someone knocking on the door. She sat up swiftly. The television was still on but the rest of the house was dark. It took Bekki a moment to remember why she was sleeping on the couch, and that Nick probably wasn't home yet. The knock came again, insistent.

  Bekki swallowed thickly as she stared at the door. She wasn't normally frightened by things, but when she glanced at her phone she saw that it was after two in the morning. She doubted that anyone she knew would be knocking on her door that late. Living in New York City had taught her more about danger than even being married to a detective had. She had even earned her black belt to stay safer while living in the city. Cautiously she crept towards the door with her phone in her hand. Just as she was about to peer through the peep hole in the door, her phone began ringing. The sudden sound of the musical tone made her jump and a short gasp escaped her lips. It was Nick's ring tone. She answered it quickly.

  “Nick, there's someone at the door,” she said quickly.

  “I know,” he replied.

  “What?” Bekki was confused.

  “I forgot my keys,” he explained apologetically. “I'm sorry to wake you, but could you let me in?”

  Bekki blushed with embarrassment as she opened the door for Nick. He frowned as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

  “I'm sorry I scared you,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

  “You didn't, I was just being silly,” Bekki replied, still embarrassed.

  “There's nothing silly about being cautious,” he said sternly in his detective voice, which made Bekki melt in his grasp.

  “I'm sorry you had to work so late,” she murmured as she looked up into his eyes.

  “Me, too,” he replied and kissed her.

  Bekki's heart pounded at the kiss, and when he broke it, his eyes blazed with anticipation.

  “I'm sorry I woke you up,” he whispered.

  “I'm not,” Bekki giggled as he swept her up into his arms and carried her off to their bedroom.

  Chapter Three

  The next morning Bekki and Nick were both a little slow to wake up. Nick had the day off for once, and so did Bekki. They spent extra time in bed, and then snuggled on the couch in their pajamas for another hour or so. It was nice not to
have to rush. Bekki was dozing lightly on Nick's shoulder when she suddenly realized how late it was getting.

  “Oops, what time is it, Nick?” Bekki asked as she looked up.

  “Oh wow, it's almost ten-thirty,” Nick said. “We better get going.”

  Bekki nodded and dressed in the bedroom while Nick grabbed a five minute shower. When he stepped out of the bathroom, Bekki's eyes widened at the sight of him. He was wearing a plain white polo-shirt with green and blue checkered pants. Nick noticed her expression.

  “What? They're golfing pants,” Nick smiled as he smoothed out a non-existent wrinkle in the plaid pants.

  “Okay,” Bekki said as she suppressed a giggle. “They look good on you.”

  “Thanks,” he smiled broadly and then checked his watch. “We should probably get going or we're going to be late.”

  “Let me grab my purse,” Bekki said and stepped into the living room to pick it up. As she did her phone began to ring. She fished it out of her purse to see that it was her father calling.

  “Don't worry, Dad, we're on our way,” she said as she followed Nick through the front door.

  “Oh, it's okay you have plenty of time,” her father replied. “I was just calling to let you know it's just going to be the four of us.”

  “Oh? What happened to Stacey and Dave, and I thought Janet and Josh might be joining us?” she asked with surprise.

  “Stacey called a little while ago and said Dave is not feeling well so they're just going to stay home. I'm pretty sure Janet and Josh were only tagging along with Stacey and Dave, so I don't think they'll be there either,” he explained as Bekki slid into the passenger seat of Nick's car.

  “Well, that's four less people to watch me make a fool of myself,” Bekki laughed and Nick shot her a look of apprehension. She did her best not to look at his pants, as she wasn't sure if she could resist laughing. “We'll be there in a few minutes, Dad,” Bekki said as Nick started the car and pulled out of the driveway.

  “It's just going to be my parents and us,” Bekki explained when she hung up the phone. “So, stop looking so nervous,” she grinned.

  “I'm not nervous,” Nick said defensively and then frowned. “Okay, I'm a little nervous. Your mom is easy, but your dad is a tough nut to crack. I always feel like he expects me to protect you more.”

  “Hmm, I'd say the same about you, Nick,” Bekki said as she laid her hand lightly on his knee. “You just need to relax, Dad admires you.”

  “I'm trying,” Nick said as he turned down the road that led to the country club.

  “It'll get easier,” Bekki assured him. After the wedding she had hoped that her father and Nick would become closer. When they parked in front of the club, Bekki noticed that there weren't a lot of other cars.

  “Strange that it's so quiet today,” she said as Nick opened her car door for her.

  “Bekki!” her mother, Marie, waved from the entrance of the country club. She hurried over to greet her daughter. Bekki hugged her gently. “This is going to be so much fun,” Marie said enthusiastically. “I'm actually glad it will just be the four of us,” she smiled up at Nick. “Hi, Nick,” she held back a smile as she patted his cheek in an affectionate greeting. “Nice pants.”

  “Aren't they?” he asked with a sly smile and gave her a brief hug.

  “Nick,” Robert said as he walked up to the group. His voice trailed off as he stared at Nick's attire. “Bekki do your shopping?” he asked with a quizzical expression.

  “No, I bought them,” Nick replied, his lips twitching a little as he took in the sight of Robert's plain brown slacks.

  “Interesting,” Robert said and offered his hand for a handshake. Nick took it and as they were shaking hands Bekki and Marie exchanged an amused look.

  “Where is everyone?” Bekki asked as she glanced around the parking lot.

  “Oh, they were doing some maintenance today so they were closed for the morning. We're the first tee off of the day,” he said proudly. “I'm sure it will be getting busy soon, so why don't we get started? I've already arranged for a golf cart,” he paused a moment and met Nick's eyes. “Want to drive?” he asked.

  “Sure,” Nick smiled warmly.

  Bekki breathed a sigh of relief. So far their golf excursion was off to a good start.

  ***

  Bekki stared across the perfectly manicured green. She had never been so frustrated before. She gripped the golf club tightly and swung it back high into the air.

  “Wait, wait,” her father called out with a chuckle. “Bekki, what are you doing?” he asked.

  “It won't go into the hole,” Bekki growled and glared at the ball.

  “I see that,” her father said as he squinted at the distance that Bekki's ball was from the cup. “But golf is a game of finesse, Bekki, not just power.”

  “It's a game I'm not good at,” Bekki said with defeat and shook her head.

  “Seems like I’ve lost my touch, too,” Nick said as he walked back towards her. He had retrieved his ball from the trees that lined the course.

  “You two just need a little practice,” Robert grinned. “It's a good reason for us to do this more often.”

  “I don't think practice is going to do it,” Nick said quietly as he watched Bekki's ball sail straight for the water. There were some tall reeds around the pond that made it impossible to tell where the ball had landed.

  “Don't worry,” Nick winked at Bekki. “I'll get it.”

  “You don't have to, Nick,” Bekki sighed. “I can just use a new ball.”

  “Let me see if I can find it,” he suggested and walked towards the reeds. Bekki followed after him, secretly hoping the reeds and water might ruin his pants. But Nick suddenly stopped at the edge of the reeds. He quickly looked back over his shoulder.

  “Stay there, Bekki,” he warned her as he was pulling his phone out of his pocket.

  “What? Why?” Bekki asked as she continued to walk towards him.

  “I said stay there,” Nick said more sternly as he put the phone to his ear.

  Bekki raised an eyebrow at his tone. Her father was walking up behind her now to see what was happening. Bekki slowed down but she stepped close enough to see a man's arm sticking out of the reeds. As she walked further forward she could see the arm was attached to a lifeless body. Her heart skipped a beat. She could barely draw a breath. Of all the things she had expected to happen, stumbling upon a dead body was not one of them. Nick was talking quickly on the phone as he bent over the body to check if there was any sign of life.

  “What happened?” Bekki asked, her voice slightly dazed.

  “Oh no,” Robert gasped from behind her as he caught sight of the victim's face. “That's Josh!”

  Bekki's eyes widened at her father's words. But his eyes weren't stuck on the body, they'd moved to a golf club laying in the reeds beside it. His face grew very pale as he stumbled a few steps back. Nick hung up the phone as he stood back up. He walked over to Bekki and looked into her blue eyes.

  “I need you to clear the area, understand?” he asked.

  “Robert?” Marie called from further up the green where she was waiting for everyone to catch up. “What's the hold up?”

  “Bekki,” Nick said again, drawing her focus and attention back to him. “I need you to help keep everyone away from here until backup can arrive. Understand?”

  “Yes,” Bekki stammered out. She turned back to her father. “Dad, go up there with Mama, make sure she doesn't see this. Try not to alert anyone else. The crime scene needs to stay as intact as it can.”

  “Crime scene,” her father repeated in a shocked voice, before he turned and walked towards his wife.

  Already a few officers who had been in the area had arrived at the country club and were making their way towards the body. Bekki's heart was racing as she looked back at Nick. He was being the good detective he was and had taken a step back to ensure that he had not destroyed any evidence. When another officer walked up to him and ha
nded him some bright yellow police tape Nick nodded to Bekki.

  “Okay, I can get it from here,” he said and began to rope off the area.

  Bekki knew that Nick would want her to join her parents further away, but she wanted to observe everything she could. She did her best to take in all aspects of the crime scene, which was difficult since Nick was carefully blocking off the area. She noticed a small bag on the ground near the body, it looked a bit like a purse but smaller, maybe a makeup bag. Not far from it was a cigarette butt. Bekki stepped closer to get a clearer view and caught sight of a smudge of red lipstick on the cigarette. She quickly bent down and managed to read part of the brand name on the cigarette that hadn’t burnt completely.

  “Bekki, you can't be here,” Nick warned her as he blocked her view. “Please,” he added in a more polite tone.

  “Of course,” Bekki nodded as she stood up and took a step back. Bekki knew that Nick was trying hard to be patient. When he was in detective mode he tended to be a little more abrupt and to the point. She understood why, considering what was at stake. However, it was hard for her to stay out of it. She stepped back from the scene and walked across the green. Her mind was sorting through everything she had seen. None of it made much sense to her at the moment. She noticed her father was talking quickly to her mother, his cheeks were red.

  “Dad, are you okay?” she asked as she stepped up beside him.

  “Bekki,” he said in a hushed tone. “I have to tell you something, but I want you to hear me out before you tell Nick.”

  “What?” Bekki asked curiously. “Is it about Josh?”

  “It's about Dave,” Robert said in a whisper.

  “What about Dave?” Bekki asked feeling more confused by the moment.

  “The golf club on the ground,” Robert sighed. “It belongs to Dave.”

  “Are you sure?” Bekki asked.

  “I'm sure,” he frowned. “I'd know that long iron anywhere. It's so scuffed up and old that some of the other guys taunt him over it.”