Chapter 1

“Good morning, Ms Blake, and good morning, Mrs Rosenthorpe. Welcome to Summer Crest Spa. If you’d like to drive up to the main building, one of our valets will park your car for you.”

Julia Blake looked out through her open driver’s window at the uniformed man who was smiling at them. She said, “I can see the car park from here. I’ll drive there myself, thank you.”

The man’s smile didn’t falter. “There’s no need to do that, Ms Blake. We are happy to park your car for you. Please, drive up to the entrance.”

Julia said, “Honestly, it’s no trouble. I can park my car myself.” She felt a tap on her arm and turned to look at Mum.

“Julia, do as the lovely man tells you. We’re here to relax so let’s start now.”

Julia caught the weary tone in Mum’s voice and felt a flicker of pain in her heart. Poor Mum looked as if she hadn’t slept properly for weeks. Julia turned back to the man and said, “Thank you for that information. I’ll do exactly as you say. Can I drive right up to the entrance?”

“You certainly can, madam.” The man’s smile looked more forced now. “May I take this opportunity to wish you a pleasant stay at Summer Crest Spa.”

“Thank you.” Julia gave him a bright smile and drove towards the main entrance of the spa. “Mum, how do you think he knows our names?”

“I’ve no idea.”

Julia shot a quick glance at Mum. She wasn’t herself at all lately. Mum hadn’t been the same since losing a close friend to cancer last year. The same friend, Lesley, had committed a murder, but that hadn’t stopped Mum from feeling grief when Lesley died.

Julia put on a jovial tone, “It’s so nice of Dad to do this for us, isn’t it? He’s gone to a lot of trouble to book this spa break. And I don’t know how he managed to keep it a secret from us; he’s usually useless at keeping secrets.”

“Hmm. I’m not sure what to think about this spa break. I shouldn’t be taking a day off work, especially on a Friday; it’s our busiest day at school. And I don’t appreciate your dad organising a day off for me behind my back. He had no right to do that.”

Julia slowed down as she approached the main building. “He was only looking out for you. He wanted you to have a break from your job. You’ve been through a lot this last year. Dad’s concerned about you, and so am I.”

Mum let out a heavy sigh. “I know. I’m sorry. I’m finding it hard to relax lately. And almost impossible to get a good night’s sleep.”

“I know you still miss Lesley. You were friends for a long time.” Julia came to a stop near the entrance to the spa.

“I do miss her. And it doesn’t help my stress levels when you keep getting yourself involved in murder investigations. I thought I didn’t need to worry about you anymore, with you being a grown woman.” Mum shook her head. “I think I worry even more about you now.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t get myself involved on purpose.” Julia pointed to the building in front of them. “Isn’t this beautiful? I love the light-coloured bricks and all those windows. I think we’re going to have a good time here. I think we’re going to relax and do absolutely nothing.”

Mum gave her a tired smile. “Yes, I’m sure we will. I’ll promise to stop feeling sorry for myself. And you must promise me you won’t find any murdered bodies while we’re here.” She released her seat belt and reached for the door handle.

“I promise. I think that’s the valet who’s heading our way. He doesn’t look old enough to be driving.” Julia got out of the car and gave a small smile to the young man who was approaching them. She kept a protective hand on her car.

The young man said, “Good morning, Ms Blake. Good morning, Mrs Rosenthorpe. Welcome to Summer Crest Spa. I’m Toby, your personal car valet. Please, allow me to park your vehicle.” He held his hand out.

Julia’s eyes narrowed. “How long have you been driving?”

“Five years, madam.”

“Where are you going to park my car?”

“In the car park to your left, madam.” He moved his hand closer.

“What do you do with the keys when you’ve finished parking my car?”

“I’ll give them to whoever’s on reception duty inside. They will deliver the keys to your room.”

Mum came to Julia’s side and said, “Stop interrogating the poor man. He’s hardly going to zoom off in your car. He’s not a joy-rider.”

Julia gave Toby a direct look. “Are you a joy-rider?”

“I don’t even know what that is, madam. I am a careful driver, and I will treat your vehicle with respect.”

Julia reluctantly handed the keys to him. Toby whipped them away before she could think of any more questions. He then clicked his fingers and two, even younger, men scurried to his side. Toby said, “Take the luggage up to the rooms, please.”

Julia moved forward. “I think I can manage my own bag.”

Mum pulled her back. “What were you saying about doing nothing?” She turned Julia around, put her hand on Julia’s arm, and guided her towards the main doors.

Julia walked up a set of stone steps with Mum. She faltered as she heard her car starting up. Was there any need to rev the engine so loudly? She’d be checking the mileage later. She tutted very quietly to herself.

They walked into the foyer of Summer Crest Spa. Mum’s hand dropped from Julia’s arm, and she said, “Am I dreaming? Is it really this beautiful? Have we walked into an alternative universe? I must be dreaming.”

Julia stared left to right. “If this is your dream, count me in.”

The foyer was light and airy. Healthy looking potted plants were placed at the side of a long, narrow carpet that ran down to the reception area. At each side of the carpet were seating areas with comfortable sofas and chairs. A low hum of conversation from seated people didn’t detract from the peaceful ambience of the area.

Mum said in a hushed tone, “It’s magnificent. It’s like some upmarket hotel. We must be at the wrong spa. How could your dad afford something like this? Has he turned into some secret drugs baron? Do they call them King Pins, or something like that? Julia, go up to reception and see if we’re in the right place.”

“We must be in the right place. That man at the gate referred to us by our names, and so did that boy who’s driving my car. I’m not sure how Dad afforded this either, but let’s make the most of it. We’re only here for three days.”

Julia put her arm around Mum’s shoulders and walked with her towards the large reception desk. Mum kept muttering to herself about how lovely everything was.

Julia and Mum stopped at the marble reception desk. A tall, slim woman had her back to them. She turned around and gave them a smile.

Julia felt her mouth drop open.

Chapter 2

The woman behind the reception desk was impossibly beautiful. She was tall, slim and elegant. Julia put her age at the mid-fifties, but it was hard to be certain because the woman had flawless skin. Her hair framed her face in a soft, blonde cloud and made her look like an angel.

The woman smiled at them, showing perfect teeth. “Good morning, Ms Blake and Mrs Rosenthorpe. Welcome to Summer Crest Spa. I trust you had a pleasant journey here. I’m Sienna Moss, the manager.”

Julia closed her mouth and returned her smile. Sienna’s voice was warm and welcoming. Julia said, “We had a good journey, thank you. How do you know our names? The man at the gate knew who we were too.”

Sienna’s smile grew, and a twinkle came into her eyes. “We have a list of guests who are due to arrive, along with a note on how they are travelling here. We knew you were going to be arriving by car, and we knew your registration number. It was just a matter of looking out for you on our CCTV system. Your room is ready for you, and your bags are being taken up there as we speak.”

Mum said, “It sounds like you’ve got an efficient system here.”

Sienna nodded. “I like things to run smoothly. I just detest it when you arrive somewhere, and they keep you waiting. It’s not at all professional.” She leant forward a bit and lowered her voice. “As part of my job, I visit other spas and make notes on what works, and what doesn’t. I’m like a spa spy.”

Mum gave Julia a nudge. “Maybe you should do that. Get people in to clean your house, and see what they do right, and what they do wrong.”

“I already keep an eye on my competition, they all have websites,” Julia said. “And you know I’d never let anyone else clean my house.” She said to Sienna, “I run my own cleaning business.”

Sienna held up a file. “I know. And I know that you seldom take time out for yourself. It’s all in here.”

Mum said, “What information have you got on us? It was my husband, Ray, who booked this spa trip for us.” Her eyes narrowed. “What has he told you about us?”

“That you both work too hard. Your husband has gone for the luxury package which includes up to six treatments a day. You will have full use of the swimming pool and gym too. He’s booked a double room for each of you. The rooms are linked by a door so that you can …” Sienna opened the file and looked at something. “So you can natter and chatter about everything and nothing. Those are your husband’s words, Mrs Rosenthorpe. He’s asked for separate rooms because he’s told us that one of you snores loudly. He hasn’t told us who.”

Mum shook her head. “I don’t know whether to be annoyed at him or pleased with him. It is extremely thoughtful of him.”

Julia said to Sienna, “I looked on your site before coming here. I’m confused by all the different treatments you have. I’m not sure which ones would be better for me. Can you give us some advice, please?”

Sienna placed the folder down. “All our treatments are wonderfully relaxing. I’ve experienced them all. I won’t have a treatment available at my spa unless I know what it does, and how it’s undertaken.”

Julia looked closer at Sienna’s glowing skin and said, “I’ll have whatever you’ve had.”

Sienna laughed. “I don’t think you’ll have time for all of them. I need a lot of work. Excuse me a moment.” She picked up a phone and tapped on the screen. She spoke into the phone, “Hello Erin, we’re ready for you. Will you bring Indigo with you too? Thank you. Bye.” She ended the call.

Julia shared a worried look with Mum. “Are we going to start treatments now? At this very minute? I don’t think I’m ready.”

Sienna waved a hand at them. “No, sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I’ve assigned a personal assistant to you both. They’ll explain what treatments are best for you, based on the questionnaire that you filled in.”

Mum gave her a wry smile. “You mean the questionnaires that my husband filled in? Julia, what on earth has your dad written about us?”

“We’ll soon find out.” Julia looked towards the right where two women in light blue uniforms were walking towards them; each was holding a clipboard.

Sienna greeted the two women. “Erin, Indigo. Let me introduce you to our guests.” She opened a hand towards Mum. “Indigo, this is Mrs Rosenthorpe. Would you like to take her into the quiet area, please?”

Indigo moved forward. She was an older woman with streaks of grey in her hair. She nodded at Mum and said, “Before you ask, yes, Indigo is my real name. If you think that’s a bit out there, wait until you hear my surname; it’s Sunset. Indigo Sunset, what a name!” She chuckled. “My parents were hippies. And I say that with love. Both of them were weird and wonderful, although I never appreciated it when I was young. Mrs Rosenthorpe, please come this way and we’ll talk about the best treatments for you.”

Mum smiled at Indigo. “Please, call me Kathleen.”

Sienna Moss said to Mum, “I’ll send over some tea and biscuits. Your husband has told me what brands you like.”

Mum raised her eyebrows at Julia. “I think I might enjoy this spa break after all.” She followed Indigo over to a seating area on the left side of the room.

The other woman was younger and slightly plump. She turned to Julia. “Hi there. I’m Erin, as you can see from my name badge.” She looked down at the clipboard and nodded. “I see. Your dad has requested a different kind of spa break for you. More like an army-type boot camp. There will be a lot of exercise and a lot of vegetables. In fact, we can start with our first five-mile run of the day right now. We’ll do the twenty-mile run this evening.” She looked back at Julia. “How does that sound to you?”

Chapter 3

Julia gulped and looked towards the main doors. She could make a run for it if she set off now. Mum would have to get a taxi home. She looked back as she heard a soft chuckle.

Erin said, “I am sorry about that. Your dad wanted me to say that to you. He said you would appreciate the joke.”

“Joke? Does that mean you’re kidding about going for runs?”

Erin patted her own rounded tummy and said, “I’ve never seen the point in running unless it’s for a bus. Would you like to take a seat and we’ll discuss what relaxing treatments would be best for you? I promise you; there will be no running involved.”

Sienna Moss called over, “Ms Blake, I’ll send refreshments over to you too. Your father has kindly provided us with your tea and coffee preferences.”

Julia shook her head. Just like Mum, she wasn’t sure whether to be angry or pleased with Dad. She’d be having words with him later.

She followed Erin over to a quiet seating area and settled herself into a comfy sofa. She looked over to where Mum was seated and saw she was in deep conversation with Indigo. She hoped Mum would feel relaxed and rejuvenated by the end of this break. It would be nice to see the sparkle in her eyes again.

Erin took a seat opposite Julia and placed the clipboard on the table in front of them. “Now then, where shall we start? Would you like to know a bit more about the spa before we begin?”

“Yes, please.” Julia indicated her head in the direction of the reception desk. “I’d like to know what treatments your manager has. She looks amazing. Is she normally on reception? I thought a manager would be too busy to do that sort of work.”

Erin looked over at Sienna. “She’s not the typical kind of manager. I’ve worked in many spas, and I can honestly say that Sienna Moss is the best manager I’ve ever had. Sienna encourages everyone here to study and gain qualifications. Whenever someone passes an exam, she proudly displays their certificates.”

Julia had noticed the certificates on the wall behind the reception desk. She’d seen Sienna’s name on some of them. Julia had more questions. She paused for a moment as a smiling waitress arrived with a tray of tea things and placed it down on the table.

Julia laughed when she saw a sliced banana on a plate with a small fork at the side. She said to Erin, “I always have a banana mid-morning. I didn’t realise Dad knew that.”

Once the waitress had left, Julia asked Erin how long she’d worked at the spa.

“About two years. I love it here. Sienna has encouraged me to take more exams. My aim is to run my own spa one day. I’ve been working in spas for the last fifteen years, and I’ve done almost everything! Facials, manicures, body scrubs. You wouldn’t believe some of the things guests tell me when they’re in a relaxed state. I feel like a priest in a confessional box sometimes.”

Julia smiled and said, “Have they told you anything in particular? Anything you’d like to share?”

Erin grinned. “I can’t tell you that. The only aspect of spa life I don’t get involved in is the exercise part, although I like swimming and walking. And that’s enough for me. I’m the complete opposite of my room-mate, Lori. She runs many of the exercise classes. She’s never still for a moment. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her sitting down. She’s one of those energetic types who makes you feel tired just by watching them. Do you know what I mean?”

“I certainly do. Swimming and walking sound perfect to me. Will I have to take any exercise classes? Is it part of the package?” She reached for the plate with the banana on it.

“Not unless you want to. We’ve got beautiful gardens here. They’re a joy to walk around. And we’ve got two swimming pools. One for those kind of people who like to race up and down the lanes, and the other one is for normal people. I’ve got a map here of the spa. You’ll soon get used to the layout. Most of the exercise facilities are in the same area; and the same with the therapy rooms. And if you do want to take an exercise class, there’s a full list here. We’ve got aerobics, step class, salsa …” Erin wafted a hand in front of her face. “I feel exhausted just reading this list out.”

Julia finished her banana and returned the plate to the tray. “I think a few simple treatments would be perfect for me. Perhaps a facial?”

“I can organise that for you. What about a manicure? I see from your details that you work as a cleaner. I’m presuming you spend a lot of time wearing rubber gloves and you don’t have time to paint your nails?”

Julia nodded. “That’s true. A manicure would be a treat.” She glanced over at Mum again. She was still talking to Indigo.

Erin caught her worried look. “Your mum is in good hands. Indigo will work out the perfect treatments for her.” Erin picked up the clipboard and marked a few things down. She looked back at Julia and studied her for a moment. “How would you like to be part of a trial for some new treatments? We wouldn’t charge, and all we’d need in return is your feedback. We need human guinea pigs, and I mean that in a kind way.”

“I’m not sure.”

“It involves chocolate.”

“Tell me more.” Julia picked up her cup of tea.

Erin said, “It’s called chocolate therapy.”

“Whoa! Does that mean you’re going to make me stop eating chocolate? If so, I don’t want any part of it.”

Erin laughed. “Stop eating chocolate? Do I look crazy? No, it’s a range of treatments which use chocolate. We have facials, body scrubs and even a chocolate floatation tank. I’ve tried out the tank, and it’s amazing. If you’ve ever had dreams about floating in a sea of chocolate, then the tank is for you.”

Julia put her tea down. “Do I need to sign anywhere?”

“In a moment. I haven’t got to the best part yet. We’ve imported the best chocolate from around the world. During each treatment, you are given a taste of these chocolates, and again, we need your feedback. Some of the chocolate has additives which are supposed to help with memory improvement, brain function, that sort of thing.”

Julia’s eyebrows rose. “And it’s all free? Is anyone else doing this trial?”

“You’re the first one I’ve asked. This is the first day of the trial. Shall I put you down for this afternoon, say two p.m.? I’ll send the details to your room.”

“It sounds wonderful, absolutely wonderful. It’s not what I imagined a spa break to be.”

Erin’s mouth twitched at one corner. “I can still put you down for a twenty-mile run if you’d prefer.”

“Don’t you dare!”

Julia talked to Erin for the next twenty minutes, and they arranged a schedule for Julia. Erin stood up and gave Julia a card with her number on it. “Call me if you need anything. I will see you in the chocolate therapy room at two p.m.” She smiled and walked away.

Julia got to her feet as Mum approached her.

Mum smiled and said, “I must tell you about my treatments. You won’t believe what I’m having done.” She held up a key and passed it to Julia. “That lovely manager has just given me our keys. Let’s talk in our rooms. I’m dying to see what they look like. They’re on the first floor. Let’s be healthy and take the stairs.”

Julia linked her arm through Mum’s and they headed for the stairs. A cold feeling trickled down her back and she looked over her shoulder. Seeing nothing there, she carried on walking.

Mum chatted all the way as they made their way up the stairs and to their rooms.

As they stopped outside Julia’s door, Julia spun around and pointed at someone behind them. “Who are you? And why are you following us?”

Chapter 4

The woman standing behind them took a step back and held up her hands. “I come in peace. I’m Gemma, Gemma Clarke. We’ve never met but I know all about you, Julia.”

Julia stared at the woman with the short brown hair and the friendly face. “Gemma Clarke? Not Clarke as in DI Clarke?”

Gemma smiled. “The very same. DI Clarke is my husband, and I know you’ve had many dealings with him.”

“But you look normal,” Julia said.

“What were you expecting?”

“I’m not sure. Someone who doesn’t mind being stared at with cold blue eyes.” Julia’s hand flew to her chest. “Oh! I’m sorry. That was rude of me. That’s how your husband stares at me most of the time. I’m sure he doesn’t treat you the same way.”

Gemma laughed. “He’s tried it a few times, but I didn’t let him get away with it. I didn’t mean to startle you. I heard the woman on reception mentioning your name and I wondered if it was the same woman who my husband spoke about often. I’m ashamed to say that I listened to your conversation with that other woman, Erin. And when she said you were a cleaner, I thought I must have the right Julia Blake. My husband has talked about you many times.”

Julia grimaced. “I dread to think what he says about me. He probably complains that I get in the way of his police investigations. But I really don’t mean to. I don’t mean to get myself involved in murders. It just happens to me.”

Gemma nodded. “I know. I keep telling him that. And I tell him to listen to you. You seem to pick up on things which the police miss. I’ve told him his murder cases would get solved quicker if he listened to your opinion.”

Julia smiled at her. “Would you like to come into my room for a cup of tea? You can tell me more about what you tell your husband about me. This is my mum, Kathleen. We’re on a spa break together.”

Mum said, “Hello there. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve only met your husband a few times, and he seems a pleasant man. How long are you here?”

“A couple of days. Arnie paid for it. He said I needed a break.”

Julia paused in the opening of her door. “Arnie? Is that DI Clarke’s name?”

“Yes. It’s short for Arnold. He was named after his granddad. It’s quite an old-fashioned name and he’s never liked it. He prefers Arnie.” A hint of mischief came into Gemma’s eyes. “Julia, you feel free to call him Arnold the next time you see him.”

Julia smiled at her. “Oh, I will.” She opened the door wide. “Please, come in. Unless you’ve got a treatment to go to?”

Gemma sighed. “I only arrived an hour ago and I’m overwhelmed by everything that’s on offer.” She stepped into the room. “Wow!”

Julia and Mum followed her in. Julia looked down at her key. “Mum, are we in the right room? This looks far too luxurious for me. I don’t need all this space.” Her head tilted. “Although, I do like those patio doors over there. Is that a private balcony?”

Mum’s voice cracked as she replied, “We have got the right rooms. Your dad’s paid for all this. Just when I’ve decided to be mad at him, he does something like this. Shall I put the kettle on? There’s a kitchenette over there. I could do with another cup of tea. Gemma, are you staying for a while?”

Gemma moved into the middle of the room and folded her arms. “I’m not leaving. This room is much better than mine. I haven’t got a balcony. Or a separate seating area. Or a kitchenette.” She tutted. “Just wait until I phone that husband of mine.”

Julia said, “Phone him now. I don’t mind.”

“I’ll do it later. Ignore me, I’m being silly. My room is lovely. I’ve got all I need. It was thoughtful of Arnie to book it for me. What treatments are you going to have, Julia?”

Julia said, “Chocolate therapy. Let’s sit down on those sofas by the patio doors and I’ll tell you all about it. Didn’t you get a personal assistant to go through the treatments with you?”

“Nope. That’s something else I’ll mention to Arnie.” Gemma followed Julia over to the seating area and sat on the sofa.

Julia settled herself on the sofa opposite and told Gemma about the chocolate therapy. She pulled Erin’s card out and said, “Perhaps you could be part of the trial too? Shall I ring Erin for you?”

“I can’t expect you to do that.” Gemma held her hand out. “I can ring her. I’ll tell her I overheard her talking to you. If it’s a secret trial, then you won’t get into bother by telling me.”

Julia handed the card over. Then she stood up and walked over to Mum who was busy in the kitchenette.

Mum poured milk into a silver jug and smiled at Julia. “Isn’t this lovely? There’s everything you need here. Even your favourite biscuits.” She lowered her voice, “Gemma seems nice, doesn’t she?”

“She does. I can’t get over how normal she is. She must see something in DI Clarke that I’ve missed.” Julia smiled. “Or Arnold, as I’m now going to call him. Mum, are you okay?”

“Yes. Stop asking me that. I haven’t told you about my chat with Indigo yet. Let’s take our drinks over to Gemma. I can tell her too. She might want to book the same treatments.”

Julia helped Mum take the tea things over to the seating area.

Gemma handed Julia the card back. “I’ve just phoned Erin and she said I could be part of the trial too. I’m booked in this afternoon, shortly after you. Can you believe we get free chocolate?”

“It’s a dream come true,” Julia admitted. “Right, Mum, I want to hear all about your plans.”

Mum told them a bit about Indigo Sunset first. “Gemma, that really is her name. She tried to change it in her late teens, but then her parents died and she decided to keep it. She worked in an office environment for years but it never felt right to her. She took a night class in alternative healing and trained as a Reiki healer.”

“Reiki?” Julia said. “Isn’t that someone moves their hands over your body and give you energy?”

“Something like that. Anyway, she practised on people in her office when they had headaches or backaches. And she was very good. She managed to take away the aches and pains. Word spread and she ended up treating people in her breaks. It wasn’t long before she was arranging for people to come to her house after work for treatments. And it wasn’t long after that before she realised she could charge them. She’s been doing healing work for about ten years now.”

Gemma said, “Why is she working here? I would have thought she’d be better off working for herself.”

“I asked her the very same thing. She did work for herself but missed the company of others. She had quite an active social life when she worked in the office and she missed having colleagues. She’s been working here for a few years and she loves it.”

“Are you going to have some Reiki work, Mum?”

“I am. I’m going to try all sorts of new things. Indigo listened to me going on about my school job and all the stress I’ve been under. Gemma, I work at a school with children aged five and six. They are lovely, but they need a lot of attention.”

“I know. My son, Charlie, is the same age. Julia, didn’t you meet Charlie recently?”

“I did.” Julia pulled a face. “It was during a murder investigation. I hope Charlie didn’t know that.”

“He didn’t. Arnie’s very good about keeping that part of his job quiet. Charlie looks up to his dad, he thinks he’s some sort of superhero.”

Mum carried on talking and she told them about the treatments she was going to have. “Indigo thinks I need to balance my energy more, and to think about my own needs. I’ll be doing yoga, swimming, going on mindful walks. There’s even something called a tension buster. I’m not really sure what that is. There will be a lot of talking too. Indigo’s told me that some of these treatments will bring out hidden traumas and issues. She’s assured me that anything I tell her will be treated with confidence. She said a lot of her clients divulge their secrets to her.”

Julia said, “That’s what Erin told me too. I wonder what kind of secrets their clients have?”

Gemma picked up her cup. “This sounds like the beginning of an Agatha Christie book. Hidden secrets abound and someone is killed to stop a particularly juicy secret from being revealed.”

Mum reached for her cup. “Well, they can get murdered another time. Julia has assured me she’s not going to find a murdered body whilst we’re on our spa break. Isn’t that right?”

Julia nodded and raised her cup. “That’s absolutely right, Mum.”

Chapter 5

Julia, Gemma and Mum talked for a while longer. Gemma told them she’d met DI Clarke when she worked for the police.

“I could tell he liked me by the way he kept staring at me,” Gemma said. “But whenever he had to talk to me, he became all shy and embarrassed. It took him months to ask me out.”

“I can’t imagine DI Clarke being anything other than efficient,” Julia said.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door. Julia answered it and found a smiling member of staff standing there.

He handed her two slim folders. “Hello, Ms Blake. This is a list of your treatments. I have a folder for your mum too. Would you be able to give it to her, please? I’ve knocked on her door but there was no answer.”

Julia took the folders. “Of course I can. Thank you.”

She closed the door and gave one of the folders to Mum.

Mum flicked through it and then looked at her watch. “Crikey. I’ve got a session with Indigo in ten minutes. I’d better get myself sorted out. I haven’t even looked at my room yet. And I promised your dad I’d take photos of our rooms. I won’t be able to go to lunch with you, Julia.”

Julia checked her watch. “Is it lunch time already? This morning has flown past. I can go to lunch on my own.” She looked over at Gemma. “Unless you’d like to join me?”

Gemma got to her feet. “I’d love to. I want to hear more about those murder cases you helped Arnie with. And you could show me your list of treatments, if you don’t mind? It’ll give me some ideas.”

Mum said, “I’ll catch up with you two later.” She looked to the left of the room. “That door must be the one that leads to my room.” She walked over and opened the door. She popped her head through. “Yes, this is my room. I can see my bag on the floor. My room’s the mirror image of this one.” She smiled back at Julia and Gemma before going into her room.

Julia tucked the folder under her arm and opened the main door. “I hope it’s not all lettuce leaves and celery for lunch.”

“Me too.” Gemma walked through the door.

They chatted as they walked down the stairs and towards the dining room. Tantalising smells drifted towards them as they got closer.

Gemma said, “It can’t be lettuce and celery, they don’t smell of anything.”

As they approached the large, airy dining room, they heard the sound of quiet conversation and the gentle clatter of cutlery. Light coloured tables and chairs were set along the sides of the dining room. These were occupied mainly by women, and the women were mainly wearing white dressing gowns. Down the centre of the room was a large buffet table, with clean plates piled up at various points along the table.

Julia’s stomach let out a low rumble. She gave Gemma an embarrassed smile and was pleased to hear a similar rumble coming from Gemma’s stomach.

A waitress approached them. “Ms Blake, Mrs Clarke, welcome to our dining room. Is it a table for two?”

Julia nodded.

The waitress said, “Follow me.” She turned around and headed to the right of the room.

Gemma mumbled to Julia, “Don’t you think it’s weird how everyone knows our names?”

Julia gave her a quick nod. She had been thinking the same thing.

The waitress stopped at a table and opened a hand out towards it. “Please, take a seat ladies. Let me tell you what the specials are today. We have our usual selection of salads and steamed vegetables. Our hot food today consists of pork stir fry, baked cod, pesto chicken, and our vegetarian option is ratatouille. There is yoghurt and fruit salad for dessert, and we also have hot strawberry sponge with custard.”

Julia took a seat. “That’s a lot of choice. I don’t think I’m going to lose any weight this weekend. Do we help ourselves?”

“Yes. You’ll find details of the ingredients in front of each dish in case you have any allergies. But, according to your details, I can’t see that either of you has. I’ll bring you some water out. There are fresh fruit juices at the end of the buffet area, along with tea and coffee. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No, thank you. We may be here for a while,” Julia said.

The waitress gave them a smile and walked away.

Gemma looked towards the buffet and said, “There’s too much choice. What should we do?”

Julia stood up. “Don’t worry. I’ve been in similar situations before. If you can’t decide, take a little bit of everything. You can have a mini buffet on your plate.”

“Good idea.” Gemma followed Julia over to the buffet table.

They helped themselves to a small portion of the hot dishes. Julia put a little portion of broccoli at the side of the baked cod. “I mustn’t forget my greens.”

Gemma looked down at her own plate. “I’ll have to come back for my greens later.”

They took their plates back to their table and tucked in. The waitress brought them a jug of iced water and poured it into their glasses.

When the waitress had walked away, Gemma said, “I’m not sure what to make of this place. Everything seems too good to be true. Even the manager. Everything about her is too perfect. And why would she be working on the reception area? She must have staff to do that.”

“I agree. Whatever she’s doing seems to be working. The guests seem happy, and so do the staff by the way they’re smiling all the time. I don’t think there’s anything untoward going on.”

Gemma nodded. “You’re probably right. It’s just me with my suspicious nature. It’s from my years of working for the police. I gave my job up when Charlie came along but I do miss it. I’ll probably go back to work when Charlie is older. That’s why I like hearing about you from Arnie. I like how you make your own investigations. I’ve been tempted to contact you and offer my help. I didn’t tell Arnie that, of course.”

“I can just imagine what he’d say to me if I got you involved in a murder case!”

Gemma put her fork down and gave Julia a studied look. “I know why he’s so harsh on you. It’s not really to do with you. It’s something, or someone, from his past.” She picked her fork up. “You won’t want to hear it. It won’t interest you.”

“It certainly will. I’d love to know why he’s so harsh with me.” Julia stood up. “Let me get us some of that hot strawberry sponge and custard, and then you can tell me everything.”

Chapter 6

Gemma took a few mouthfuls of the strawberry sponge before talking. “Arnie’s got an older sister called Rachel. She’s great. Very outgoing and confident. She’s not afraid of anything. She used to work with the police here in the UK. She moved around the country a lot and ended up doing undercover work. Arnie didn’t like it and he told her she put herself in too much danger. But Rachel is strong willed and she wouldn’t listen to him.” Gemma smiled. “Sounds a bit like you.”

Julia shrugged. “Maybe. A little. This sponge is delicious. What happened to Rachel?”

“She was working on an undercover case which involved some particularly nasty people. Her cover was blown and she was taken prisoner. I’d just started dating Arnie at that point and he was beside himself with worry. He hardly slept and was constantly phoning Rachel’s colleagues to see if they’d got her back. He even offered to exchange himself for her.

“It took a few weeks, but she was eventually rescued. She never said much about what had happened to her during her captivity, but she wasn’t the same woman. She’d aged and her confidence had gone. There were physical injuries which healed quicker than the mental ones. Arnie spent a lot of time with her after she was released. He persuaded her to leave the police force.”

“And did she leave?” Julia asked.

“She left the UK police force, but she moved to Australia and joined the force there. The crime rate is almost non-existent in the town where she works. She phones us often and she’s back to the woman she was, more or less. I think Arnie can see the same stubbornness in you, and he’s afraid you’re going to get hurt. You even look a bit like Rachel.”

Julia pushed her empty dish away. “Thanks for telling me. I honestly don’t go out of my way to find dead bodies, it just happens. I keep telling him that.”

“I know.” Gemma scooped up the last of her sponge and put it in her mouth.

Julia opened her folder of treatments. “I’m booked in for a manicure tomorrow. I’ve never had one before.” She checked her watch. “We’ve got some time before our chocolate therapy sessions. Shall we have a walk around the gardens? I’ve heard good reports about them. And I could do with working off some of this food. That broccoli was too much for me.”

“That sounds like an excellent idea. I’ve got a small garden at home and I’d love to do something with it. Or better still, get someone in to do it for me.”

“I could ask Cain, he works for me.”

“I know all about Cain. He seems a lovely chap, considering his past. I can’t believe he went to prison for crimes his brothers committed. I know his family’s reputation from my time in the force. He’s better off away from them. Has he started to do gardening work?”

“He has. He loves it. He’s got a real knack for it. He talks to the plants, and sings to them too. He says it helps them grow. He’s still doing cleaning work with me but he fits his gardening work in around it. I don’t know how he does it. He never rests. But he’s happy. I can ask him to call round to your house. He’ll most likely offer his services for free, he keeps doing that, and I keep telling him not to.”

“I shall insist on paying him.”

Julia groaned as she got to her feet. “I’m not sure a buffet is a good idea. As my dad tells me often, ‘Your eyes are bigger than your belly’. He might be right.”

Gemma stood up and pointed to the rear of the room. “We can get to the gardens through that door at the end. I love how there are so many patio doors in this building. They let a lot of light in.”

Julia and Gemma walked through the dining room and out of the far patio doors. A stone path led them to the beginnings of the garden. A delicate fragrance of flowers filled the air.

Julia took her phone out. “I’ll take some photos to show Cain. He probably knows the Latin names of all these flowers.” She started to take photos of the nearest rose bushes.

They walked leisurely through the rose garden. Julia took photos and Gemma gently stroked the delicate petals of the flowers.

They stopped at the end of the path. Julia tilted her head. “Can you hear that? What is it?”

“It sounds like a tennis match, but there’s a lot of cheering going on. Do you think there’s a tournament somewhere? Shall we have a nosy?”

“I’m all for having a nosy.”

They followed the sound of cheering and came to a set of tennis courts. A large group of women were clustered around one particular court.

Julia and Gemma made their way closer.

An older woman turned to the woman at her side and said, “Isn’t he amazing? I had to book my tennis lessons with him six months ago. He’s so popular.”

“I know,” her friend said. “I had to book my personal training session with him ten months ago. It’s worth the wait. And I’ve got his exercise DVDs to watch in the meantime.”

The other woman giggled and put a hand over her mouth. “I’ve got those too. Sometimes, I don’t even do the workouts. I get myself a glass of wine and just watch him.”

Julia shared a confused look with Gemma. Gemma shrugged in return.

Julia tapped the woman who’d spoken first on the shoulder. “Excuse me, who are you talking about?”

The woman’s eyes widened and she sized Julia up. “Who am I talking about? You must be new to this place.” She turned her head and pointed to a man inside the court. “Harry Lewis. That’s who I’m talking about.” A sigh followed and her face took on a dreamy look.

Julia said, “Who’s Harry Lewis? Does he work here?”

The woman didn’t take her eyes off the man as she spoke, “Yes, he works here. He’s the deputy manager, amongst other things. This place would fall apart if it wasn’t for him. He takes many exercise classes, but you won’t get in, not unless you booked months ago.”

The other woman spoke, “You can buy his exercise DVDs. They sell them here, or you can get them on Harry’s website.”

Julia and Gemma moved down the line of women until they found a gap. They stared at the man on the tennis court who was dressed in white shorts and a white T-shirt. He was giving instructions to a woman who was smiling up at him. Even from this distance, they could see the adoration in her eyes.

Harry must have felt them staring because he looked their way and raised a hand in greeting. Dimples appeared in his tanned face as he smiled.

Gemma tutted. “I don’t trust him. He’s too handsome. He looks like John Travolta in ‘Grease’. I don’t trust him at all. That man there, I mean, not John Travolta. I’ve never met John Travolta.”

Julia took another look at the muscular young man. She didn’t trust him either. And she didn’t like the calculating look in his eyes as he waved to his adoring fans. She was going to make sure she had nothing to do with Harry Lewis.

Chapter 7

Julia and Gemma left the women to ogle at Harry and they carried on walking through the gardens. Julia snapped away with her phone as they went.

After a while, Gemma said, “We’d better head back inside. It’s nearly one-thirty. Doesn’t your chocolate therapy starting at two o’clock? Mine’s fifteen minutes later.”

“Time is flying by today.”

They walked back to the main building and went inside. Gemma said, “My room’s on the ground floor. It’s this way. I’ll catch up with you later. It’s been lovely to meet you, Julia.”

“You too. I was beginning to think that DI Clarke had an imaginary wife.” She smiled and added, “I’ll try not to eat all the free chocolate.” Julia gave Gemma a wave and then headed in the direction of the stairs. As she walked past the reception desk she noticed Sienna Moss having a conversation with Harry Lewis. From the look on her face, Sienna wasn’t happy.

Sienna hissed, “I’m running a spa, not your fan club. I saw those women lining up at the side of your court. They could have been having treatments, or spending money in the gift shop. Instead, they were wasting their time eyeing you up. You should have told them to go away.”

Harry let out a low laugh. “What can I say? I can’t help having so many fans. Poor cows, they can’t help themselves. And you can stop giving me the hard look, Sienna, you know how much business I bring in. I don’t know what you’re complaining about. Was there anything else you wanted to moan about?”

Sienna looked as if there was plenty more she wanted to moan about, but her glance fell on Julia. Her annoyed look vanished and was replaced by a warm smile. “Ms Blake, how are you enjoying your stay? I trust everything is in order? If you have any problems at all, please let me know. Nothing is too much trouble.”

Julia smiled. “Everything is wonderful, thank you. I’m on my way to the chocolate therapy rooms soon.”

Harry sucked in his breath loudly. “Chocolate and women do not go well together. It goes straight to their hips and bums. And then it’s up to people like me to help them get rid of the fat.” He looked Julia up and down. “You’re not in too bad a shape, for your age. I can’t book you in for one of my personal training sessions, I’m too busy. But I do have a line of exercise DVDs that might interest you.”

Julia stiffened. What a cheek! She knew she should walk away but she couldn’t help herself. She turned to Sienna and said, “I do have a complaint, actually. I was expecting to have a calming walk around your gardens but the noise coming from the tennis courts was quite off putting. There was a lot of cheering and shouting. I believe your colleague here was the cause of the commotion.”

A satisfied look came over Sienna’s face. “Thank you for telling me that, Ms Blake. I will make an official note about it. Was there anything else?”

Harry folded his arms and snorted in disdain.

Julia gave him a direct look and said, “I don’t appreciate what you said about women and chocolate. I love chocolate and I would never give it up, no matter how much it settles on my hips. Don’t ever come between a woman and her chocolate.”

Julia heard a chuckle coming from Sienna.

Harry gave Julia a cold look and then he stormed away.

Sienna said, “Thank you. It’s not often I see the smug smile wiped from his face. I know I shouldn’t say that, but, you know.”

“I do know.” Julia gave her a quick smile before walking to the stairs.

“Julia! Wait.”

Julia looked over her shoulder to see Mum hurrying towards her. “Mum? Have you been crying? What’s happened?”

Mum linked her arm through Julia’s and they walked up the stairs. “These are happy tears. I’ve had such a good session with Indigo. She’s got a way of extracting deep, hidden hurts. Not that I had much hidden away. It’s just the stress of this last year. I cried so much! But it felt like a release. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

They reached their rooms. Julia frowned. “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you want to talk to me about anything?”

Mum stifled a yawn. “I’m done with talking for a while. Tears and tea were what I needed. I supplied the tears, and Indigo supplied the tea. I’ve got another session with her soon. I think I’ll have a nap. I haven’t had a nap in the afternoon in years, but I need one now.”

Mum opened her door and Julia went inside with her. Mum’s phone beeped from beside the bed. Mum reached for it. “It’s your dad. It’s a video call. He’s getting the hang of these now.” She yawned and tapped on the screen.

Julia came to Mum’s side and looked at the phone screen. Dad’s smiling face appeared. Cain was at Dad’s side.

Dad’s smile dropped. “Heck, Kathleen! What’s happened to your face? You look dreadful. What sort of treatments have you been having? Whatever you’ve had done, it hasn’t worked. I’ll be phoning that place up and asking for a refund.”

Mum shook her head. “I’ve been having therapy. I’ve released some emotions and I’ve had a good cry.”

“Cry?” Dad shouted. “I didn’t send you to a spa so you could cry. Put me though to reception right now.”

Cain’s eyes narrowed. “Julia, have you been crying too? Your face looks puffy.”

Julia’s nostrils flared. “No, I haven’t been crying, Cain Andrews. And I haven’t had any treatments done yet. I always look like this.”

Mum yawned again. “Ray, was there something you wanted to talk to me about? If so, can it wait? I’m exhausted.”

Dad said, “I wanted to make sure you were okay, my love. I’ve been ringing you for the last thirty minutes.”

“I’m fine. I didn’t take my phone with me. That’s the point of having peace and quiet, you leave distractions behind.”

“Aye, I suppose so.” Dad looked at Julia. “So, what’s it like that? What are you going to have done? A facial? A body wrap? I’ve heard that those takes inches off you.”

Cain joined in, “What about an eyebrow trim? Or a wrinkle remover session? Do they do that sort of thing?”

“Actually, I’m going to a chocolate therapy session soon. I’ll be having a chocolate facial and body scrub, and then I’ll lie in a tank of melted chocolate. And I’ll get to eat as much free chocolate as I want. Ha! What do you think about that?”

Cain and Dad shared a look. Dad nodded at Cain. Cain walked away from Dad and took his own phone out. He tapped away for a moment.

Julia said, “What’s he doing?”

Dad held up a finger and looked back at Cain.

Cain looked up from his phone. “I can book us a break there next month. And I’ve found a Groupon voucher.”

Dad gave him a thumbs up and turned back to Julia. “We’ll want to hear all about that chocolate thing later. You’d better put your mum to bed, her eyes are closing. We’ll phone later.”

“Wait,” Julia said. “Is everything alright with work? Is Cain okay on his own? Is he keeping to the cleaning schedule?” She stopped her questions when she saw the hurt look on Cain’s face. “Sorry, I know everything’s okay. I know you can deal with everything. I’m just a worrier. Speak to you later.”

She ended the call and then helped Mum to her bed.

Mum muttered, “Set my alarm for 2:15. I don’t want to miss my next session with Indigo.” She turned on her side and closed her eyes.

Julia set the alarm and then pulled a cover over Mum. She used the adjoining door to go into her own room. She hadn’t even had a good look around it yet. She quickly unpacked her suitcase and put her clothes away.

Julia noticed the thick, white dressing gown in the bathroom and decided to change into it. “Might has well get into the spirit of the spa.” She put her phone on silent and put it in her pocket - just in case there was a cleaning emergency.

She checked on Mum again before leaving and then left the room. As she headed down the carpeted stairs, she smiled to herself. She was having a lovely time.

Chapter 8

Julia walked past the reception desk and noticed Sienna wasn’t there anymore. A young woman in a uniform smiled as Julia went by.

Julia followed the directions on the map which Erin had given her earlier. She walked along a corridor and soon noticed a slight aroma of chocolate. She must be going the right way. A handwritten sign was pinned outside a door at the end of the corridor which stated the chocolate therapy area was inside. Julia went through the door and found Erin standing behind a small reception desk.

“Ah, Julia. You’re here. Let me apologise for the makeshift look of this area. It’ll look more permanent once I get the official go ahead from Sienna. She’s waiting until we get feedback from our guests about this new therapy.” She looked down at a sheet in front of her. “You’re going to have the chocolate facial first, followed by the chocolate body scrub. I shall have to think up some suitable names for these treatments soon, something chocolatey. Shall we get started?”

“Yes, please.” Julia waved a hand over herself. “Am I okay to wear this gown? I’ve noticed other guests are dressed like this.”

“It’s perfect, but we will ask you to change into a towel when you have your treatments. Those gowns are expensive. Sienna would kill me if I got chocolate stains all over them. This way, please. I’ll take you to the first treatment room. Teresa, one of our top therapists, is waiting for you. I’ll be meeting you in a while in the floatation tank room, it’s at the end there. The chocolate is being warmed up as we speak.”

Erin led Julia through a door to their left. A smiling woman greeted them as they entered. Julia hadn’t yet seen a member of staff who didn’t smile at her.

“Teresa, this is Julia. She’s our first customer. Will you explain how the facial and body scrub work, please? And I’ll …” she was interrupted by the ringing of her phone. Julia saw a flash of annoyance cross Erin’s face as she looked at the screen. “Excuse me, Julia. I have to take this call. You’re in good hands with Teresa. I’ll see you soon in the floatation room.” She answered the call as she left the room.

Teresa started to explain about the benefits of the facial and scrub, but Julia wasn’t fully listening. She could hear Erin on the phone and caught her saying, ‘Lori, I warned you about him. You knew you shouldn’t have taken things this far.” There was a pause and then Erin added, ‘Well, I’m sorry too, but it has to be done.’

Teresa said cheerfully, “So, that explains how it works. Have you got any questions?”

Julia did have one. “Is there real chocolate in the facial mask?”

“Yes.”

“Can I eat it?”

“No.”

“What would happen if I accidentally ate a tiny bit?”

“You would get an upset tummy. Erin’s already thought about what would happen if guests were tempted to eat the products.” Teresa took Julia over to the treatment table. “There’s a small dish of chocolates within your reach. If you get the urge to eat something, please, eat those and not our products.”

Julia nodded at her. “Thank you. I will.”

Teresa handed Julia a large fluffy towel and asked her to change into it behind a curtained off area. Julia did so and hung her dressing gown on a hanger in the changing area. She returned to the table and Teresa asked her to lie down and relax. Tinkling music sounded out from hidden speakers. Julia laid back and closed her eyes. Teresa started off by cleansing Julia’s face. She had a lovely touch and Julia felt herself relaxing more and more.

Julia could sense she was falling asleep as Teresa applied a delicious smelling mixture to her face. Teresa whispered she was leaving the room for five minutes to allow the special ingredients to perform their magic.

Julia nodded in understanding without opening her eyes. As the door opened, Julia heard a slight hum of conversation. She recognised Gemma’s voice. She was talking to Erin who was explaining to her what her treatments would be. Julia would talk to Gemma later about how wonderful this chocolate therapy was.

It seemed like seconds later that Teresa was waking her up. She explained she had wiped the facial mixture from Julia’s face, and she was now ready to do the body scrub.

Julia nodded slowly, still with her eyes closed.

The body scrub was just as wonderful as the facial but more invigorating and Julia started to come out of her drowsy state. She became awake enough to try some of the chocolate in the dish at her side. It would be rude not to.

When Teresa had finished the body scrub, she said, “There’s a shower behind that door over there. If you wash the scrub off, then I’ll take you to the floatation tank area.”

“Won’t I just get covered in chocolate again?”

“Yes, but it’s a different kind of chocolate. You won’t feel the benefit if you have this body scrub still on you.” Teresa smiled at her. “I’ll come back in a few minutes.” She left the room.

Julia took herself into the shower and washed off the body scrub. The smell of chocolate was intoxicating and as soon as Julia was out of the shower, she helped herself to more chocolate from the dish.

She put her dressing gown back on and waited for Teresa. The young woman hadn’t returned after five minutes so Julia opened the door and popped her head out. Someone popped their head out of the door opposite.

It was Gemma. “Hiya. How’s your treatment going? I’ve just had the facial. I’m having the body scrub next.”

“I’ve had the scrub, it’s marvellous. My skin feels lovely. I’m waiting for Teresa to take me to the floatation tank room. She said she’d be back in a few minutes but that was a while ago.”

“Perhaps she’s busy with someone. Erin told me where the floatation tank room is. Why don’t you go down there on your own?”

“I think I will. I can’t wait to see what it’s like.” Julia walked out of the room.

Gemma stepped out of her room. “I’ll come with you and have a little peep while I’m waiting for my therapist to come back too.”

Gemma and Julia walked down the corridor. Julia opened the door at the end and they walked in. They looked around them.

“Ooo. I like this. Everything is a dark chocolate colour,” Gemma said. “And I like the gentle music. How long do you think we’ll be allowed to soak in the tank?”

Julia moved to one side of the room. “I don’t know. I hope it’s a long time. This looks like one of the tanks.” Her hand hovered above the dark liquid. “It feels warm. Do you think I should get in? Or should I wait for Erin? I wonder where she is?”

Gemma moved to the other side of the room. “There’s another tank over here. We could get in at the same time.” She put her hand over the liquid and looked down.

Julia wiped a bit of drool from the corner of her mouth. “I hope there’s some edible chocolate nearby. Have you eaten any at the side of your treatment bed yet? I’ve eaten loads.” There was no reply. “Gemma? Did you hear me?”

Gemma was staring down at the tank. In a quiet voice, she said, “Julia, I’ve found Erin. She’s dead.”

Chapter 9

Julia walked slowly over to the tank and looked into Erin’s unseeing eyes as she floated on top of the melted chocolate.

“What a way to go,” Gemma said sadly. “Do you want to phone the police, or shall I? One of us needs to let Sienna Moss know about this.”

They heard footsteps behind them and turned their heads. Teresa walked into the room, a smile on her face. “There you are, Ms Blake. I’ve been looking for you. Did Erin tell you to come down here? Are you ready to get into the tank?”

“Not quite,” Julia said. “Don’t come any closer. Could you go and get your manager, please?”

Teresa’s smile faltered but she continued walking forwards. “Is there a problem? Is it about me? Haven’t I done my job correctly? I know I left you for more than a few minutes. I nipped out for a cigarette. I know I shouldn’t have.”

Gemma shot forward. “Don’t come any closer.”

Teresa craned her neck and looked over Gemma’s shoulder. “What’s that in the tank?” She pushed Gemma out of the way. “Is that … Erin?” Teresa’s eyes almost popped out of her face as she took in the sight of the body in the tank. She let out an ear-splitting scream and slithered to the ground.

Gemma knelt at her side. “She’s fainted. She could have fainted in a more convenient spot, she’s right in the middle of the crime scene.”

Julia took her phone out. “I’ll call for the police. Have you noticed the splashes of liquid at the side of the tank? It looks like Erin struggled with her killer. And the patio door over there is open. I can see the curtain moving in the breeze.”

Gemma straightened up. “You’re right. I’ll go and look for Sienna.” She pointed to Teresa. “Keep an eye on this one.”

Julia gave her a small nod and then phoned for the police. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time she’d had to make a call like this.

Julia ended the call and tapped the phone on her chin. Who would want to kill Erin? She shook her head. That was none of her concern, it was up to the police to make their enquiries.

Gemma came back into the room. “I can’t find Sienna, she’s not on reception and the woman there didn’t know where she was. I asked her to put an urgent call out for Sienna, and I told her where we were. I think the police will be here soon. I could hear the distant sound of sirens. I’ve got a good ear for things like that. It must be because of my days on the force.” She moved closer to Julia. “Are you alright?”

“Yes. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a dead body.”

“Me neither, but it’s always a shock.”

Julia sighed. “She seemed like a lovely person. It’s such a shame.”

Gemma gave her a little nudge. “I’ll tell you what’s a shame. We never got the chance to try these chocolate floatation tanks out.”

“What?”

Gemma gave her a small smile. “I’m joking. I’m trying to lighten the atmosphere.”

Julia indicated her head in the direction of the other tank. “You could always have a quick dip in that one.”

“Unless there’s a dead body in that one too,” Gemma said with a laugh. Her laugh was cut short as horror washed over her face. “Julia, you don’t think there’s another body in that one too? The woman who did my facial never came back.”

“I didn’t see a body in it when I came in.”

“It could have floated to the top by now.”

“Well, I’m not having a look. You can if you like.”

Gemma pointed at Erin. “I’ve already found one corpse, it’s only fair that you find the next one.”

“No one will be looking for any corpses. Stay right where you are,” a deep voice boomed out.

Julia recognised the voice. She looked at the older man who was standing in the doorway. He had a thick moustache and a thick waist.

The man spoke first, “Julia Blake? Well, well, well. We meet again. I thought we might do. Ha! What have you got yourself into this time?”

“Hello, DI Thostlewaite. I haven’t got myself into anything.”

DI Thostlewaite wagged a finger at her. “And yet you’re standing in the middle of a crime scene with a dead body not far away from you.”

Julia opened her mouth to reply. She couldn’t think of a suitable thing to say so she closed her mouth and merely nodded.

DI Thostlewaite took a step closer. “Is that the deceased? Have you touched her or moved her at all?”

Julia looked at where he was pointing. “No, that’s Teresa. She fainted when she saw the actual deceased.”

Gemma said, “The body is in this floatation tank. She’s definitely dead.”

DI Thostlewaite’s thick eyebrows shot up. “Gemma Clarke? What are you doing here? I haven’t seen you for a couple of years. You’re looking well. How’s young Charlie? And how’s that hubby of yours? I was only talking to him last week.”

Gemma said, “I’m fine. Charlie’s fine and Arnie is fine. Do you want to know more about the deceased? Her name is Erin Baker.”

“In a minute, she’s not going anywhere.” DI Thostlewaite looked from Julia to Gemma with a big grin on his face. “Well, this is a fine kettle of fish. I’m not that surprised to see Julia here, but I am surprised to see you, Gemma. I thought you’d left the force.”

“I have. I’m here on pleasure. How do you know Julia?”

“We met in Edinburgh during a murder investigation.” DI Thostlewaite stopped smiling and he gave Julia a kind look. “How’s your Sam doing? It was a shock for him to lose his friend that way.”

“He’s doing fine. You know what young people are like.”

“Aye, I do. I do miss Edinburgh, but it’s great to be back on Yorkshire land again. I put in for a transfer last month. I didn’t think I’d get moved so quickly.” He rubbed his hands together. “Right then, ladies, as much as I’m enjoying your genteel company, it’s time I got down to business. I’d like you to leave the room now. I saw a seating area when I first came in. Go have a seat and I’ll send someone to take your statements.” He moved closer and looked into the tank. “What’s all this brown stuff?”

“Chocolate,” Julia and Gemma said in unison.

DI Thostlewaite chuckled. “Death by chocolate, eh? I once had a dessert called that. Off you go, ladies. We’ll speak soon. I’ll get someone to take care of this lass on the floor.”

Chapter 10

Julia and Gemma walked away from the scene. As they went towards the main reception area, a grim-faced Sienna Moss hurried past them.

“Do you think she even saw us?” Julia asked.

“I’m not sure. This is all very strange, isn’t it? Where has Sienna been?”

Julia said, “Are you thinking she’s a suspect?”

“I am. I can’t help it. I used to work on murder cases and I found it easier to suspect everyone.” They made their way over to the seating area. “Aren’t you curious, Julia?”

“A little. I did hear Erin on the phone just before my facial started. She was having a disagreement with her room-mate, Lori. Erin said she was sorry, but it had to be done. There was also mention of Lori being involved with a man.”

Julia and Gemma sat down. Gemma said, “I wonder who they were talking about? And if it has anything to do with Erin’s murder. Have you seen Lori?”

“No. Erin told me she runs exercise classes. I haven’t been anywhere near an exercise class, and I was intending to.”

A smiling waitress approached them and offered them complimentary tea and coffee. Once she had their order, she walked away, still smiling.

Gemma’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t like how everyone keeps smiling around here. It’s not normal. And why did she offer us complimentary drinks? And does she know about Erin?”

Julia gave her a small smile. “You’ve got a lot of questions. Perhaps giving out tea and coffee is just something they do. And I think that once they find out about Erin, they won’t be smiling.”

The waitress returned with their drinks, along with a plate of mini date and walnut muffins.

Gemma picked up her cup of coffee. “I don’t think I can eat anything at the moment.”

“Me neither. I’m still full from all that chocolate.”

“Has this put you off eating any more chocolate?”

Julia considered the matter. “Would I be an awful person if I said no? It would take a lot to put me off chocolate.” She took a sip of her coffee. “Looks like the police are here to take our statements.”

Two police officers approached them. They weren’t smiling. One of them said, “We’ll need to take your statements separately. Ms Blake, could you come with me to the other side of the room?”

Julia nodded and followed the young man, taking her coffee with her. She sat opposite him and gave him the full details of her dealings with Erin, starting from when she’d met Erin that morning. It took quite a while to get all the details written down as the policeman had a peculiar habit of repeating everything she said, as if he doubted her recollection of the events.

When Julia was finally allowed to leave, she looked over to where Gemma was sitting. She was still giving her statement and Julia was surprised to see the red flush of anger on her cheeks. Whatever was she saying to the police officer?

Julia tried to get Gemma’s attention so that she could indicate she was going back to her room, but Gemma was now waving her hands at the police officer in an agitated manner.

Julia left them to it and made her way back to her room. She was nearly knocked off her feet as Mum came dashing out, dressed in her exercise clothes.

Mum’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright. “Julia! Hi! I didn’t see you there. How was your chocolate therapy? Oh! You’ll have to tell me later. I’m on the way to an exercise class with some young man called Harry Lewis. I’ve had a marvellous session with Indigo and I feel so energised! Indigo managed to get me a session with Harry even though he’s busy. See you later!”

Mum jogged off down the corridor before Julia could utter a word in reply. Julia was glad Mum was in a better mood, and she was glad she didn’t have to tell her about Erin Baker’s murder. She wasn’t looking forward to that.

Julia went into her room and over to the patio doors. She swung them open and stepped out on to the balcony. She needed some fresh air. She heard some voices below her and looked over the side to see uniformed police making a search of the grounds. Her room must be above the chocolate therapy rooms. Her eyes stung as she thought about Erin and she went back inside, closing the door behind her.

She changed out of her dressing gown and into jeans and a T-shirt. All thoughts of relaxation had left her mind the second she saw Erin floating in that tank. Who would do that to her? Was it Lori? They had been arguing about a man. Had Erin threatened to do something about it? Perhaps Lori had been having an affair with a married man and Erin was going to tell his wife. Lori could have killed her to keep her quiet. People had killed for less.

Julia walked over to the kitchenette and took a bottle of water from the fridge. This murder had nothing to do with her, and that’s the way it was going to stay.

There was a thudding at her door. Julia opened it and Gemma marched in.

Gemma’s hands went to her hips and she said, “You’ll never guess what’s happened? That policeman downstairs, the one who took my statement, thinks I killed Erin! Can you believe that?”

“Why does he think that?”

“Because I was the last one to see her alive. She spoke to me and then went into the floatation tank room. You should have seen the way he was looking at me, like I was some sort of criminal!”

“But why would you kill her? Did he mention a motive?”

“No he didn’t. He kept going on about me being the last person to see her. I got more and more annoyed, and then he said it was obvious I couldn’t control my temper and I probably killed Erin because she was charging too much for the chocolate therapy session! I shall be having words with DI Thostlewaite about him. That’s no way to talk to a witness. How dare he?”

“I’m sure he thought he was just doing his job. Come and sit down.”

“I can’t. I’m too mad.” Gemma’s hands dropped from her hips. She gave Julia a direct look. “You know what I have to do now, don’t you?”

Julia had a suspicion, but she kept those thoughts to herself and waited for Gemma to continue.

Gemma said, “I’ve got to clear my name. I’ve got to find out who killed Erin Baker. And before you say anything, I know DI Thostlewaite is dealing with this investigation, but I’m sure he won’t mind if I make my own enquiries. I won’t get in his way.”

“I see.”

Gemma smiled at Julia. “I’m glad you agree with me. I want you to help me. Will you help me? Please? I can’t bear being a suspect.”

Julia sighed. She couldn’t say no to Gemma. “Of course I’ll help you.”

Chapter 11

Julia grabbed a bottle of water for Gemma and they took a seat on the sofa in front of the patio doors.

Gemma’s phone rang. She took it out of her pocket and looked at it. “It’s Arnie. It’s a video call. Do you want to say hello to him?”

The last person Julia wanted to see was DI Clarke. She moved further along the sofa and said, “No, thank you.”

Gemma took the call and Julia could just see the corner of the screen as DI Clarke’s concerned face came into view.

“Gemma! How are you? I’ve heard about the murder there. I can’t believe it. You were supposed to be having a rest. Shall I come and get you? Do you want to come home?”

Gemma smiled at him. “I am having a rest. There’s no need to worry. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a dead body, you know that. How’s Charlie? How are you coping without me?”

“Not very well. We both miss you and you’ve only been gone a short while. You know I don’t like being away from you.”

Julia tried to move even further along the sofa. She was tempted to make an escape through the patio doors. She wasn’t used to hearing DI Clarke talk so tenderly. He was usually barking orders at her.

DI Clarke said, “Are you sure you don’t want to come home? I can come for you if you don’t feel like driving. I don’t like the thought of you being there all on your own.”

“I’m not on my own. I’ve made a friend.” Gemma shot a smile at Julia. Julia flapped her hands at her to keep quiet.

“A friend?” DI Clarke asked. “You’ve only been there a few hours. What’s the name of this person. I’ll run some checks on them. I don’t want you talking to just anyone.”

Gemma slid across the sofa and leant against Julia. Julia had no means of escaping. She closed her eyes and wished she was invisible.

Gemma moved the phone closer and said, “Arnie, look who I’ve met. Isn’t this a coincidence? We’ve been having some lovely chats.”

There was silence. Julia opened one eye, then the other. DI Clarke’s piercing blue eyes bored into her. She gave him a weak smile and said, “Hello there.”

“Ms Blake, I might have known you’d be mixed up in this. What are you doing there? Did you know my wife was going to be there? Have you arranged this whole murder business just to annoy me?”

Gemma tutted. “Arnie, stop being ridiculous. This isn’t about you. And stop looking at Julia like that, it’s very rude.”

DI Clarke looked at his wife. “You don’t know what she’s like. She gets in the way of police procedures. She’s always finding dead bodies.”

Gemma’s tone was cold as she said, “Arnold Clarke, get that accusing tone out of your voice. Julia has helped you in the past, whether you care to admit it or not. And, for your information, it was me who found the dead body. Are you going to have a go at me now?”

DI Clarke’s gaze lowered and he mumbled, “Of course not. Sorry. It’s just that whenever Ms Blake is around …”

Gemma interrupted him, “I will not hear another unkind word against Julia. I haven’t known her long but I like her. She’s thoughtful and considerate. She was at my side when I found the body.”

“I knew she’d be somewhere nearby!” DI Clarke declared.

“Arnold, what did I just tell you? Not another word against Julia. I am not coming home. I’m staying here for the remainder of my break. I will speak to you later.” Her tone softened. “Don’t forget to read Charlie’s favourite book to him later. And give him a kiss from me.”

“I will do.” DI Clarke’s look went to Julia. “I’m saying this in as friendly a manner as I can, Ms Blake. Don’t interfere in this murder enquiry. DI Thostlewaite is good at his job and I’ve no doubt he’ll find the person responsible for this murder. Okay?” He gave her a tight smile.

Julia pressed her lips together and nodded.

Gemma turned the phone fully back to herself. “I’ll speak to you later, Arnie. I love you.”

“Love you too,” came his mumbled reply.

Gemma ended the call and shook her head at the phone. “Does he always talk to you like that?”

“Yes. I suppose he has good reason to. I do get in his way sometimes. I didn’t like lying to him then. Why didn’t you tell him you were a suspect? He could have done something to help.”

Gemma gave her a small grin. “Oh! Did I forget to tell him that? Never mind. Anyway, he didn’t say anything to me about getting involved. And it’s not your fault if you’re at my side when I make some enquiries, is it? Don’t worry about Arnie, I’ll deal with him.” Gemma put her phone away and took a drink of water. “Right, who shall we interrogate first?”

Julia didn’t get the chance to reply as there was a knock at the door. She opened it to find a pale-looking Sienna Moss standing there. It was obvious she’d been crying.

Julia opened the door wider and said, “Do you want to come in?”

“No, thank you. I don’t want to take up any more of your time.” She nodded to Gemma who came to stand at Julia’s side.

“I wanted to apologise for this terrible event. I can’t tell you how sorry I am that you saw such a disturbing scene.” Her voice cracked and she swallowed. “Please let me know if you need any counselling. We have many qualified people who could help you.”

Gemma said, “There’s no need for that. I used to work in the police force and I’ve seen much worse. Do you know how she was killed?”

A sob escaped from Sienna and she looked away. When she looked back, there was a forced smile on her face. “I’d rather not talk about it, thank you. I’m still in shock. I can’t believe that lovely girl was murdered. It’s beyond belief.”

Julia said, “Are you sure you don’t want to come in? I could make you a hot drink.”

“That’s very kind of you but I’ve got plenty to do. I haven’t told the staff yet. That’s going to be difficult. I wanted to apologise to you both, and to let you know we won’t charge you for your spa breaks, not that it’s any consolation for what you’ve been through. Also, any treatments you have will be free, so, please, feel free to take as many as you like. It’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you,” Julia said. “I only met Erin a few times and she was very friendly. Did she have any enemies? I heard her talking on the phone to her room-mate, Lori, and they seemed to be having an argument.”

Sienna’s posture changed. She stiffened and a hard look came into her face. “Lori? I’m sure you must have been mistaken about that. Erin wasn’t the type to argue with anyone. I won’t take up any more of your time.” She turned and stalked away, her head held high.

Gemma said, “Did you see how she changed at the mention of Lori’s name? She doesn’t like her at all. I think that’s who we need to speak to first.”

Chapter 12

“I’m not sure about this,” Julia said a short while later. “Lori might have cancelled her exercise class. She might have heard about Erin and be too upset to work.” Julia pulled at her exercise T-shirt. “This must have shrunk in the wash. It used to be baggy on me.”

Gemma was dressed in her exercise clothes too and Julia noticed the price tag hanging from the back of her shorts. She pulled at it and handed the label to Gemma.

Gemma smiled. “Thanks. You’ve discovered my secret. I don’t do exercise. Apart from running around after an active five-year-old.”

They headed in the direction of exercise hall 2. According to the timetable that Erin had given Julia earlier, Lori Sanders would be leading a legs, bums and tums class. Julia was half hoping that the class would be cancelled.

No such luck. As they entered the hall, a young woman dressed in tight exercise clothes waved energetically to them. “Ladies, just in time. We’re about to start! Yay! I’m Lori and I’ll be leading your class today. Yay!” She bounced on the spot and waved her hands from side to side above her head. Her brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and that bounced energetically too.

Music blared out and Lori began to jog on the spot. “Come on, ladies, I want to see you smile! This is fun!”

Gemma mumbled, “It doesn’t look like fun to me. Look at how many people are here. There’s only room at the front of the class.”

Julia said, “That’s a good thing. We can keep an eye on Lori.”

“I’m more worried about her keeping an eye on us. There isn’t one ounce of fat on her. That’s not normal.”

Lori spotted them loitering and called out, “Come on, you two. You’re missing all the fun. Jumping Jacks! Give me twenty! Yay!”

Julia and Gemma reluctantly made their way to the front of the class. Julia started doing jumping Jacks. Her legs, bum and tum did not like being bounced about so much and Julia could only manage five. Her underwear did not support so much activity.

It looked like Gemma felt the same way; she’d given up on the jumps and was walking on the spot instead. Gemma grimaced. “Are you having fun yet? Look at how happy Lori is. Do you think she knows about Erin yet?”

Julia walked slowly on the spot. “I don’t think so.”

Julia and Gemma did their best to keep up with Lori. It was impossible as the young woman bounced, jumped, danced and wiggled without running out of steam or enthusiasm.

The music eventually slowed down. Lori came to a stop and beamed at everyone. “Wasn’t that great fun? Yay! Now it’s time to attack those bums and tums. Grab yourself an exercise mat and we’ll start our floor work.”

Julia and Gemma followed the other people in the hall to the side of the room where a pile of exercise mats were stacked.

Gemma nudged Julia and hissed, “Look who’s just come in. It’s that Harry fella.”

Julia looked over her shoulder and watched as a solemn-faced Harry came into the hall. The smile dropped from Lori’s face and she walked towards him and put her arms around his chest. Harry muttered something.

“I can’t hear what he’s saying,” Gemma said. “Let’s move closer.” She shot forward to the mats, grabbed two, and then dashed back to their original positions at the front of the hall. Julia followed her.

Julia and Gemma went through the pretence of stretching out their muscles as they listened to what was being said.

Harry was saying, “I know you’ll get through this. I know you’ll miss her. Be brave, we all have to carry on.”

Lori let out a heavy sigh and said, “I’ll try my best. You know how close Erin and I were. I’m devastated that she’s gone.” She rested her head against Harry’s chest. The look of despair on her face disappeared and was replaced by a smug grin.

Gemma’s eyebrows rose and she muttered, “She looks like the cat who’s got the cream.”

Julia nodded and muttered back, “She seems to be enjoying that hug. I wonder if Harry is the one she was talking about on the phone with Erin?”

Harry gently pushed Lori away and said, “Keep going. Stay strong. That’s what Erin would have wanted.”

Lori’s lower lip trembled delicately as she gazed up at him.

Harry gave her a small smile and walked out of the hall. Lori watched him leave, a smile growing on her face.

As soon as he’d gone, Lori clapped her hands and said, ‘Right, ladies, let’s get back to our exercises. Are you having fun? Are you having a great day? I know I am. Yay!”

Julia and Gemma shared a look before lying on their exercise mats for the next round of torture.

Chapter 13

“I don’t think I can walk,” Julia said as they left the exercise hall later. “I haven’t used some of my leg muscles for years. I didn’t know muscles could hurt so much. How are you feeling?”

Gemma let out a groan and put a hand on her stomach. “I can already feel the pain here. It’s going to be worse tomorrow. Who wants a six-pack anyway? The only six-pack I’m interested in is a six-pack of cupcakes.”

Julia noticed the concern in Gemma’s face as they walked though the quiet seating area. “Gemma? What’s wrong?”

Gemma frowned. “People are looking at me. I can feel it. They think I had something to do with Erin’s death. I can see it in their faces. They must know I was the last one to see her alive.”

“You weren’t the last one to see her alive, the murderer was. I’m sure no one is looking at you suspiciously.” Julia cast a glance to her left and caught the look on a waitress’ face. She wasn’t smiling and she was giving Gemma a suspicious look. “Shall we go into the garden? I could do with some fresh air. I need to take some more photos of the garden for Cain too.”

“Yes. Then we can have a good talk about Lori. She didn’t seem at all bothered by Erin’s death. I want to find out what, and who, they were arguing about shortly before Erin died. It must have something to do with her death. Did you tell the police about that conversation?”

“I did. They said they’d look into it. They’ll probably question Lori.” Julia held an exit door open for Gemma. She noticed Mum sitting with a group of women at the far side of the room. They were all deep in conversation. Julia waved a hand in greeting but Mum didn’t see her. Did Mum know about the murder yet? Is that what they were talking about?

Gemma walked through the open door and Julia was about to follow when she heard her name being called.

It was Mum. She jogged over to Julia’s side and said, “There you are. I’ve been looking for you. Where have you been?”

“To an exercise class with Lori.” Julia pulled a face. “I’m not going to another one, I’m going to be aching later. How are you? Are you making new friends?”

“I am. We met in the exercise class that I’ve been to.”

Gemma came back through the door and said hello to Mum. “Which class have you been to?”

“The one that Harry Lewis teaches.” Mum’s eyebrows rose. “I was expecting some sort of gentle aerobics class. There was some of that, but there was some salsa dancing too. There was an unnecessary amount of wiggling bottoms and thrusting hips, in my opinion. But the other women seemed to like it. That young man is too handsome for his own good. Do you know, he’s got his own range of DVDs and CDs for sale? You can buy them after the class. He’s even got his own range of bottled water, but we didn’t have to pay for those.” She held a bottle up with Harry Lewis’ face on the label.

Julia smiled. “You do look better for it, Mum. You’ve got a glow to your cheeks.”

Mum nodded. “I do feel better. I’ve booked myself in for his next class too. He told me his classes are usually booked months in advance, but he would make an exception for me. He’s such a smooth talker. He looks at you as if you’re the only woman in the room. But I’m not falling for his deep brown eyes and his gyrating hips.” She pointed the bottle in Julia’s direction. “Haven’t you something to tell me? Something to do with you finding a murdered body?”

“Erm,” Julia began.

Gemma said, “It was me who discovered the body. How did you find out about it?”

“People were talking about it in the class. Is it true she was found floating in a tank of melted chocolate?”

Julia nodded. “It was awful. The police are dealing with everything now.”

Mum gave her a steely look. “And you’re going to let the police deal with it? You’re not going to interfere with their investigation in any way?”

“Erm,” Julia said again.

Gemma said, “I’ll be helping the police with their enquiries, in an unofficial manner. And I’ve asked Julia to help me.”

“Why would you do that?” Mum said.

Gemma looked left and right. “I was the last one to see her before she went into that room with the tank. The police think I’ve got something to do with her murder. And the staff do too. They’re giving me funny looks.”

The three women looked left and right.

Mum said, “I think you’re right about that last part. You do what you have to. I can’t stop you, Julia. I know what you’re like. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I will,” Julia said. She moved closer to Mum and said, “If you hear anyone talking about Erin, will you let us know?”

Mum laughed. “Now you’re getting me involved? Of course I will. I’d better go. I’ve got another session with Indigo. I wonder if she’s heard about Erin yet?” Mum gave Julia a swift hug and then went back to join her friends.

Gemma said, “You should have told her to keep an eye on Harry Lewis. If he was having a secret affair with Lori, he wouldn’t want his fans to know about it, would he?”

“Of course not. They’d stop coming to his classes and buying his merchandise. You’ve got a suspicious mind, Gemma Clarke. I like it.”

Julia opened the door again. “Come on, let’s have a little wander around the rear of the building. Perhaps we could mosey over to where the chocolate therapy rooms are. We could even have a little peek at those patio doors that were open earlier.”

Gemma went through the door. “I like the sound of that. We might find a certain kind of French cigarette which is only smoked by one member of staff. Or part of a unique handkerchief could be caught on one of the bushes, perhaps with the initials of our killer on it.”

Julia laughed. “Did you ever find such obvious clues when you worked for the police?”

“Never. Let me tell you about some of my solved cases.”

Gemma chatted to Julia as they walked around to the rear of the building. They came to an abrupt stop as someone barred their way.

It was DI Thostlewaite. He beamed at them. “Ladies, how lovely to see you again so soon. You’ve got the most becoming glow on your faces.”

Julia’s eyes narrowed. “Is that another way of saying we look sweaty? If so, we can’t help it. We’re only human.”

DI Thostlewaite chuckled. “I didn’t mean that at all. Now then, what are you doing here? I trust you’re not making your way towards the crime scene?”

“Of course not,” Julia replied.

Gemma said casually, “Is the crime scene this way? I had no idea.”

All humour faded from the inspector’s face. “I’m glad I’ve bumped into you, Gemma. Did you know Erin Baker? Have you ever met her before? Perhaps when you worked in the force?”

Gemma’s brow furrowed. “Not that I remember. And I’m good at remembering faces. Why are you asking?”

“No particular reason. Have you ever been to any other spas? Perhaps you saw Erin there.”

“No. This is my first visit to a spa. Why are you asking me this? And don’t say for no reason. I know you’re asking me for a reason.”

DI Thostlewaite tapped the side of his nose. “We’re following leads. You know I can’t give you any more information. Now then, ladies, I can’t stand here chewing the fat with you all day. I’ve got work to do. I believe the rose garden is worth a visit. It’s over to the left. I trust I won’t find you wandering in this direction again.” He beamed at them and waited until they turned around and walked away from him.

When they were out of earshot, Gemma said, “Why was he asking me those questions?”

Julia sighed. “I’ve got a theory about that. But I don’t think you’re going to like it.”

Chapter 14

Julia took Gemma towards the rose garden. It took them a while to find a quiet spot as it seemed that everyone else had the same idea. Julia took a few photos along the way and sent them to Cain.

They eventually found a deserted bench in a quiet corner. Julia stood on the bench and looked over the hedge behind. There was no one there.

“Just checking that no one is listening to us,” Julia said as she sat next to Gemma.

Gemma said, “So? What’s this theory you’ve got?”

“From the questions DI Thostlewaite was asking you, I think he suspects Erin’s murder was due to you.”

Gemma’s cheeks flushed. “What? Why would you think that? This has nothing to do with me. I can’t believe you’re saying that.”

“Hear me out. You might have met Erin during your time in the police force. She could have looked different.”

Gemma folded her arms. “I told the inspector I didn’t know her. Don’t you believe me? Do you think I’m lying? If you think I killed Erin Baker, you’d better just come right out and say it.”

“I don’t think that at all. Let’s just say that Erin had a criminal past and your paths crossed at some point. You didn’t recognise her, but she recognised you. What if Erin was arrested at some point in the past because of her criminal activities? She may have spent some time in prison and seen the error of her ways. But she may have had a partner who was miffed when she decided to go straight. Maybe the partner blamed the police for changing Erin and this partner had been holding a grudge for years.”

Gemma unfolded her arms. “I think I can see where you’re going with this. Carry on.”

“That partner could have been keeping an eye on Erin, and even been working here as a member of staff. They could have told Erin they’d turned over a new leaf too.”

“Aha! And then Erin wouldn’t be suspicious about them working here. She’d be pleased that her ex-partner was on the straight and narrow too. But really, her ex-partner would be holding a deep resentment against Erin and just waiting for an opportunity to get revenge on her.”

Julia nodded. “And then you came along. If we keep with our theory, this ex-partner could have recognised you straight away. They could have followed you and found out which treatments you were having. I’ll bet there’s a main system where staff can see each guest’s records. This evil, conniving ex-partner could have followed you to the chocolate therapy rooms and thought, ‘I can kill two birds with one stone here. I can bump off Erin Baker. And I can pin the blame on that Gemma Clarke. Hee hee’. And they would have rubbed their hands together gleefully before carrying out their wicked plan.”

Gemma laughed. “You’ve got a weird imagination.”

“But it could have happened. That could be why the inspector was asking you about Erin.”

Gemma looked into the distance. “I’ve just thought of something else. What if some ex-criminal is working here and they recognised me from the force? They wanted to get revenge on me and saw an opportunity with Erin. Or, this ex-criminal could know who my husband is, and could have wanted to get back at him through me.” She looked back at Julia. “This could be nothing to do with Erin Baker at all. It could be revenge against Arnie or me.”

“Yes, that’s possible. Your husband has probably made many enemies over the years. Hundreds, probably. No offence.”

“None taken. Julia, it might even be revenge against you. You’ve helped the police many times, you could have put someone’s relative or friend behind bars. And it might not be a member of staff, it could be one of the guests.”

Gemma and Julia were quiet as they considered the matter.

They both shrieked with alarm as a loud ring sounded out behind them.

Gemma clutched Julia’s arm and hissed, “What the hell was that? I nearly died. I’m already on edge.”

“It was a ring tone. Listen, someone is having a conversation behind this hedge.” Julia smiled. “I recognise that bubbly voice. It’s Lori Sanders.”

Together, Julia and Gemma quietly put their feet on the bench and pushed themselves into standing positions. They peeped over the hedge.

Lori Sanders was jogging on the spot with her back to them. She had a phone pressed to her ear. “Yeah, it’s all clear now. I’ve got the room to myself, at last. I know I shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, but I’m glad I don’t have to look at Erin’s chubby body any more. She never did any exercise, and it showed.”

Gemma tutted quietly and frowned.

Lori stopped jogging and stretched her left leg behind her. “Yeah, I know. Come round at eight and we can take our minds off all this stupid murder business. I had to cancel a class because the police wanted to speak to me. Idiots. As if I’ve got anything to do with Erin’s murder.” She giggled as she listened to a reply. “Shall I keep my exercise kit on? Then I’ll be all nice and sweaty when you arrive. Isn’t that what you like?” She stretched out her right leg.

Gemma looked at Julia and pulled a disgusted face. Julia tried not to laugh.

Lori said, “Okay, I’ll see you at eight. Bye bye.” She stretched her arms above her head and then set off at a jog.

Julia said, “Who do you think she was talking to?”

“My money’s on Harry Lewis. I don’t trust that man at all. And I don’t trust Lori Sanders. Nobody should exercise that much, the body’s not designed for it.” Gemma gave Julia a direct look. “I know where I’ll be at eight o’clock. What about you?”

“I’ll be right at your side. Can you help me down? My legs have locked into position.”

Chapter 15

It was 5:30 by the time Julia and Gemma went back into the main building. They agreed to meet for dinner at 6:30 and went their separate ways. Julia dragged her aching body up the steps to her room. How could she ache so much after one hour of exercise? She had an active job and thought she was fitter than this. Maybe Lori had done this to them on purpose. Maybe she knew Julia and Gemma had their suspicions about her. She shook her head at her own thoughts. She was being silly.

Julia let herself into her room. She heard voices coming from Mum’s room. The adjoining door was open so she went through and saw Mum in a sitting position on her bed, her phone held up. Julia recognised the voice on the phone and went over to join Mum on the bed.

Mum was on a video call with Dad so Julia put herself next to Mum so Dad could see her too.

Dad’s face lit up and he said, “Hello there, Julia, how are you? And what have you been up to now? I’ve heard about this murder of yours.”

Julia said, “It’s nothing to do with me. It only happened a few hours ago. How have you heard about it?”

Dad gave her a knowing smile. “I set up a Google alert on my phone about any deaths that might take place at the spa or within a three mile radius. I thought it would be for the best, seeing as you’re a magnet for murder. Where did you find the body this time?”

“I didn’t find the body, Gemma did.”

“Gemma? Who’s Gemma?”

Mum said, “Gemma is Julia’s new best friend. She found the body in a tank of chocolate. Julia was there at the same time.”

Julia said, “Dad, you’ll never guess who Gemma’s married to. Not in a million years.”

Dad looked from one to the other, gave them a slow smile and said, “She’s DI Clarke’s wife, isn’t she? I’ve heard him talking on the phone to someone called Gemma. I assumed it was his wife because of the soothing tones he was using. Ha! Now who is the detective? Are you impressed?”

“A bit,” Julia replied. “How are you and Cain getting on? How has he been managing with all the cleaning work on his own?” She paused and then said, “He’s not standing behind you, is he? He’ll get upset again if he thinks I don’t trust him to work on his own. He’s so sensitive. He’s not behind you, is he?”

Dad chuckled. “No, I’ve sent him to get some fish and chips for tea. We deserve it after a hard day at work. Well, he did the cleaning work, I watched him. He’s super at cleaning windows, isn’t he? I’ve never seen you clean windows so efficiently. There wasn’t a streak on any of them once he’d worked his magic.”

Julia sighed. “That’s what all my clients say about his window cleaning skills. They always want Cain to do their windows.”

Dad said, “Tell me more about your new friend.”

“I really like her, she’s down to earth and not at all what I expected. I’m helping her with …” Julia stopped and looked away.

Dad chuckled again. “You’re helping her with the murder investigation? Is that right? Why would you be doing that, Julia dear?”

Julia looked back. “Gemma is under the impression that she’s a suspect in this case. She was the last one to see the victim, Erin, alive. Of course, it was the murderer who was the last one to see Erin alive. We’ve got a few theories on who we think did it, and why.”

Dad said, “You can tell me all about that later. You mentioned a tank of chocolate. Was this part of the chocolate therapy thing you were going for?”

Julia nodded. “I never got to go in the tank.”

Dad sucked in his breath. “I’ll have to get Cain to cancel our trip there. We were only going because of the chocolate therapy. This has put me right off.”

“On the plus side, this spa break is going to be free,” Julia told him. “The manager is going to refund your money.”

“Well, that’s something.” He looked at Mum and said, “How are you, my love? You look much better. You’ve got colour in your cheeks. What have you been up to?”

Mum said, “I’ve been having some lovely therapy sessions. And I’ve been to an exercise class run by a young chap called Harry. In fact, I met him again when I was returning to my room a short while ago. He was waiting outside my door. He …”

Dad interrupted her, “A young man? Waiting for you outside your room? What sort of a place have I sent you to?”

Mum flapped a hand at him. “You didn’t let me finish. He runs exercise classes here and he has his own line of DVDs. I didn’t want to buy one earlier when I was taking his exercise class. He was waiting outside my room to give me a complimentary copy of a DVD. He said he would be interested to hear what I thought about it.”

“Did he now?” Dad said. “Have you got the DVD nearby? Is there a photograph of this young whippersnapper on it? If so, I’d like to have a look at this chap right now, please.”

Mum held up a DVD which showed Harry Lewis in all his glory. Julia winced as she saw how tight his shorts were. She looked at Dad to see what his reaction would be.

“Very well,” Dad said in a tight voice. “I can see what I’m up against. It’s not your fault, Kathleen, you’re beautiful and it’s not his fault that he finds you irresistible. But I’m not happy about this, not happy at all. I don’t want other men vying for your attention when I’m not there to fight them off. You’ll have to let him down gently. I know you’ll break his heart, but you need to put him in his place.” He shook his head and went on, “I knew I shouldn’t have let you go to one of these places on your own.”

Mum said, “Let me? Do you want to rephrase that, Ray?”

Dad gave her an embarrassed grin. “You know what I mean, my love. I don’t like other men having designs on you. I can’t help feeling jealous.”

Mum said, “If he tries anything on with me, I’ll put him in his place and tell him I’m a happily married woman. Which is true. Is everything alright with you there?”

“Apart from missing you both, aye, we’re all fine here.” Dad glanced behind him. “Cain is back with our fish and chips. I hope he didn’t forget my mushy peas.” He looked back at them. “I’ll try and speak to you later, before we go to the pub. We’re going to the quiz after tea and you know I’ll have to hand my phone in to the landlord. You know why, don’t you?”

Julia and Mum shared a look. They had heard the story about Sneaky Sid before. They didn’t need to hear it again.

Dad said, “It’s all that Sneaky Sid’s fault. He was the one who went on Google the last time we had a pub quiz, and now we all have to hand our phones in as soon as we enter the pub. You can’t trust anyone nowadays. And I won’t be able to talk to you tomorrow because me and Cain are going fishing, and we’ll have our phones on silent.” He gave Mum a wary look. “You can phone me at the pub if there’s any problems with that young chap who’s after you. I can be down there within the hour to sort him out. You’ve got the pub number, haven’t you?”

Mum gave him a fond smile. “I have. You have a great time. Try not to get too competitive. And enjoy your fish and chips.”

“I will do.”

Cain came into view behind Dad’s shoulder. “Hiya. You two look well. Julia, thanks for those photos of the gardens. There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

Dad turned to Cain, “She hasn’t got time to talk about flowers now. Ask her later. We don’t want our tea getting cold. Get some plates warmed up.”

Cain grinned. “I will do. Bye Julia. Bye Kathleen.” He scuttled away.

Dad took another minute to say goodbye before ending the call.

As soon as Mum put the phone down, Julia put her hand on Mum’s arm and said, “I didn’t want to say anything in front of Dad, but have you been drinking? I can smell alcohol on your breath.”

Mum gave her a heavy sigh and her eyes welled up. “I have. But there’s a reason for it.”

Chapter 16

Julia handed Mum a tissue from a box on the bedside table.

Mum took it and wiped her tears away. She said, “I told you earlier that I had another session booked with Indigo. It was a group session and it was with some of the women I’d met at the exercise class.” She gave a short laugh. “It must be women of a certain age who need help. Anyway, after I’d said goodbye to you, I made my way down to Indigo’s room. I saw the women from the group coming back the other way. They said Indigo had cancelled the session, and that she’d give us a refund on it. The other women walked away but something made me go to Indigo’s room. I’m glad I did. The poor woman was a wreck. She was crouched at the side of the therapy couch and sobbing like her heart was breaking. I ran straight over to her and helped her on to the couch. All I could do was hold her until she stopped crying.” Mum sniffed and a tear rolled down her cheek.

Julia moved closer to Mum. “Why was she upset?”

“Because of Erin. The police had told her about Erin while I was in Harry’s exercise class. Indigo told me she’d been very close to Erin as they’d started working at the spa on the same day. They felt like the new girls and kept each other company. Poor Indigo. Once she’d stopped crying, I offered to make her a cup of tea. She’s got a small kitchen area at the side of her office. She’s made me more than one cup of tea recently so I knew where everything was. But she said she could do with something stronger. There was a bottle of whisky in her office drawer. It was a gift from a satisfied customer. She’s only had a drink from it once before, and that’s when she’d been discussing a problem with Erin.”

“What kind of a problem?”

“She wouldn’t say, and I didn’t feel I could pry. Indigo asked me to join her in a drink and I couldn’t refuse. I wanted to keep my eye on her. Once she’d had one drink, she opened up to me more about her relationship with Erin. I didn’t realise they’d been so close. Indigo had needed Erin’s help with all the technology that’s used at the spa, and Erin needed someone to talk to when she had things on her mind.”

Julia asked, “What kind of things? Oh, I suppose Indigo couldn’t tell you.”

“She did, after a while. She said Erin had come to her a few months ago and had been extremely distraught. She had uncovered something and it had something to do with her past. She was in a dilemma as she didn’t know whether to go to the police or not. Indigo encouraged her to talk about the specifics of her problem, but Erin said the time wasn’t right, but she would tell Indigo everything soon.

“Indigo kept an eye on Erin and could see something was bothering her even more in the last few weeks. When she approached Erin, all she would say is that she was dealing with it. She didn’t want to get Indigo involved. And then Erin was murdered. Indigo feels so guilty about not being there for Erin. She told me she should have forced Erin to tell her what was bothering her. They could have found a solution together.” Mum shook her head. “Poor Indigo, she feels terrible. She had another drink before deciding to go to her room. I had to help her to her feet. She was so unsteady that I had to take her to her room too. That’s when she started crying again. Her room was right next door to Erin’s.”

Julia hated to ask, but she knew she had to. “Which room was that?”

Mum told her. “Why do you want to know?”

Julia told her about overhearing Lori’s telephone conversation in the garden. “Gemma wants to see who’s visiting her room at eight o’clock. And so do I.”

Mum frowned. “Do you think Lori had something to do with Erin’s death?”

“She isn’t upset about Erin dying. She seems almost happy about it.”

“It’s funny you should mention Lori. When I took Indigo back to her room, she said she often heard Lori shouting at Erin in their room. Lori would yell at her for being in the way. She said Erin needed to get a social life and to get out of the spa and find some friends. Indigo told me Lori said that because she wanted to bring her male friends back to the room. Erin put in a request to move rooms, but Sienna wouldn’t allow it.”

“Why not? I thought she cared about the welfare of her staff.”

Mum shrugged. “Indigo doesn’t like Lori, that much is obvious. Be careful if you’re going to go snooping around her.”

“I will do. Unless you want me to stay with you?”

“No, thank you. Indigo has organised a twilight walk for our group this evening, but I don’t know if she’ll be in a fit state to go. Her eyes were already starting to close when I took her into her room. I hope she’ll be okay. I might check on her later.” Mum yawned. “I can’t believe I’m tired again. I think I need another nap before dinner. What time are we going down?”

“I said we’d meet Gemma at 6:30. Is that alright with you?”

Mum gave her a sleepy nod and said, “I think I’ll close my eyes for a while. Will you wake me up ten minutes before we’re due to leave? Thanks. And, Julia, will you take this DVD away from me? I don’t like the idea of Harry’s face so close to mine while I’m asleep.”

Julia took the DVD and closed the curtains on the way out of Mum’s room. She left the adjoining door ajar. She put the DVD on top of the TV and then took a quick shower.

When she came out, she noticed she had a new text. It was from Cain :

‘There’s something funny on those photos you sent me. I recognised someone in the background. They used to visit one of the inmates when I was in prison. Have a lovely evening. We’re off to the pub quiz now. I hope there are some questions on Roman Britain, I’ve been studying that. Bye.’

Julia phoned Cain immediately. There was no answer. She sent him a text and told him to contact her urgently.

Who had he recognised?

Julia scrolled through all the photos she’d sent him. There were many people in the background; some staff and some guests.

She paused as she came to one particular photo.

Oh! Was that who he’d recognised?

Of course! She’d gone missing right before Erin’s body had been found.

Julia looked closer at Teresa, the therapist who’d given her a facial. She recalled how Teresa had then left her alone - it would fit in with the time that Erin had been murdered. Had Teresa really fainted? Or had it been a show?

Julia frowned. What was she going to do with this information?

Chapter 17

Julia had time to do an online search using her phone. She checked Erin Baker first. She had the usual Facebook page and her friends were mainly people who worked at the spa. She found reviews of Erin’s work on other spa websites. Julia made a note of where Erin had worked previously. It could be something to check out later.

Julia then checked Lori’s online presence. Her relationship status was noted as ‘complicated’. Lori posted regularly on her page and had even posted a jolly message an hour ago saying she’d ordered the latest cellulite busting cream that all the celebrities were using.

Julia pulled a face at the message. Lori didn’t look as if she had any cellulite on her perfect body. She probably wouldn’t know what cellulite was if it bit her on the bottom. There were far too many posts on Lori’s page for Julia to read through at the moment. She’d have to come back to Lori later.

Next, she checked Teresa’s pages. She’d found her surname through Erin’s Facebook page. Hmm, that was interesting. Teresa had social pages but they only started two years ago. That was most unusual. Julia did a bit more delving and found a lukewarm review for a facial Teresa had done at a spa four years ago. It was the same spa where Erin had worked, according to her reviews. Julia did a double check and discovered Erin and Teresa were at the same spa at the same time.

She didn’t have time to do any more research as it was time to wake Mum up.

Mum was a bit groggy as she started to come round so Julia made her a swift cup of strong tea.

Mum took the cup gratefully. “I don’t normally have caffeine so late in the day but I need it today. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve been through so many emotions today.”

“I think that’s a good thing,” Julia noted. “It’s better to get all your emotions out in the open. Do you still want to go down to the dining hall for something to eat? I could order room service if you’d prefer?”

Mum pushed herself off the bed. “I’d like to go down. Indigo said she’d meet the group in the dining hall to arrange a time for the twilight walk. If she’s still going, that is. I’d like to go on the walk. It sounds fun.”

“And where exactly do you go on this twilight walk? And what will you be doing?” Julia wagged a finger at her. “I hope there’ll be no naked dancing involved.”

Mum laughed. “Have you seen the other women in the group? We’re far too old to be wiggling our wobbly bits in the night air.” Mum finished the rest of the tea. “Just what I needed. Julia, can you do me a favour?”

“Of course.”

“When we meet up with Gemma again, would you mind not talking about the murder, please? I’ve had my fill of it today. Let’s talk about other things.”

“Okay.” Julia smiled at Mum. She really wanted to talk about the murder with Gemma. She wanted to let her know about Cain’s text. But it could wait. Mum’s welfare was more important.

Mum and Julia left their rooms and went down to the dining hall. Gemma waved at them from a table inside and they walked over to her.

As promised, Julia didn’t mention the murder once. Gemma picked up on the change of conversation and joined in with the safe topics of family, friends and work. They all decided on the same thing for dinner - pan-seared tuna with potato and butternut squash.

Mum said, “Not quite the fish and chips that Cain and your dad are having, but close enough.”

Julia and Gemma had just enough room in their stomachs for dessert - organic peanut butter mousse, which was surprisingly light and fluffy.

Indigo Sunset approached their table as they were finishing their meal. She laid a hand on Mum’s shoulder and gave her an apologetic look. “Kathleen, I’m so embarrassed. What must you think of me?”

Mum patted Indigo’s hand. “I think you’re a strong woman who’s dealing with bad news in the best way she can. How are you feeling?”

“Better. I’m not sure if that was the whisky or the nap I had.” Indigo smiled at Mum. “Thanks for listening to me rambling on. Are you still up for the twilight walk? We’re going to leave about eight. I could do with some fresh air and there’s something magical about the night sky.”

“I would love to go.” Mum nodded her head in Julia’s direction. “Julia thinks we’ll be dancing naked around a tree.”

Indigo gave Julia a mock-serious stare. “A tree? No, we’ll be doing our naked dancing around a lake. It’s much more freeing. You are more than welcome to join us, you too, Gemma.”

“Thank you,” Julia said. “But we’ll have to turn you down this time.”

Indigo gave Mum’s shoulder a squeeze. “Thank you again. We’ll meet by the main doors soon. I’ve got something to tell you. It’s something, or someone, we talked about earlier.”

Indigo said goodbye to them all and walked away.

Julia pressed her lips together and tried not to look at Mum.

After a moment, Mum said, “Julia, you’d better say what’s on your mind before you burst.”

“I was just going to say, do you think she wants to talk to you about Erin?”

“She might do. If she does, I’ll let you know what she says. I’d better go and get changed.” Mum stood up. “And, Julia, you can tell Gemma about my chat with Indigo. I don’t mind. Feel free to talk about the murder now. I’ll see you later.”

Julia waited until Mum had left the dining hall, then she told Gemma about Indigo’s talk with Mum.

Gemma’s eyes widened. “That’s interesting. I didn’t know Erin and Indigo were so close. But I wouldn’t, would I? I don’t know anything about these people. Although, the more I’m hearing about Lori, the less I like her.”

“Wait until you hear about the text Cain sent me.” Julia took her phone out and showed Gemma the text. She then showed her the photographs and pointed out Teresa. She also filled Gemma in on the Internet searches she’d conducted.

Gemma stared at Julia. “You’ve only been away from me an hour and look what you’ve found out. Are you sure you don’t want to work for the police? I could put in a good word with Arnie.”

“I like working for myself. Do you still want to spy on Lori?”

“Absolutely. I’m not sure how we’re going to do that without her seeing us.”

Julia got to her feet. “I’ve been thinking about that. I’ve got an idea. It involves us wearing disguises. Well, a disguise for you, but not so much for me.”

“Even though you’re talking nonsense, I think I actually understand what you’re talking about.”

The two of them left the dining hall and headed in the direction of the staff living quarters.

Chapter 18

As they headed towards the staff rooms, Gemma looked at Julia and said, “Why do you keep looking over your shoulder?”

Julia frowned. “I keep thinking someone is watching us. I felt that earlier, and I was right because you had been watching me.”

Gemma looked over her shoulder. “I can’t see anyone. You’re making me nervous now. I keep thinking the murderer is after us.”

They walked along a carpeted corridor. Julia said, “Lori’s room should be just along here.” She spotted a door on their left. “Aha! This is what I was hoping to see. There’s a door like this on the corridor to my room too.”

She opened the door marked ‘cleaning supplies’ and stepped in. Gemma followed her.

Gemma said, “Is this what you were hoping to see?”

Julia put her hands on the large cleaning trolley which contained cleaning products and dusters. “This is perfect. And look over there, there are even overalls for us to wear. Put one on.”

Gemma reached for the overalls. She handed one to Julia. “Do you think disguising ourselves as cleaning staff will work? At this time of the day?”

“Cleaning staff are invisible to almost everyone, no matter what time of day it is. People walking past might register the trolley, but only because it’s in their way. They don’t pay any attention to the people who are cleaning. Trust me.”

Julia put the overall on and pushed the cleaning trolley out of the room and into the corridor. “I’ll clean the skirting boards and you do the picture frames. Make sure you keep your back to Lori’s room. If you feel she’s going to look your way, duck behind this trolley, it’s big enough.”

Gemma fastened her overall and grinned at Julia. “This is exciting. Is that what you do when you’re helping Arnie on his cases?”

“I’ve never disguised myself before. I do like how you refer to me helping Arnie. I know he doesn’t see it that way.” Julia checked the time. “It’s nearly eight. Lori’s secret visitor will be here soon. My money is on Harry Lewis.”

“Mine too. However, we could both be surprised.” Gemma turned her back to Lori’s door and began to dust the nearest picture frame.

Julia moved past Lori’s door and got to her knees. She noted with approval that the skirting board was already clean. Most impressive. She ran a duster along the wood anyway. She thought she was going to be having a break from cleaning today. She smiled. She didn’t mind, she always liked cleaning, it was therapeutic.

Julia became lost in her work and jumped as a sudden hiss sounded out. She glanced over at Gemma who was waving a cloth frantically at her. Gemma’s eyebrows danced up and down and Julia soon saw why she was so agitated.

Someone was walking along the corridor.

Julia looked out from the corner of her eye and saw a pair of women’s shoes walking along the carpet.

The shoes stopped outside Lori’s door. There was a knock and Julia took a quick glance upwards at the owner of the shoes.

It was Teresa.

Julia shared an astonished look with Gemma. Gemma gave her a small shrug and moved to the next picture frame.

Lori’s door opened. “Hi! About time! Oh. It’s you. What do you want?”

Teresa said, “I’m only here to deliver a message from Harry. He can’t meet you tonight. He’s helping Indigo out with her twilight walk thing.”

“What? Why can’t she do it herself? What does she need Harry’s help for? It’s only a walk. Can’t the old cow manage that on her own?”

“No. She’s feeling fragile and asked if he could help.”

Lori snorted. “Fragile? Don’t tell me she’s still upset about Erin dying.”

“Of course she’s still upset! We’re all upset. Apart from you, you hard-faced witch. We’re all in shock.”

“I thought you’d be pleased that Erin was dead. She doesn’t have to keep your dirty little secret to herself anymore, does she? That’ll be a relief for you. You must have thought she was going to spill the beans more than once. You would have lost your job for good if she had.”

Teresa said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m here to deliver your message. You can think what you like about me and Erin. She was a good person.”

“Whatever,” Lori said. She closed the door.

Teresa turned on her heel and walked away.

Gemma waited until Teresa’s footsteps faded, and then she went over to Julia. “Well, you were right about us being invisible. They were carrying on a private conversation as if there was no one else around. What do you think about their conversation?”

Julia got to her feet. “I think we need to find out what Teresa’s secret is. Did you notice she was out of her work clothes? She must have finished working for the day. Shall we follow her? Or is that going too far?”

Gemma began to unbutton her overall. “Yes, I think we should follow her. I want to see what kind of a person Teresa is. She’s obviously got something to hide.”

“Excuse me, ladies. What do you think you’re doing?”

Julia and Gemma turned slowly around and met the confused stare of Sienna Moss.

Sienna said, “Ms Blake? Mrs Clarke? Would you like to explain yourselves?”

Julia thought quickly. “I was telling Gemma what my job involves and she asked if I’d ever cleaned somewhere like this before.” Julia swept her arm around the corridor. “I told her no, but it had always been a dream of mine to clean somewhere like this.” She caught the unbelieving look on Sienna’s face but carried on anyway. “I hope you don’t mind, but I just had to have a go. Not that it needs cleaning, everything is immaculate.”

“I see,” Sienna said slowly. She looked at Gemma and raised an eyebrow.

Gemma said, “And I came to keep her company.” She lowered her voice and said to Sienna, “She hasn’t been herself since finding Erin’s body. I think she needed to clean something so she could get those dreadful memories from her head.”

Sienna gave her a tight-lipped nod. “I quite understand. We all deal with grief in our own ways.” She turned to Julia and smiled brightly. “Would you mind putting the trolley back when you’ve finished? Thanks ever so much. I’ll leave you to it.”

“We’ve finished now.” Julia returned her bright smile and wheeled the trolley back to the cleaning supply room. She hung her overall up, feeling Sienna watching her every move.

Gemma quickly hung her overall up and they turned to Sienna, waved, and then walked away.

Julia said, “She thinks we’re mad, absolutely mad.”

“No, she thinks you’re mad,” Gemma corrected her. “I wonder where Sienna was going? We should have done a bit more spying.”

Julia pointed to someone across the way. “It’s Teresa. She’s leaving the building. Let’s see where she goes.”

Chapter 19

Julia and Gemma walked quickly past the reception area and towards the main doors, keeping Teresa in their sights in front of them. They followed her out of the doors.

Gemma stopped on the steps and looked left and right. “Where did she go? Ah, she’s heading towards the car park. She must be going out somewhere.”

Julia said, “My car keys are upstairs. I’ll run up and grab them. I’ll be quick.”

“No need.” Gemma reached into her pocket and took out a set of car keys. “I always have them with me in case I need to follow someone. It’s just a habit from my police days. A weird habit, I know.”

They set off down the steps but were stopped at the bottom by the valet, Toby, who had driven Julia’s car earlier.

He beamed at them and said, “Are you heading towards the car park, Mrs Clarke? Please hand me your keys and I’ll collect your car for you.” He put his hand out. Gemma clutched the keys tighter and said, “There’s no need, thank you. I am quite capable of getting the car myself.”

She tried to walk forward but Toby moved in front of her and said, “Oh, I insist. It’s all part of the service here. We can’t have you walking across the car park on your own. Give me the keys, please.”

Gemma lifted her head up and stared at him. Julia immediately recognised the intense stare because she’d seen it many times on Gemma’s husband, usually directed at her.

Toby wilted slightly and took a step back.

In a commanding voice, Gemma said, “I do appreciate your offer of assistance, but I can assure you, we are capable of collecting the car on our own. I hope you won’t detain us a minute longer.”

Toby nodded and moved completely out of the way. He mumbled, “If you change your mind, Mrs Clarke, please let me know. Do have a good evening.”

As they walked away, Julia said, “Was that your police voice? It was quite scary.”

Gemma gave her a swift smile. “It was my police voice. I only use it for special occasions. Look, Teresa’s already driving away. We’d better hurry up.”

They jogged over to Gemma’s car and were soon driving away. Gemma kept a safe distance as she tailed Teresa out of the spa grounds and along a country lane.

After a few minutes, Teresa pulled into a pub car park. Gemma did the same and parked at the opposite side of the car park. She switched the engine off.

Julia released her seat belt and said, “Shall we go in?”

Gemma shook her head. “Teresa will recognise you. After all, she spent a good deal of time giving you a facial today. She hasn’t seen me before, or at least I don’t think she has. I’d be better off going in on my own.”

“Good idea,” Julia said.

Gemma got out of the car and went into the pub. Julia reached for her phone and tried, once again, to get in touch with Cain. He still wasn’t answering his phone, and neither was Dad. Were they still at the pub quiz? Or had they both forgotten to switch their phones back on? She would have to keep trying him.

While she waited, Julia did some more online searches about Teresa and Lori. She didn’t find anything interesting and soon got bored reading all the posts that Lori had put on her Facebook page.

Gemma returned to the car about ten minutes later and smiled at Julia as she got into the driver’s seat.

Julia said, “Well? Did you find anything out?”

“I certainly did. I sat in the booth next to Teresa and I heard everything she was saying. She met with a man. He said he was surprised to have received her phone call and thought she’d given up on all that sort of business.”
“What sort of business?”

“It seems that Teresa is a talented thief. She gives stolen items to this man who sells them. They split the profits. From what I could hear, Teresa had helped herself to luxury items from the spa today. She’d brought them to the pub for this man to sell.”

Julia said, “What sort of items? Did you get a look at them?”

Gemma pulled her phone out. “Even better, I got a photo of them. It’s amazingly easy to take photos in public without anyone noticing what you’re doing. So many people are on their phones nowadays, and we don’t really know what they’re up to. I recognise these items, do you?”

Julia looked at the photo. “Those are the little chocolates that were placed at the side of my treatment table. And that looks like a tub of the chocolate body scrub. I wouldn’t have thought it was worth stealing those.”

“You’d be surprised. I heard Teresa say how much the spa sells these items for. She said she’s got plenty more in her car, along with some towels and other supplies. It seems like she’s been busy today.”

“How has she managed to sneak them all out of the spa without being seen?”

“Today has been a different kind of day. The police have been coming and going all afternoon. There’s been a lot of confusion. Teresa could have sneaked out at any time and people would have been too busy to notice. I got the impression she used to do this sort of thing years ago, perhaps at one of the other spas she used to work at. Didn’t you find out that she worked with Erin at the same spa at one point?”

“She did. I wonder if Erin and her had a scam going back then? Perhaps Erin convinced Teresa to leave their stealing ways behind. But then Teresa wanted to make more money and got rid of Erin. She hasn’t wasted any time in getting back to her old ways.”

“You might be right. The man she was with asked why she was starting up her old business. She told him she’d had a hard day, and that she doesn’t want to work at the spa any longer. She was thinking of handing in her notice. She added that she might not even return to the spa.”

Julia said, “We need to find out more about her past. Before it’s too late.”

“I agree. There’s nothing more we can do today. Let’s have a think about our next move. I’ve got an Indian head massage booked for the morning. Then I’m going for a swim. What about you?”

“I’m having a manicure.” Julia looked down at her knees. “Erin arranged it for me. I’m not sure I feel like going anymore.”

Gemma said kindly, “You must. You deserve to be pampered. Shall we meet in the swimming pool later?”

“Yes. I’ll try Cain again when we get back to the spa. I want to know who Teresa was visiting in prison.”

Gemma put the radio on and they drove the short distance back to the spa. Gemma graciously allowed Toby to park her car.

Julia and Gemma said goodnight to each other and went to their rooms.

Julia changed into her pyjamas and put the kettle on. The kettle hadn’t even boiled before Mum came rushing into the room.

“Julia! Indigo’s been attacked! I think someone tried to kill her.”

Chapter 20

Mum was shaking so Julia sat her down on one of the sofas near the patio doors and quickly made her a cup of tea. She put the warm drink in Mum’s hands and sat next to her.

“Tell me everything,” Julia said. “Are you okay? Shall I call for some medical help?”

Mum took a sip of the tea and gave Julia a shaky smile. “I’ll be fine in a minute. It’s just the shock of it all.”

“Where’s Indigo now?”

“Harry Lewis is with her in the main reception area. He was calling for a first aider when I left them. I wanted to stay with Indigo but she said she’d be okay.” Mum took another sip of her tea and closed her eyes. “What a spa trip this is turning out to be. Every time I relax for a moment, something terrible happens.” She opened her eyes and looked at Julia. “How was your evening? Did you manage to spy on Lori?”

“Yes,” Julia moved closer to Mum. “I’ll tell you about it later. I want to know what happened to Indigo. Right, start at the beginning. The last time I saw you, you were going to meet Indigo for the twilight meditation walk. Did that go ahead as planned?”

Mum nodded and pulled her cup closer. “We all met by the main doors. It’s the same group of women who’ve been to Harry’s classes, and the sessions with Indigo. They’re a good bunch, we’ve had some interesting talks together.

“Anyway, Indigo turned up and she looked as if she’d been crying again. One of the women told her we could cancel the walk and perhaps go to the bar instead.” Mum gave Julia a small smile. “I liked that idea but Indigo insisted she was fine. She said the walk was just what she needed. And she said she’d arranged for someone else to come with us.”

“Harry Lewis?”

Mum’s eyes widened. “How did you know that?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

“You should have seen the change that came over my new friends as Harry Lewis walked towards us. Hair was patted down, tummies were sucked in and chests were thrust out. Not me, of course. I still have my reservations about that young man. Although, he didn’t seem as annoying as the night wore on. He’d brought bottles of water for us all, and kept making sure we were okay.”

Julia’s eyes narrowed. “That was nice of him. Did he charge you for the water?”

“No. And he even brought some energy snacks to keep us going. I’m glad he was there as Indigo didn’t seem her usual bubbly self. She tried her best as she led us through the woods, but there was a sadness in her eyes. Harry kept up a cheerful commentary as we walked, and he often put his arm around Indigo and gave her shoulders a squeeze. He was quite the gentleman.”

Julia wasn’t convinced. She remembered how he’d spoken to her earlier. “You went into the woods? Where was this?”

“It’s all inside the spa gardens. You go through the formal gardens and past the tennis courts, and it’s behind there. It’s a lovely area and the path was lit with lights so it wasn’t dangerous. You could hear the birds singing and animals shuffling in the hedges. We stopped chatting as we walked further along. It was quite magical.

“We came to a clearing which had logs set out in a circle around a fire. Harry admitted he’d lit the fire earlier in case Indigo wasn’t feeling up to it. There were fairy lights strewn through the trees and you could see the night sky clearly. It was very peaceful. We all took a seat and looked into the flames. Harry played some low background music and Indigo began a meditation talk.”

“What kind of meditation talk? I’ve never done any meditating. I’ve always wondered how you did it.”

“It’s a matter of being in the moment and letting your thoughts fade into the distance. It takes practise to feel the full benefit, but it’s worth it. Perhaps you should practise it at work.”

Julia smiled. “I can just see me and Cain resting on our mops as we have a moment of silence. Do you want another cup of tea?”

“No, thank you. Let me tell you what happened next. There we were, sitting on our logs with our eyes closed. Indigo had stopped talking and the music was playing softly. All of a sudden, we heard a scream. Of course, we all jumped to our feet and began looking around. It didn’t take us long to realise who was missing.”

“Who?”

“Indigo and Harry. I called out for them and I heard Harry shout back to us. He told us to stay where we were, and that everything was okay. Then he came through the trees carrying Indigo. There was blood on her forehead and she was crying and trying to talk at the same time. She wasn’t making much sense and Harry explained what had happened. Apparently, Indigo had heard some footsteps behind her in the trees. She didn’t want our session to be interrupted so she went to find whoever it was. She thought she’d only be a moment and didn’t want to disturb anyone. She went into the trees and within seconds, she was attacked. Someone hit her with a rock and pushed her to the ground. Harry went running into the trees because he’d noticed Indigo was missing. He heard footsteps running away but he didn’t go after them as his main concern was for Indigo.”

Julia said, “So, no one else saw, or heard, this attacker? You took Harry’s word for it?”

Mum frowned. “Of course we did. Do you think it was Harry who attacked Indigo? You’ve got a suspicious mind. Why would he do that?”

Julia shrugged. She hadn’t thought of a reason yet, but she would do.

Mum said, “We all came back to the spa. Indigo insisted on walking and kept saying she was fine. But Harry insisted on carrying her. When we got to the reception area, he called for first aid and told us he’d deal with everything. So, there you have it.”

“Why do you think she was attacked? Do you think it has something to do with Erin’s murder? Do you think Indigo knows who did it?”

Mum yawned. “I’m not going to talk about this any more today. Let’s have a good night’s sleep and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.” She stood up and kissed Julia on the top of her head. “I’m not sure I will be able to sleep, but I’ll try. Goodnight, love.”

Julia waited on the sofa until she heard Mum get into bed. When she heard a light snore coming from Mum’s room, she decided it was safe to get into her own bed.

Julia had only been asleep for a few hours when a noise in her room woke her. She slowly opened her eyes. Her heart nearly stopped as she saw a shadowy figure moving at the other side of her room.

Chapter 21

On the way down to breakfast the next morning, Mum said, “I really am sorry about giving you a scare last night.”

Julia said, “It’s okay. My heart rate has just about returned to normal. I thought you were the murderer, sneaking in to silence me.”

“Throwing your pillow and shouting, ‘Oi!’ wouldn’t have stopped a potential killer.”

“It’s all I had to hand,” Julia said. “Did you enjoy the DVD after all that?”

“I did. That DVD of Harry’s has a stretching section. I remembered seeing it on the menu on the back of the case. I went to sleep okay, but then I woke up and couldn’t drift off again. I thought a bit of stretching would help me relax, and it did. Sorry again, I didn’t mean to wake you up when I came looking for it.”

Julia said, “That’s okay. I don’t know what Dad will say about you watching a nubile young man stretching in the middle of the night.”

“Your dad doesn’t have to know. Look, there’s Gemma over there.”

Gemma came out of the dining hall as they were going in.

“Morning, you two,” she said. “I’ve heard all about your twilight walk, Kathleen. Are you okay? That must have been quite a shock for you.”

“I’m fine,” Mum answered. “It’s Indigo who got the shock. I wonder how she is this morning?”

Gemma said, “She must be okay because I saw her taking a morning yoga session outside the dining hall. For a moment, I was tempted to join in. But I waited, and the moment passed.” Gemma frowned as she looked at Julia. “Are you okay? Your face has gone all twisty. Is it all this fibre-rich food? Have you got toilet trouble this morning?”

Mum laughed. “That’s Julia’s I’ve-got-something-to-tell-you-face. It’s to do with all this murder business.”

“Really?” Gemma’s eyebrows rose. “You’ll have to tell me about it later. I’m off for my Indian head massage now. I’ll meet you in the swimming pool later.” She gave them a wave and walked away.

Julia and Mum took a table at the far end of the room which overlooked the gardens.

Mum said, “Julia, has it crossed your mind that Gemma could be the one who murdered Erin?”

“Not for a second. Why? Do you think that? I thought you liked her.”

“I do. I don’t think she did it either. I was wondering what you thought. You’ve told me before that you suspect everyone when something like this happens.”

“Not this time. I don’t suspect Gemma, and I don’t suspect you.” Julia gave her a bright smile.

“That’s reassuring to know,” Mum said. She picked up a menu and had a quick read. “I think I’ll go for the cinnamon granola. And I’ll have some apple juice. What are you having?”

Julia picked a menu up. “I haven’t got much of an appetite this morning. I’ll just have the poached eggs on granary bread. With a bit of fruit salad. And perhaps a rasher or two of bacon. I’ll get some orange juice and fill up on my vitamins now, then I don’t have to bother for the rest of the day.” She put the menu down. “You said yesterday that Indigo had something to tell you. Did she tell you anything?”

“No. We never got the chance to have a private chat. She might tell me something this morning. I’m not going to push it, though. She’ll tell me if she wants to. And it’s no good looking at me like that, young lady, I’m not going to start interrogating the poor woman. Not after what she’s been through.”

“Fair enough. I never did tell you what me and Gemma found out about Lori last night. Do you want to hear? Or would you rather talk about something else?”

Mum placed the menu on the table. Julia didn’t miss the glint in her eyes. Mum said, “You may as well tell me. Who turned up at her door last night?”

Julia told Mum about the events from the previous night as they ate their breakfast.

Mum pursed her lips at the mention of Harry’s name. “He’s too good for the likes of her. From what I’ve heard anyway.”

“What have you heard? And from whom? Mum, have you been keeping juicy gossip from me?”

Mum moved her head closer and lowered her voice. “It’s just what some of my new friends were telling me last night. Some of them are regulars here, and they take bets on who Lori is going to be having an affair with. Apparently, she’s working her way through the male members of staff. She thinks of each one as a challenge. She doesn’t get turned down often. Well, you’ve seen what she looks like.”

“Looks aren’t everything.”

“They are to some men. I don’t like the idea of Harry Lewis being involved with her. Neither do my friends. They don’t believe the rumours that are going around about Harry and Lori being a couple.” Mum leaned back and folded her arms tightly. “And neither do I.”

Julia couldn’t help but smile. “Sounds like you’re becoming part of Harry’s fan club. Has Dad got anything to worry about?”

“Of course not. He’s my soul mate. Don’t ever tell him that, it’ll only go to his head. Talking of your dad, I managed to get through to him this morning. They won the pub quiz last night. There was a tie-breaking question which Cain got right. It was something to do with Britain in the Roman times. Your dad did tell me the question but I’ve already forgotten what he said. I told him you were trying to contact Cain. He said they’re going fishing this morning and will have to switch their phones off.”

Julia tutted. “Can’t they put them on silent, or vibrate?”

“I asked him that. He said, no, the fish will sense they’re not giving their full attention to the act of fishing. He said the fish won’t come anywhere near their lines if they thought Cain and your dad’s minds were elsewhere.”

Julia shook her head. “I can’t believe the things Dad says sometimes. When can I contact Cain?”

“He said Cain might switch his phone on when he goes out for a sandwich run at lunchtime.”

“And when will that be?” Julia said.

Mum shrugged. “Who knows? Your dad’s eating habits are a mystery to me. I’ve seen him eat three full breakfasts within two hours before. Your investigations will have to wait.” She got to her feet. “I shall love you and leave you. I’m having a Reiki session with Indigo.”

Julia gave her a hopeful look.

Mum held a hand up. “Okay, I’ll casually mention that we didn’t have our conversation last night. That’s all I can promise. Okay?”

“Okay. Thanks Mum. I’ll see you later.”

Mum walked away and Julia finished her tea. She was almost tempted to have another breakfast herself. The food here was bountiful and delicious. She quickly got to her feet and left the room before she succumbed to temptation.

She made her way to the room where she was booked for a manicure. It was a long, airy room with tables placed at the sides. Members of staff were sitting behind the tables with guests in front of them. Julia was expecting a strong smell of nail polish but all she got was a delightful aroma of lavender that wafted in from the open patio doors.

The woman at the small reception desk smiled and said, “Good morning, Ms Blake. Your manicurist is waiting for you at table number four. His name is Karl. Have you been with Karl before?”

“No. In fact, this is my very first manicure.”

The woman nodded. “You’ll be in good hands with Karl. If you find you don’t like him, call me over and I’ll put you with someone else.”

“Why wouldn’t I like him?”

“He’s a bit of a gossip and some guests don’t like that. They like their manicurists to be silent.”

Julia smiled at the woman. “Karl sounds perfect for me.”

Chapter 22

The woman took her over to a table where a slim young man was sitting. He rose as Julia approached him and extended a hand.

“Hi there, I’m Karl.” He looked down at her hand. “You’ve got lovely soft skin. I can see you take care of your hands.”

“It’s the rubber gloves that I wear,” Julia told him.

Karl’s eyes twinkled. “I don’t need to know what you get up to in your private life - not yet anyway. Please, take a seat.”

Julia did so as the woman gave her details to Karl.

Karl looked over her notes. “Ah, you run your own cleaning business. That would explain the rubber gloves. I must admit, Julia, I’m a bit disappointed that you use them for such ordinary purposes.” He gave her a warm smile and Julia instantly felt at ease with him.

Karl explained how the manicure would work. Julia got lost after a while as he talked about cuticles, base coats, French tips and other things. She had no idea that the manicure business was so complicated.

Karl waved his hand in the direction of a pyramid of small bottles at the side of the table. “And after all that preparation, I’ll apply the colour of your choice. What colour would you like?”

Julia pressed her lips together and studied the rainbow of colours. It had been a long time since she’d worn nail varnish. The choice in front of her was overwhelming. She looked at the colours on the bottom row and made a decision.

“I’ll have that pale pink at the bottom.”

“Pale pink? Are you sure? Wouldn’t you prefer something more vibrant? More eye-catching?”

“I don’t want anything on myself to be eye-catching,” Julia said.

Karl pointed a finger at her. “I know we’ve only just met, but I can see what your problem is, Julia.”

“Can you? I don’t think I have a problem.”

“You do. You’re one of those people who likes to be in the background. You put everyone else first, and yourself last. You’re like a shadow. Have you got children?”

Julia felt her eyes sting. She nodded at Karl.

“You’re a typical mother. You put everyone else’s needs before your own. Am I right?”

“Well, I have to look after my children,” Julia mumbled.

“Are they babies? Do they need constant attention? Do you need to be at their beck and call?”

“No, they’re both grown and at university. They still need me, though.”

“They will always need you. But you must put yourself first for a change. Even if it’s only for the next thirty minutes. Look again at those colours and tell me which one you really want to wear.”

Julia blinked and studied the colours. “I’d like that bright purple one on the top. The one with the glitter in it. Please.”

Karl smiled. “Perfect. And I’ll put a gem stone on one of your little fingers.” He patted her hand. “Sorry for being hard on you, but I’ve been doing this work for a while and I know when someone isn’t being true to themselves.”

“Just by choosing a nail varnish colour?”

“Yes. You’d be surprised how much we pick up from our guests during our short time together. You’d be amazed how much they confide in us.”

Julia recalled how Erin had said something similar. She’d raise the subject of Erin soon.

Karl beat her to it. He picked up her right hand and began to file her nails. “So, you’re one of the ladies who discovered Erin. Are you still in shock? It must have been terrible seeing her like that. I’m surprised you haven’t left the spa.”

“It’s not the first dead body I’ve seen. It was still a shock. She seemed to be a lovely woman. From what I can gather, she was popular with everyone.”

“Yes, she was one of your kind. Putting everyone’s needs before her own.” Karl frowned. “She often took on her guests’ problems and tried to sort things out for them. I think there were a few guests in particular who she was concerned about. Left hand, please.”

Julia changed hands. “Concerned? In what way?”

“She was concerned about some kind of treatment they were having. I don’t know the full details as I didn’t manage to get much time with her. But I passed her in the hallway one day last week and we had a quick natter. She was furious about something and said guests shouldn’t be taken advantage of, and that it wasn’t ethical. I asked her to expand on that but she told me she was dealing with everything in her own way.”

“I wonder what she was talking about? Did she have any enemies?”

“I shouldn’t gossip, but I will. Her room-mate was always having a go at her for one reason or another.”

“Lori? I went to one of her exercise classes.”

“Poor you. Yes, Lori. You know what she looks like, all taut and smooth. She thinks she’s the perfect woman. She looks down on anyone whom she doesn’t consider perfect. The only reason she’s at this spa is to work her way through the men here. I think her aim is to find a man who’s rich enough to take care of her. She even went after me when I first started working here. I knew what kind of a woman she was and I turned her down in no uncertain terms. She didn’t like that and threatened to get me sacked.”

“Did she really?”

“Yes. She went marching up to Sienna Moss and made up a pack of lies about me. Sienna didn’t believe her for a minute. She actually put Lori on a warning for not being a supportive team member. I’m going to cleanse your hands now.”

Julia said, “I don’t understand why Lori didn’t like Erin. Did she see Erin as a threat?”

“Lori doesn’t see anyone as a threat but I think I know why she didn’t like Erin. Erin was keen on people getting the best out of their careers. She often organised courses for us. She must have visited the local colleges hundreds of times as she knew the courses inside out. But Lori refused to go on the courses. She thought she was perfect in every way and there was no room for improvement. And if she was spending her time on a course, she wouldn’t have time to chase after men.”

“Why doesn’t Sienna sack Lori?”

“She’s a good advert for the gym. People want to look like her. The same goes for our resident hunk, Harry Lewis. He brings the women swarming in. Have you met him yet?”

“Briefly. I don’t like him.”

Karl gave her a half smile. “A lot of women say that, but they soon warm to him. I suspect he casts a spell over them.”

“I think he’s casting a spell over my mum. Lori and Harry sound like they’d make a perfect couple. Have they ever been a couple? Are they a couple now?”

Karl laughed. “You’re as nosy as me, Julia. I like that. They’ve never been a couple although Lori’s tried to make that happen many times. It makes me cringe to see how she acts around him. Anyway, Harry’s in a serious relationship with someone. It’s a mystery as to who that person is. Nobody knows if it’s a member of staff, or someone outside the spa. He’s good at keeping secrets. I’m going to moisturise your hands now. Are you enjoying this manicure so far?”

“I am. It’s very relaxing, thank you.” Julia stopped talking as Karl gently rubbed thick moisturiser into her hands.

A sudden thought came to her. “Do you think Harry was seeing Erin?”

“I did consider it, but they always seemed just friends. They could have been putting on an act.”

“What if they were a couple? What if Lori found out and she was consumed with jealousy? What if she was the one who killed Erin?”

Karl said, “I’ve already thought of that. The police have interviewed every member of staff about where they were at the time of Erin’s death. I’m presuming if Lori didn’t have a solid alibi, she’d be down at the police station now. I’m sure the police will find the killer soon.” He shivered. “People around here don’t feel safe with a killer on the loose. Sienna considered closing the spa but we assured her we could carry on.”

“She sounds like a considerate manager.”

“She is.” Karl ran a ball of cotton wool over Julia’s nails. “This is to get rid of any excess grease. Now for the exciting bit.” He reached for the purple nail varnish.

Julia couldn’t think of any more questions about Erin so she chatted with Karl about his line of work, and how he came into it. Karl answered without taking his attention away from her nails.

After ten minutes, he sat back in his chair and declared, “Ta-da!”

Julia looked at her nails. She moved her head closer to them. “These can’t be my nails. They look amazing. My nails have never looked like this in my entire life.” She lifted her hands and tilted them left and right. “I love how the sun catches the glitter. And that little gem on my last nail is beautiful Thank you so much.” Julia felt her eyes stinging with gratitude.

“You are more than welcome. You need to leave it a good thirty minutes for the nails to dry. If you get any chips, or lose the gem, come back to me and I’ll sort you out.” He got to his feet. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Julia. I hope I’ll see you again.”

He came round to her side and pulled her chair out. Julia held her hands out as she smiled at him and walked away.

The woman on the little reception desk held the door open as Julia approached. She nodded her head in approval. “Great colour.”

“Thanks. I’m not sure what to do with myself, I can’t use my hands for the next thirty minutes.”

“Have a stroll around the gardens. You’ll most likely see other guests with fresh manicures doing the same. The patio door near the main reception is wide open, you won’t need to use your hands.”

Julia said thank you and made her way to the open door. She gave a regal wave to Sienna Moss who was dealing with new arrivals at the desk. Sienna gave her a subtle thumbs up.

Julia went through the doors and out into the garden. Now, where should she go? Her attention was drawn to the tennis courts in the distance. Didn’t Mum say the woods were behind the courts? Perhaps Julia could have a little wander through the woods. Perhaps she might find a clue to the person who had struck Indigo.

She wafted her hands as she walked forward. It wouldn’t do any harm to look.

Chapter 23

Careful of her wet nails, Julia walked along the path that led into the woods. Pebbles lined the path and she could see solar-powered lights placed along the way. Within ten minutes, she came to the clearing that Mum had mentioned and took a seat on one of the logs. She waved her hands as she looked around her. Birds twittered from the trees and sun filled the clearing. It was a peaceful place and Julia forgot about the murder for a while.

She almost jumped out of her skin as she heard someone talking behind her. She leapt off the log and dashed into the surrounding hedges. She ducked low and winced as a leaf brushed against one of her nails. She put her hands out, and held her breath as the voice came closer.

It was a woman’s voice and she was furious. “I told you they weren’t good enough. I told you that from the start, you idiot.”

There was silence again and the woman spoke once more. This time, she used strong colourful language to tell the other person what she thought of them. Julia winced and wished she could cover her ears. The thought of smudging her nail varnish stopped her and her cheeks turned red as she was forced to listen to the verbal abuse the woman was giving to someone. The woman must have been on the phone because Julia couldn’t hear any reply.

The woman swore again and took a deep breath. “You owe me big time for this. My reputation is on the line. If that is ruined, you’ll be the one to pay for it.” She abruptly ended the conversation and Julia heard her walking away.

Julia raised her head and peeped at the foul-mouthed person who was storming down the path.

Her eyes widened. No way. Really? It must be. There wasn’t anyone else around.

She stared at the back of Sienna Moss as she disappeared around a bend in the path.

Julia straightened up. Sienna Moss was the last person she would suspect to know words like that. Her whole tone of voice had changed when she was on the phone. She was almost shrieking.

Who had she been talking to? And why was she so annoyed?

Julia flapped her hands as she returned to the path. She couldn’t wait to tell Gemma all about this. She was sure Gemma would come up with a reason, or two, for Sienna’s behaviour.

By the time Julia returned to the spa, her nails were completely dry. And they were smudge-free despite the leaf incident. She went to her room and collected her swimming things. She hoped Gemma hadn’t been waiting in the pool too long. They never agreed to a meeting time.

Julia made her way to the pool and was delighted to see the individual changing rooms were right next to the pool. She hated going to the local swimming pool as the walk from the changing rooms to the water was too long. It gave people in the pool a good chance to size you up and inspect your cellulite. And the overhead lights were far too bright. They should have dimly-lit ones like they do in changing rooms in shops.

Julia got changed and soon lowered herself into the warm water. There were only two other women in the pool. Neither of them were Gemma. Perhaps she’d turn up soon.

Julia started to swim up and down the pool at a leisurely pace. Soothing music played quietly in the background and a gentle breeze came from some open windows. She admired her nails as she performed a breaststroke in the water.

When her legs decided they’d had enough, Julia swam to the edge and rested herself in an alcove that had seats. There was still no sign of Gemma. Had she been and gone?

Julia waited another twenty minutes and then decided to leave. If she had missed Gemma, she could catch up with her later.

After a quick shower and change, Julia went back to her room. She checked the time and thought she may as well try Cain again. She was surprised to get him on the second ring.

“Hiya! Julia, we won the quiz. It was awesome. It was nail-biting and it all came down to the last question.”

“I know. Mum told me. Cain, listen …”

“It was a question about the Romans. Can you believe it? I’m so glad I read those books on the Roman Invasion. I had a feeling I should read them. I told your dad about my feeling and he said I was probably psychic. He said I should set up a psychic stall the next time there’s a church fair.”

“Cain, congratulations on the quiz. Listen to me for a minute.”

“But I told him the church people wouldn’t like psychics on their grounds, for religious reasons. So he thought I could do it online. I’ll have to go now. I’m nearly back at the fishing lake and I don’t want the fish to hear me.”

“Cain!” Julia shouted. “Listen to me for one minute.”

“Okay. You nearly blew my ears off then. I thought being at the spa was supposed to help your stress levels. You should try fishing instead.”

Julia took a calming breath. “Do you remember those photos I sent you? You said you recognised someone in the background, someone who used to visit a man at the prison you were in.”

“Yeah, I remember. It’s hard to forget someone like that. All tall and slim with that lovely blonde hair. She looks like an angel with a halo. But she didn’t sound like an angel. She came out with some disgusting language in the visitors area. It used to upset my gran. I had to explain some of the swear words to Gran, which I did not appreciate at all.”

Julia ran a hand over her forehead. “Hang on, who are you talking about?”

Cain described the photo he was talking about. Julia looked at the photos and got him to double-check the person who he’d seen before.

It was Sienna Moss.

Cain said, “Is there anything else? I have to go.”

“Yes. Who was she visiting?”

“Erm. I don’t know. I kept my eyes off her when she walked through the visitors’ area because I knew how my gran felt about her. I can find out for you.”

“Please. Thank you. I’ll speak to you later.”

Cain said cheerio and ended the call.

Julia didn’t have time to think about the new development as her phone rang.

It was DI Clarke.

In a cold voice he said, “Ms Blake, can you explain why my wife has been arrested for the murder of Erin Baker?”

Chapter 24

It took a few minutes to get more information from DI Clarke as he was so angry. Julia kept her voice calm and asked him to explain exactly what had happened.

It turned out that the police had found incriminating evidence in Gemma’s room which linked her to Erin. She’d been taken to the police station to help them with further enquiries.

“So,” Julia said. “She hasn’t actually been arrested for the murder of Erin Baker. Is that right?” She was so tempted to add his name at the end, but this wasn’t the time.

DI Clarke let out a big sigh and a weary tone came into his voice. “No, not actually arrested. But she shouldn’t be down at the police station. She’s got herself involved in this murder enquiry, and I know exactly how that happened.”

“You blame me, don’t you? You can think what you like about me, but the important thing is Gemma’s welfare. What incriminating evidence did they find?”

“I don’t know. They won’t tell me.”

“And how did they know about the evidence being in her room?”

“Again, I don’t know.”

Julia couldn’t help but smile. “Call yourself a detective? I’m sure Gemma is capable of sorting out this misunderstanding. Is there anything you’d like me to do?”

“I’d like you to stop poking about in police matters. It would be better if you left the spa.” He sighed again. “But that’s not going to happen, is it? I suppose you’ve been asking people about Erin.”

“People have talked about her, yes. And I’ve listened. But it’s all gossip and I know how you feel about gossip. Would you like to hear a little bit?”

There was a pause and Julia could feel his indecision over the line. “No. I don’t want to hear gossip. I don’t even know why I phoned you. I’ll get in touch with DI Thostlewaite and see what’s going on.” He ended the call without a further word.

Julia frowned at the phone. “Arnold Clarke, you are a rude man. And you know what? I’m going to clear Gemma’s name. So there.” She nodded at the phone and put it away.

She knew who she had to talk to. Someone who had a good view of what was going on in the spa.

Julia left her room and made her way to the main entrance. Toby, the car valet, was standing on the top step with his hands clasped behind his back. Julia gave him a bright smile and said hello.

Toby gave her a wary look and took a small step away from her. “Hello. Are you going to be using your car? And if so, are you going to shout at me?” He looked over her shoulder. “Is your friend joining you? Is she going to shout at me? I’m only doing my job, you know.”

“I didn’t realise we’d shouted at you. I must apologise. I was in a bad mood yesterday when we arrived. I feel much more relaxed today.” That was a complete lie but Julia carried on. “Thank you for taking care of my car. It’s quite a responsibility to look after other people’s cars. Have you been doing it long?”

Toby puffed his chest out. “Two years. I’m the head valet out here. I’ve had some tricky cars to drive, but I’ve managed to get them all parked.”

“I admire you. I could never do that. I bet you get some expensive cars here. I’d be shaking like a leaf if I had to drive one.”

He took a step closer. “I’ve had my moments but I had to face my fears and carry on. I had to prove my worth to Ms Moss. She’s a great boss and she notices everything.”

Julia gave him an admiring look. “You sound like the perfect employee. Toby, would you mind me asking you about Erin? Did you know her well? It must be a shock for all the staff here.”

Toby nodded. “I still can’t believe it. Erin was wonderful. She booked me on courses for customer care and that sort of thing. I don’t think I’d be head valet if it wasn’t for her.” He looked left and right and moved closer. “Wasn’t it you and your friend who found her body?”

“It was. I can’t believe someone would murder her. Have you any opinions on that?”

“I do. I think that Lori Sanders had something to do with it. And it’s not just me who thinks that, most of the staff think it too. I don’t know why the police haven’t taken her away.” He unclasped his hands and pointed a finger at Julia. “I saw her last night. She stormed out of here and didn’t give me a look; she always treats me like I’m invisible. She marched over to the car park and I could hear her yelling at someone on her phone. It sounded like she was leaving a message for someone.”

“What did she say?”

“She was furious about being stood up. She said they weren’t going to get away with it and no one treats her like that. I thought she was going to go out in her car but she headed back this way and walked along the side of the building. She went into the gardens because I heard the side gate opening, it squeaks.”

Julia said, “What time was this?”

“Not long before poor Indigo was attacked.” He gave her a knowing look and clasped his hands behind his back again. “I don’t need to say any more than that. I think you’ve got my drift. I’d stay away from Lori, if I was you.”

“I will.” Julia wanted to ask him more questions but a car pulled up to the entrance.

Toby said, “I have to get back to the job. Let me know if you need your car.” He bounded down the steps with a smile ready for the new guest.

That was interesting about Lori. And it was frustrating to know she had an alibi for the time of the murder.

Julia was about to go back inside when she saw Teresa driving into the car park. From her position on the top step, Julia watched as Teresa pulled into a parking space, switched the engine off and put her head in her hands. Her shoulders shook and it was obvious she was crying.

Julia knew she shouldn’t get involved but she couldn’t leave the poor girl in distress like that. She went over to her car and knocked gently on the driver’s window.

Teresa turned a tear-stained face in her direction and lowered the window.

Julia said, “I’m sorry to bother you. I saw you were upset and I wondered if there’s anything I could do.”

Teresa sniffed. “No, thank you. Nobody can help me. I’ve made a mess of everything. I’ve done something terrible.” She burst into tears and buried her head in her hands again.

Julia walked around to the passenger side and let herself in. “You can talk to me.” She handed Teresa a tissue. “I promise not to tell anyone what you say.”

Teresa took the tissue and gave her a small smile. “Even if I tell you I killed Erin?”

Chapter 25

Julia subtly reached out for the door handle and said, “Did you kill her?”

“No.” Teresa blew her nose. “Although, what I’ve done might have sent her to an early grave. She’d be so disappointed in me. I’m disappointed in myself. I’ve let Erin down so badly.” Fresh tears trickled down her cheeks. “I can’t tell you what I’ve done. I’m too ashamed.”

“Does it have something to do with stealing spa items and then selling them on?”

Teresa stared at her. “What? How did you know that?”

“I’ve got a confession to make. My friend, Gemma, and I followed you last night to a pub. Gemma was the one who found Erin in the tank, and she thought the police suspected her of the murder. So, we’ve been making a poor attempt at finding the real murderer.”

“And you followed me? Do you think I could have murdered such a wonderful person? Really?”

Julia shrugged. “I’m sorry, but friends do kill each other. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Teresa looked at the tissue in her hands. “That’s alright. I suppose everyone’s a suspect.” She looked back at Julia. “But I’m telling the truth when I say it wasn’t me. Erin was a good friend. She helped me through some difficult times. And now I’ve let her down.”

“Why don’t you start from the beginning? I’m a good listener.”

Teresa gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks. It’s the usual story. I got in with the wrong crowd when I was a teenager. I was in love with this boy called Ian. I’d do anything for him. Which meant I’d steal anything he wanted me to. You can guess what sort of life I had. How I never got caught stealing is a miracle. I only got caught once, and that was by Erin.

“Ian had been checking out the best places to steal from, and he came up with a plan to steal from a local spa. Of course, the best way for me to achieve this was to become a member of staff. Ian said I could steal from the customers and staff as well as pinching the products. I was such an idiot and I went along with his plan.”

“Is that when you met Erin?” Julia asked.

“It was. She was so lovely. I was only doing the menial jobs at the spa but she kept thanking me and praising me. I saw how good she was at her job, and how happy her customers were. It awoke a feeling in me. Ambition. I’d never had that before. I couldn’t bring myself to steal and I gave Ian all sorts of excuses. The truth was, I didn’t want to stop working at the spa. Erin was using her own free time to teach me about the spa business. She even let me practice a facial on her. I made a mess of it, but she didn’t mind.

“Ian got suspicious and he threatened me. He’s handy with his fists and I knew what he was capable of. One night, I stayed late after work and put a few items of expensive face creams in my bag. Erin was watching me silently from the doorway. I was so ashamed. I wanted to run away, but she wouldn’t let me. She sat me down and ordered me to tell her everything. I did. And I told her Ian was waiting outside for me.” Teresa smiled. “You should have seen the look that came over her face. She rolled up her sleeves, marched out of the back door and confronted Ian.”

“What did she say to him? Did she hit him?” Julia asked.

“I’ve no idea. I didn’t ask. Whatever she said worked because I never saw him again. I continued to work with Erin and she helped me get some qualifications. She was offered a job here. She only took it on the proviso that I was given a job too. She was that kind of person. That’s why I’m so ashamed about going back to stealing. I didn’t know what else to do. I feel lost with out Erin.”

Julia put a hand on her arm. “Are you going to continue stealing? Are you here to hand in your notice?”

“No. I didn’t sell anything last night in the pub. I changed my mind at the last minute. I felt an inner strength, as if Erin was watching over me.” Teresa grimaced. “I’ve got a problem now. I’ve got the stock in the boot of my car. I can’t sneak it through the main entrance as Sienna will see me.”

“Where do the items need to go?”

“There’s a storeroom next to treatment room one. That’s where I gave you a facial yesterday. There’s a set of patio doors in the store room. They can only be opened from the inside.” Teresa blew her nose again. “I can’t go in looking like this. People will only be kind and I can’t bear their kindness. I don’t deserve it.”

“You do.” Julia handed her the pack of tissues. “I’m sure Erin would be proud of the decision you’ve made. Is the storeroom unlocked? Do you have a key?”

“I do. Why?”

“I’ll go into the storeroom and open the patio doors for you.”

Teresa waved the hand which was holding the tissues at her. “I can’t ask you to do that!”

“You didn’t. I offered. It won’t take me long.” Julia gave her a smile.

Teresa burst into a fresh torrent of tears.

Chapter 26

Julia’s heart sank as she walked down the deserted corridor towards treatment room one. The last time she’d been down here, she’d been happily anticipating a chocolatey treat. She glanced towards the room where the floatation tanks were and her heart sank even more. The police tape was still across the door.

Julia walked to the storeroom and opened the door using the key Teresa had given her. She went over to the patio doors and unlocked them using the key that was on the inside of the door. She opened the doors, popped her head out and checked up and down to see if any policemen were lurking around. There was no one any where and the air felt still and silent.

Teresa came around the corner pulling a trolley full of boxes behind her. Julia had offered to help her take the boxes from the boot of the car, but Teresa had insisted that Julia had done enough to help her. Besides, Teresa had said, what would it look like if guests were seen helping staff unload products from their cars?

Julia joked, “People would think it was some sort of new therapy treatment.”

Teresa pulled the trolley into the storeroom and asked Julia if she wanted to go back down the same corridor to reception.

Julia said, “No, thanks. I’ll have a walk around the gardens to clear my head. Unless you’d like me to help you unpack those boxes?”

“You’ve done more than enough for me. I can’t thank you enough. If I can help you find out who killed Erin, let me know. I’d love to know who the monster is who did it.” Teresa closed the patio doors behind her.

Julia didn’t need a walk to clear her head, she was going to have a look at the patio doors that belonged to the tank floatation room. There wasn’t any police tape across it, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a quick look.

Julia walked over to the doors and ran her hand over the locking area. The wood was smooth and there was no sign of a forced entry. That led her to believe someone had used a key to get in. If in fact, the killer had entered the room this way.

She jumped and fell against the doors as someone shouted out, “I hope you’re not interfering in my investigation, Ms Blake.”

Julia looked into the moustached face of DI Thostlewaite. She pushed herself away from the patio doors and attempted to smile at him.

“Hello there, Inspector,” Julia said in an overly cheerful voice. “Fancy seeing you around here. I was just out for a walk, to clear my head, you know, that sort of thing. Anyway, I must be getting back indoors. I’ve got a treatment booked. Bye.”

She started to walk away but the inspector put out a hand to stop her. His face was serious as he said, “Ms Blake, you do realise that a killer is still on the loose? And that killer could be watching you right at this very minute and wondering what you’re up to. I thought you knew better than to get yourself involved in police business.”

“I haven’t got myself involved at all,” Julia said. “I was just admiring the woodwork on this door. I’ve been thinking about having patio doors fitted at home.” Her lies sounded feeble to her own ears.

DI Thostlewaite let out such a heavy sigh that his moustache lifted. “Ms Blake, I am far too tired to listen to any of your ridiculous lies. Please, move along and go back to your room. In fact, why don’t you leave the spa? It would be safer for you.”

“Oh, you’re trying to get rid of Julia now, are you? Would it make you happy if we were both sent home and locked in our rooms?”

Julia craned her neck and looked behind the inspector. She was delighted to find Gemma standing there.

“You’re free!” Julia declared. “What did they do to you? Did they interrogate you?”
DI Thostlewaite said, “We did nothing of the sort. Mrs Clarke was helping us with our enquiries.”

Gemma moved her hand up and down her body. “In my dressing gown? You didn’t even give me time to get changed. People were staring at me down at the station. They must have thought I was some sort of mad person.” She glowered at the inspector.

DI Thostlewaite said, “I take it you’re going to your room to pack your belongings? I’ve spoken to your husband and he said he’d be ordering you to leave the spa and return home.”

Gemma threw her hands in the air. “He’s going to order me to go home? No one orders me to do anything. I am staying here, and so is Julia. And there’s nothing you can do about it. Haven’t you caused me enough inconvenience today? I’ve missed one of my treatments.”

“Please, Mrs Clarke, I was only doing my job. I have to follow every lead, no matter how ridiculous it may sound. You know that. And I do think you both should go home, it’s for your own safety.”

Gemma walked over to Julia’s side and linked her arm through Julia’s. Gemma said, “We’re not going anywhere. Have you any more questions for me? Are we free to go where we like?”

DI Thostlewaite gave them a stern look. “You may go about your business. As long as that business doesn’t interfere with my police work.” He gave them both a nod before walking away.

As soon as he rounded a corner, Gemma let out a breath. “I can’t believe he had the nerve to take me to the station.” She looked at Julia. “I’ve got a lot to tell you.”

Chapter 27

Julia steered Gemma in the direction of the lavender bushes hoping that the aroma would calm Gemma.

Gemma shoved her hands in her pockets and Julia could almost see the steam coming from her ears. “I just can’t believe they would treat me like that. I used to work for the police! You’d think they’d take that into account.”

Julia saw a particularly large lavender plant with a bench in front of it. She took Gemma gently by the elbow and told her to take a seat.

Julia sat at her side and said, “Tell me what happened.”

“I went for my head massage first thing. It was lovely, by the way, very relaxing. I was in a good mood as I went back to my room to collect my swimming things. My door was open when I got there, and I saw DI Thostlewaite inside with some of his officers. When he saw me, he held up a plastic bag with a piece of paper inside and asked if I’d like to explain myself. I looked closer at the paper and said I’d never seen it before. Then he said it was a threatening letter that had been sent to me from Erin Baker.”

“What? That’s ridiculous.”

“That’s what I said. I told the inspector I’d never met Erin before coming here, and I’d never seen that letter either. I asked him where he’d found it. He wouldn’t tell me anything and said we needed to go to the station immediately. He didn’t even give me the chance to get dressed. I felt like a such an idiot going to the station dressed like this. I’m so ashamed. And furious. There was absolutely no need to take me to the station.” She folded her arms.

“Unless he was trying to protect you,” Julia pointed out. “What was written on the letter?”

“It said something about Erin working out what someone was up to, and that she was disgusted by it. She was willing to let this person sort things out. But if the matter wasn’t sorted out, Erin would have no option but to take it further.”

Julia tapped her chin. “I wonder who Erin was writing to? Was there a date on the letter?”

“No,” Gemma replied. “And there was no name on it either. There wasn’t even an envelope.”

“Did you find out where the letter had been placed in your room? Did the inspector finally tell you?”

“He did. It was in a bedside cabinet. The inspector got an anonymous call this morning. Apparently, I’d been overheard arguing with Erin minutes before she died.”

“About what?” Julia asked.

Gemma said, “It seems I shouted at Erin to keep her nose out of my business and to stop sending me letters. I went on to say I’d brought her latest threatening letter with me and I was going to show it to her manager. I even said I’d put the letter in my bedside cabinet.” She shook her head in disbelief. “If I was having an argument with Erin, I’d hardly tell her where I’d put the letter.”

“This is absurd. It’s obvious that someone was setting you up. Couldn’t DI Thostlewaite see that? I didn’t hear you and Erin shouting at each other. And I would have done because I was in the treatment room nearby. Did you tell the inspector this?”

“I did. Over and over. But he said he had to be seen to be following up the lead.”

Julia nodded. “I know why he did this. He knows full well it wasn’t you who killed Erin. He knows the killer phoned him, and the killer planted the letter in your room. He wanted to get you away from the killer, and for that person to witness you being taken away.”

“He could have explained that to me.”

“But then you wouldn’t have been as angry. DI Thostlewaite wants you to leave the spa, and so does Arnie. What are you going to do?”

Gemma looked at Julia and gave her a big smile. “I’m staying right here. And we are going to find out who killed Erin Baker. I don’t give a hoot what any inspector says, even the one I’m married to. Have you been doing any investigating while I’ve been locked up?”

“I have.” Julia told Gemma about her conversation with Karl during her manicure. She held up her nails for Gemma to admire. She then told her about her chat with Toby, the car valet, and her chat with Teresa.

“You have been busy,” Gemma said.

“I haven’t finished.” Julia told her about her talk with Cain and then overhearing the conversation Sienna Moss had with someone in the garden.

Gemma said, “Looks like Sienna’s got a few secrets to hide. I hadn’t considered her to be a suspect.”

“Don’t forget she went missing at the time of the murder. It took a while for her to be found. I think we need to find out more about Lori, and what she was doing at the time of the murder.” Julia paused and looked closer at Gemma. “What? You’ve got a guilty look on your face.”

Gemma looked left and right before shuffling closer to Julia. In a quiet voice, she said, “When I was at the station I had a little peep at the file they’ve got on Erin. No one was watching me so I flipped through a few pages. I saw Lori’s statement. She said she was in her room at the time of Erin’s murder. She says she was with Harry Lewis.”

“But I thought they weren’t a couple?”

Gemma said, “I peeped at Harry’s statement. It was taken ten minutes after Lori’s and he confirms he was with her. They’re either a couple, or they’re lying about being a couple. One could be covering up for the other. What do you think?”

Julia rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know what to think. There are too many suspects. What shall we do now?”

Gemma tugged at her dressing gown. “I want to get changed first. Then we’ll make a plan. I’m still furious about someone planting evidence in my room. I have to clear my name.”

“I know you do. I’m going to help.”

Julia and Gemma made their way into the spa and towards Gemma’s room. As they passed the dining hall, Julia saw Lori Sanders sitting alone at a table.

Julia said to Gemma. “I think it’s time we had a chat with Lori. And I know exactly what to say. Follow me.”

Chapter 28

Julia walked into the dining hall and quickly grabbed the nearest thing from the buffet. It was a glass of cucumber juice. She grimaced, put it back and took a date and walnut muffin instead. She put a big smile on her face and walked to the table where Lori was sitting.

“Hi there! You don’t mind if we join you, do you?” Julia took a seat before Lori could answer. Gemma sat next to her with a matching big smile on her face. Julia said, “Do you remember us? We were in your exercise class yesterday. You were brilliant! We’re both aching today. Aren’t we, Gemma.”

Gemma nodded. “We are. Aching all over. Your class was brilliant.”

Lori gave them a polite smile. “I think I remember you. To be honest, my classes get so full that it’s hard to keep track of everyone who turns up.” She took an exaggerated look at her watch. “I really must be getting back to work.”

Julia gestured to Lori’s plate. “I do admire you. Look at you, having a bowl of fruit salad. What a perfect example you’re setting for the rest of us. I think you’re wonderful. Truly wonderful.”

Lori gave them a benevolent smile. “I do enjoy healthy food. It’s a lifestyle choice. One we can all make, with a little bit of willpower.” Her eyes rested on the muffin in Julia’s hand.

Julia waved the muffin in Lori’s direction. “I could eat fruit all day and I’d never look as good as you. Would I, Gemma?”

“Never in a month of Sundays,” Gemma added.

Lori nodded in agreement.

Julia carried on, “It must be genetics, surely? How do you manage to look so good? Can you tell us your secrets?”

Lori put a hand on her chest. “Well, genetics do play a part in it. But it’s a combination of hard work, determination and, like I said, willpower.”

She started to tell them about her exercise regime and diet. From the corner of her eye, Julia caught Gemma stifling a yawn.

When Julia was satisfied that Lori wasn’t going to rush off anywhere, she said, “Can I ask you something? It’s about that lovely young man, Harry Lewis. Do you know if he’s single? I know I probably have no chance with him, but a girl can dream.”

The colour drained from Lori’s face and a steely look came into her eyes. “Harry Lewis isn’t single. He’s in a relationship, a serious relationship.” She got to her feet and looked Julia over. “And even if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t consider dating a woman who has so little respect for her body. I have to go. I’m teaching an exercise class for people who are serious about looking after themselves.” She gave Gemma a cold glance too before walking away.

Gemma muttered something under her breath which Julia chose to ignore. Gemma said, “What was the point of all that? Were you buttering her up just so she could insult you?”

Julia broke the muffin in half and gave half to Gemma. “I wanted to flatter her so she’d stay and talk. And I wanted to find out her true feelings for Harry. It’s obvious she likes him. And it’s obvious he’s not in a relationship with her.”

“How do you know that?”

“She would have told us. She would have gloated about it. Did you see the cold look in her eyes? I don’t think she knows who Harry is dating. It isn’t her, and I don’t think she was with him when Erin was murdered. But for some reason, Harry is saying that he was.” Julia took a bite of the muffin. “Her insults mean nothing to me. Women can’t live off fruit and veg alone.”

Gemma said, “How are we going to find out who Harry is dating? And why he lied about being with Lori?”

“We’re going to ask him.” Julia finished the last of the muffin and stood up.

“Just like that? Just ask him?”

“Yes. I think it’s time we got some straight answers, don’t you? Come on. There’s an itinerary over there. It shows when all the exercise classes are taking place.”

They soon found out where Harry Lewis was holding his class and went over to the correct hall. The class had recently finished, and when Gemma and Julia walked into the hall, they found him surrounded by adoring women who were fanning themselves and drinking water. Most of them were giving Harry unashamedly loving looks.

Gemma pointed. “Isn’t that your mum standing right in front of Harry?”

Julia’s eyes narrowed. “It certainly is. Why’s she looking at him like that? She only looks at my dad like that.”

Harry laughed loudly and put his arm around Mum’s shoulders and pulled her closer.

Julia couldn’t help herself. “Oi! You! Get your hands off my mum.” She marched over to Harry, pushed wilting women out of the way, and glared at the man in question. Harry’s arm dropped, along with his smile.

“Julia, goodness me. Whatever’s the matter with you?” Mum came forward and looked into Julia’s eyes. “You need to let some of your anger out, young lady. Try one of Harry’s classes. I’ve bought some of his DVDs, you can borrow them. He’s marvellous. I’ve never felt so good.” Her skin glowed and her eyes twinkled.

Julia folded her arms and muttered, “He shouldn’t be touching you like that.”

Mum laughed and ruffled Julia’s hair. “I won’t hear a bad word about Harry. I feel like a new woman since I’ve met him. I’m going to a meditation class now. I’ll catch up with you later, hopefully when you’re in a better mood.” She gave Harry a friendly wave and walked away.

Something wasn’t right here. Julia couldn’t get rid of the frown on her face and turned her attention towards Harry. Gemma picked up on her mood and came to her side in support. An uncomfortable silence settled on the women around them, and one by one, they left the exercise hall.

All the friendliness vanished from Harry’s face and he glowered at Julia. “What the hell do you want?”

“We want the truth,” Julia said. “And we’re not leaving until we get it. I don’t know what’s going on with you and Mum. I’ll come back to that later. I want to know why you gave a false alibi to the police.”

“I didn’t.”

Julia raised a finger at him. “You did. I know you did. I want to know where you were at the time of Erin’s murder.”

Harry sneered. “I don’t have to tell you anything.”

Gemma moved closer to Harry and gave him a cool look. “Someone’s trying to set me up for Erin’s murder and I’m not having it. I’ve had a terrible morning, Harry, and I can’t be held responsible for my actions. Do you know I have a black belt in Karate? It was all part of my police training. Would you like to see some of my moves? I could do with letting some of my aggression out.”

“Now just a minute. You can’t threaten me like that.”

Weariness washed over Julia and she said, “Harry, please, tell us where you were. It’ll help us find out who killed Erin. It’ll help us clear Gemma’s name.”

“Shouldn’t the police be doing that?” Harry said.

Julia said, “We’re helping them in an unofficial manner. Don’t you want to find out who killed Erin?”

Harry looked from one to the other. He ran a hand over the back of his neck and said, “Okay. I’ll tell you.”

Chapter 29

Harry leant against the table behind him and folded his arms. “I wasn’t with Lori at the time Erin was killed. Lori is delusional. She’s been after me for months. I keep telling her I’m not interested but she doesn’t take any notice. She’s not used to men turning her down. She’s even started telling people we were meeting in secret. I think she told Erin that. Lori knows I’m seeing someone else, but she won’t accept it.

“Anyway, when Lori gave her statement to the police she came up to me afterwards and told me what she’d said to them. She had a funny smile on her face, as if she was getting one over on me. She asked what my girlfriend would think about me being in Lori’s room. I think she was hoping my girlfriend would find out, we’d have a row, and then split up. I was going to set the record straight but then I realised it could work in my favour. So, I told the police I was in Lori’s room.”

Julia understood his reasoning. “You were with your secret girlfriend, weren’t you?”

Harry gave her a curt nod. “I was. And I’m not going to tell you who she is. I’m protecting her, and that’s how it’s going to stay. I wasn’t the one who killed Erin. I was elsewhere.”

Gemma shook her head. “You need to let the police know. You’ve given Lori a solid alibi. You have to put things right. Lori could have been the one who killed Erin, and you’ve provided a way out for her. Don’t you realise what you’ve done?”

Harry looked at the floor. “I know what I’ve done. I’ve done it in the name of love. And I’m not going to change my statement.” He looked back at them. “If the police ask me, I’ll deny this conversation took place.”

Gemma shook her head and walked away from them.

Julia said to Harry, “I can see why you’ve done this. Tell me, do you think Lori is capable of murder?”

“Isn’t everyone capable if they’re pushed enough? She has got a quick temper. I’ve told her many times that I’m not interested in her, and she’s given me a sympathetic smile in return as if I was making a mistake. But I was on the wrong side of her temper last night. She asked me to meet her in her room at eight yesterday and I said yes. I was going to have it out with her once and for all. I was even going to threaten to report her to Sienna for sexual harassment. But I couldn’t make it because I was helping Indigo out with her twilight walk. I had a message from Lori on my phone later. It was a nasty one, she was almost screeching.”

Julia thought back to what Toby had told her about Lori talking on her phone the previous evening. It did fit in with what Harry was saying. She wondered for a moment if Indigo was Harry’s secret girlfriend. There was an age difference but that didn’t stop people.

Harry straightened up. “I can’t tell you any more than that. You’ll have to leave now. I’ve got another exercise class and I need to stock up on my water bottles. These older ladies get through it quickly. Excuse me.” He walked to a small room at the side of the hall and went inside.

Gemma came back to Julia, her fists clenched at her side. “I can’t believe what an idiot he is. His lies could be protecting a killer. I’ll have to tell DI Thostlewaite.”

“I know. Gemma, your face has gone all red. Take some deep breaths.”

“I’m too angry.”

“Do you want me to phone the inspector?”

“In a while. After we’ve done some more investigating.” Gemma patted her dressing gown pocket. “The police used a universal key to open the door to my room. And that key accidentally slipped into my pocket. I wonder if it will fit Erin’s door? Lori’s taking an exercise class so she won’t disturb us. Shall we go and have a little peep?”

“And then we’ll phone the inspector?”

Gemma smiled. “Of course.”

Julia shook her head. “You’re a bad influence on me, Gemma Clarke. Come on.”

Feeling as if everyone was watching them, they made their way to Erin’s room. Gemma’s hand shook slightly as she placed the key in the lock. The door opened and they swiftly stepped inside, closing the door behind them.

It was easy to see which side of the room was Lori’s. There was an assortment of exercise clothes strewn across the floor and bed. The bed cover was hanging off the bed and Julia had to fight the urge to straighten it up.

Gemma scanned Erin’s side of the room. “I can’t see a computer. I bet the police have taken it with them. There are some files over there. Let’s have a look.”

Julia waggled her fingers in the air. “What about finger prints? You’re already a suspect, you don’t want to give the police any more ammunition.”

Gemma’s eyebrows rose as she reached into her pocket. “Oh, didn’t I say? Two pairs of gloves fell into my pocket earlier too. Here.” She threw a pair of blue latex gloves in Julia’s direction.

Julia put the gloves on and said, “When your husband finds out about this, which he will, I hope you’ll be honest with him about my part in all of this.”

“Don’t you worry about Arnie. I know how to handle him. I’ll start with these files, you have a look around the room.”

They made a quick search of the room and its contents but didn’t come up with anything useful.

Gemma put her hands on her hips. “I was sure we’d find something.”

Julia was looking at the drawers under the bed. “I think there might be something here.”

“I’ve already checked the drawers. They’re full of underwear.”

“Have you checked behind the drawers? Some of my clients have teenage sons who like to hide certain things from their parents. I’ve caught my leg many a time on a bed drawer that no longer closes properly because there’s something behind it. Let me show you.”

Julia got to her knees, pulled the drawer fully out and placed it on the carpet. She reached inside the gap and ran her hand around.

“Aha! I’ve found something.” She pulled out a book and showed it to Gemma. “It looks like a diary.”

Gemma took it and started to flick through the pages. Julia came to her side and read over her shoulder.

Gemma said, “Look at these entries. She’s made notes about certain clients and then put the word ‘scam?’ after them. And she keeps mentioning certificates for some reason.”

“And look at the visits she’s made to colleges recently. It’s as if she was checking up on something.”

“Or someone. Look at this entry she made two weeks ago. It says ‘letter sent’. That could be the letter the police found in my room. But who did she send it to?” Gemma gave the book a gentle shake. “Give up your secrets! We’re trying to help you.”

A photograph fell from the book and fluttered to the floor.

Julia picked it up. “It’s a photo of Erin and Teresa in the garden. Look who’s in the background.”

Gemma did so. “It’s Harry. And Sienna Moss. They look very friendly with each other. That must be his girlfriend.”

“Sienna Moss? I wouldn’t have guessed it was her.”

The door opened behind them and Sienna stepped in. She gave them a cold look and said, “Did I hear my name being mentioned?”

She closed the door behind her.

Chapter 30

Sienna folded her arms. “I thought I could hear voices in here. Would you like to explain what you’re doing in here?”

Gemma said, “I’m trying to clear my name. You probably know the police took me away for questioning a while ago. Someone planted something in my room. It was most likely the person who killed Erin.” She wafted the photo at Sienna. “Was it you? Did you kill Erin because she found out about you and Harry?”

Sienna’s arms dropped to her side. “I certainly did not kill Erin. Not that it’s any of your business.”

Gemma’s voice rose, “I’m making it my business. Everyone who works here seems to be lying about something. Where were you when Erin was killed? You weren’t on the reception desk. It took the police a while to find you.”

Julia put her hand on Gemma’s arm in an effort to calm her down.

It didn’t work. Gemma took a step forward and yelled, “What sort of a spa are you running here? You let staff get murdered, and you let your guests get arrested. If I wasn’t already getting this spa break for free, I’d demand my money back!”

Sienna swore loudly and told Gemma what she could do with her money.

Julia put her hands up and said, “I think we all need to calm down, this isn’t helping anyone. Sienna, I take it from this photo that you and Harry are together.”

“Yeah. What of it?” All the warmth and softness had gone from Sienna’s voice.

Julia said, “Were you with each other at the time Erin was murdered?”

“Yes. We’ve got a room that I never let out to guests, and we were in there. I’m not telling the police that. It’s no one else’s business.”

“You’ll have to tell the police,” Julia said. “Have you been with Harry a while? Are things serious with you?”

Sienna nodded.

Gemma prodded a finger in Sienna’s direction. “Then why don’t you tell everyone? It’ll shut Lori up, for one thing. And the police need to know the truth.”

Julia said, “I know why you’re keeping it quiet. Harry’s got that womaniser thing going on, hasn’t he? He wants the guests to think he’s available so that they have half a hope of being the woman of his dreams. Is that right?”

Sienna’s shoulders dropped. “You’re right. I wanted to tell everyone but Harry pointed out how full his classes get with women clamouring for his attention. He said it makes more business sense for him to be seen as single. The staff know he’s got a girlfriend, but they don’t know who. Erin found out when she noticed us in that photo. She came straight to me and said she’d keep it a secret. She said we need to be more careful if we don’t want people to find out, especially Lori.”

Gemma said, “I still think you should tell the police. Harry’s covering up for Lori. The police need to talk to her again.”

Sienna looked as if she was considering something. “I might let the police know. But I don’t want them poking their noses into my business.”

Something came to Julia. She thought about her conversation with Cain, and what had been written in Erin’s diary. She said to Sienna, “Those certificates on the reception wall with your name on are fake, aren’t they?”

Sienna blanched. “How do you know that?”

“My colleague recognised you as a visitor to a local prison. And Erin has made notes about certificates in this diary. And I heard you earlier talking to someone on the phone about getting better ones made. I presume you’re talking about better certificates. Did Erin work out they were fake?”

“You’re a nosy cow. You’re both nosy cows, but I might as well tell you. Yes, she worked out they were fake. Erin visited many colleges to see what they offered. She noticed how their certificates were laid out and it didn’t take her long to figure out mine didn’t match the colleges as they were supposed to. And, yes, I was visiting my forger in prison. He’s useless. But that’s brothers for you.”

Julia said, “Did Erin threaten to go to the police?”

Sienna smiled and looked towards Erin’s bed. “No, she didn’t. She always gave people a second chance. She was that kind of person. I told her I’d always wanted to run a spa but I didn’t have the qualifications, and I was too ashamed to go to college to get them. I left school without taking any exams at all. Erin said she’d help me. It was her idea to let staff practise on me so I could talk to guests with authority. I was talking to my brother on the phone earlier. I told him to get some better looking certificates until I can replace them with legal ones. I’m not doing any harm. I don’t practise on anyone. Erin understood this. She was a good person.”

Gemma said, “Did she ever send you any letters? Any threatening letters?”

Sienna frowned. “No, never. Why? Did she send them to someone else?”

“Probably,” Gemma replied. “Do you know if she’d fallen out with anyone recently? Is there anyone she didn’t get on with?”

“Only Lori. But no one gets on with her.” A slow smile spread across her face. “I think I will tell the police about me and Harry. And I’ll do it in front of Lori. I can’t wait to see the look on her stupid face.”

“Does Harry know about the fake certificates?” Julia asked.

“No. I suppose I’d better tell him before you two do.” Sienna looked at her watch. “I can’t tell him now. He’s having a one-on-one session with your mum.”

“He’s doing what!” Julia exploded.

“It’s just a talk about your mum’s future exercise programme. He’s not going to try anything on with your mum, not when he’s got me.”

That didn’t reassure Julia at all. She didn’t trust Harry Lewis.

Sienna said, “Is there anything else you want to grill me about?”

Gemma raised her eyebrows in Julia’s direction. Julia shook her head.

Sienna opened the door for them and held her hand out for the diary.

Gemma pulled the diary to her chest. “You’re not having this. It’s police evidence.”

Sienna swore at them and opened the door wider.

As they walked along the corridor, Gemma said, “She may look like an angel, but she doesn’t sound like one. What shall we do now?”

“I want to do some more checking on Harry. There’s something going on with him and I can’t work out what it is. I’ll go to my room and borrow Mum’s ipad. Do you want to come with me, or are you going to your room to change?”

“I’ll come with you. I’ve got a treatment soon, so I may as well stay in my gown. And I’ll phone the inspector when we get to your room.” She gave Julia a playful nudge. “And I’ll tell him breaking into Erin’s room was all your idea.” She laughed when she saw Julia’s expression. “I’m only kidding.”

Julia tried to smile but there was a sense of unease growing in her. And it had something to do with Mum.

Her fears were confirmed as they walked towards Mum’s room and heard a male voice inside. It was unmistakeably Harry’s voice.

Chapter 31

Julia didn’t have a key to Mum’s room so she dashed into her own room and through the adjoining door. Gemma was right behind her.

“Aha! I knew you were up to something, Harry Lewis!” Julia declared.

Gemma said, “Who are you talking to? There’s no one here.”

Julia frowned. “Then where’s Harry’s voice coming from?”

Gemma pointed towards the television. She walked closer to it and then jolted backwards and put a hand over her eyes. “He’s on the telly. He’s doing some sort of exercise in very tight shorts. My eyes have been scarred for life! Switch it off.”

Julia did so and ejected the DVD that was playing. “It’s Harry doing yoga.” She held the DVD disdainfully by the edge and looked around for the cover. She winced when she saw it. “Yuk! He’s in his swimwear. Aren’t there decency laws to protect people against things like this?”

Julia’s face scrunched up in disgust as she put the DVD back in its case. She then put the case in the bedside drawer.

Gemma still had her hands over her face. “Is it safe to look yet?”

“It is. I wonder why the DVD was playing?”

“The spa has probably arranged it, as some sort of brain washing treatment.” Gemma looked over to the bedside table. “Your mum’s got a good supply of water over there. Do you think she’ll mind if I have a bottle? They offered me tea at the station but I refused on principle.”

“Help yourself. But I think it’s Harry water. There’s a picture of his grinning face on it.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers.” Gemma took a bottle and unscrewed the lid. She took a big gulp. “I’m thirstier than I realised. Well, what do you think about all these things Sienna and Harry have been saying? Do you believe them?”

“I do. And I think they deserve each other.” Julia reached for the iPad on Mum’s bed. “I want to do some more checks on Harry. Let’s go into my room. There’s a lingering whiff of Harry in here.”

Gemma grinned. “That would make a good name for his brand of aftershave.” She took another drink of water and followed Julia into her room.

They settled themselves on the sofas and Julia opened the patio doors.

Gemma said, “I suppose I’d better phone DI Thostlewaite.” She took out her phone. “Oh, look. My hubby’s left me ten messages. I’d better phone him too. I’ll phone DI Thostlewaite first.”

Julia switched on the tablet and started a search on Harry Lewis. There were a lot of results and all the top ones referred to the Harry Lewis who worked at the spa. Not only did Harry have many websites, he had videos posted on YouTube. Julia looked at the stills of the videos and decided she didn’t need to see Harry in action again.

Gemma said, “I can’t get hold of DI Thostlewaite so I’ve left him a message. I’m going to phone Arnie now. I’ll do it in the hall in case he gets all lovey-dovey.”

“I can’t imagine him ever doing that,” Julia said. “You should see how many websites Harry has. There’s one devoted to weight-training, another one for yoga and even one for meditation. I think there’s even more. I’m having a look at the first one.”

Gemma wagged a finger at her. “Now, don’t be falling in love with him, Julia. I won’t be long.” She left the room, taking her water and phone with her.

Julia looked through the first page. Harry was certainly an expert when it came to marketing. Not only could you book visits with him here at the spa, for an obscene amount of money, you could request a home visit. And if that wasn’t enough, you could join his exclusive online club for an eye-watering amount of money. And for that, you would receive exclusive videos and Harry’s thought for the day.

Julia imagined that most of Harry’s thoughts were about making more money. She thought of the word ‘scam’ in Erin’s diary. Was this what Erin was referring to? At their first meeting, Erin had told Julia that clients told her secrets. Could one of Erin’s clients have let slip how much she was paying Harry for his various clubs and merchandise? Perhaps Erin then confronted Harry about it. He wouldn’t want to give up his scam so easily.

But Sienna did say she was with Harry at the time Erin was murdered. That was annoying.

Julia sighed and leant back on the sofa. Why did women fall for him so easily? He was good-looking, that was true. But he had no charm, and he certainly didn’t have good manners. He had zero respect for women. It was a mystery. She didn’t understand it.

Gemma came back into the room, a slight blush on her cheeks. “He did get a bit lovey-dovey with me. I’m glad you didn’t hear him.”

“Did you tell him what we’ve been up to?”

“Of course not. I’ll tell him later.” She walked over to Julia, placed the empty water bottle on the table and said, “So, what have you found out about the lovely Harry Lewis?”

Gemma reached forward and turned the bottle so that Harry was smiling directly at them. Julia could have sworn she saw Gemma smile back at him for a second.

Julia showed Gemma the information she’d found. Gemma listened and nodded. She asked Julia to play a couple of the videos. Julia reluctantly did so and stared out of the window until the videos had finished.

When Julia had finished telling Gemma her thoughts about Harry and his money making ventures, Gemma said, “I think you’re being too hard on Harry. There’s nothing wrong with making a living. And if he’s got the demand for his services, he may as well carry on.” Her phone beeped and she looked at it. “I’d better go. I’ve got a Reiki treatment. Do you think your mum will mind if I take some more water with me? I’m still thirsty. I’ll replace the bottles later.”

Gemma definitely smiled at Harry’s face on the bottle as she stood up and went through the adjoining door. Julia’s eyebrows rose as she heard a drawer opening. Gemma called out a goodbye and left by Mum’s door. Was Gemma taking Harry’s DVD with her?

Things were starting to make sense.

Julia folded her arms and glared at the bottle. “Right then, Harry Lewis. I know exactly what you’re up to. And I think I know how you’re doing it. You sneaky, conniving good-for-nothing.”

Julia glared at the bottle for a bit longer then she suddenly remembered Mum was having a one-on-one session with Harry. She jumped to her feet and raced to the door. As she ran down the corridor she took her phone out and left a message for DI Thostlewaite. She was panting as she spoke and she hoped he could make out her words, especially when she told him who had killed Erin Baker.

Chapter 32

Julia threw herself at the reception desk. It wasn’t Sienna behind it this time. Julia shouted, “Harry Lewis! Where is he? I need him right now.”

The man behind the desk gave Julia a knowing smile as if red-faced women asked him that all the time. Which they probably did. He said in a gentle voice, “I’m sorry, but Mr Lewis is with a client at the moment. And I do believe his diary is full for this week.”

Julia waited a second to get her breath back. “I know he’s with a client. He’s with my mum and I need to speak to her urgently. Tell me where he is, please.”

The man replied, “He’s in one of the consulting rooms, number six. It’s down that hallway.”

Julia took off before he could say another word. She raced down the hallway. The door to room six was open and Sienna was standing there.

Sienna saw Julia and put her hands out to stop Julia running into the room. Sienna hissed, “I’ve already said I’ll tell him in my own time. I’m going to speak to him as soon as his session with your mum is over.”

Julia was in no mood to be stopped. She pushed Sienna to one side and stormed into the room. Harry was sitting behind a desk. Mum was sitting too closely at his side with a smile on her face. She was handing her bank card to Harry.

“No! Stop! Mum, put the card in your pocket and move away from that evil man.”

Mum turned to look in her direction; her eyes were glassy. “Julia, dear, stop shouting. This is a private session and you shouldn’t be here.”

Sienna grabbed Julia’s arm and said, “No, you shouldn’t be here. I’m asking you, politely, to leave.”

Julia shrugged herself free. “I’m not going anywhere. Do you know what he’s up to? Do you know about all his schemes?”

Harry whipped Mum’s bank card from her hands and moved it towards a machine at his side.

Julia cried out, “If you so much as swipe a penny from my mother, I swear I will throw myself at you and crush you! And I’m not some skinny-minny that you’ll be able to throw off. Give that card back to my mother. Now!”

Harry’s hand hovered and uncertainty crossed his face. He turned his attention to Mum and gave her a gentle smile. “But Catherine here wants to join my online club. I need to complete her membership.”

Julia’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not even her name. If you’re going to drug people and steal from them, have the decency to get their names right.”

“Hang on,” Sienna said. “What are you talking about? Who’s drugging who?”

Julia’s hand was shaking with rage as she pointed at Harry. “Him. He’s put something in that water he sells. The water makes women go all happy and soppy, and the first thing they see is Harry’s face on the bottle. They’re associating Harry with the happy feeling of the water. And there’s something in the water, possibly salt, that makes them unable to fully quench their thirst. So they have to drink more water.”

Harry snorted. “You think I’ve put some sort of love potion in my water? You’re as stupid as you look.”

Sienna’s perfect brow wrinkled. “Your clients do go through a lot of water, Harry. I’ve noticed that before. And you’ve even given me that bottled water.”

Harry gave them both a look of disgust. “If you think that, Sienna, then you’re as stupid as Catherine’s daughter. Why would I tamper with the water?”

Julia said, “The exercise classes! You give out free water to the women there. They drink it and focus their attention on you. You probably play some sort of subliminal messages in the music during the workouts. I know it’s possible.”

Harry looked down at the card in his hand.

Sienna moved closer to Harry. “Tell me this isn’t true. You wouldn’t really do something like that to our guests, would you?”

Julia said, “He is doing something to them. I’m not exactly sure what, but it’s something to do with the water. He drugs people and convinces them to hand over money for his many products. Have you seen how much he charges for his online membership club? It’s an outrage. Look at my mum. Look at her eyes. And look at what she’s been drinking.”

Sienna’s gaze moved from Mum’s face to the empty water bottle in front of her. Sienna said, “Harry, please tell me this isn’t true. It can’t be true. You wouldn’t do that to me. We’ve got something special.”

Harry threw Mum’s bank card on the table and got to his feet. “I’ve nothing to say to either of you. Sienna, I’m leaving you, and I’m leaving this so-called excuse for a spa. Move out of the way.”

Sienna shoved him in the chest and he fell back into the chair. She cracked the knuckles on her hands. “You are not going to make a fool of me, Harry. I was about to tell you about my past. That past involves me being able to defend myself. It’s been a long time since I was in a fight with a man. But I’m willing to give it a go.” She raised her fists.

Harry’s hands flew to his face and he screeched, “Not my face! Any where but my face.”

Mum looked over at Julia and said, “Hello there, love. How long have you been standing there? I’m going to join Harry’s club. Isn’t it exciting? He’s such a lovely man. Don’t tell your dad about him!”

Rage coursed through Julia as she looked at Mum’s lovely face. She turned to Harry. “Did Erin find out what you were up to? Is that why you killed her?”

Sienna lowered her fists a fraction. “I’ve already told you he was with me. I can prove it. There’s a camera in our secret room. We set it to record. It has the date and time on the recording. We like to watch ourselves afterwards.”

Julia felt her stomach lurch. She could do with a strong cup of tea.

Tea!

Of course!

Julia said to Harry, “You’re not in this scam on your own. Someone is sending customers to you. Someone who probably uses the same kind of drug in her tea.”

“Who?” Sienna said.

“Indigo Sunset. When Mum had her first session with Indigo, she was given tea. And Mum felt marvellous afterwards. It was Indigo who arranged for Mum to join Harry’s exercise class, even though it was fully booked. It’s the same group of women who see Indigo first, who then join Harry’s class.”

Sienna said, “But I thought Indigo was with your mum at the time of Erin’s murder?”

Julia put her hand on Mum’s shoulder. “Look at how confused she is after one bottle of water. For all we know, Indigo could have hypnotised Mum into thinking they’d had their session as planned when all the time she was in the tank room with Erin.”

Harry dropped his hands and gave them a smug smile. “But Indigo was attacked in the woods last night, by the real killer.”

Julia said, “No, she wasn’t. We have her word, and your word, about the attack. If it was the real killer, they would have killed her. Indigo did that to throw suspicion off herself.”

Harry muttered, “I told her it was a bad idea.”

Sienna’s hand shot out and she grabbed Harry’s shirt. She pulled him close and said, “So it’s true? This whole, disgusting scheme you’ve got going on?”

Harry tried to wriggle free. “I didn’t kill Erin. I swear!”

Julia said, “Sienna, where’s Indigo now?”

“She’s in the Reiki treatment room. She’s with a guest.”

Julia’s vision blurred and her knees buckled. She collapsed on to Mum’s knee. Mum patted her on the head.

Julia pushed herself up. “Gemma! Gemma’s with Indigo!” She ran out of the room and down the hallway. “Gemma! Where are you?”

Chapter 33

Julia slammed her hands on the reception desk - again, and yelled, “Reiki! Where’s the Reiki room?”

The man behind the desk took a step back. “I think you need to calm down, madam. I can book you in for hot stone massage, it’s extremely relaxing.”

“It’s down this way,” Sienna called out from behind her. Sienna had one arm around Mum’s shoulder, and one arm around Harry’s neck as she marched past the reception desk.

They walked along a hallway and came to a stop outside a room. Julia tried the handle. “It’s locked.”

“Damn! I haven’t got my keys with me. Let me throw this piece of scum at the door.” Sienna pushed Harry Lewis at the locked door. He thudded into it and slumped to the floor. Sienna dragged him to his feet. “You’re useless. Let me try again.”

Julia ignored the crazed look in Sienna’s eyes and was glad she wasn’t on the wrong side of her. Julia spotted the store cupboard and raced towards it. She flung open the door, grabbed the cleaning trolley and raced with it towards the locked door.

“Move out of the way!” Julia shouted. She thrust the trolley at the door and heard the splintering noise of breaking wood. The door swung open. Julia froze at the scene in front of her.

Gemma was laying on a therapy table and Indigo was sitting on a chair at the top end of the table. Candles flickered in the dim room and gentle music tinkled out. Everything seemed calm.

The only thing wrong was the way Indigo had her hands around Gemma’s neck. There was nothing calm about that, or the way that Gemma was gasping for breath.

Julia roared and shot forward with the trolley. She ran into Indigo and knocked her from her seat. Indigo screamed and fell on to her back. Julia pushed the trolley closer and pinned her underneath it.

Indigo yelled, “Get off! What are you doing? It was self-defence. That woman was trying to kill me. She killed Erin. The police found a letter in her room.”

Julia looked down at her. “You can stop lying now. We know what you and Harry have been up to. And I know you killed Erin. It was you who got the letter from Erin, wasn’t it? She found out what you were up to. And it was you who planted it in Gemma’s room.”

Indigo tried to push the trolley away but Julia’s anger made her stronger and she didn’t let the trolley move.

Julia felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Gemma. In a hoarse voice, she said, “Julia. It was Indigo. She bragged about it before she tried to kill me.”

“Are you alright?” Julia asked.

Gemma rubbed her neck. “I will be. Thank you for rescuing me.”

A loud voice boomed out, “What sort of treatment is this? What’s going on in here? Ms Blake, is that a person you’ve got trapped under your trolley?”

“It is, DI Thostlewaite. It’s the person who killed Erin.”

The inspector made his way over to Julia and prised her hands from the trolley. “Okay. You can let go now. I’ll take over.”

“But I need to tell you everything. I need to tell you about Harry and his magic water.”

DI Thostlewaite gave her a kind smile. “You can tell me later. Someone needs you.” He indicated his head towards the door.

Mum was waving at Julia. “Hello. When did you get here? I’ve got a treatment soon with Indigo. Or was it with Harry? I can’t remember.”

Julia’s eyes filled with tears. What had those evil people done to her mum?

Chapter 34

“There, my love, is that blanket alright for you? Do you need another cushion? Another cup of tea?”

Mum shooed Dad’s hand away. “Ray, I’m fine. You can stop making a fuss of me now. The police have already told you what was in that water and tea. It’s all out of my system now, and there won’t be any permanent damage. I’m just glad to be home.”

Dad smiled. “I’m glad you’re home. Both of you.” He looked over at Julia who was sitting next to Mum on the couch. She was swaddled in a blanket, thanks to Dad. “Julia, can I get you anything else? You can stay here another night. In fact, why don’t you sell your house and move in here permanently? Then I can keep an eye on you.”

“Dad, I don’t need anything. Can you loosen this blanket a bit, please? I feel like a human sausage roll.”

“I will do, my little love.” Dad pulled a corner of the blanket away and Julia could breathe freely again. “Do you want me to put another DVD on? Shall I get you some more chocolate? I can make you a cake. It won’t take me long.”

“Ray, we are both fine. We’ve been back home for over twenty-four hours. We’re over the shock. You can stop making a fuss of us.”

Dad sank into the chair at Mum’s side. “I can’t help it. It makes my blood boil to think what that evil man and woman did to you. Are you sure you don’t need to go into rehab? I can book you into a clinic.”

Mum smiled at him. “I’m perfectly fine, apart from feeling like such an idiot for being taken in so easily. I’m just glad to be home with you.”

Julia said, “Shall I tell you again what DI Clarke said to me?”

“You’ve already told us three times,” Mum said.

“I know. But I like replaying the conversation. I can’t believe he was so nice to me.”

“Well, you did save his wife’s life,” Dad said. “And you did help catch a killer. I thought he was going to tell you off for interfering in another police case.”

“So did I. But he said he was glad I was there, and that Gemma had met me. If we hadn’t have met, Gemma wouldn’t have had anyone to help her clear her name. He did accuse me of getting in the way of the investigation, but he said he was glad I did.”

“And Gemma’s still doing fine?” Mum asked

“She is. She’s going to phone me later. We’re going to stay in touch.” Julia laughed. “I can imagine how pleased DI Clarke will be about that. Or should I say, how pleased Arnie will be about that.”

Mum said, “You didn’t call him Arnie over the phone, did you?”

“My tongue tried, but my brain wouldn’t let me. Perhaps I’ll try it the next time I meet him.”

Mum raised one eyebrow. “The next time?”

Julia quickly recovered herself and said, “When I meet up with Gemma. I’ll most likely bump into him at some point. I didn’t mean I’d meet him the next time I find a murdered body. Because that isn’t going to happen. Ever again.” She gave Mum a reassuring smile. “I’ll leave murder investigations to the police.”

You can get Julia’s previous stories in a box set here:

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The first story is ‘A Secret Killer’ and here’s chapter 1:

Chapter 1

“So, how many dead bodies have you actually seen?”

“A few,” Julia Blake replied. “Can you tell me more about your cleaning experience, Mrs Donnington?”

A chuckle came from the large lady sitting on the sofa. “Please call me Val, we might as well use first names if we’re going to be working together.” Her chubby hand reached for another slice of cake. She looked back at Julia and said, “I’m a slave to my appetite. Go on, you were telling me about the dead bodies you’ve discovered.” She waved the cake at Julia, oblivious to the crumbs that fell to the carpet.

Julia shot a look at her dad. He caught her look and swiftly glanced down at his tablet on his knee. Julia’s eyes narrowed as she saw the corner of his mouth twitch. This was all his idea. She was adamant that she didn’t need anyone to help her with her cleaning business, she could cope on her own. Even if that meant working over the weekends. But no, Dad insisted on her hiring someone. He insisted on placing the advert, and then helping her with the interview process. Not that he was providing much help at the moment.

Julia tried again. “Mrs Donnington, can you tell me about your last job? You’ve put down on your form that you worked for a family. What sort of work did you do for them?”

Mrs Donnington licked her thumb. She put her plate down and gave Julia a stern look. “I did everything for that family! They treated me like a slave! Expected me to do all their polishing, to clean the toilet, vacuum up! Pah! A servant would be treated better. I’m glad to be out of that line of work. Any chance of another cup of tea? My throat is parched after that lovely cake.”

The last request was directed at Julia’s dad. He smiled at Mrs Donnington and nodded his head. “It’s my pleasure.”

Mrs Donnington’s chest seemed to grow larger as she looked him up and down. “What did you say your name is again?”

With a blush on his cheeks, he answered, “Ray. Is it three sugars again?”

Mrs Donnington giggled and said, “Ray, like a ray of sunshine. Is there a Mrs Ray?”

Julia stopped her eyes from rolling. She glanced at her watch. She had paperwork to catch up on. In a firmer voice she said, “The work that you just mentioned, that’s exactly what this job will entail. Are you sure you want to apply for it?”

Mrs Donnington batted her eyelashes as she took a fresh cup of tea. Without looking at Julia, she said, “This job will do. I can’t do Wednesdays, Thursdays or Friday mornings. No bending or kneeling, and no reaching up too high. Doctor’s orders.”

Julia stood up, smiled politely and said, “Thank you for coming to see us today. We’ll be in touch.”

Mrs Donnington’s eyebrows rose as she looked at Julia. “Oh! Is that it? We were having such a lovely chat. When do you want me to start? I can’t do next week, and I’ll need three weeks off in May.”

Julia maintained her smile. “As I said, we’ll be in touch. Thank you again.”

Mrs Donnington reluctantly put her cup down. She turned her attention back to Dad and said, “Would you mind helping me up, Ray?”

Dad leapt to his feet and held his hands out. “Of course. Let me see you to the door.”

Julia’s cheeks were starting to hurt from keeping her smile in place. She finally let it go as her dad escorted Mrs Donnington out of her front room. She sank into her chair and sighed. This was taking such a long time! She took her phone out and had a quick check of her emails. More enquiries about her doing some cleaning work. It was a good thing, of course it was, she was glad to be so busy. Perhaps Dad was right, she did need someone to help her. Not Mrs Donnington though.

Dad returned with a smile on his face. “What a lovely woman. Totally inappropriate for the job, of course, but a lovely woman.”

“Don’t let Mum hear you saying things like that.”

Dad patted his slightly rounded tummy and said, “Your mum knows what a catch I am. She knows that women often throw themselves at me.” He gave a dramatic sigh and then winked. “It’s a curse, being this handsome, but I’m happy to live with it. Who’s next on the list?”

Julia checked her list of interviewees. “Someone called Tiger Lilly Thomas.”

“How exotic. Do you think tea will be okay for her? Or should I open the pineapple juice?”

Tiger Lilly sashayed into Julia’s front room a few minutes later. She was an exotic-looking orange. What was it with young girls and fake tans these days?

The teenager refused any offers of refreshment. Julia had to ignore the hurt look on Dad’s face. Julia started to ask her first question. She was interrupted by a beeping noise. Without an apology, Tiger Lilly took out her phone and read the text that had arrived. She frowned and swore, then she started tapping furiously on her phone.

Julia spoke loudly, “Are you ready to begin our interview? Or have you important business to attend to?”

Tiger Lilly looked up, her fingers still tapped away. “What?”

Julia persisted, “I need to ask you questions about the job, to see if you’re suitable.”

Tiger Lilly stopped tapping. She aimed her phone at Julia and said, “I want to ask you something. How many dead bodies have you seen? Were they decomposed? Did you take any photos?”

Julia couldn’t keep her sigh in. Dad stood up and said firmly to Tiger Lilly, “This isn’t the job for you, young lady. I think you’d better leave. I’ll see you to the door, come on.”

In a flash of orange the teenager was escorted quickly out of the room.

When Dad returned, Julia said, “Thanks for that. I don’t think we’re going to find anyone, they’re only interested in the dead people that I’ve seen.”

Dad held a hand up, “Let’s not be defeatist! When the next candidate comes in, you tell them in no uncertain terms that you won’t talk about those dead bodies of yours!”

Julia nodded. “Good idea, but they weren’t exactly ‘my’ dead bodies. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Who’s next?”

“A young man. Interesting, he’s the only man to apply. I can hear someone at the door. Remember, tell him straight away that there’s going to be no talk of corpses!”

That’s exactly what Julia said to the young man sitting opposite her a minute later.

She was not prepared for his reply.

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A note from the author

I’m having a lot of fun writing new adventures for Julia. She won’t be having a rest anytime soon! If you enjoyed this story, would you be able to post a quick review? Thank you, I really appreciate it.

This story has been checked for errors by my team. If you do spot any errors I would love it if you could email me to let me know about them – thank you.

You can email me at: gillian@gillianlarkin.com

Best wishes

Gillian

A Julia Blake Murder Mystery

Death At The Spa  

By

GILLIAN LARKIN

www.gillianlarkin.co.uk

Front cover images by coverkicks.com

Copyright 2016 by Gillian Larkin

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, electronically or mechanically without permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental.