Laina Turner - Presley Thurman 08 - Vows & Victims Read online

  “He told me that the woman who was found in my shop was Bethany Granville.”

  “Hmmm…why does that name sound familiar?” I asked, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel to help me think.

  “She’s a realtor. Apparently, a really good one. You’ve probably seen her billboard on your way into town.”

  “Oh yeah. Blonde, mid–thirties,” I assumed from the giant headshot. “Her tagline is ‘List with me to close the deal.’”

  “That’s the one.”

  “If she’s such a good realtor, you’d think she could pay someone to come up with a catchier slogan.”

  “Doesn’t matter now,” Katy said

  “So why would someone kill her in your shop? Or was she killed? Did he say?”

  “He said it was definitely a homicide but didn’t share any other details. I’m sure he just told me that because he had to give me a reason why my salon would have to remain closed at least a few more days. Man, this is such bad timing,” Katy said in frustration.

  “I’m sure Bethany feels the same way.”

  “Oh, stop. That’s not even funny. You know what I mean.”

  “I know, Katy. I was just trying to lighten the mood. Yeah, it sucks, but there’s nothing you can do about it. So we just need to forge ahead with the fabulous wedding planning. This had nothing to do with you, it just unfortunately happened in your place of business. Bad circumstances.”

  “You’re right.” Katy sighed.

  “Is Tobey still working at the Alkon Authority?”

  The Alkon Authority was the local newspaper in our town. Tobey Stone, who was Chris’s brother, had been an aid to the senator who’d been killed. He had decided to stay in Alkon after that mess and had taken a job as a reporter.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Let’s stop by and say hi.”

  Katy looked at me suspiciously. “You’re here to do wedding stuff not detective work.” She knew I was curious about what had happened. I couldn’t help it.

  “I just want to stop and say hi to a friend. What’s so wrong with that?”

  “Right. You’re hoping Tobey knows something about the murder.”

  “That would be a nice coincidence,” I said.

  “Fine, but we can’t stay long or we’ll be late to the dress shop.”

  “I’ll make it quick. I promise.”

  It didn’t take long to make our way to the newspaper offices. We walked in and asked for Tobey, and the receptionist pointed over to a cubicle in the far left corner. We walked down the short aisle and stood in front of Tobey’s cubicle. It took a couple of seconds for Tobey to realize there were people staring at him, but when he finally looked up, he quickly broke into a broad grin and jumped up to hug us.

  “Presley. Katy. It’s so good to see you. How did I get so lucky today for this visit?”

  “I just got back into town a few hours ago to fulfill my maid of honor duties. We were driving by and thought we would stop in. I haven’t seen you in forever.”

  “I’ve just been here writing about all of the exciting happenings her in Alkon, which isn’t usually all that exciting. Until today. You certainly had some excitement in your morning, Katy. Are you OK?”

  Katy nodded.

  Finally, the opening I was looking for. “What have you heard, Tobey?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “Not much yet. Her name was Bethany Granville. She was supposedly the top realtor in Alkon and the surrounding areas.”

  “We know all that,” I said impatiently. “Officer Schultz called Katy and confirmed it was a homicide. Do you have any details?”

  “Presley, you are always so nosy,” he said, not unkindly.

  “I know. One of my less endearing traits, I suppose. This is just so close to home with it happening in Katy’s salon and all. “

  “I understand.” He nodded. “But all I know is she was killed by a blow to the back of the head. The cops don’t think she was killed there. Did you even know her, Katy?”

  Katy shook her head. “No, I knew of her, but I didn’t know her personally. She didn’t even get her hair done at the salon. She went to some place out of town.”

  “Wonder why the killers left her there then?” I mused. “See, Tobey, this is a good story.”

  He laughed. “I’m not a crime reporter. That would be Al Galvin. Me, I strictly stick to covering the social highlights of Alkon.”

  “And there’s enough social action here to warrant a regular feature?” I teased.

  “You would be surprised.”

  “Actually, I wouldn’t. My mom lives for the social scene here, and she’s always busy.”

  “Presley, we really need to get going. We’ll be late as it is,” Katy said. “Dress fitting,” she told Tobey.

  “Listen, why don’t we meet up tonight for drinks?” Tobey suggested.

  “I would love that,” I said. “Does it fit into our agenda for the day?” I asked Katy.

  “Yes,” she said, pushing me down the aisle. “I’ll text you, Tobey,” she called over her shoulder.

  “OK. You ladies have fun.”

  I lifted my arm above my head and waved bye as Katy propelled me out of the offices.

  “OK, OK, I get it. Dress fitting it is.”

  Chapter 4

  We walked into the bridal shop late and Katy’s other bridesmaids were already waiting for us.

  “It’s my fault we are late,” I said to the other three girls as we gave hugs all around. These were girls that she and I had been friends with forever. We had grown up together, had gone to school together, had been through a lot together. One of the great things about being in the same town your entire life was having close friendships with people who’d known you since second grade and with whom you could fall right back into easy conversations with even if it had been months or years since you’d last seen them.

  “You need to come visit more,” Robin admonished me after our hug.

  “I know, I know. How often do you get back, Charity?” I asked her.

  Katy, Robin and the other bridesmaid, Shelly, all still lived here in Alkon, but Charity, like me, had moved away after getting married just out of college.

  “More often now that Jeff and I have kids. My parents are always begging me to bring them. We’ve even been talking about moving here. Something I never thought I would say.”

  “Charity has the most adorable kids, Presley,” Katy gushed.

  “You have two, right?” I asked.

  “Yep. A little girl, Rosie, who is almost five, and Garrett, who is eighteen months.”

  I felt a small pang of jealousy. I’d always said I wanted to be a career woman and didn’t want kids until I was established. But after I hit the thirty mark and went through all the changes my life had taken professionally, I started to think more and more about kids, a husband, and the whole family thing. Wondering now if it would still happen or if I would end up without either a career or a family.

  Before I could get too melancholy over something I had claimed I didn’t want, one of the bridal shop employees walked over to us.

  “Are you ladies ready? We’ve pulled all the dresses and put them in the fitting room with your names on them.” She started walking toward the fitting rooms and we all followed her.

  “Over on the table in the corner”—she pointed—“is coffee, water, or white wine if you prefer.”

  “I don’t think there’s much question of what we would prefer.” I laughed as all five of us headed toward the glasses on the table and Barbara, the bridal shop employee, started pouring.

  “Now just be careful taking the wine into the dressing room,” Katy warned. “We don’t need to deal with any wine stains.”

  “It’s white, it won’t stain,” I called out.

  “Not funny, Presley. I can’t take any more shocks today.”

  For a few minutes all you could hear was the rustling of material, and then we finally made our way out to the mirror. Surprisingly enough, we all looked pr
etty damn good. Let’s face it; bridesmaids dresses weren’t always designed to make women look their best. However, bridesmaid dresses had come a long way since the last wedding I had been in, which was years ago. The green Katy had chosen for the color of our dresses looked good on all four of us and, as was more the trend now, the dresses, while the same color, were different styles. Katy, in her great fashion sense and knowing what it was we each really liked, had picked out a flattering style for each of us.

  “These look great, Katy,” Charity said.

  “I’m just happy I was able to zip mine up.” I said. “I haven’t been to yoga in forever. And haven’t stopped with the lotus.”

  “You ladies all look wonderful!” Katy cooed.

  “Thanks Katy, but what about you? Do we get to see your beautiful dress?” I asked. I was the only one who hadn’t seen it yet because I hadn’t been able to make it down for dress shopping. I had seen pictures of course, but that was nothing like seeing it in person.

  “I was in last week. I don’t need to try it on.”

  “Who cares about need? Let’s see it, Katy,” Charity said, and if she hadn’t I would have. So I seconded her request.

  “Yes, Katy. Please! Try it on!”

  “OK.” She smiled. “You don’t have to ask me twice.”

  Barbara, the bridal shop employee, heard our conversation and told Katy she would be right back with her dress.

  While we were waiting, we went ahead and changed back into our regular clothes.

  “Now that we don’t need to worry about spilling wine on our dresses, anyone ready for a refill?” I said, walking back over to the table and pouring another glass of wine.

  “You know it. Hit me,” Robin said.

  We girls were chatting while Katy went into the fitting room to put her dress on. A few minutes later, she came out and stood on the podium in front of the three– way mirror.

  “What do you think?” she said over her shoulder.

  “You look absolutely gorgeous!” I exclaimed. “Wow, Katy. I mean wow.”

  Katy beamed.

  Her dress was just a hint of cream and strapless. Tight fitting to the hip and then went out in a very full traditional, I would say, bottom skirt with a lace overlay. There was a small train that Barbara was holding up. It looked perfect on her.

  “You look like a princess, Katy,” I said, and she did. The other bridesmaids chimed in their agreement.

  “Even though I’m an old married lady, weddings are so exciting. Seeing someone in a wedding dress is just so beautiful,” Charity said with tears in her eyes.

  I had to agree. In fact, I felt a pang of jealousy. For a moment, I wanted to be up on that podium in my wedding dress. I found myself blinking back tears. My romantic life was not in a great place right now and it made me wonder for a moment if this was something I would ever have.

  “Earth to Presley,” Robin said and poked me.

  “Sorry. What? I was lost in thought thinking about how beautiful Katy is.”

  “Thank you, Presley. The girls were asking about Cooper.”

  “I still can’t believe you two are a couple,” said Shelly.

  “Not that any of us expected you to stay with Brian,” Robin added and we all laughed.

  “I know it’s weird to think of us back in high school and us now,” I said.

  “Oh crap! I need to change,” Katy said. “We have one more stop to make. The craft store, where I ordered a few of the decorations that need to be picked up, closes at five.”

  I was grateful that put a halt to any more discussion about Cooper and me, as we all started scrambling to gather our things.

  “Friday lunch before rehearsal and rehearsal dinner ladies! Don’t be late,” Katy said.

  After promises they would all be on time, we jumped in my car to head to the next destination.

  Chapter 5

  So what’s going on with you and Cooper?” Katy asked. “I find it odd he’s not here. And you clearly didn’t want to talk about him back there.”

  I had been waiting for this question, especially since I hadn’t mentioned him at all, very atypical of me. I loved talking about him. I hadn’t this trip, mainly because I didn’t want to talk about the latest issue. But I knew Katy would eventually bring this up. She knew me all too well.

  “I’m not sure,” I said honestly.

  “Why not? I thought you were getting along well?”

  “We were. That might be the problem,” I said.

  “Presley, getting along well shouldn’t be a problem. What is it you’re not telling me?”

  “He wants to get married.”

  Katy looked at me speechless, for a moment anyway. “I must be really dense because I’m still not understanding. I thought you loved this guy. You two are perfect for each other. Do you not feel the same way anymore?”

  “I do. I just…he brought it up and I froze. He caught me completely off guard, and I didn’t know what to say. I really hurt him and I didn’t know how to fix it. He left a couple days after that for a job, and we’ve not really spoken since. Just a few text messages. He is coming in Friday night for the wedding. He wouldn’t miss that even if he hates me.”

  Katy patted my shoulder. “I don’t care about that. I care about you, and of course he doesn’t hate you. Like you said, he’s just hurt, and if you explain he will understand.”

  “Thanks. I just don’t know what to do. I’m so confused. He doesn’t want to talk to me and I haven’t had that happen before.”

  “You just need to tell him that. Cooper loves you, he’ll listen and understand.”

  I shook my head. “I don’t know, Katy. I’ve never seen him like this. He doesn’t want to hear what I have to say.”

  “He will. Just keep trying. You two are meant to be together. It will all work out, you’ll see. He just needs some time and he’ll come around.”

  I certainly hoped so. I did love him and marriage was something I wanted. I wasn’t sure what my problem was. Ever since I left my corporate job I’d felt so unsettled. Nothing I tried seemed to work or had really jelled, which was an uncomfortable feeling for me. Cooper and I had been mostly in a long distance relationship because of his crazy travel schedule with Sands Security. So I wasn’t as secure in our relationship as I felt I should be. Not that I doubted his feelings or anything. Marriage was just a big step.

  We picked up the few items we needed at the craft store and headed back to the salon to pick up Katy’s car.

  “Ugh, this just looks horrible and I feel horrible. Here I am running around, doing errands for my wedding, and someone just died. It feels wrong.”

  “I know,” I said, looking at the crime scene tape around the entrance of the salon. I could imagine how bad this was for Katy. “But it’s not your fault this happened. The police will find out who did this.”

  “You’re right. I just can’t help it.” She sighed and grabbed her purse from where it was sitting on the floor.

  “Are you heading right to the restaurant?” I asked.

  “I’m going to swing by the house and pick up Chris first and then we’ll be there. Probably fifteen minutes.”

  “OK I ‘ll head right there and get us a table,” I said.

  “And a pitcher of margaritas!”

  “That’s a given. See you in a few.”

  I drove off and headed to the restaurant, grateful that the curiosity over wondering why someone was killed and left in Katy’s salon was keeping me from thinking about Cooper, which was all I had been doing since our fight.

  I pulled up to the restaurant and got a table for four and a pitcher of margaritas.

  I had taken my first sip when Tobey joined me.

  Grabbing the pitcher and pouring his own, he said, “Good thinking.”

  “You know Katy and I couldn’t come here without ordering a pitcher. Speaking of Katy, she and Chris just walked in.”

  I raised my hand and waved to get their attention. They quickly joined us and each po
ured glasses.

  Katy held her glass up in the form of a toast and we all followed suit.

  “To good friends, good food, and good drinks,” she said.

  “Here, here!” I seconded, and we all clinked glasses. “Congrats to Chris and Katy!”

  We clinked again and then all took drinks.

  “Did you ladies get a lot done today?” Chris asked.

  “If it was wedding related, we did it, didn’t we Katy,” I joked.

  “Yeah. We did get all the main stuff handled. Now it’s the waiting game until Friday. Nothing else can really be done before then. My biggest challenge the next few days will be rescheduling salon appointments. I personally have the week off, but my employees are booked and I feel bad they have to lose out on their money. I’m not sure what to do. Missing a few days pay is bad for some of them.”

  “Did they give you any indication of when you could re–open?” Chris asked.

  “No.” She shook her head. “When Officer Schultz called today he just said it looked like a homicide and it would at least be a few days. And then what if our clients don’t want to come back to a salon where there was a dead body?” Katy said, starting to get upset again. I couldn’t help but think I wouldn’t want to be in her position.

  “Katy, your clients love you. They will stand by you. Don’t worry,” I said.

  “Presley’s right, honey. We can get through this,” Chris said and again impressed me with his level of caring.

  “Let’s just focus this week on making this the best wedding ever!” I said.

  “I like the sound of that. Now let’s order some food.”

  We ordered and I felt proud of myself for choosing a salad and resisting the chips, but tried not to think of how many calories were in the margaritas. The bridesmaid dress had fit, but it wouldn’t if I gained one more ounce.

  We chatted about mutual friends and things going on as we were eating, keeping the topic light. When we had finished and I was enjoying an after dinner cup of black coffee, again proud of the fact I said no to dessert, I couldn’t help but bring up the subject of Bethany Granville.

  “Did any of you know her?” I asked.

  “Not personally,” Katy said. “I just saw her face plastered all over town. Like I said, she got her hair done somewhere else and I can’t afford houses in the price point she sells, so our paths never crossed.”