Treated and Dyed (A Bekki the Beautician Cozy Mystery Book 13) Read Online Free PDF Page A

noticed that there was a cheerful vase of bright yellow daffodils on the counter.
    “Morning Sammy,” Bekki said and gave her friend a quick hug. “Nice flowers.”
    “Aren't they pretty?” Sammy asked with a smile. “Nancy is dropping them off to each of the shops on the strip in honor of Stella.”
    “How lovely,” Bekki said. She felt genuinely warmed by the gesture. Nick had been right. The town had snapped out of its state of shock and Stella's memory would be honored. “I can't imagine we have many appointments for today,” Bekki said as she began looking through the appointment book.
    “I've had two cancellations this morning, so I think we'll mainly be looking at walk-ins,” Sammy said. She was sweeping the floor though there wasn't much to sweep. Sammy always liked to keep busy, even if she could just as easily be lounging in a chair waiting for a customer to show up. Bekki closed the appointment book and walked over to the counter where she had left Stella's purse.
    “Well, then I might run this purse over to Jodie. I meant to take it to her last night but I forgot to bring it with me,” Bekki said.
    “Sure, I don't think we're going to be busy at all.”
    Bekki turned towards Sammy in time to see Sammy walking towards the water cooler. She grabbed one of the paper cups from the dispenser and began filling the cup with water. Bekki stood frozen in place. Her reaction hadn't caught up with her thoughts, until she saw the filled paper cup in Sammy's hand. Suddenly she lunged forward.
    “No, Sammy don't drink that!” she shouted. Sammy looked up at her with surprise. Bekki slapped the paper cup out of Sammy's hand. The cup tumbled to the floor and the water it contained splashed across the tiles.
    “Bekki, what are you doing?” Sammy demanded. Her question was punctuated by someone clearing their throat. Bekki looked up and over at Nick and his new partner, Dave, who were standing just inside the door.
    “Something wrong with the water?” Dave asked. The way he pronounced the word 'water' made his New York accent very clear.
    “I just didn't think it was a good idea for her to drink it,” Bekki explained. Sammy was still staring at her in a state of shock. Nick's features crumpled into a grimace and he reached up to sweep his hair away from his eyes.
    “We need to ask you a few questions, Bekki,” he said calmly.
    “I need to ask you a few questions,” Dave corrected Nick. “Nick's a little too close to you, don't you think, Bekki?” he asked.
    “Why yes, Dave, I guess being married we would be a bit close,” Bekki responded. She caught a glint in Nick's eyes at the tone of her voice. Dave had only been partners with Nick for a few weeks, but Bekki was having a hard time tolerating him. He had a brash attitude and seemed to think he was the best detective in the world since he used to work in the city. Dave either didn't notice Bekki's cynicism in her response, or he didn't care because he only nodded.
    “Good then, can we speak in private?”
    “Yes,” Bekki agreed.
    “We'll just be out front,” Nick said and held the door open for Sammy. Sammy glanced over her shoulder at Bekki. She whispered to Nick as they stepped outside but Bekki could still hear her.
    “Do you think it's safe to leave them alone together?”
    Bekki tried not to smirk.
    “The situation is that Stella Black did not die of natural causes. We suspect that she may have been poisoned by something that she ingested. Did you notice what she ate or drank while she was in the salon?” he asked. His coal black eyes were stern as he studied her.
    “The water,” Bekki said quietly. “I gave her a cup of water from the water cooler.”
    “This water cooler?” Dave asked. He pointed to the only water cooler in the salon.
    “Yes,” Bekki replied. She gritted her teeth to keep from pointing out that it was the only water cooler.
    “So, that's why you were concerned about your co-worker drinking the water?” Dave