Killer Cuts: A Dead-End Job Mystery (21 page)

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Authors: Elaine Viets

Tags: #Cozy Mysteries

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“I think your shop is under surveillance by that white van across the street,” Phil said.”It may be the police.”

“Why? I didn’t do anything,” Miguel Angel said.

“I’m guessing the cops don’t have enough to arrest you, but you’re a person of interest in the King Oden murder,” Phil said. “Until they arrest someone, be careful. And don’t use your cell phone. They can track you with it.”

Helen saw the folded wheelchair in the corner. “I have to deliver my sick old auntie to her Jeep,” she said.

Miguel Angel slapped on the black, curly wig and a little makeup, then put on the dowdy blue blouse. Helen and Phil wheeled him through the alley to the hotel parking entrance.The valet brought the Jeep. Helen and Phil helped Miguel Angel inside. He tipped the valet and drove away.

“Good-bye,Aunt Angela,” Helen called, waving at the Jeep.

She could swear her sweet old aunt flipped her the bird.

“

H
ow did you know that was a police van parked across

from the salon?” Helen asked Phil.They walked hand in

hand through the warm June night. Helen wished they could keep walking forever.

“Because no vehicle could park that long on Las Olas without be ing towed,” Phil said.”When we walked by—”

“We didn’t exactly walk by,” Helen said.

“When we were standing by the van,” Phil said.

“And you were kissing me,” Helen said.

“I saw shadows behind the tinted windows,” Phil said. “Plus I saw the lighted dial of a cell phone. And someone inside was definitely smoking. I could see the glowing cigarette end.”

“You noticed all that while you were overcome with passion?” Helen asked.

“An ordinary man wouldn’t have,” Phil said.”But I’m experienced at undercover work.” He winked. Helen kissed him again.”Besides, you noticed that pizza delivery to the van.That was a major tip-off. Some one isn’t taking this stakeout seriously.”

“Is that good news?” Helen asked.

“No, Miguel Angel still needs to be careful.”

“Why don’t they arrest him?” Helen asked.”They caught him with a little heroin.”

“Drug dealers are a dime a dozen,” Phil said.”King’s murder is high profile. I’m guessing his hair sample came back clean and they’re buying the story that he was set up—for now.”

“Thanks for helping him,” Helen said.

“I like Miguel Angel,” Phil said.

“He’s doing my makeup and hair free as a wedding present,” Helen said.

“That’s nice. But what’s in it for me?” Phil said.

“He can do your makeup, too,” Helen said.”I wouldn’t let him cut your hair, though. I like it the way it is.” She gave his silver ponytail a playful yank.

“And I like you better without makeup,” Phil said.

“Don’t say anything to Miguel Angel.You’ll hurt his feelings.What are we doing about dinner tonight?”

“How about Ferdos Grill? They have good kibbe.They’re about the only place in town that still serves it.”

Helen made a face. “I don’t know how you can eat raw lamb. But their chicken kebabs are good.”

“Cooked meat is so conventional,” Phil said.

“Only circus geeks eat raw meat,” Helen said.

“It’s a little far to walk,” Phil said.”Let’s take my Jeep. I’ll have to stop by my apartment for my car keys.”

Margery Flax flagged them down from her front door.Their landlady looked like a giant eggplant in her dark purple dress.”Helen, your sister Kathy is on my phone,” she said.A lit cigarette dangled from her lips.

“Cool shoes,” Helen said. “Wish I could wear purple gladiator sandals.”

“Nobody’s stopping you,” Margery said.

“I don’t think they’d look good on me,” Helen said.

“You’ve got great legs.You’re too conventional,” Margery said.

“Phil just told me that,” she said.

“Well, listen to the man,” Margery said.

“I am not eating raw lamb,” Helen said. “He thinks I’m conven tional because I don’t like raw meat.”

“Will you talk to your sister, please?” Margery said, handing her the phone. “She’s waiting.”

Kathy gave Helen a subdued hello.

“What’s wrong?” Helen asked.

“Mom went ballistic, just like you predicted. She says you’ll burn in hell.”