Beauty and the Deceased

Book 4: Resale Boutique Mystery

by Debra Sennefelder

Genres: Amateur Sleuth; Cozy Mystery

Synopsis

Kelly Quinn’s Long Island consignment shop offers high style at secondhand prices—but when a body is found on the beach, she needs to start hunting for a wolf in sheep’s clothing . . .
 
Kelly is thrilled when she gets a visit from a cousin she hasn’t seen in years. Becky’s cosmetics company is taking off, and she just might have laid the foundation for a big-money buyout. It’s a time to celebrate—but Kelly is heartbroken when a killer puts an end to their happy reunion during a mysterious midnight meeting near the shore.
 
Despite multiple warnings to steer clear, Kelly starts shadowing a variety of suspects both inside and outside the beauty business—when she isn’t busy filling the racks of the Lucky Cove Resale Boutique with lots of new inventory from a local shopaholic. Gossip and accusations are flying, but there’s no glossing over this ugly crime, and she’s going to make sure the culprit faces justice…

Release date: December 14, 2021

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Print pages: 256

Sample

CHAPTER ONE

Kelly Quinn knew three things for sure her first full summer back home in Lucky Cove. One—summer people were good for business. Two—reconnecting with her cousin was just what she needed to help deal with…well, see number three. Three—getting over a breakup is hard when you see the guy practically every day.

She leaned closer to the mirror and applied a swipe of her new favorite lipstick, Beachy Nude by Define Beauty. The up-and-coming cosmetics company had been her cousin’s brainchild. Becky Quinn’s obsession with makeup in her teen years had paid off.

Kelly dropped the lipstick into her vintage Gucci clutch she used as a cosmetics bag. It had been a little treat to herself after the breakup from her boyfriend. Luckily the consignment website she purchased it from had a payment plan. She grappled around for her concealer and finally found the tube.

Dabbing on the Define Beauty’s concealer, she knew something else for certain. And it made her belly quiver.

Family secrets that bubbled below the surface could suddenly erupt, swallowing everyone involved. Including someone like her who only knew merely about the secret.

Too bad her concealer didn’t work on things like heartbreaks and secrets. She would have purchased a vat full.

A dramatic meow drew her attention from the dresser’s mirror to the floor where her orange cat, Howard, sat staring up at her. He meowed again and ratcheted up the drama that time. She glanced at her watch and sighed. Right on time.

The furball had a schedule, and heaven forbid there was any deviation. After all, his first nap of the morning would be after breakfast.

“Okay, okay. I’m almost done.” She stepped back from the dresser and gave a final look at her outfit. She nodded approvingly at her gray wide-leg linen blend pants topped with a black cotton shell and paired with block-heeled sandals. It was a fashionable yet comfortable outfit for the day ahead. Before she opened her shop, the Lucky Cove Resale Boutique, she had an appointment with a new consignor. According to the woman’s sister-in-law, who worked with Kelly, Camille Donovan had a ton of clothes to sell.

Kelly’s lips curled up into a smile. She loved clients like Camille. And she needed more of them.

Another meow, this time louder and more urgent, alerted Kelly to her cat’s growing impatience with her dawdling. Over time, she’d learned to decipher his various sounds and body language. It would have been a whole lot easier if he’d come with a manual when she inherited him from her granny. Manuals would have helped with the boutique and her apartment too. Oh, and she couldn’t forget relationships. A how-to guide on how to repair broken relationships would have been beneficial. Alas, there was no handbook on life. It looked like she, along with everyone else, was learning as she went along.

She zipped the cosmetics bag and carried it out of the bedroom with Howard right on her heels. When she stopped at the small table in the hall between the coat closet and the door, he gave her a questionable look.

Exactly who owned whom?

“I’m only dropping this into my tote,” she reassured her feline.

Her cell phone chimed, and she slipped it out from its pocket in the bag. Another meow prompted her to walk and read the text simultaneously.

Wish you were here. Isn’t this gorgeous?

Kelly smiled at the photo of the sunrise her cousin Becky had sent. Lucky Cove didn’t have long stretches of beach that neighboring towns had, but it rivaled them in beauty and tranquilness. Her hometown wasn’t a flashy summer village where people vacationed to be seen. Families and overstressed city-dwellers flocked to the town to recharge, not to be followed around by paparazzi.

She typed a reply as she entered the kitchen and nearly tripped over Howard. He was getting excited about his breakfast.

Can’t wait to see the house.

To think, a year ago, she wouldn’t have been navigating through her apartment and texting at this time of the day. No, she’d have been hustling from her brownstone walk-up to the Midtown offices of Bishop’s department store. Life sure turned on a dime.

She set the phone down on the counter and got busy filling Howard’s bowls with kibble and water. After setting them down on the mat, she eyed her coffee maker. Did she have enough time for a quick coffee? She checked her watch. No time if she didn’t want to be late for her appointment. She’d grab a coffee on her way back to the boutique at Doug’s Variety Store. Doug’s was the central hub of town that caffeinated residents and sold newspapers and groceries. It was a hodgepodge of a store firmly rooted in Lucky Cove.

With Howard fed, Kelly grabbed her phone and then dashed out of the kitchen. At the door, she lifted her tote and slung it over her shoulder. Inside the bag were a notebook and her calculator. She liked to give a rough estimate on how much a client could expect to earn by selling her clothing. Out on the small hallway landing, which was bright and cheery thanks to a new paint job and decorative accessories, she pulled her door closed. Hurrying down the staircase, her thoughts shifted from her upcoming visit with Becky back to her business.

In-home estimates for consignees were something she scheduled for before the boutique opened. Even though she didn’t do many of them, she found they were worth it because she often got more inventory. Plus, it was easy and convenient for the clients. And happy clients meant repeat business.

Kelly pushed open the door that led to the first floor of the two-story Colonial that housed the boutique. She closed it, making sure it locked, and then headed to the staff room.

Right before the unofficial start of summer, she had expanded the boutique’s hours to include Sundays. Before the last holiday season, the boutique had been open seven days a week. After a review of sales data, it made sense to close on Sundays during the winter months. Once the weather turned warmer and foot traffic on Main Street picked up, it made financial sense to open on Sundays again. Adding an extra day to the work calendar meant she needed extra help, and she hired a new part-time sales associate.

It only took one day to fill the position. Yes, Kelly had acted on impulse. But when Terry Carlisle entered the boutique stylishly dressed in a bias-seamed flannel skirt topped with a cashmere tee sweater, Kelly instantly knew she was the one. The whole look was sleek in a casual way, signifying that Terry knew fashion.

And a big part of the sales job was knowing what was in fashion and what looked good on women.

Kelly passed through the multipurpose staff room on her way to the back door. Tucked in the corner was the dated kitchenette. In the center of the room was a round table used for meals and meetings. Off to the side was her desk. Next to an old filing cabinet was a clothing rack filled with items waiting to be put out on the sales floor.

She opened the back door and stepped outside. Tugging the door closed, she inhaled a deep breath of fresh, salt air. While fall was her favorite fashion season, summer had a special place in her heart. She’d spent her childhood sunbathing on the beach, roasting s’mores after nightfall, and traipsing around town with her friends in her flip-flops and cutoffs.

Her phone buzzed with a reminder. No time to dawdle. She had to get moving.

She slipped into her Jeep. Well, technically, it belonged to Pepper Donovan and was on loan to her indefinitely. Pepper and her husband had been more than generous to Kelly since she moved back to Lucky Cove. She had no idea how she’d ever repay them. She could start with making sure she did her best to sell every stitch of clothing Camille had to consign.

She backed the vehicle out of the space and headed off to Sand Dunes Lane. The cozy Cape Cod–style house was on a treelined street surrounded by similar homes. Some had additions; others, like the Donovans’, were left untouched by a contractor.

Kelly pulled her Jeep into the short driveway and stepped out. She grabbed her tote from the front passenger seat and proceeded to the front door along a brick path worn and chipped with age. She was glad she was wearing block heels rather than stilettos because some serious damage could have been done.

When she reached the front door, she found a medium-sized box on the step. A quick look at the label told her it was a delivery from Petite Look. She frowned. According to Pepper, Camille was obsessed with clothing subscription services, hence the need for a cleanout of her wardrobe. Knowing this, Kelly had an idea of the merchandise she’d leave with—moderately priced, mass-market quality and an assortment of sizes.

Kelly picked up the box. The night before, she researched various style boxes, and Petite Look came up in the results. It catered to the 5′4″ and under crowd.

She reached for the lion head knocker to announce her arrival. She couldn’t help but giggle when she lifted the handle and let it drop. It felt so formal. And then she wondered if it was heard inside.

Just as she scanned for a doorbell, the door opened, and Camille appeared, dressed in a turquoise romper.

“Kelly! I’m so glad you’re here.” Camille swung the door wider and reached out to grasp Kelly’s hands but stopped when she saw the box. She flashed a sheepish look. “Busted, as my grandson says.”

Kelly laughed as she handed the box to Camille. “It appears so.”

“I’m trying to cut back; I really am. Please come in.”

“No worries. I’m not here to judge. I’m here to help.” Oh, gosh, that sounded so professional. Kelly made a note to use the line again.

She stepped into a small foyer that opened on both sides with a staircase directly in front of her. She peered into both rooms anchoring the foyer, and they were tidy and attractively decorated. Her gaze landed back on her client. Thinking of Camille as her client seemed odd since she’d known the woman her whole life. Kelly had spent countless hours out in the backyard playing with Camille’s two children and Gabe, Pepper’s son.

Camille was in her early sixties and slender now that she’d lost seventy pounds. The smile on her round face was hesitant. Her wide-set hazel eyes had a sweep of eyeshadow, and the golden highlights in Camille’s wavy auburn hair had a gloss that made Kelly a tad jealous. Standing in front of her was a woman who, according to society, was supposed to be invisible. Yet she was rocking hair, makeup, and the cutest romper. Kelly couldn’t help but wonder if Pepper’s makeover last fall had something to do with Camille’s reinvention. It had taken a while for Pepper to come around to the changes Kelly had made in the boutique, but when she did, she was all in, including a whole new look.

Camille hurried into the living room and set the box on the coffee table. She turned back to Kelly.

“I desperately need your help.” Camille’s smile had vanished, and in its place was a frown and two deep lines set between her thin brows.

“Pepper says you have clothing you’d like to sell. I’m happy to take care of that for you. Want to show me what you’re going to consign? I can give you a quick estimate of how much you could make, and I also have a contract for you to sign.”

“Oh, my, it sounds so official.”

“The contract is to protect both of us.” The agreement was professionally written and spelled out all the terms of the consignment, but over the years Kelly’s grandmother, Martha Blake, had stopped using the document. According to Pepper, they both felt that the paperwork hadn’t been necessary. Kelly disagreed and immediately began using the contract again once she took over the boutique’s ownership.

Camille nodded. “Whatever I need to do, I’ll do. I just have to clear out all the clothes. It’s gotten out of hand. Come, I’ll show you.”

She led Kelly through the living room to the back of the house. A soft white paint unified the walls throughout, and area rugs covered the gleaming hardwood floors. When they arrived at a closed door, Camille pushed it open for Kelly to enter.

Inside what she guessed was a guest room was a massive amount of clothing. Kelly’s mouth gaped. Piles of sweaters, tops, and jeans buried the double bed. On the floor were more piles of clothes. They looked like jackets, vests, and coats. She eyed the triple dresser and wondered if there were more clothes stuffed in there.

The momentary overwhelm of so much clothing subsided. Kelly approached the bed to inspect the clothes.

She picked up a snake-print blouse and unfolded it. The label was unfamiliar to her. Then again, many of the subscription services used brands that weren’t available at retail.

“I loved that blouse. But it’s too big for me now. I’ve been on a weight loss journey for two years now, so I have a large variety of sizes.” Camille joined Kelly at the bed and fingered through a stack of striped sweaters.

Kelly was relieved that Camille had organized the clothing by category, color, and size. It would make her job a lot easier.

“I think I went overboard on all this stuff. But I like to look nice for my job, even though I’m an old lady.”

Kelly looked up from the clothes. Camille worked as a secretary for Kelly’s uncle, Ralph Blake. He owned a real estate development company in Lucky Cove and had projects up and down the island. He was also the cause of her ulcer in the making. She gave herself a mental shake. She was there for work and needed to focus on that.

“You’re not an old lady. Besides, the love of fashion is ageless. This is a nice blouse.” Before Kelly refolded the blouse, she inspected the seaming details. Not bad. Next, she checked the label. Machine wash. Perfect. Most of her customers preferred easy-to-care-for clothing.

“Luckily, I received another one, a size smaller, the following fall.” Camille picked through a pile of jeans. “Do you really think I can sell all this?”

“I don’t see why not? However, I have to say that you’ll get the best prices for items that are in season. This blouse won’t fetch the most money if I put it out for sale now.”

“Right, no one is thinking about fall fashion right now.”

Except for me.

Kelly’s love for fall fashion had her watching all the videos from the fashion shows in London, Paris, Milan, and New York and taking notes. Along with the new it hemline of the upcoming season she spotted her former boss, Serena Dawson, sitting front row. Serena was the vice president of merchandise at Bishop’s. Only months ago she’d swooped back into Kelly’s life and turned it upside down. Like she had when she fired Kelly in front of everyone at Bishop’s.

“Well, there are some summer clothes in these piles and in that closet.” Camille pointed. “And also upstairs.”

Kelly snapped out of her thoughts about her former boss and the humiliating experience of being terminated from her dream job. “Upstairs? There’s more?” Kelly couldn’t remember the last time she’d met someone who had such an enormous wardrobe. Though, considering Camille had been shrinking for the past two years, it was understandable.

Camille’s cheeks flushed. Even though she had a good reason for being a shopaholic, it looked like she felt some embarrassment about her excessive shopping.

“You have no idea.”

Kelly stepped back from the bed and gestured toward the door. “Take me to your clothes. All of them.”

“You’re such a sweetheart.” Camille laughed as she walked to the door and rested her hand on the knob. “You know, I’m wondering if you can help me with my wardrobe once I get everything sorted. I’m closing in on my goal weight. I just have no idea what I should wear to really flatter my figure. And, I’d like to have one of those minimalist wardrobes.”

Kelly lifted her tote. “Like a wardrobe consultation?”

Camille nodded. “Exactly. As you see, I have tons of clothes, but I don’t know if I’m dressing the right way for my body.”

Kelly was familiar with dressing body types. She often advised customers when they were selecting items to try on in the boutique. Camille’s body type was boy shaped. No curves, but all her weight settled in the middle around her abdomen.

“It’s not something I’ve officially offered.” She adjusted the tote’s strap on her shoulder. Perhaps offering the service wasn’t a bad idea. She’d been wanting to find ways to expand the boutique. Plus, the extra work would keep her mind occupied and off her latest breakup. “Why don’t we focus on selling your clothes first? Then we can discuss a wardrobe consultation.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Camille smiled and then led Kelly up the staircase. She looked over her shoulder. “How is Terry working out? She’s a lovely gal, don’t you think?”

“You know her?” In retrospect, it was a silly question. Camille had lived her whole life in Lucky Cove, had raised her children there, and had been active in the community. She, like Pepper, knew practically everyone.

Camille nodded. “Her mother and I are good friends. Have been for years. In fact, Lottie was over here yesterday. She’s thrilled her daughter is working again.”

Lottie sounded like a typical mom.

Kelly’s own had worried when she lost her job last year. The firing had come unexpectedly and swiftly. One minute she was writing a purchase order for Calvin Klein sweaters, and the next she was piling her belongings into a cardboard box. Kelly’s mom had been concerned how her daughter would pay the rent and buy food. Then came the inheritance with a job and an apartment, though Kelly wasn’t sure how much inheriting the boutique had quelled her mom’s worries. But she was doing fine. So no one needed to worry. However, she was a little concerned about her new employee. There had been a gap in Terry’s résumé. When Kelly inquired about it, Terry explained she’d gotten burned out at her previous job, which was as a freelance social media coordinator for beauty brands. She claimed she needed time to recharge. It sounded reasonable to Kelly.

She knew firsthand that being self-employed meant that too often work crept into her personal life.

Yes, the hustle was real, and it could be exhausting.

“Terry is doing a superb job. She’s a natural with customers.” Working on a clothing sales floor wasn’t an easy job. Long hours on your feet, low pay, and dealing with customers all day wasn’t for the faint of heart. Yet, with all the downsides to the job, Terry seemed to flourish. Her suggestions for colors and clothing styles for customers were spot on. Kelly couldn’t have asked for a better salesperson.

They reached the second-floor landing, which was a small square of hardwood. The bathroom’s door was ajar, and sunlight streamed out to the hall. The two other doors had been closed. “Good to hear. As a mother, I empathize with Lottie’s feelings. We want the best for our children. Bless you for giving Terry the chance she needs.”

The chance she needs?

Before Kelly could ask what that meant, Camille opened the bedroom door and stepped aside to allow Kelly to enter.

Kelly’s eyes widened at the sight of a room bursting with clothes.

“Holy Manolos.”

“I know. It’s a bit much.” Camille ushered Kelly into the room. She stepped around Kelly and walked toward the armoire. “There’s clothing in here too. Would you like something to drink? A cup of tea perhaps?”

Tea? Kelly would have preferred water to keep her hydrated while sorting through all these clothes. Still, she declined the offer. The clock was ticking, and she needed to get back to the boutique. For the next hour, Kelly assessed the items Camille wanted to consign. Her calculator was on fire as she tallied an estimate of how much she could sell the clothes for. It took four trips to her Jeep to remove the garments that would go on sale this week. On her last trip to her vehicle, she promised Camille she’d be back for the rest. Now she just had to figure out where to store the windfall of merchandise in her small shop.

* * * *

Because she was at Camille’s house longer than she expected, she only had a few minutes to make a quick stop at Doug’s Variety Store. While she loved the seasonal coffees Doug’s offered, she settled for a plain large coffee with a dash of cream. On her way out of the shop, she passed two women about her age eyeing some Lucky Cove memorabilia.

“So kitschy, isn’t it?” The s. . .