And across the hall, Sully was already headed for the shower. Meeting Elliot Graham tomorrow might be just what he needed to learn where Janie went next or, God forbid, if she was no longer alive.

* * *

The next morning dawned with the new edition of the local paper and Niles Holland’s obituary, which would become the talk of the day. Now that the date and time of the service was announced, along with the mention that a family visitation was being held this very evening from six to eight, people began making plans to go see how the grieving widow honored her alcoholic husband who’d gotten himself killed.

Very aware of what was ahead of her, Barb was focused on her appearance. She intended to stand beside Niles one last time with her head up and stare down his detractors. And part of her armor was appearance, which was why Barb, her aunt Belle, and her sister-in-law, Wynona, all had appointments at the Curl Up and Dye this morning. As Wy always said, “I dress to impress,” and they had done that in spades.

They left Barb’s house wearing every diamond they’d brought with them. Wy had the keys to their silver Lexus, and they were going in style. And to make the statement even starker, they were dressed in black.

Barb directed Wy to Main, and then they took a right down it, all the way to the Curl Up and Dye.

“Oh my lawd,” Belle said, and then cackled with glee. “I can’t believe this name! After we get our hair done, we need to get a picture of us in front of this salon. I can’t wait to show my Bunco buddies back home.”

They got out as a trio and walked to the door with Barb in the middle, and when they went in, Belle sailed through the door.

Ruby and the Conklin twins were waiting. Ruby came forward to meet them the moment they were inside. She hugged Barb close and then gently patted her cheek.

“You have my deepest sympathies, sugar. Now introduce me to your fabulous family.”

Belle already liked the woman and took the introductions out of Barb’s hands.

“I’m Belle Austin, Barb’s aunt, and this is Wynona, Barb’s sister-in-law.”

“My sympathies to your families. Thank you for coming. We are ready and waiting,” Ruby said, then led them back into the work area where Vesta and Vera were standing at attention, each holding a black cape over her arm.

“Ladies, this is Vesta, and her twin sister, Vera. They will be doing your hair, and since Barb is my regular client, I will be doing hers. We have a coffee station, and the little tea cookies are fresh from the bakery this morning.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” the twins said. “I’m Vesta, and I’ll be taking care of Miss Belle. Vera will be taking care of Miss Wynona. If you’ll take a seat in the chairs for a moment, we’ll cape you and then move to the shampoo station.”