Page 43 of The Lady Has a Past

“Does it look like Raina’s handwriting?”

“No. It’s in the same hand as the list of treatments. Whoever prepared this schedule wrote the note. It’s obviously the name of a specific treatment lady.”

Simon considered that for about half a second. “I wonder if Frampton was the person Raina came here to meet.”

Lyra looked skeptical. “I doubt it. I think it’s more likely she’s a spa employee. We’re jumping to a lot of conclusions here, aren’t we? We still don’t know if Raina was the guest in this room.”

“There is another possibility,” Simon said. “Maybe Raina’s acquaintance was the single woman who was booked into this room.”

“We need more information. I think I should book a spa day tomorrow and try to get some answers about Frampton.”

Simon hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. It fits perfectly with our cover. I’ll be fine. The spa is bound to be a busy place. There will be lots of people around. What could possibly go wrong?”

“Well—”

“We both know we’ve got to figure out fast if someone named Frampton is involved in this thing. Gossip flows like a river in a spa or a salon. I’m in the best position to see if I can figure out who Frampton is.”

“Because everyone talks to you?”

“Sooner or later. Usually sooner.”

Chapter 18

Welcome to Guppy’s House of Beauty, Mrs. Cage. I’m Madam Guppy. I will be doing the initial evaluation of your beauty needs and recommending the treatments and therapies that will be most beneficial for you. Here at Guppy’s House of Beauty we take a scientific approach to matters of skin care, diet, and exercise.”

“I’m aware of your reputation, Madam Guppy,” Lyra said. “You are a legend in the beauty business, as I’m sure you’re well aware. When my husband asked where I wanted to go on our honeymoon I thought of the Labyrinth Springs Hotel and Spa immediately. He would have preferred Hawaii, but I was quite firm. Besides, I went to Hawaii last year on holiday.”

“I see,” Madam Guppy said. “May I ask what sort of work your husband does?”

Her full name was Edith Guppy. She was in her very late thirties or early forties, a sophisticated woman who had been blessed with a classic profile, an elegant figure, and a French accent. The owner of Guppy’s House of Beauty must have been truly stunning in heryounger days, Lyra thought, and she was certainly aging well. Guppy was a walking testimonial to the treatments, therapies, and products she sold.

She was dressed in a stylish, crisply tailored suit the exact shade of deep violet that was the signature of her famous brand. The snug-fitting jacket had wide, sharply defined lapels, and the narrow skirt fell to precisely the right place on her calf. Her stacked-heel shoes were the same color as her suit.

There was a great deal of violet everywhere in the salon and spa. The front desk staff and the treatment ladies wore violet-colored uniforms. The walls and the upholstery of the furniture were the same shade.

The dramatic color was everywhere in Guppy’s office, as well, Lyra noted. That was where she was now. The front desk staff had explained that Madam Guppy personally interviewed and assessed the needs of every client who booked a treatment at the spa.

The receptionist had also confirmed that Frampton was the name of one of the treatment ladies who did facials. Lyra was pleased with herself. She had been in the spa for less than half an hour and she had already identified Frampton. The investigation was starting off well. She could hardly wait to tell Simon.

“My husband is in the antiquarian book business,” Lyra said. She waved a hand in a vague gesture. “He advises collectors and archivists. I find it all quite boring, but he is passionately devoted to his work. One might say he is obsessed with it. It is very difficult to convince him to take any time off, but a man can hardly avoid his own honeymoon.”

Edith cleared her throat. “I couldn’t help but notice that you are very fashionably dressed, Mrs. Cage. And I understand you and your husband booked the honeymoon suite, one of the most expensive in the hotel. A full day here at the House of Beauty is a rather pricey luxury. I didn’t realize there was a lot of money to be made in the book business.”

Lyra raised her brows ever so slightly. “My husband is descended from an established New York family. They’re in banking. Old money. My family has done quite well in shipping here on the West Coast. New money, but I find it spends just as easily. Not that it’s any of your business.”

Edith reddened beneath her masklike veneer of makeup. The high color was not a sign of embarrassment, Lyra decided. Guppy was annoyed. Evidently she was not accustomed to being treated in such a high-handed manner.

Lyra smiled, a deliberately cool smile. She could play the frivolous, shallow, arrogant society lady role as well as anyone. She had been raised in the exclusive social world of San Francisco. People had no trouble buying the image she projected when she went into the act. She was not sure how she felt about that. On the one hand, it made a great cover here at the Labyrinth Springs resort. But knowing that others were so quick to conclude she actually was shallow, self-centered, and probably not very bright was irritating.

“Speaking of your overpriced spa,” she said, “I booked the full-day package, which includes a facial.”

“All of our packages include a facial,” Edith said. “My spa is well-known for them. We offer several different versions. Each is scientifically designed for specific skin needs. Good skin is one of a woman’s most important assets.”

“I agree, and I am very particular about my facials,” Lyra continued. “In fact, I would like to request a certain treatment lady for that service today.”

Edith frowned. “Which one?”

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