Spa Shadows

Spa Shadows

Libby Madsen Cozy Mysteries, Book 2

By Jennifer J. Morgan

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Books in the Libby Madsen Cozy Mysteries series:

Shadows in the Forest

Spa Shadows

Shadowed Treasures (summer, 2022)

Shadow Retreats (fall, 2022)

The Christmas Fairy – a holiday novella

Dedication

For my husband. Our adventures together mean everything to me. Thank you for helping me become the best version of myself. I love you beyond measure.

PROLOGUE

Akron, OH - 1986

They were just children. Milo and Chester spent the long hot summer of 1986 locked away in a juvenile detention center. It wouldn’t take long before these two were inseparable.

Milo was the oldest at thirteen and this was his second stint in juvie. His first offense was theft, and no fault of his own—the two older kids he was with were arrested for armed robbery; he was an accessory, even though he hadn’t stolen a thing. Once released back into society, continuing to run with the wrong crowd, it was evident that this would be his way of life. This time around, he was incarcerated for auto theft, armed robbery, and assault. One thing he knew for sure, his time spent initially taught him all about the correctional institution. He learned how to fly just under the radar, to not be noticed by the older kids. On occasion, however, he would have to flex his muscle to show the others who was boss. He wasn’t a bully, but the best way to keep the bullies off his back would be to stand up to them. Milo wasn’t a large kid by any means, but he could fight. This time in the system, he would be in for a while—might as well establish his territory early on.

Then Chester was admitted to Milo’s same unit. The scrappy, ginger-headed, ten-year-old walked in with his shoulders slumped, staring at the ground. Right away Milo knew this kid would have it rough. His size for one—scrawniest little thing. But, also, it was how he held himself. He was timid, shy, and wouldn’t look anyone in the eye. Poor kid. He had no idea what he’d gotten himself into. The two shared a bunk—Milo on top and Chester on the bottom. The first night all Milo could hear were sniffles. Yep, the kid was doomed in a place like this.

A couple nights later, right after lights out, Chester finally said his first words.

Whatcha in fer? the barely audible voice whispered.

I stole a car. Mighta beat someone, too, Milo whispered back.

Hey, shut up! someone in the next bunk over yelled.

Those were the only words spoken that night, but it would open a door of friendship for months to come.

One day Chester came back to the bunks with his face all torn up. Someone definitely used him as a punching bag.

Milo asked, Who did that?

Ah, no big deal. No one, he said with his head down, no eye contact. He felt his face and already he knew his eye would be swollen shut within the hour.

You gotta fight back, ya know, Milo said, demonstrating with a few air punches and his face scrunched up like a tough prizefighter. I bet it was that wuss, Tony the phony, huh? I pounded his ass. You tell me and I’ll go remind him whose friend you are.

Chester chuckled and glanced up at Milo. That was the most eye contact the two had during his first week in the joint, but it was the beginning of the rapport between them.

Every day was the same routine. They woke, ate the cafeteria slop, cleaned up, sat in ‘school’, went outside a couple times a day, and then back to the bunks. They were kept busy to keep them out of trouble, but that didn’t matter, the boys in this place were always looking to make trouble. Milo and Chester stuck together and, for the most part, the older kids stopped picking on the younger one.

Until one day when Chester went to shower alone.

Hey, Howdy Doody! Where’s your boyfriend? Tony jeered.

Chester startled, but didn’t look at the kid, he just kept moving toward the shower.

Hey! I’m talking to you, punk. Don’t ignore me! Tony pushed Chester into the stall door. Where’s your boyfriend?

Milo’s still asleep, Chester’s small voice quivered.

Three more from Tony’s gang appeared in the doorway. One closed the door, then stood guard. The others, along with Tony, surrounded Chester and backed him into the corner of the shower.

Let’s teach him good. The larger, overweight kid pushed him.

Chester fell to the ground, hitting his head against the tiled wall. Fists began slamming him in the face before everything went black. Time stopped.

Just outside the bathroom, there was a loud crash. Then the door sailed open and Milo charged into the room. Lifting the closest boy to him, Milo thrust him across the room and then proceeded to do the same with the others, until he came to Tony.

Ah, came to rescue your little boyfriend, did ya? Tony spat.

Get away from him now! Milo screamed. He was trying to gain the attention of guards he’d hoped were in the hallway by now.

Tony puffed his chest, posturing. Milo reached out and grabbed his collar, pulling him in closer and quickly punching Tony in the face, throwing him against the wall opposite from Chester. Tony gave up; Milo rushed to Chester. He was unconscious and splayed out on his stomach with his clothes ripped off. Blood was everywhere. Milo rolled him over and saw that most of the crimson was coming from his nose and a head wound. Gently, he enveloped his friend into his arms.

With his voice cracking, he whispered into the small boy’s ear, Why didn’t you wait for me? Why? He lifted the limp body and ran for help.

After a day in the infirmary, Chester was back in the bunkroom.

Hey, kiddo. You okay? Milo asked as he saw the bruised and swollen redhead crawl back into his bed.

I’m fine, he said quietly.

Milo crawled down out of his bunk, kneeled onto the floor in front of Chester, and looked the kid in the eyes. Those punks will never touch you again, I assure you of that.

Did you get in trouble? Chester meekly asked.

Well, yes. But, not as bad as the others. Ya know, was told not to fight anymore, got a little more time, but they understood I was trying to save you. You were in bad shape, brother.

Chester’s eyes found the floor again. He was ashamed. Thank you, Milo. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me here.

Hey, no problem kiddo. You’ll always be a little bro to me. He slapped the side of Chester’s arm and hiked back up to his bed.

Neither ever spoke of the incident again, and no one bothered Chester again before he was released from detention six months later. Milo had several more years to serve.

After Chester was on the outside, they kept in contact, writing letters to one another. Chester was tossed around between foster homes endlessly and struggled. His letters to Milo were getting more desperate sounding as the years passed.

By 1991, Milo was released from the institution and his juvenile records were sealed. He realized unless he took action to change things, he would spend the rest of his life in prison. He decided to join the Army. Although never truly doing well with authority, he managed to serve his time and was released honorably. In the years following, he thrived … found himself a decent job, a wife, and they went on to have three children. Life couldn’t have been better.

Once Milo left the military in 1996, he searched for Chester only to discover that he was in prison—statutory rape. It’d been ten years since Milo last saw his little friend when he decided to pay him a visit. Chester wasn’t so little anymore. All grown up, he was a strapping six foot tall and two-hundred pounds. On that visit, Milo learned the full story.

At eighteen years old, Chester thought he found the love of his life. He was happy and they were in love. Come to learn she was only fifteen years old. Her father was livid when he learned of his daughter’s boyfriend’s checkered history, so he pressed charges and now Chester was serving time—three years and a lifetime with ‘rape’ on his record.

Even though Milo was no longer physically worried about his little buddy, he still offered him some sound advice.

Bro, you don’t have long in here. When you get out, you need to get your life together. I served in the military—it saved my life. That may or may not be your calling, but seriously, think about what you’ll do different when you get out. And, remember, I’m always here for you. Milo couldn’t hug Chester in the guarded room, but the look they exchanged conveyed the same message.

One year later, Chester was released from prison, but remained on the registered sex offender list—something he would have to learn to live with. Since his visit from Milo the previous year, he had joined a men’s Christian ministry in prison and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior. This proved instrumental as he assimilated back into civilian life. Serving on a mission, he moved to Mesa, AZ and met his future wife at church. Life was finally looking up.

* * *

Twenty Years Since Juvie Days

2006

Chester’s wife turned up the volume on their TV. Ches! Did you hear about this?

What!? he yelled from the other room. He walked into the living room and stared at her.

Look … She pointed at the TV, where the perky reporter was handing the story over to another reporter in Ohio.

Neighbors were horrified yesterday in the normally quiet Akron suburb when a house abruptly went up in flames. It has since been learned that firefighters found a grisly scene—three children and a woman’s remains were discovered and they’re calling this a homicide. Question is, where is Milo Robinson? The father, and husband, is nowhere to be found. Police say he is a person of interest. He is a known outdoor enthusiast and survivalist. If you’ve seen this man, please call your local police.

Chester watched in horror. His best friend—what on earth happened?

CHAPTER ONE

Summer 2020

My new roommate, Isobel Crenshaw—who has informed me she prefers her nickname, Bella—was adjusting well to her new normal. Several months had passed since the ordeal with leaving her abusive childhood behind. She was diligently working at weekly psychotherapy and seemed to be doing well.

Ready for your first day? I asked.

I really appreciate this, Libby. You and Alexis are so kind giving me a job. Isobel’s smile lit up the room. She was excited to get started.

Hey, you interviewed for it—we didn’t just ‘give’ it to you, I reminded, giving her a quick hug. Can you let Shadow out one last time? I’ll get us some travel mugs for our coffee.

Shadow came bounding into the room as soon as she heard her name and ‘out’. I grabbed a few things from the fridge. Several pieces of lunchmeat, a couple string cheese packets, and an apple. From the pantry, I grabbed the large container of mixed nuts and then threw everything into my tote bag. That will have to do for sustenance today—it’s going to be a busy one! I poured two travel mugs with my favorite coffee blend and tightened the lids.

Wow, Shadow has so much energy this morning! Isobel commented, laughing as she nearly got bowled over coming through the back sliding glass door.

Yeah, I’m not loving the fact we weren’t able to go on our run this morning. I overslept, and I have a completely full schedule today.

I grabbed two treats for Shadow, locked the back door, and called my canine friend over to her kennel. Good girl! I’ll come let you out in a little while. Be right back, I said in my best soothing voice as I threw the two cookies to the rear of the crate. She didn’t look thrilled, but she did jump right in after those treats.

Isobel and I loaded up in my silver Toyota 4-Runner and set out for work. My adulthood dream had always been to own a spa business—and now I’ve done it! Well, my business partner, Alexis, and I have opened our dream business—the Dharma Inspired Day Spa. Opened for two years now, but recently the emergence of the COVID-19 virus had us shut down for nearly six weeks. We made ends meet by offering home visits for well-known and established clients. Thankfully, the governor has now cancelled that mandate; we’re back to business.

Did you hear that story in the news last night about a serial rapist in the east valley? Isobel asked, breaking into my thoughts as we drove down the road.

No. What’s going on?

Well, they said there are now four women who have reported being attacked … in their bedrooms during early morning hours.

Holy crap. Really? Here?

Mesa, Chandler, and I think one occurred in Tempe, too. Anyway, just be careful. I know you love jogging really early in the morning to beat the heat. Although, I think these are cases of breaking into homes—just be careful anyway.

We pulled into the parking lot at the spa within five minutes of leaving home. Yes, we could even walk here from home, but not in July. Not in Arizona, it’s simply too hot.

Isobel surprised me when her left arm suddenly crossed in front of my face. What’s that? She pointed to the front of the building. It looked like Alexis beat us here; she was standing out front staring at the glass windows. We parked, grabbed our stuff, and walked up to the building. On the glass was painted what could have been gang graffiti, except for the clearly written ‘LESBOS’ in bright fluorescent pink across the front door. Didn’t look like any gang graffiti I’d seen in other parts of town.

I’ve already called the police. Alexis didn’t even look at us, she just kept staring at the vandalism as she spoke in a monotone voice.

Wha…What? How…? I was stunned at what I saw.

Hopefully the cameras we installed caught whoever did this, she added. Then she turned to us, Oh, I’m sorry. Good morning, ladies! She gave us each a hug.

Let’s wait for the police inside. Have you touched the front door? I asked Alexis.

No. Just got here and I only pulled out my phone to take photos and make the call. She reached into her purse and grabbed a small eyeglass wiping cloth. Here, let’s carefully use this to open the door. Don’t touch anything.

Once we got inside, the three of us inspected every room. We checked all the doors, windows and everything was secure—no one had tried to break in, thankfully.

The police arrived to take our statements. They checked the footage from our cameras. Luckily, our cameras are located inside the building and pointed outward so the vandals couldn’t get to them. Unfortunately, the lighting was not great in the front of our building. We could see a shadowy figure, dressed all in black, and apparently wearing a face mask. The person was tall, not short and there was not even one bit of footage that showed the person’s face. The stature led us to believe it could be a man. But, that was it. Not extremely helpful.

After the police left, I turned to Alexis and Isobel, Let’s get busy cleaning that mess up, customers will be arriving within the hour.

Oh, let me do it, Libby, Isobel piped up immediately. Really, it’s my first day. I’m great at cleaning. Besides, you two need to get set up for your clients.

I think I’m going to like this arrangement, Alexis said with a huge smile.

Thank you, Isobel. Let me show you where the cleaning supplies are. After my first client, I should have more time to get you acquainted at the front desk.

By the time my first session was completed and I walked my client, Michelle, back to the front desk, Isobel had the windows perfectly shiny and new. I checked Michelle out while taking the opportunity to instruct Isobel on our software and training her how to schedule the next visit. She was a natural.

You sure look comfortable behind the desk, I commented. And hey, great job getting those windows cleaned. They look fantastic!

Thanks! I love it here already—I mean, what’s not to love? Bella’s eyes shined, showing her smile clearly even behind her face mask. Seriously, I’m so grateful.

Follow me, I’ll show you what needs to be done before the next appointment. If someone walks in the door, we’ll hear the ding in the back, I said, as we walked through the frosted glass doors into the Serenity room.

Alexis’ client was relaxing with her eyes closed on the plush sofa near the fountain when we walked through. We stayed quiet until we made our way through the next set of doors and into the therapy room I had just used. I proceeded to give Bella the rundown of what she needed to do after each massage: strip the linens and scour all surfaces with disinfectant (including doorknobs, light switches, etc.).

Refill this essential oil diffuser, I demonstrated. And take these linens into the laundry room, rotating the loads throughout the day.

With the virus protocol, is there anything more that I need to consider when cleaning? she asked.

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