Tessa Stark: Desert Heat

Chapter Thirty Eight

2028 North Vista, which was only a few miles away from the sheriff's station, was a two story, sandstone colored building with large, tinted windows, sitting on a corner lot that was dotted with potted trees and large succulents. The parking lot was fairly full, despite it being only ten in the morning, but she still managed to find a space near the front.

Cutting the engine and stepping out into the already blistering heat, she adjusted her bag and service weapon and headed for the door, but halted a couple of feet away, confusion buffeting her. The name stenciled onto the tinted glass door read OASIS. But, she had been sent in search of Chateaux.

Jolting back into motion, she entered through the automatic door, first receiving a blast of frigid air...and then a bit of a shock as she found herself in what appeared to be a very hotel-slash-hospital type of lobby.

The space was all marble and paneling, with artwork sculptures displayed on pedestals, wooden doors lining either side of the space, a bank of elevators at the back, and a massive, ornately carved wooden desk in the very center, behind which sat a young woman in white scrubs, her blond hair pulled back into a severe bun.

"Hello!  Welcome to Oasis Medi-Spa and Beauty Center!  Can I help you?" she asked as Tessa crossed the space, which was filled with soft music that was intermingled with nature sounds.

"I hope so.  I'm actually looking for Chateaux? This is the address I was given--"

"Oh, yes," the girl smiled. "This is...or was...Chateaux. We're Oasis now, but most of our clientele aren't used to the new name yet. Were you referred?"

Tessa pointed to the shield clipped to her jeans. "Sort of. I'm Special Detective Stark. I have some questions I need to ask...someone."

The girl's smile never faltered. "If you'll tell me who you need to speak with, I'll point you in the right direction, Special Detective."

"I'm not exactly sure who that is," she admitted. "Some of your clients tell me they have their hair and makeup done here. The Autry-Whitmores and at least one Montrose?"

"Oh! Yes, ma'am! The Whitmore family and their friends are all some of our best clients!" the girl gushed. "And they do have their hair, nails, and makeup done here on a regular basis!"

"Can I speak with some of the hairdressers? And maybe whoever does their makeup and nails, as well?" she asked.

The girl gave a curt nod. "Absolutely! Our all inclusive beauty salon is housed in one convenient location! Its just through the door to your left."

"Thank you," she replied, feeling like she was suddenly watching a live advertisement.

"You're very welcome, Detective!" the girl beamed. "And stop by on your way out for a complimentary folding fan! It'll help stave off the heat and keep your makeup set--" the girl's eyes widened and a flush hit her cheeks. "Oh, sorry. I say that so much its a habit."

Tessa felt her stomach squeeze. "Don't worry about it. But, can I see one of your fans?"

"Yes, ma'am!" came the bright response.

The girl reached to her right and produced a white plastic fan with a cheap green tassel, passing it over to Tessa, who took it and flicked it open with a snap, revealing white paper printed with the shape of a green palm tree. Seeing that exact match to the fans that both Hallie and Etty had in their purses on the day that each of them were murdered had her mind wanting to race forward with a hundred different scenarios, but she held it firmly on the task at hand.

"I'll keep this," she told the girl as she slid it into her messenger bag.

"Please, do!" came the response. "And if I can help you with anything else, please let me know!"