Page 28 of Jane's Story
“Well, if Lance put a fake charge under Armond’s name, he wouldn’t go get mad at Armond about it. He would want to keep it as quiet as possible. Right?” Charles did go check on my reservations when I arrived at the hotel, but I don’t think he would have put it under Armond’s name.
“I suppose you’re right. But it’s possible Armond found out about the extra room booked under his name. Could Armond have started the argument with Lance?” Aunt Penny raised an eyebrow. “Someone needs to hear Lance’s side of this argument.”
“Maybe—” I wanted to sneak a truth serum into everyone’s drinks, but was hesitant to take such extreme actions. The nail technician lingered within earshot. “Maybe we should go test out the sauna before we leave the spa?”
Surprise crossed Aunt Penny’s face, so I subtly gestured toward the nosy technician.
“You know, that is a splendid idea. I could use a good detox.” She flashed her brilliant smile.
Still outfitted in our fluffy white robes and flip-flops, we walked around to the poolside of the spa to the corner where the wooden steam sauna sat. A few other people lounged in chairs at the far end of the pool. But we had the hot tub and sauna side to ourselves.
“This is exactly what I needed.” I leaned my head back on the oak bench and let myself melt into my seat. After being out in the freezing autumn air, the saunawas heavenly.
“What were we talking about?” Aunt Penny asked. She rested back with her eyes closed, already drenched in the steam.
“Oh, right. I know we’re not supposed to use truth serums without consent. But to catch a killer, it would be worth the risk.” My nerves must’ve been getting to me because I swear I saw a shadow move across the window on the sauna door.
“Hmm. I may have something at my place you could try. It’s not a truth serum, but it is a dishonesty inhibitor, which is almost as good,” Aunt Penny mumbled, eyes still closed.
“But…”
“I know you worry about your family’s reputation. But no one will know, and there aren’t any real consequences if we’re caught." Her body shook as she chuckled to herself.
“If you’re okay with my using it, Imightlike to try it tomorrow.” The idea made my stomach clench. I never broke or even bent the rules.
“Of course. We’ll need to go get it.”
“Thanks for sticking your neck out there and investigating, Aunt Penny,” I said.
“Oh sweetie, you know you’re like a daughter to me.” She smiled. “Plus, if your mother found out I’d left you on your own to investigate a murder, she’d kill me. You are her pride and joy.”
“She loves all of us,” I said, shaking my finger at my aunt. I didn’t believe my parents had favorites.
“Of course she does. But you haven’t given her nearly as much stress as your sisters.”
“But Mom thrives on drama.” I closed my eyes, listening to the gentle hum of the radiator. “I’m not always as fun as my sisters.”
“Your mom’s an extrovert like Lydia and Kitty.” Aunt Penny patted my hand. “Introverts never completely make sense to extroverts. They can’t see the full depth of your mind.”
“No, they can’t.” I pulled in a breath of humidified air.
“You know,” Aunt Penny ventured. “I wonder if the security footage will show us who snuck in or out of the room Armond booked. Or the killer could have entered through the doors that adjoins your rooms.”
“Unfortunately, the police said there weren’t any clues from the hall security camera.” I frowned because my door was visible when theywatched the feed.
“You don’t think an invisibility potion?” Aunt Penny asked.
“They still would have seen the doors open on the footage. But nobody entered or left the other rooms aside from me going into my suite.” I shuddered to think of being alone in an enormous suite. “I’m getting pretty hot. Ready to head back?”
I stood to open the sauna door, ready for a breath of fresh air. I turned the handle and pushed to open it, but it wouldn’t budge. Nausea washed over me.
“The door is stuck!”
Chapter 11
“What?”AuntPennyhoppedto her feet. She joined me at the sauna door and pushed, but it still didn’t budge.
I tried not to panic, but my voice rose. “I thought they had safety precautions for saunas—like they didn’t have locks.”
