Bad Hair Day 7 - Dead Roots Read Online Free

it?”
    He shrugged. “Mr. Butler—he’s the manager—is tryin’ to get the owners to remodel instead of sellin’ to real estate people who’ll turn the property into a theme park. We likes things as they are, ya know?”
    Stopping in front of her room number, Marla fit her key in the lock. “Thanks, Harvey. I appreciate the information.”
    “Yes ma’am. If ya need anything”—he winked—“anything at all, give me a holler. I’m always willin’ to share a drink and a few stories.”
    Marla handed him a two-dollar tip before entering her room.
    Inside, Vail sprang off the bed where he’d been watching a football game on television. “What took you so long?” he said, his expression edged with concern.
    “I was talking to Aunt Polly, then some of those paranormal people came over. They’ve been hired to chase away ghosts and mentioned something about incidents. I’ll tell you about it later. I want to take the tour, so we don’t have much time.”
    “You didn’t unpack.” He sauntered closer, a familiar gleam in his eyes. “I was hoping we could, uh, relax a bit in our room.” His arms encircled her.
    She kissed him, then let her lips hover by his mouth. That’s a tempting offer, but I’m hungry.” She rubbed her body against his. “Would you mind waiting?”
    “Actually, I’m starving. We’ll have plenty of time for this later.” Releasing her, he grinned. “The spa complex has a cafe. If we hustle, we should be able to catch lunch on the way to the tour. It leaves from the movie house not far from there.”
    Marla regarded her suitcase sitting on a luggage rack. “I’ll get washed and hang up my dresses. You can take charge of our schedule.” Reaching into her handbag, she withdrew the papers from the social director. Vail groaned as she tossed him the stack. Before he could make any sarcastic remarks, she’d scurried into the bathroom.
    At least the facilities had bright vanity lighting and modern plumbing, she thought gratefully as she scrubbed her hands. Their hotel room wasn’t so bad, either. The king-size bed looked inviting, with its floral bedspread. Side tables with lamps, a generous dresser, a desk, and a sitting area seemed spacious, although stodgy in design. No coffeemaker, and probably no high-speed data transmission line. Oh, well. She didn’t plan to spend much time in the room, even if Vail did. She’d have to drag him with her to the obligatory social events.
    After quickly hanging up her more delicate outfits, lining her shoes up in rows on the closet floor, and putting her beaded evening purse in a drawer, she pronounced herself ready to go. She’d unpack the rest later.
    They wound through various corridors searching for the elevator. She could have sworn Harvey had led her in a straight line, but it appeared there were more hallways than legs on a spider. Losing all sense of direction, she came up short when they reached a roped-off section with a sign that said NO ADMITTANCE, TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED. Beyond stretched a darkened corridor with closed doors, much like the one in the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World. Marla took a step forward, wondering if she’d see an apparition at the far end.
    “You’re not allowed in there,” barked a voice from behind. Marla felt Vail’s hand on her arm, steering her around.
    “Who are you?” Vail asked bluntly, directing his query to the fellow who glared at them with disapproval.
    “I’m George Butler, hotel manager. This is a restricted area.” The man’s impeccably tailored suit backed the authority in his voice. A pair of cold, dark eyes regarded them. Marla’s glance swept to his receded hairline. His slicked-back hair was artificially darkened.
    “This must be Oleander Hall,” she said excitedly. “It’s supposed to be in disrepair, but it doesn’t look that bad to me.” Certainly no worse than the Hibiscus wing.
    The manager’s shoulders stiffened. “Much of the structural damage