Bad Hair Day 7 - Dead Roots Read Online Free Page A

isn’t evident to the eye. Be assured it is not safe until extensive repairs are done.”
    “Is it true they may tear down the hotel and build a theme park in its place?”
    Butler’s gaze hardened. “Not if I have anything to say about it. I’m attending the city council meeting later that’s being held in one of our ballrooms. It would be a disgrace to destroy such a monument to our history. This hotel, if restored to its former glory, could rake in much needed tourist dollars to help repay the construction costs.”
    Marla caught a reflection of light from a corroded mirror on the wall. There weren’t any windows nearby. Had that glimmer come from the deserted hall? The hairs on her neck prickled. “What about ghosts? I’ve heard the place is haunted. You hired a bunch of ghostbusters who I met earlier.”
    The manager bristled. They are paranormal investigators, here at my request. We’ve had some, uh, episodes, and I felt it prudent to bring in experts.”
    Vail gawked at Butler. ‘You consider ghost-chasing groupies to be experts? What kind of problem are you having?”
    “Nothing that concerns our guests.”
    “Oh no?” Vail’s persistent tone demanded an answer.
    Marla almost felt compelled to explain his role as a police detective but held her tongue. “Something bad happened here,” she told him. “Aunt Polly mentioned the tower, and the young woman I met earlier hinted at a traumatic event.”
    Butler compressed his lips. “Then may I suggest you ask your aunt about it. She’s more closely related to the history of this place than anyone else. As for the rest, Dr. Rip Spector is in charge of my consultants. If you see or hear anything extraordinary, kindly inform him.”
    After escorting them to the proper elevator, Butler took his leave while Marla and Vail descended to the ground floor.
    Getting her bearings, she pointed toward an exit door. “Let’s go out here so we don’t pass through the main lobby again. Which way is the cinema?”
    Vail held the door open for her. “We’ll head to the spa complex first. We have to go around the tennis courts to get there. I hope they have something substantial to eat at the cafe. Or if you’d rather, we could hit one of the other restaurants for a sit-down lunch.”
    “We don’t have time if we’re going on the tour. We can go somewhere nice for dinner tonight. You have our social schedule. Is there anything planned besides Cynthia’s cocktail party from six to eight?” Marla asked, striding along a gravel path among manicured lawns.
    “Not that I could tell. I’d like to try the steakhouse. It’s located in the former stables.”
    “Okay.” Marla didn’t care where they ate. She was more interested in delving into the fascinating history of the place and wondering how it impinged on current issues facing the resort.
    After stuffing down turkey and cheese sandwiches at the spa cafe, they headed toward the movie house, located in a converted barn. Marla spotted Cynthia loitering among the tour members who’d gathered in front of the renovated building.
    Exchanging air kisses with her cousin, she waited while Vail offered his greetings. He’s really being a mensch about all this , she thought with a swell of warmth.
    “Where are Bruce and the kids?” she asked.
    “They’re at the beach. We have so many exciting events planned, I hope we have time for everything,” Cynthia said, patting her well-coiffed blond hair. Diamonds glittered on her left hand and in her pierced ears. Her husband had made his money in real estate; they had extensive property of their own in eastern Fort Lauderdale.
    “I can’t wait to lie on a lounge chair.” Marla admitted, “but I couldn’t resist the tour. It sounds like there were some strange events in the history of this place. Have you heard about—?”
    “Hi, Marla. I’m glad you could join us.” Champagne breezed past, drowning out Marla’s words with a booming greeting to the group and a