Room Service & Murder, page 1
part #2 of Madness and Murder Series
Room Service & Murder
The Madness and Murder Mysteries, Book 2
Melissa Baldwin
Contents
About Room Service & Murder
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Epilogue
Also by Melissa Baldwin
Dear Reader
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About Room Service & Murder
There's never a dull day working in the hotel industry. Drug busts, arrests, plenty of clandestine escapades, and parties so wild they'd put fraternities to shame. The last thing Casey Cooper expected was to walk into a guest room and discover the lifeless body of her friend.
Though all signs point to a self-inflicted death, Casey doesn't believe it. On a truth-seeking journey to find justice for her friend, suddenly everyone looks like a suspect. Could it be the former child actress, the over-worked assistant, a long-lost relative, or even the delicious new manager who always seems to be distracting Casey from her mission to find her friend's killer?
Can Casey find the truth before the body count rises and she becomes the next victim?
Copyright © 2019 by Melissa Baldwin
Cover design by Sue Traynor
Formatted by The Letterers Collective
Print ISBN: 978-1093306521
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Version: 04-08-2019
I dedicate this book to my sweet mother-in-law, Sandra,
who loves to curl up with a good mystery.
Thank you for raising such a great son!
Chapter One
I’ve seen some crazy stuff during my years of working in the hotel industry. Drug busts, arrests, plenty of mistresses, and parties so wild they would put fraternities to shame. However, never in a million years would I have thought I would ever walk into a guest room and discover the lifeless body of my friend.
I find it so intriguing when guests choose to stay at our hotel under an alias, especially when they aren’t real celebrities. There have been numerous occasions when I’ve wanted to remind these guests of this sad but true fact. Seriously.
Hello, Ms. Ruby Carson. Who do you think you’re kidding? We all know you’re the infamous former child star Mikenzie Bronsyn, and you haven’t done anything in the business since you were a pre-teen. Now you’re pushing thirty, and most people don’t remember you or your acting days. Well, except for how you spend your fortune and steal the hotel dishes and linens. And about that … why would you want sheets that have been used by thousands of people anyway? Just think about the stories those sheets could tell if they could. Ew. The thought makes me throw up in my mouth. Besides the ick factor, I would think your Malibu mansion would have the finest million-thread-count sheets adorning beds that have never been slept on.
Oh, and news flash—it doesn’t make your alias any more believable to name-drop your credentials in conversation.
I could say this out loud … instead, I stand still in the grand, sprawling lobby of our hotel, smiling with my best-staff-member-in-the-world attitude. As the new director of customer relations, I bite my tongue. As usual. The truth is, I’ve only been in my position for a few days, ever since the former director, Joelle, was fired for having an inappropriate relationship with our hotel manager, Colton. As soon as the news of their fling got out, it spread like wildfire, and Colton and Joelle were both fired.
I know it seems a little extreme because there aren’t actually any set rules about dating co-workers or people in management. And of course they aren’t the first two people in our industry to be caught in this type of situation. But when your wife is the sister of the regional vice president, a sordid, scandalous affair seals your fate. I doubt Joelle will ever work in the hospitality industry in California—or the whole country—again. People talk, and Colton’s wife’s family has a lot of power. Coincidentally, no one has heard a peep from Joelle, so maybe she was already run out of town … or sent somewhere wearing cement shoes. Yikes, that thought sends chills through my body.
“Did you ever see that movie? It was nominated for several awards,” Mikenzie, or “Ruby,” says, pulling me out of my internal monologue. She flips her long golden hair extensions over her shoulder. They hang down her back, and I notice a few strands of pink and blue in the mix. I would love to do something like that, but I’m not that brave. I’ll stick with my practical brown hair with a few caramel highlights. I also can’t help but notice her purple and gold eye makeup framing the longest eyelashes I’ve ever seen in person. Those things have to be fake.
“I loved that movie,” her friend gushes. “Definitely one of my favorites.”
Ah yes, the “supportive” friend/opportunist whose sole purpose is to help Mikenzie spend her money. And she looks the part too, trying to impress everyone in head-to-toe designer attire. Someone should advise her not to try so hard. Her hair is tinted a pale shade of pink, which I guess is the hip thing to do now? Maybe I should do something different with my hair. I suppose I could call my hair stylist and request a popular shade of Easter egg, and she’ll know exactly what I mean. Although I might be too old to pull that trend off? I don’t think I’m supposed to feel this old at the age of twenty-nine.
“Here you are, Ms. Carson,” my co-worker Peyton says, handing her the room keys. She’s so good at her job. “And if you need anything, please contact us immediately. Oh, and you know Casey Cooper, right? She was just promoted to be our new director of customer relations.”
I smile proudly. I’ve been here at the Fountain Rose Resort and Spa for three years now. I started working here while getting my degree in hospitality management. Truthfully, I thought it would be years before having this opportunity, so I guess I should be thankful Joelle chose to hook up with our boss. Would it be tacky to send her a thank you note? Probably. I guess I could thank the person who reported them, but they were anonymous.
“New director? What happened to Jojo?” Mikenzie shouts in horror.
Jojo?
Ms. Carson is obviously not as excited about my new job as I am. Not that I’m surprised. Everyone knew she and Joelle were close friends. Really, really close friends. Alfie, our head of security, says Joelle and Colton used to party in Mikenzie’s room all the time. Of course, no one ever reported it because Colton was our boss, and you don’t tell on the boss, right? Well, someone finally did report them. They were caught in a compromising position in a vacant guest room while on the clock.
“Joelle is no longer on staff,” I tell her politely. “But I assure you we will continue to provide you with exceptional service.”
She gives me an uncertain look and opens her mouth to say something but immediately becomes distracted as another regular guest breezes through the revolving door and into our grand lobby.
“Is that Phoebe Phord?” Mikenzie’s friend whispers loudly.
Mikenzie shushes her. We all look at Phoebe, who’s carrying two Gucci shopping bags. Phoebe’s face is flawless as usual, her skin delicate, like porcelain. She looks amazing for being in her late fifties, not that it’s difficult to achieve with the best plastic surgeons and fitness trainers money can buy. I know for a fact you have to pay good money to achieve a complexion like hers.
As she approaches us, I immediately notice that she’s wearing the Divine Blessings bracelet I gave her for her birthday. It has Swarovski simulated pearls set in an adjustable handwoven cord. Honestly, I never thought she’d wear it along with her expensive designer jewelry, but I didn’t know what else to get her. What do you give a person who already has everything? She gave me a Louis Vuitton wallet for my birthday, but there’s no way I could afford to give a gift like that.
Anyway, she started crying when she opened the box. I was really surprised when she told me it was the most thoughtful gift she had ever received and would always wear it. At first, I thought she was just being nice, but she always has it on.
Phoebe rushes toward me, throws her arms around me, and pulls me into a tight hug along with her Gucci bag. “
I notice Mikenzie’s eyes grow wide as she looks back and forth between Phoebe and me.
“Not that I know of. Peyton?”
Peyton shakes her head as she eyes Phoebe’s shopping bags.
“Phoebe, is that you? How are you?” Mikenzie interrupts like they’re old friends who haven’t seen one another in years.
Phoebe gives her a blank stare, and I try to hide my smile.
“I’m sorry. Have we met?” she asks. “Please forgive me. I have a terrible memory.”
Mikenzie tries to hide her annoyance. “Yes, but it’s been a while. I’m—” She stops talking and looks around. “Mikenzie Bronsyn. But I’m staying here under my alias. You know better than anyone how relentless the paparazzi can be. They’re so obsessed with every move we make.”
“Indeed. Well, it’s lovely to see you,” she says unconvincingly.
Mikenzie smiles smugly, and her friend beams, obviously thrilled about hitting the jackpot in the friend department. If only she knew that Mikenzie is always bringing in random friends, and I don’t often see them more than once or twice. She must cycle through them pretty quickly. This very well might be her only chance to be Mikenzie Bronsyn’s bestie.
“So, you’ve met Casey?” Mikenzie continues. “I just heard she’s our new director of customer relations. I’m used to working with Jojo, and she was fabulous.”
I glance at Peyton, who’s placed her hand over her mouth to hide her smile. She’s completely amused by the fact that Mikenzie is asking about me while I’m standing here. Not that it’s a surprise to any of us. Mikenzie has quite the reputation of having very little tact, and she didn’t bother with any staff members other than Joelle. Well, except to bark orders or complain.
“Of course, Casey’s like the sister I never had,” Phoebe says, putting her arm around me and giving me a squeeze.
Mikenzie purses her lips together.
“She even gave me this very special bracelet for my birthday,” she says, holding out her arm. “It’s one of the most unique gifts I’ve ever received, and I never take it off.”
I smile. I love that Phoebe thinks of me as a sister because the feeling is mutual. We’ve known each other for over two years, ever since she became a regular guest and resident of the hotel. We became good friends, but not in a weird way like Joelle’s friendships with guests. Phoebe has been there when I’ve been extremely lonely, particularly during the holiday season. My family doesn’t live nearby, except for my half-sister, but we don’t have much of a relationship. I think the lack of close family relationships is one of the things that helped me bond with Phoebe.
“Really?” Mikenzie asks, sounding surprised. “Well, maybe we should all go to lunch soon? I would love to catch up with you—and get to know you better, Casey.”
“Mmm … perhaps,” Phoebe replies, sounding uninterested.
I press my lips together to keep from giggling. She’s so good at giving the perfect responses. I’m sure the years of people watching her every move have trained her well.
As if she planned it perfectly, her phone rings from inside her bag.
“I need to get this call,” she says, taking her phone out of the bag. “Please let me know when my package arrives. It should be in a large envelope.”
“Of course,” I reply. “I’ll message you as soon as it’s delivered.”
She cradles the phone on her shoulder. “Thanks, love. I’ll be attending an event but not until later tonight. It should arrive before then.” She blows a kiss before rushing away.
I know how much Phoebe hates awkward encounters, and this Mikenzie situation would definitely count as one.
“An important package? I wonder what it could be,” Mikenzie’s friend whispers.
Mikenzie waves her hand, clearly telling her friend to be quiet.
“Well, Casey, if Phoebe endorses you, then I’m sure you will do a fine job,” Mikenzie says a few seconds later.
I force a smile.
“And I would really love to do that lunch with Phoebe … and you. Can you make the arrangements?”
I clear my throat as I try to answer in the most professional and noncommittal way possible. “I will follow up with Phoebe and let you know.” Not bad, Casey.
“Good. Let’s go, Coco,” she announces.
Coco? Jojo? Does she give everyone a nickname? Will I have my own nickname soon? Case? Caso? Maybe I can suggest my own?
The girls make their way toward the bar.
Peyton throws her head back and lets out a frustrated groan. “Ahhhh. Are you really prepared to deal with that on a regular basis? It’s barely lunchtime, and I’m already exhausted,” she says, pointing in the direction of our wonderful guests. “We really should do something about her. When are you meeting with the new general manager? What’s his name again?”
“Maxwell Sheridan. And he should be here sometime today or tomorrow.”
“Maxwell, Maxwell. Sounds very proper. I hope he’s not super serious and uptight.”
I rub my forehead. “Considering the mess Colton left, I wouldn’t be surprised. Apparently, he has a ton of experience running hotels. So just be prepared for a lot of changes around here.”
“A ton of experience?” She makes a face. “Do you think he’s older? He’s probably rigid and strict. Belinda will love him.”
I think about our know-it-all co-worker. She would love a manager who’s uptight and all business all the time.
I shrug. “I don’t know. I didn’t ask his age.”
“Yeah, that’s probably a good thing,” she agrees. “Regardless, we need to plead our case to ban Ruby/Mikenzie from staying here. I think she’s stolen more than she’s paid.”
“Probably. But remember, our guests mean the world to us,” I announce our slogan in my most professional voice.
Peyton makes gagging noises.
“Now, now …”
“I’m only kidding. You know I love our guests,” she says, giving me a wink.
“I know you do, with a few exceptions,” I say with a giggle. “And don’t forget that it’s my job to know how to handle situations like Mikenzie Bronsyn.”
She rolls her eyes. “Don’t you mean Ruby Carson? Joelle certainly had her own way of handling her, if you know what I mean.”
Of course I know exactly what she means. Joelle’s personal relationship with Mikenzie had been hotel gossip for quite a while, long before the news of Joelle’s relationship with Colton broke. Their relationship differed drastically from my friendship with Phoebe. Then again, partying and doing drugs with hotel guests was not my style.
“Yeah, I won’t be using that alias or Joelle’s methods of customer relations.”
Peyton frowns. “Come on, Casey. Don’t be so serious. Promise me you’re still going to have fun with me at work even if this Maxwell guy runs a tight ship.”
Before I can answer, a couple with two small children approach the counter, giving me the perfect excuse to leave this conversation.
I make my way to my office. I actually have my own office now, even though it used to be Joelle’s office, and I’ve been trying to avoid cleaning it out. Who knows what’s lurking around in here?
I sit down in my chair, slowly open one of the cabinets behind my desk, and begin sorting through the items. When I’m done, I breathe a sigh of relief. Nothing but old, outdated room service menus and some training manuals and brochures.
I know for a fact that Joelle used to be good at her job. She was the person who initially trained me, and I remember being in awe of how she handled the day-to-day obstacles with so much patience. She had a way of putting everyone at ease that I wanted to emulate. Things must have changed when she became involved with Colton. This change wasn’t a surprise to me because I never thought he was a good manager—that was evident by his behavior.
