Shadowed Graves (The Graveside Mysteries Book 3) by Kennedy Layne

Author:Kennedy Layne [Layne, Kennedy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kennedy Layne Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2024-03-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Phoebe

The scent of antiseptic hung heavily in the air as the door to the tattoo parlor swung shut with a jingle. The entrance was small, containing only a couple of seats in front of a dark grey counter. There were several binders on top of the hard surface, and the red neon sign cast a rather eerie glow over the space.

Phoebe couldn’t help but notice the artwork on the walls—drawings and paintings alongside photos of intricate tattoos. A long black curtain had been hung from a rod behind the counter for what she could only assume was privacy. A classic rock song played softly from somewhere in the back. The shop seemed devoid of clients for the moment, but that wasn’t surprising given that tourist season didn't get into full swing for a couple more months.

Chloe nudged Phoebe with an elbow.

"Hey, we should get matching tattoos while we're here. Something small and cute, like little…microphones." Chloe flashed Phoebe a lopsided smile. "Better yet, we can get the logo of Graveside Mysteries on the inside of our wrists."

"No thanks," Phoebe murmured in disagreement as she instinctively rubbed the sensitive skin on her right wrist. "You know I hate needles."

Phoebe had driven back to town from her parents' house, not expecting Chloe to be at the apartment. She had filled Phoebe in on the private conversation with her mom and aunt. Her first instinct had been to confront Aunt Trish, who had still been downstairs minding the shop.

Common sense had quickly kicked in, though.

If the family had purposefully kept Phoebe in the dark about something related to Jenna’s death, they wouldn't be forced to make some sudden announcement. It was best to wait for a better time and place to confront any of the Burrows.

A woman emerged from the curtained-off section of the shop. Phoebe stared at her for a moment before recognizing her—Simone Langley. Her appearance was much different than Phoebe remembered from high school and the yearbook picture that was currently taped to the whiteboard in Chloe's apartment.

Simone's long dark hair was now buzzed on one side, her bottom lip was pierced, and a sleeve of colorful tattoos covered her right arm. The one distinctive feature that had stayed the same were her pale blue eyes.

Oddly enough, Simone didn't seem too surprised by their visit.

"Phoebe Burrow," Simone announced wryly as she came to a stop on the other side of the counter. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I'm guessing that I don't really need to answer that question." Phoebe pulled off her gloves as she made the introductions. "Simone, this is Chloe Anderson, close friend and business partner."

Simone's gaze flicked toward Chloe, but the woman didn't waste time with pleasantries. She was honestly blunt with her next statements.

"Word gets around fast in a small town, Phoebe. You should know that. What is it that you want to know? I wasn't friends with Jenna, so I'm not sure that I'm the person you should be talking to about her."

"I

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