Page 33 of Little Twisted Things

“You’re risking all of us.”

“I know what I’m doing.”

Suddenly, all was quiet again, and The Librarian went back to her books.

17

I had devised a plan. But before I executed it, I needed to prepare. I went up to the bedroom and pulled a box down from the corner of the closet shelf. Opening it, I ran my fingers along the strands of the different colored wigs I’d bought over the years. I rarely had to use them, but when I did, they came in handy.

I pulled the auburn-colored bob-style wig from the box and slipped it on my head. Walking into the bathroom, I applied more makeup, something with a little more flair, and then dressed in one of my finest tailored pant suits.

I reached Meadow Designs and stepped through the door.

“Can I help you?” A young woman behind the desk asked.

“Is Miss Meadows in?”

“May I tell her who’s asking?”

“Scarlett Tisdale.” I smiled.

“One moment. I’ll go see if she’s available.”

I stood in the elegantly decorated space and looked around.

“Ms. Tisdale, I’m Celia Meadows.” She smiled, walked over, and extended her hand.

“It’s nice to meet you.” I returned the smile.

“How can I help you?”

“I need my entire house redone. And I’m hoping you can help me with that.”

“You need to make an appointment.” She politely smiled.

“Oh. Well, I was just down the street doing some shopping, and I thought I’d stop in.”

She glanced at her watch. “I do have some time before my next appointment. Follow me.”

I followed her to her office, and immediately, my eyes darted to her cellphone sitting on her desk.

“Have a seat.” She gestured. She reached behind her desk, grabbed a folder, and handed it to me. “These are the services we offer. I will admit that my prices aren’t cheap.”

“Money is not an issue for me.” I smiled. “I have plenty of it to spend.”

“Oh.” She grinned. “And how did you hear about us?”

“The internet. I just moved here to Key West, and your name kept popping up first in the search engine. I’ve read the reviews and seen the photos. Your work is impeccable. You are truly an artist.”

“Why, thank you. That is so kind of you to say. Then let’s schedule an appointment for me to come to your home and see what I’ll be working with.”

She picked up her cellphone from the desk while I pulled mine from my purse and opened the cloning app. I needed to get her to keep her phone unlocked until the cloning was complete.

“I can fit you in next Tuesday at three p.m.,” she said.

I pretended to look at my calendar. “Oh shoot. I’m booked next Tuesday. What else do you have?”

“That was the only day next week I had. Let’s look at the following week.”