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Tell us a bit about yourself, including one trait you’d like to improve.
I’m Marla Vail, hairstylist and salon owner. Even though I’ve expanded my business to include a day spa, I still like working behind the chair. I also like solving crimes alongside my detective husband, Dalton. My biggest problem is that I have a hard time saying no when people make requests of me. While I was visiting my friend Tally, a neighbor knocked on the door asking me for help in finding her lost cat. How could I refuse? She knew about my reputation for sleuthing.
Finding a cat shouldn’t be the biggest problem in the world, right? I didn’t count on stumbling onto a burglary ring. But that’s often how things happen in my life. One simple request, and I get embroiled in another investigation. Is it possible for me to live a simpler life and just enjoy my family? And would I want to be stuck in a routine pattern where peace prevailed? Probably not. The lure of solving a mystery will always tempt me, although I should learn to focus more on matters at home.
Who’s the character you get along with the best?
I’d have to say my husband, Detective Dalton Vail. He respects my abilities and seeks my input in his cases. It wasn’t always that way. He used to warn me off until he realized I would persist on my own. I won’t give up, especially if the case involves people I care about. Dalton and I complement each other in our style of interviewing suspects. He comes straight-on, while my conversational skills take a more subtle approach. I’m less intimating than a police detective and people are more willing to talk when I take the lead. Dalton recognizes this and appreciates my contributions.
Which other character do you have a conflict with, and why?
I wish my mother would stop pressuring me to give her more grandchildren. It’ll happen when it happens. I can barely cope with things some days as it is, although my schedule has improved since my friend Tally recovered from her car accident. I’d been taking care of her infant son, Luke, during her rehab. It made me sad to return him to his mother, but I was grateful Tally had regained her life. Now maybe Dalton and I can move on. I know his parents would be thrilled to have more grandkids. Is it in the cards for us? That remains to be seen.
What do you really think of the author?
I have a lot more stories to tell, and she gets diverted too easily. She works hard but spends too much time trying to get word out regarding her books when she could be relating my adventures. However, I’ll be the first to admit that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. But here’s the thing. She needs me more. Have you seen her hair when I don’t do it?
