My Private Detective

Gideon turned his head in time to see his closest friend walk through the crowded dining room of the Jolly Roger. Their friendship went back eighteen years or more. Gideon could honestly say he’d never seen Max this happy. Marriage had transformed him. The news that he was going to be a father soon kept a perpetual smile on his face.

“Hey, Kev, how’s it going?” The tall, dark-haired man patted Kevin’s shoulder before sitting down in the booth next to him.

“Great! Where’s Gaby?”

“She had to attend a seminar after work.”

“Heck,” Kevin muttered.

Gideon grinned. “So, lonely old you took us up on our invitation. I guess we’re better than nothing.”

Max grinned back. The guy was crazy in love with his wife, Gideon mused for the thousandth time.

At twenty-two, Gideon had fallen for Fay. He’d thought she’d loved him, too. But the affair she’d had during their engagement, plus the other affair after their marriage, had destroyed that belief.

He’d had several serious relationships with women since his divorce. But something had always prevented him from proposing. It wasn’t only the trust factor. Now that he’d turned thirty-seven, he realized he’d been waiting for his soul mate all along.

Someone who spoke to him, body, mind and soul.

Instantly an image of Heidi Ellis filled his head. She’d been making an appearance there more often than not since last Friday night. Just the prospect of seeing her in a little while practically doubled his pulse rate.

“Did I tell you Gaby saw the doctor last week and we’re having quadruplets?” he teased.

Gideon nodded.

“Dad! Hey, Dad—”

“What is it, son?”

Both Max and Kevin broke into laughter. Gideon looked at the two of them. “What’s wrong?”

Max turned to Kevin. “How long has your dad been like this?”

“Since last Friday.”

“What happened last Friday?”

“Daniel Mcfarlane had to have an operation, so he asked Dad to teach his criminology class at Mesa Junior High. That’s where we’re going after we eat. It’s a bunch of mystery writers who signed up for adult education.”

“Is that right?”

“Yeah. He read me their stories. Most of them are pretty weird.”

Gideon saw the gleam in Max’s eyes and knew exactly what he was thinking before he spoke.

“Mystery writers, eh? My guess is, most of them are women.”

“Two are men,” Kevin volunteered.

“Interesting.”

“I liked the one about the mummy that was discovered in the basement of this museum in New York. But it smelled, so they unwrapped it and found a corpse. The person had only been dead for about a week and—”

“Kevin, let’s change the subject. The waitress is bringing our orders as we speak.”

While their hamburgers and shakes were being served, Max’s shoulders shook in silent laughter.

“Why didn’t you pick that story, Dad?” Kevin asked after taking a huge bite of his burger. “It’s a lot better than the one about those call girls who poisoned the brownies.”

At this point Max let out a burst of laughter. “I think I’m going to have to come to class with you.”

By now Gideon was chuckling.

“Dad? A call girl’s a prostitute, right?”

“Yeah, Dad…” Max baited him gleefully.

“You’ll learn everything you need to know in class.”

“Chicken,” Max said under his breath.

“I’ll remind you of this moment when your son or daughter starts asking questions one day.”

“I can hardly wait.” Max was no longer joking, and the emotion in his voice said it all. The man was counting the hours until he could hold his own child in his arms. Gideon glanced at his son. Thank God for Kevin.

“So, tell me more about your students.”

“Dad says most of them are older ladies.”

Kevin’s running commentary was getting Gideon into deeper water by the second.

“They’re a happy, enthusiastic group of people.”

“Which one isn’t older?” Max asked dryly before filling his mouth with fries.

“Kevin? Would you mind telling our waitress to bring us some more water?”

“Sure.”

The second he got up, Max said, “Who is she?”

“It’s a moot point if she’s already taken.”

“But you’re interested.”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe, hell! Is she married?”

“No.”

“What’s she like?”

“She’s…” Gideon swallowed hard. “A candle flame in the darkness,” he said softly. He didn’t know where those words came from; he wasn’t usually given to poetic statements. But somehow this was exactly what he meant—what he felt.

Max straightened in his chair. “Good Lord.” All amusement had left his expression. “You sound like me when I first met Gabriella. Come on. I want a total description here.”

“Her name is Heidi Ellis. She’s a flaming redhead with blue eyes. Stands about five-two. Fantastic figure. Depending on her emotions, she’s cute, beautiful, adorable, sexy and…”

“And what?”

“I don’t know the rest. She’s a geography teacher, not a writer. In fact, the class is being held in her room. But I know that’s not the reason she was on the verge of tears when she thought I might not let her into Dan’s class. I sensed all kinds of undercur—”

“The waitress said she’d be right over.” Kevin interrupted, resuming his place.

Max looked at him. “Hey, Kev, what are you going to do while your dad’s teaching?”

“Homework,” Gideon answered for him. “He can listen while he works.”

The waitress came over to refresh their water, then left the bill in front of Gideon.

“That sounds pretty good,” Max said as soon as she’d left.

“I guess. But I wish Daniel had asked someone else to teach his class for him,” Kevin muttered.

Invisible messages passed between Max and Gideon.

“Look at it this way, Kev. Besides the fact that he’s helping out a friend, most kids don’t get to see their parents at work. At least you can hear about some of the things your father has to do on the job. You’ll probably learn a lot, even while you’re working on your science and math. I think you’re lucky.”

“I know. Your dad died when you were seven.”

“Both my parents died. I would’ve given anything to have my father around at your age. Just to be with him while he did his work would have meant a lot.”

Kevin nodded. “I’m sorry they died.”

Gideon could always count on Max, who was sensitive to Kevin’s insecurities and knew how to talk to him.

“So am I, but it was all a long time ago.” After draining his water glass, he glanced at his watch, then at Gideon. “I’ll take that.” He reached for the bill, but Gideon was too fast for him and grabbed it away.

“We invited you, remember? We’re glad you could make it, aren’t we, Kevin?”

“Heck, yeah.”

“Give our love to Gaby.”

Max smiled. “Don’t worry.” After getting to his feet, he said, “I’ll see you at the office in the morning. We’ll continue our conversation.”

Gideon nodded to his friend in silent understanding. Concentrating on his milk shake, Kevin waved as Max walked away.

“Ready to go, Kevin?”

“Hold it. I’m almost finished.”

While he gulped down the rest of his shake, Gideon’s thoughts flew to the night ahead, wondering what it would bring. He could hardly wait to find out.

HEIDI DIDN’T WANT Detective Poletti to think she was being forward by arriving for class early, so she waited until the last minute before walking into the room. Everyone else was already seated.

She was disappointed to discover that their teacher was nowhere in sight. Maybe he’d had a work emergency and Mr. Johnson had opened the door for them.

As she took the only seat left, which was next to the woman named Nancy, she noticed a cute blond boy about the age of her eighth-or ninth-graders seated a few rows behind the semicircle of desks. Obviously one of the students had brought his or her son along.

He had materials and books on his desk, but his attention darted around the room as he eyed the displays.

Nancy, who looked thirtyish, turned her head toward Heidi. “Isn’t this a great class?”

“Fascinating.”

“To be honest,” she whispered, “I’m glad the other teacher couldn’t make it. This guy’s gorgeous, don’t you think?”

“He’s very attractive, I agree.”

“We’ve all been wondering if he’s married. Do you happen to know?” she asked as the subject of their conversation suddenly walked into the room, closing the door behind him.

Tonight he was dressed in tan chinos toned with a dark-brown turtleneck and blazer—almost the color of his hair. He flashed everyone the smile Heidi had found so heart-stopping the last time the class had met.

“Good evening. What a punctual crowd! Before we get started, let me introduce my son, Kevin, who’s seated behind you.”

While everyone else turned around, Heidi lowered her head, fighting not to react to that unexpected revelation.

Nancy now had the answer to her question. So did Heidi.

She drew in a deep breath, acknowledging to herself that it was better to know the truth before any more time went by. With a class full of women who were open in their admiration of him, he’d probably brought his son to make the statement that he was unavailable.

“Because of the nature of my work, he can’t go to the office with his dad.” His comment produced chuckles. “We both thought the next best thing would be for him to sit in on this class so he can learn along with you.

“I let him read all your synopses so he’d understand what we did in class last week. For what it’s worth, Lillian, he thought your mummy story was really cool.”

A hand shot up.

“Yes, Jackie?”

“Lillian’s the only one of us published in book-length fiction. Your son has discerning taste.”

The enthusiastic group agreed with her.

Even from the distance separating them, Heidi could see the way the boy’s eyes lit up.

“Did you hear that, Kevin? You picked a story that’ll probably turn out to be another bestseller.”

“With your help, Detective Poletti, I’m planning on it,” Lillian said in obvious delight.

He flashed the class a quick smile. “In that case, let’s get busy. First, I’m curious to find out how well you did your homework. After that, I’ll return your synopses. We’ll follow up with a five-minute break at eight. Then we’ll hear a mystery scenario from Heidi before I give you your assignment for Friday.”

Embarrassed, Heidi forced herself to look anywhere except at the man who held their class in thrall.

The next hour was illuminating. Just as they were all feeling pleased by his praise of their crime-scene workups, he showed the class why he was the expert.

Standing at the chalkboard, Detective Poletti proceeded to change, embellish and add to their pitiful efforts, explaining all the while. He did it with a speed and clarity that took her breath.

By the time he’d finished, the class sat there in stunned silence. He’d filled two blackboards with onsite procedures they’d never even considered, despite the textbook murder case he’d prepared for them as a guide.

“Don’t bother to copy this down. While I pass back your stories, Kevin’s going to give you a handout of what I put on the board so you can study it at home.” He motioned to his son.

“You’ll notice when you get your synopses that I’ve made a few suggestions for crime-scene procedures. Combined with the handout you’re receiving, you ought to be able to create a credible list that’ll add authenticity to your novels.”

Heidi found herself wishing she had a copy of the crime-scene report that had been written the night of Amy’s murder. Something told her it would pale in comparison to what she could see written on her blackboards. The detail, the number of procedures, the orderly exploration of evidence—she doubted the real crime-scene report was a fraction as thorough as this fictional one. First thing in the morning she intended to phone John Cobb’s office to get what information she could.

Deep in thought, she didn’t realize the boy had already started giving them the handouts. Everyone tried to engage him in conversation. Judging from his answers, he was embarrassed by all the attention. A pretty typical reaction for a boy his age.

“Thank you, Kevin.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You must be proud of your father.”

“I am.”

“Are you going to be a police officer one day?”

“Maybe.”

“Where’d you get your blond hair?”

“My mom.”

“What grade are you in?”

“Eight.”

“Where do you go to school?”

“Oakdale Middle School.”

Heidi listened to the litany of questions that would have driven any of her own students crazy, too. He wasn’t a baby, but they were treating him like one. He showed remarkable poise by answering them, despite his obvious reluctance.

As he drew closer, she darted him a brief glance. He was a cute boy, but she couldn’t really see any resemblance to his attractive father. Sometimes that happened.

Dana, for instance, didn’t look like her parents nearly as much as Amy had. But Amy’s jealousy over Dana’s beauty and popularity had poisoned her soul long before someone had murdered her. That someone wasn’t Dana!

When it came Heidi’s turn, she thanked Kevin for the handout, remembering what he’d said about attending Oakdale Middle School. It was only a few miles from Mesa Junior High. That meant the Poletti family lived in Mission Beach.

None of it mattered of course. The fact that the detective’s residence was close to Heidi’s workplace should mean nothing to her.

Gideon Poletti was a professional. So if she was going to ask for his help, she needed to do it on a professional basis—and forget the way he made her heart pound.

He had a wife and child, for heaven’s sake! For all she knew, there were more children at home.

Disturbed by her preoccupation with him, she opened her notebook and took out her synopsis. As he left the room with his son, she immersed herself in Dana’s case. It was vital she make a compelling presentation. This was her one chance to capture the detective’s interest. Since he might recognize the case, she decided she’d better use real names.

CHAPTER FOUR

AFTER THEY’D BEEN to the drinking fountain down the hall, Gideon walked Kevin back to class.

“What do you think so far?”

“It’s pretty interesting. But can we please leave right at eight-thirty?”

“That’s when the class is over.”

“I know. But all those women are just like mom. They love to gab and they never know when to stop.

Promise you won’t let them?”

Gideon laughed. “It’s a deal.”

When they’d returned to the room, his students were back in their seats. He’d made eye contact with Heidi Ellis several times throughout the first hour, but she’d always looked away first. Such intriguing behavior had dominated his thoughts all evening.

Pleased to have reached this point in the class, he leveled his glance in her direction. Her head was lowered; she seemed to be studying her notes. Not for the first time did his breath catch at the sight of all that flaming hair splayed over her shoulders.

“Heidi? If you’re ready, we’ll hear from you now.”

As she got up from her desk, it was hard for him to pretend dispassionate interest. Her curves were particularly appealing in the short-sleeved black sweater and tailored, gray wool pants.

She cleared her throat. “Dana Turner, twenty-five, is slowly dying in her cell. She’s been imprisoned for the murder of her younger sister, Amy, nineteen, a murder Dana didn’t commit. She’s just learned that another detective hired by her parents after the trial has given up on her case for lack of new evidence.”

The tremor in her voice alerted Gideon that this was no fabrication. Why did the name Turner ring a bell?

“Her attorney believes in her innocence, but he’s told her there’s nothing more he can do unless dramatic evidence should surface, warranting a new trial.

“The police incident report stated that when Amy’s parents returned home from a dinner and discovered Amy’s bedroom on fire, they dragged their daughter’s unconscious body into the hall. She was pronounced dead by the paramedics who’d arrived soon after.

“Evidence of a physical struggle between the sisters before the fire was attested to in court. There were corresponding scratches and bruises on their bodies. Traces of Amy’s hair and skin were found on a ring and under the fingernails of Dana Turner.

“Combined with her fingerprints on the gas can in the Turners’ garage, this allowed the prosecuting attorney to convince the jury that Dana killed her sister in cold blood by knocking her unconscious. After Dana set her bedroom on fire, Amy was overcome by smoke inhalation and died.”

Heidi paused to put the paper on the desk in front of Gideon. To the class she said, “T-that’s all I have because I don’t know the ending yet.”

Judging by the silence in the room as she took her seat, her emotional presentation had made an impact on everyone. Their response when they did begin to comment suggested she had a winning story there.

Gideon got to his feet. “Thank you for your synopsis, Heidi.”

When he said her name, her head swerved in his direction. Their eyes met, and they held that same imploring expression he’d seen last Friday. He could sense all kinds of tension coming from her.

“I’ll read it and get it back to you in our next class with some comments.”

“Thank you.” The words were whispered.

He had to forcibly look away from her before he could gather his thoughts.

“We’re going to need Emily’s input before I can give you tonight’s assignment. You can stay at your seat to do this, Emily. Will you describe the office where the body was found in your story? Be particular. Do it slowly so everyone can get down all the facts.”

When Emily had given them a detailed picture, he said, “Good. Now that we can see the room in our minds, this is your assignment. Make as many trips through the office as necessary to come up with a list for getting forensic evidence—taking photographs, fingerprint testing and so on. I’ll come up with a similar list.

“On Friday I’ll ask you to share yours before I pass out a copy of mine. The writer whose list comes closest to mine will receive a prize.”

A burst of approval resounded in the room, and then the bell rang.

“Let me remind you again of Daniel Mcfarlane’s rule—Never assume anything.”

“We won’t!” most of them replied.

To his surprise he saw Heidi slip out the door. Clearly she’d decided not to stay and straighten the room. He guessed that, for some reason, she’d wanted to get away from him.

There was nothing Gideon would have liked more than to run after her, but Kevin’s presence ruled out that desire.

“Let’s go, Dad.”

“Help me turn the desks around first.”

Together they made quick work of it. Gideon grabbed his things, and once he’d turned off the lights and locked up, they were off.

“I’ll turn in the attendance roll for you,” Kevin said.

“Thanks. Meet me at the car.”

Gideon rushed outside, hoping to talk to Heidi for a moment before she left the faculty parking lot. Unfortunately, her Audi was nowhere to be found.

Since she’d made it impossible to get an answer to the questions nagging him, he’d go to the one source who would know if the name Turner held particular significance. Daniel Mcfarlane.

After he took Kevin back to his mother’s, he’d swing by Daniel’s house. His mentor had come home from the hospital on Monday; according to his wife, he was feeling good and craving a report on the class.

“Dad? How come that writer didn’t tell us how her mystery ended? Don’t you have to know the end so you can plant clues?”

When did Kevin get so smart?

“Heidi Ellis isn’t a writer,” he said. “She’s a geography teacher. That’s her classroom we’re using.”

“Hmm. She’s got some interesting pictures on the back wall.” He turned his head in Gideon’s direction.

“Do you think she gets her hair dyed?”

Stifling his laughter, he said, “I don’t think it’s possible to manufacture that shade of red, do you?”

“I guess not. She’s good-looking for a teacher.”

She’s good-looking, period, sport. Take it from a man who knows.

“But if she’s got a son with red hair, I feel sorry for him.”

“How come? You wouldn’t look half bad with that color,” Gideon teased.

“No, thanks!”

“So how did the homework go?”

“I finished it.”

“Good for you.” Gideon made a right turn and drove halfway down the street before he stopped in front of the house. “Here we are. Your mom’s left the porch light on for you.”

“I wish I could sleep over with you and Pokey.”

“So do I.” He leaned across the seat to give his boy a hug. “I’ll see you on Friday at six-thirty sharp.”

Kevin clung to him. “Love you, Dad.”

“I love you, too, son. Have a good day tomorrow.”

Saying good-night to his son was always wrenching. Gideon watched until Kevin was safely in the house, then headed for Daniel’s home in Del Mar Heights.

Twenty minutes later Ellen showed him into the house. He found Daniel lying on the couch in his study watching TV. To Gideon’s relief, the operation didn’t seem to have set his friend back much. He hoped the chemo wouldn’t be too hard on Daniel.

“Gideon! What took you so long?”

He smiled at Daniel as he sat down in the over-stuffed chair next to him. “I think you’re a fake. You don’t look or act like someone who just got out of the hospital.”

“I feel good.”

“He says that now that you’re here, Gideon. Can I bring you some iced tea or a cup of coffee?”

“Iced tea sounds wonderful. Thanks, Ellen.”

“What about you?” she asked her husband.

“Nothing for me, honey.” When she left, he said, “Tell me how the class is going.”

“I have to admit I’m enjoying it more than I would’ve imagined. They’re a smart group. So far, they’ve picked up on everything, and they do their homework with an enthusiasm you wouldn’t believe. I guess that’s what being a writer is all about.”

“Good!” Daniel sighed. “I knew it was asking a lot of you to take over for me. I have to tell you I’m delighted to hear you’re not ready to give up yet.”

“Far from it.” Heidi Ellis’s emotional rendering continued to bother him. He reached into his pocket for her synopsis and handed it to Daniel.

“A new woman joined the class on Friday night. She’s not really a writer, but she insisted on doing a synopsis, anyway. I want you to take a look at it.”

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