My Private Detective

“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.”