My Private Detective

She glanced at her books and papers, which had been rearranged on top of her desk. That was odd. All the substitutes who’d ever taught for her had always left everything exactly as they’d found it.

Wondering what was going on, she rang the office, using the switch on the wall behind her desk. One of the secretaries answered.

“This is Sheila. What can I do for you?”

“Hi, Sheila. It’s Heidi. You wouldn’t happen to know who subbed for me yesterday, would you?”

“Yes. That huge teachers’ seminar in the district drained all the subs, so different teachers from our building took your classes on their free periods and let the kids do any homework they wanted. Is there a problem?”

“No, I was just surprised that my lesson plan was erased from the board.”

“That’s probably because the community school just started their adult classes. Mr. Johnson arranged the schedule. He’s put someone in your room on Wednesday and Friday nights from seven to eight-thirty. Just a sec and I’ll see who it is.

“Okay—found it. The teacher’s name is Mcfarlane. According to this, the class is an introduction to criminology.”

Criminology?

Her heart gave a strange thud.

“If you don’t want him in there, I’ll ask another teacher.”

“No! No—don’t do that!” Please, don’t do that. Maybe this is the answer to my prayers. “I’d forgotten about community school.” All the teachers had to take turns sharing their rooms.

“You’re sure it’s okay?”

“Positive.”

“Mr. Johnson says that if any of you have complaints, you should put a note in his box and he’ll talk to the person. They’ve been told to leave the rooms exactly as they find them. If you’re missing anything, I’ll send a student aide with the supplies you need.”

“Thanks, Sheila, but I’m fine. I just had to make sure I didn’t have a bunch of gremlins in here.”

The other woman snorted inelegantly. “Sometimes adults are worse than the kids.”

They both chuckled, but in reality it wasn’t very funny.

“Sheila, will you ask one of your aides to get me a list of the teachers who watched my classes yesterday? I want to thank them.”

“Sure thing.”

“Talk to you later.”

She shut off the switch, then wrote an outline of the material to be covered in the Middle East unit on the board. But the entire time she was writing, her mind dwelled on the words she’d just erased.

Rule 1. Never assume anything!

Heidi’s thoughts went back to that excruciatingly painful day in late August when she’d learned the dreadful news. Based on circumstantial evidence, the jury had assumed Dana was guilty of first-degree murder. The judge gave her a thirty-year prison sentence for killing Amy.

Ever since Heidi had found out that her friend had been convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, the joy had gone out of her life. Many times since that day, Heidi had talked with Dana’s parents about getting the case reopened, but there’d been no new evidence. Mr. Cobb’s hands were tied. Now Dana herself had lost all hope.

Heidi couldn’t blame her or her parents for feeling so utterly defeated. That was why someone outside the Turner family had to pursue other avenues for them. Heidi was that person.

She frequently wished she was an attorney who had the legal know-how to begin an investigation of her own. She’d give anything to find evidence that would prove her friend’s innocence.

If that criminology class could be of any help at all…

By the time she realized how far her tortured thoughts had wandered, the second bell had rung, and the student-body officers had already started announcements over the PA system.

“Hi, everybody. We want to congratulate our girls’ volleyball team for their great win yesterday against Clairemont. Way to go, Mesa! Let’s all get out and support our girls next week for their big game against Torrey Pines.

“This next announcement concerns the social-studies service project scheduled for today. Those students whose last names start with A to M, will go this morning. The buses will be outside the building in fifteen meetings. Teachers, please take attendance. We’ll call the students down when it’s time to board.”

That announcement affected about a third of Heidi’s class. She’d already signed all their permission slips to help plant trees at a new senior citizens’ facility. Unfortunately she’d forgotten.

If truth be known, she’d forgotten a lot of things. After her talk with Dana last Sunday, she’d come back so weighed down with pain for her friend it had been difficult to concentrate or feel enthusiasm for anything.

After the announcements Heidi said, “Good morning, students. Those of you leaving on the bus will have just enough time to copy the material from the board. No one is exempt from tonight’s assignment, so let’s get busy.”

The class moaned, but they knew she meant business and settled down to work. All the while they were writing, Heidi’s mind was on her friend. No matter how many times she tried to put herself in Dana’s place, she couldn’t.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt it would be worth attending the night class in criminology that was being held in her room. At least it was a place to start, to ask questions. Heidi didn’t know how much longer she could stand to watch her friend waste away. Especially with the real murderer still out there.

Six hours later she locked the door to her room and hurried through the crowded halls to the community-education office. Larry Johnson’s secretary was still at her desk.

“Carol?”

The other woman looked up and smiled. “Hello, stranger. Haven’t seen you since the Christmas party when you were with that medical student you were dating. I heard it was pretty serious.”

“I thought he might be the one, Carol, but it didn’t work out.”

Jeff Madsen hadn’t been able to handle Heidi’s preoccupation with Dana’s murder case. Maybe it was too much to ask of a man who was overwhelmed with studies and hospital rotations. In any event, the meaning went out of their relationship. He stopped calling as often. She stopped caring. One day she woke up and realized it was over.

“Well, you know what they say—you’re lucky to have escaped a situation that wasn’t meant to be. I went through your experience several times before I got married. Mark my words. Some terrific guy is still out there searching for you.”

“I hope.” The breakup with Jeff had taken its toll. But even worse was Dana’s imprisonment, which had robbed Heidi of any potential for happiness.

“With your looks, are you kidding?”

“It’s nice of you to say that, Carol.”

“I only speak the truth.” She sighed. “Okay. You must’ve had a reason to come in here when school’s already out for the day.”

Heidi nodded. “I’d like to sign up for the night class being held in my room.”

She rolled her eyes. “You and a thousand others.”

“Really?”

“We’ve got a genuine VIP teaching this term.”

“Sheila told me it was a Mr. Mcfarlane.”

“It’s the Daniel Mcfarlane. He retired last year as head of Homicide at the San Diego Police Department. The man has more commendations than a five-star general.

“His daughter’s on the community-ed board, so we were the only school in this city lucky enough to get him to teach a criminology class. It’s a one-time deal. Everyone’s been trying to get in.

“The bad news is, he stipulated ten people max. Those spots filled up within five minutes. Sorry.”

CHAPTER TWO

THE CLASS WAS FULL!

Heidi couldn’t believe how upset she was by the news. All day she’d been counting on being able to attend. The more she’d thought about it, the more she’d realized this was exactly what she needed if she wanted to learn how to investigate a crime.

According to Carol, it was the only criminology class being taught in the entire school district. She must have moaned aloud because the other woman said, “I wish I didn’t have to turn you down. However, I do have an idea…”

“I think I have the same idea, Carol, but it wouldn’t be fair to hang around in my room tonight on the pretext that I’ve got work to do.”

“Then just talk to him before class. Ask him if he’d consider letting in one more. You never know.”

Yes, she decided. That was exactly what she’d do. “You’re right. I’ll try it. Thanks.”

Back in her room, she cleaned the board and set up the chairs in a semicircle for the night class. Then she left school and hurried home to eat and get ready to come back.

At quarter after six, she pulled into the school’s parking lot and rushed into the building again.

She didn’t want Mr. Mcfarlane to know it was her classroom he was using, since she didn’t want to put any undue pressure on him. Her plan was to wait in the hall until he showed up. At that point she’d prevail on him to let her be part of his group. If he agreed, she’d tell him how she’d found out about the night class.

A few people had entered the building ahead of her. Heidi walked past the main office to the west wing but slowed down when she saw that her door was already open.

She checked her watch. The man was forty minutes early for his class. If he’d come ahead of time to prepare, he might not like being disturbed.

After a slight hesitation, she peered around the edge of the door. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw a rugged-looking man in his midthirties writing something on the board. He had to be six foot two or three, with wavy dark-brown hair cut fairly short. The navy business suit, toned with a royal blue shirt, couldn’t disguise his hard-muscled physique.

Heidi found herself staring at him in fascination.

He couldn’t possibly be the retired investigator Carol had raved about.

Her spirits fell. An older man might be more malleable. Heidi didn’t know what to think about this stranger.

Maybe Mr. Mcfarlane couldn’t come tonight and had sent a substitute. In that case, it was possible his replacement wouldn’t let Heidi sit in on the class. Then again, he could simply be an assistant and Mr. Mcfarlane would arrive shortly. All she had to do was go in the room and her questions would be answered.

After another minute of watching him, she realized how embarrassing it would be if he happened to glance in the direction of the door and saw her eyeing him with such frank pleasure.

Gathering her courage, she walked in. When he looked over, she momentarily held her breath. Between thick dark lashes glowed a pair of brilliant blue eyes the same hue as his shirt. They swept over her in guarded male admiration.

“Hello,” they said simultaneously.

He smiled and put down the chalk. “Hi. I’m Detective Gideon Poletti.”

“I’m Heidi Ellis.”

His narrowed gaze wandered over her hair and face. It set her pulse racing. “Your name’s not on the list.”

“No. I came early to see if I could join the class,” she said, hating that she sounded out of breath. “I guess I’ll have to wait to speak to Mr. Mcfarlane.”

“He had surgery this morning and won’t be able to teach for at least a month.”

“Oh, no!” She bit her lip to prevent the tears that threatened the moment he’d said Mr. Mcfarlane wouldn’t be coming. She’d been counting on this opportunity to try to help Dana, long shot though it was. These days her emotions hovered near the surface. There was little she could do to hide them.

The detective eyed her with concern. “I can understand your disappointment. Daniel’s a legend in this part of the state. Unfortunately he needed to find a substitute and asked me to do the honors. I could never hope to fill his shoes, but you’re welcome to join the class.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you very much. Please don’t think my reaction had anything to do with you personally. It’s just that I was hoping he’d let me in. And then when I realized someone else had come, I wasn’t sure, and—”

“You don’t have to worry,” he assured her before she could finish. “Welcome to the class.”

Grateful for his willingness to add her to the group, she shook the hand he extended. Hers became enveloped in a strong grip. Warmth spread through her body before he released it. She wondered if he’d experienced the same tingling sensation.

When he let her go, he said, “Take any seat in the semicircle. It looks like the teacher who’s here during the day went to the trouble of setting things up for this class. I’ll have to find a way to thank whoever it was.”

“You already have,” came her tremulous reply.

He blinked as realization dawned. “This is your room?”

“Guilty as charged. That’s how I learned about the criminology class. Mr. Mcfarlane left something written on the board Wednesday night.”

His lips twitched in amusement. “What did it say?”

“‘Rule 1. Never assume anything.’”

“That sounds like Dan.”

“You know him well?”

“He was my boss until his retirement last year.”

She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the intensity of his. “If he chose you to replace him, then it means this class is very fortunate.”

I’m very fortunate, she thought. Maybe you’ll be able to help me.

“I don’t follow.”

“Considering his reputation, I’m sure Mr. Mcfarlane wouldn’t have asked you to take over for him unless he thought you were the best.”

“That would be nice if it were true.”

The man’s charm was already working on her.

“Thanks again for allowing me to participate. I’ll pay at the community-ed office after class.”

“That’s fine.” He moved to her desk and handed her the attendance sheet. She noticed he didn’t wear a wedding ring. “Why don’t you add your name. Be sure to put a home phone number next to it, in case I need to get in touch with you. I’m not anticipating any emergencies, but you never know.”

Heidi took it from him. There were phone numbers written by the names of the other class members. It was ridiculous, but for just a moment she’d hoped he’d wanted hers for personal reasons.

GIDEON TURNED AND FINISHED writing information on the board. It was important he keep himself occupied until the rest of the class arrived. Otherwise he might be tempted to stare at the schoolteacher sitting only a few feet away.

There was only one word to describe her. Knockout. The woman was a knockout.

Short and curvy, she had gleaming red-gold hair to her shoulders and blue eyes that lightened or darkened depending on her emotions. He imagined that every boy lucky enough to be in her class had a terrible crush on her.

She was like the most scintillating ornament on the Christmas tree, the one that drew your gaze again and again.

They’d spoken only a few words, yet he already felt the impact of her personality and was excited by it. How many years had it been since he’d sensed a real connection to a woman on first meeting?

Her room was as exciting as she was. He liked the idea that this was her world. It told him a lot about her. Artifacts and posters from every continent had been mounted on the walls with a decorator’s flair.

Her furniture wasn’t standard school issue. She’d had this large mahogany desk brought in, along with a small brass desk lamp, a comfortable padded leather chair and an Oriental rug, of all things, in shades of deep blue and green.

There were several small potted trees surrounded by a dozen potted flowering plants. She’d created a setting of warmth and comfort. No schoolroom he’d ever sat in had looked like this.

It all appealed to him. She appealed to him. Without conscious thought he let his eyes wander to her hair, which seemed to have a life of its own.

She didn’t wear a wedding ring, which was surprising. Any woman as utterly feminine and desirable as she was should have been claimed by some fortunate man a long time ago. Maybe she was living with somebody, though.

Since the divorce, Gideon had been operating in deep-freeze mode where the opposite sex was concerned. It was shocking to discover he could be this affected by a five-foot-two female he would have to pick up in his arms in order to properly kiss.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” came a male voice over the PA system, jerking Gideon from private thoughts he hadn’t entertained in a long, long time. “I’m Larry Johnson, head of the adult-education program for the northern region. Welcome to Mesa Junior High. It’s seven o’clock, time for class to start.

“In case you’re having trouble finding your room, please stop by the community-ed office in the main foyer. We have maps of the building. There will be no bell rung for a break to use the rest rooms or get a drink of water. That will be at the discretion of each teacher.

“At eight-thirty a bell will ring to signal the end of the class. If you have business with the office, Carol Sargent, the secretary, will be here until nine. A reminder to teachers—please drop by the office with your attendance rolls before you leave the building tonight. Enjoy your evening.”

While Gideon had been lost in thought, the rest of the class had entered the room. When he turned around, he discovered that every chair in the semicircle had been taken.

Two men and eight women were looking at him with expectant expressions, waiting for an explanation. Nine women if you counted the attractive newcomer who seemed less carefree than the others. He couldn’t forget the disappointment in her eyes when he’d told her Daniel wouldn’t be teaching the class.

“Good evening. I’m Detective Poletti, but you can call me Gideon. I work for the Homicide division of the San Diego Police Department.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m afraid Lieutenant Mcfarlane had to undergo emergency surgery this morning. His wife told me it went very well, and the doctor estimates he’ll be back teaching this class by mid-May at the latest. But for the time being, you’re stuck with me.”

He imagined he could hear their collective sigh of disappointment, even though they didn’t make a sound.

“No one understands more than I do how you feel about that announcement. When I left the New York City Police Department and moved here fourteen years ago, I was made a detective and assigned to Lieutenant Mcfarlane’s office.

“There aren’t many people in law enforcement who have his brilliance and instincts. His reputation for solving crimes is unequaled. I was lucky enough to work under him until he retired last year. With Daniel gone, I can tell you there’s a void in the department that will never be filled.

“Having said that, life has to go on. Daniel asked me if I’d teach this class until his return. I’m prepared to honor his wishes, but I won’t take it personally if you’d prefer to drop out and take the class again when he can be here.”

A hand shot up. It was the redhead’s.

“Yes, Ms. Ellis?”

“Heidi, please. This is my first night here, and I can’t speak for the others…but I don’t intend to drop this class. I’ve been looking forward to it.” The throb in her voice was echoed in her eyes.

The others sounded equally enthusiastic in their concurrence, but he hardly noticed because he was still reacting to her declaration.

Just as he had a few minutes ago, when she’d seemed almost desperate to join the class, he sensed an urgency behind her request that went beyond sheer interest. He wasn’t so egotistical that he believed she felt a personal attraction to him. That was no more than wishful thinking.

His instincts, which had been refined over years of detective work, were telling him she had something at stake here. That in itself intrigued him. He wanted to find out what she was after.

He also wanted to find out if she was involved with anyone.

After marking everyone present, he said, “Thank you for your faith in me. Daniel told me I’d like this class. I have to admit I’m looking forward to teaching you the fundamentals of solving a crime. I’ll probably enjoy it a lot more than you will, for the simple reason that for once, I won’t be dealing with a real homicide.”

At those words everyone laughed—except Heidi Ellis, who averted her eyes. Before Gideon went home tonight, he intended to discover what was going on inside her beautiful head.

“I understand that your assignment was to bring a synopsis of a mystery you’re planning to write. At the end of class I’ll collect them. Over the weekend, I’ll read through them and make comments before I pass them back.

“For now, why don’t you get them out and we’ll start the oral presentations. Two minutes each should be long enough to give the class an idea of your basic plot.

“I’ll refrain from making comments about your stories until everyone’s had an opportunity to speak. At that point, I’ll let you know which mystery I think we should pursue as a class. Mr. Riley?”

“Call me Bob.”

“Okay, Bob. I can see you’re ready to go. Let’s begin with you. Come up here so everyone can hear you.”

The other man lumbered to the front of the room. “My story is about a serial killer in Houston, Texas, who wants to get back at the female teacher who humiliated him in class.”

Startled by the unexpected beginning, Heidi glanced up, and her eyes happened to meet Gideon’s. They both smiled. It was a private moment, over within seconds, yet he’d felt a connection with her that was even stronger than before.

“His hatred is so great that later on in life, he gets a job as a painter for the Houston school board.

“This man now has the freedom to enter any public school at any time and case it without being suspected. He picks his opportunity, then strangles his victim, who is always a female teacher. His original teacher has long since retired, but he doesn’t care about that. Ten teachers are killed before he’s caught.”

Gideon’s eyes met Heidi’s once more, then he thanked Bob and asked the woman seated next to him, Nancy to come up and read her synopsis.

“I’m really nervous, you guys, so don’t laugh. My story is about two world-class skiers, a guy and a girl, training in Vail, Colorado. They’ve lived together for six months and share a room at the hotel where the American team is staying.

“But their relationship has been plagued by violent arguments. She accuses him of not being interested in her career and wanting all the fame for himself. He accuses her of sleeping around.

“One morning after completing their first run, they go up on the double chairlift to start the second. Halfway to the top of the mountain, she falls out of the chair. Steve is horrified but can’t do anything until he’s let off at the top so he can ski down to her.

“By the time he reaches her, she’s dead. There’s an inquest, and it’s determined that Steve pushed her to her death. He maintains that he’s innocent, that he was in love with her. But the facts suggest otherwise.”

Nancy looked at Gideon. “That’s all I have so far.”

“That’s fine. Next let’s hear from Patricia.”

“Call me Pat,” she said after taking Nancy’s place.

“This is my very first story, so it’s not really thought out the way the others have been. I want to write a novel about this nurse who kills people on life support because she thinks she’s doing them a favor.

“I’m a nurse, so I feel comfortable about writing a murder mystery set in a hospital. There are a lot of suspects, including this one doctor she’s in love with and…”

HEIDI SAT THROUGH the next fifteen minutes of scenarios, still warmed by the detective’s smile. She’d thought him attractive the moment she’d caught sight of him from the hallway. But the amusement reflected in his face and eyes had made him totally irresistible—the kind of man you rarely met in real life. The chances of his being single and unattached were a million to one, she thought with resignation.

“Heidi?” He called on her last. “If you’re a writer, perhaps you’d like to share an idea for a mystery novel with the class.”

She lifted her head. Again she found herself gazing into eyes as blue as the ocean after the sun has burned off the haze.