My Private Detective

by Rebecca Winters

  She broke off. A look of pain crossed her face. “If I’ve misunderstood, please forgive me.”

  “Heidi didn’t have to hire me,” he assured her.

  “She told me about your case and says you’re innocent. I came today because I’d like to ask you some questions.”

  “Of course.” She wiped her eyes. “Anything.”

  “I don’t have a lot of time this morning, so why don’t you just tell me about the relationship with your sister? Why did the two of you get into a physical fight the night she was killed?”

  She hunched her shoulders. “Until Amy started junior high, she was the sweetest girl, studious and a little on the quiet side. We were good friends and got along well.

  “Then it seemed as though she went through this personality change overnight. She became moody and explosive. Instead of talking to me like she always had, she would either ignore me or pick a fight. There was no in-between.

  “Mom and Dad were alarmed because she’d turned into a secretive person who stopped doing things with the family and never brought her friends home.

  “My parents took her for counseling, but after several sessions she refused to go anymore. Her school-work suffered. The only class she liked in high school was drama. She said she wanted to be a movie star.

  “By that time my parents were desperate to help her in any way they could. They decided to enroll her in a special acting school in San Diego. She’d be able to pick up credits to graduate from high school, but the main emphasis would be on acting.

  “She still lived at home, but the environment threw her in with a crowd of teens Mom and Dad didn’t get the opportunity to even meet. She started to dress differently, do strange things with her hair and makeup. Amy became a law unto herself. We’re pretty sure she began hanging around with some questionable people.

  “After graduation she drove to Los Angeles with a few other girls, in the hope of getting into a renowned acting school where various Hollywood film stars got their start. Though Mom and Dad worried about that decision, they were willing to pay her expenses if she got in.

  “But there was one problem. She had to pass a difficult audition first. Unfortunately neither she nor her two friends from acting school made the grade. The three of them were urged to take more dance and speech classes, then try out again the next year.

  “I knew she was crushed about being turned down, but to my surprise, she and her friends joined another acting school here in San Diego. Mom and Dad were relieved because it meant she’d still be at home where they’d have at least some contact with her.

  “On the night she was killed, I was in my parents’ study writing a term paper on the computer.”

  “What time was that?”

  “Around eight o’clock. When she walked in, I was surprised because I thought I was alone in the house. Before I could even say hi, she accused me of trashing her room.

  “I couldn’t imagine what she was talking about. She told me to come to her bedroom and see, so I did. When I got there, I was shocked. The room looked as if a tornado had swept through it.

  “My first thought was that someone had entered the house and could still be inside. I told her we needed to call the police. But when I reached for the phone, she flew at me and knocked the receiver out of my hand.

  “She’d never done anything like this before. That’s when I knew something was really wrong with her. She stood there like a demented person and raged at me, accusing me of stealing her diaries.

  “I had no idea what she was talking about, since I didn’t even know she kept a diary. But she was beyond listening to me. She lunged for me again. I couldn’t believe how strong she was!”

  “Stronger than normal?”

  “I don’t know because we’d never fought before.”

  “You mean physically.”

  “Yes. She grabbed my hair and yanked it hard. I lost my balance and fell on the floor. If you could’ve seen her eyes… She enjoyed hitting me. The more I tried to protect myself, the harder she fought.

  “I was terrified she wouldn’t quit until I was unconscious. Finally I managed to roll far enough to the side to kick her off balance. Then I got up and started running.

  “The back door was closest, so I dashed out it and ran to the pier. I got into our boat, knowing I’d be safe on the water. But it must’ve been out of gas because the motor wouldn’t turn over.”

  “So you pushed off before she caught up to you?”

  “Ye— No.” She changed words so fast that if he hadn’t been listening for the smallest slip, he wouldn’t have caught it. “I had no idea how close she was to me. All I knew was that I wanted to get as far away from the house as possible.

  “I jumped off the boat and ran along the beach until I was exhausted. After sitting on the sand for a couple of hours, I circled back to the house to see if Mom and Dad had come home yet.

  “To my horror, I saw police cars and fire engines out in front. All the neighbors had crowded around. The air smelled of smoke. You know the rest. The police accused me of knocking her unconscious, then setting her room on fire.” Her voice fell to a mere whisper.

  “Is that what the autopsy report said? She was overcome by smoke inhalation?”

  Her face glistened with tears. “There was no autopsy.”

  “What?” Gideon blinked. “Why? Was it against your family’s religion?”

  “No. The evidence against me was apparently conclusive. It was determined that no autopsy was required, especially since my parents couldn’t stand the thought of…of Amy’s body being cut open. Neither could I.”

  Good Lord. If Gideon had been the detective on this case, he would’ve insisted on an autopsy paid for by the department.

  “I’m sorry to make you relive that night, Dana, but it’s essential if I’m going to investigate your case.”

  He heard her sharp gasp. “Then you believe I didn’t kill my sister?”

  Gideon felt in his gut that she was innocent, but he needed to be cruel if he was going to get anywhere on this case.

  “Yes, but I also believe that part of your story is a lie.”

  “What do you mean?” she cried.

  “Exactly what I said.” He stood up. “When you’re ready to talk, let me know through Heidi.”

  “Wait! Please—don’t go!”

  “If you can’t be totally honest with me, there’s nothing more to discuss. You’re already serving your sentence, so I know you’re not lying to save your own skin. Which means you’re lying to save someone else’s. Until you come clean, further conversation would be a waste of your time and mine.”

  By now she was on her feet. He didn’t know how it was possible, but her face had gone even whiter.

  “You won’t come again?”

  “Not unless you give me a good reason.”

  He could feel how torn she was between wanting to remain silent and her need to disclose what she’d been hiding.

  “It was nice meeting you, Dana.”

  He started to hang up the receiver but she called him back.

  “Please don’t leave yet. I-I’ll tell you, but you have to promise this conversation won’t go any further than the two of us.”

  Elation swept through him. Now he was getting somewhere. “I can’t make you a promise like that, not if I’m going to help you.”

  The pain in her eyes couldn’t possibly have been fabricated. “Then there’s nothing more for me to say except thank you for coming. Please tell Heidi I appreciate her effort, but the truth is, I don’t want her worrying about me anymore. It would be better if she didn’t come to see me again.”

  Before he could respond, she’d hung up and disappeared.

  He remained there in a quandary.

  No autopsy, and Dana Turner was protecting someone.

  What person was so important to her that she preferred to stay behind bars and refuse Gideon’s help in order to retain her secret?

  Aware that there were other visit
ors impatient for their turn to talk to an inmate, he headed out of the building. On the way to the car he felt that familiar rush of adrenaline.

  Like a hunter who’d suddenly picked up the scent, Gideon wouldn’t be able to let this go now—even if he didn’t have a personal stake in the outcome.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  IT WASN’T DIFFICULT for Heidi to spot Gideon in a crowd. With his height, dark hair and rugged features, he always stood out. He was especially noticeable in the red-plaid flannel shirt and black trousers he was wearing today.

  Kevin and Pokey must have seen him at the same moment. The dog barked with excitement as they hurried across the parking lot toward him. Heidi followed at a short distance, giving Kevin time to greet his father first.

  When she walked up to the car, Gideon was patting the dog while Kevin rummaged in the glove compartment and retrieved a couple of wrapped mints. Her mouth had gone dry from fear that Gideon would tell her he wasn’t convinced of Dana’s innocence.

  He lifted his head to look at her. She couldn’t read anything in his expression. “Sorry I was gone so long.”

  “We didn’t notice the time,” she murmured.

  “Pokey does wonderful tricks. Kevin put him through every conceivable maneuver for me. The best one was when the dog raised his paw to shake my hand.”

  “Pokey won’t do that for people who aren’t dog lovers,” Gideon informed her.

  “How could anyone not love this little guy?” She stooped to scratch behind his ears. The dog inched closer to rub against her legs.

  “I think we’ve been here long enough. What do you say we all go home?”

  Gideon’s unexpected suggestion brought a sharp pain to her chest. Before she could form words, he said, “We took a little longer to get here. Unfortunately visiting hours are almost over and the late-Sunday-afternoon traffic is going to be heavy. I think we’d better leave now if we want to get back at a decent hour. Shall we go?”

  “Yes, of course,” Heidi agreed, but her heart wasn’t in it. Avoiding Gideon’s eyes, she turned and opened the rear door of the car before he could suggest she ride in the front. For her own sake, she needed to put distance between herself and Gideon.

  He was probably trying to decide how best to put the bad news to her and didn’t want Kevin to be a witness. For that matter, he must know it would be devastating to Dana if Heidi went inside the visitors’ center and fell apart. Just as well that visiting hours were almost over.

  Kevin offered her a mint, which Heidi declined. Then he got in the front seat with Pokey. There was an uneasy silence as his father climbed behind the wheel and started the engine.

  After the guard checked them at the gate, Gideon switched on the radio, turning it to an easy-listening station, and they were off. It was another not-so-subtle trick of his to prevent unwanted conversation.

  The dog kept looking over the seat, whining softly. Kevin turned around. “Do you want him in the back?”

  Despite his hostility toward her at the restaurant yesterday, Heidi had been prepared to like Kevin. She was relieved that today he’d been civil with her, even pleasant.

  “I was hoping you’d offer. Come here, Pokey,” she urged. “Come on, boy.” Kevin helped his dog over the seat. Pokey moved around for a minute, then lay down, dropping his head in her lap. She began to rub behind his ears. There was comfort in the dog’s presence, in his solid warmth against her. She knew how consoling an animal could be for a confused, vulnerable teen like Kevin. Right now she was grateful for a little of that consolation herself.

  “He thinks he’s died and gone to dog heaven.”

  Though she avoided looking at Gideon in the rearview mirror, his comment brought a smile to her lips.

  What is it you’re keeping from me, Gideon? I thought you could make the miracle happen for Dana. I can’t believe there isn’t something you can do.

  They made one rest stop to buy sandwiches and drinks. When they were ready to get back in the car, she arranged for the dog to sit in front with Kevin again.

  During the rest of the drive she organized all the students’ papers, then put everything away in her briefcase. As soon as she saw the sign for Mission Beach, she leaned forward.

  “Will you drop me off first? I have more work to do on my computer tonight—stuff I need to finish before school in the morning.”

  Gideon flicked her an enigmatic glance. “I was going to suggest it.”

  She sat back, desperately trying not to show her hurt. When he stopped at the curb in front of her apartment, she sprang from the car.

  Before shutting the door, she said, “You don’t need to see me inside.”

  “I’ll call you,” was all Gideon said.

  “Thanks for lunch and the trip. I enjoyed it. See you later, Pokey. Take care, Kevin.”

  “Bye.”

  She could hear the dog barking as she hurried along the path with her purse and briefcase. Unable to get into her apartment fast enough, she dashed up the stairs, key in hand. The Acura didn’t drive away until she’d let herself in.

  Beyond tears, she took off her suit and changed into jeans and a T-shirt. Slipping into loafers, she left the apartment for her parents’ home in Mission Bay.

  After meeting Gideon, she’d made the mistake of pinning all her hopes on him. Her parents needed to be informed that, wonderful though she thought he was, he probably wouldn’t be able to help Dana, after all.

  KEVIN SEEMED DISINCLINED to talk. Gideon feared his son was going to be difficult about returning to Fay’s. The thought of a repeat of this morning’s performance at the hospital left a coil of tension in his stomach.

  “Dad? Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.”

  “Why’d you make us come home before Ms. Ellis could go in to visit her friend?”

  “Because I don’t want the two of them talking yet.”

  “You think her friend killed her sister?”

  “My instincts tell me no.”

  “Then who did?”

  His son had grown up overnight. Gideon reminded himself again that he needed to treat Kevin in a more adult way.

  “I have no idea. But I did learn one thing. Dana’s withholding information no one knows about. Not even Heidi.”

  “How did you find that out?”

  “Because I caught her in a lie. She said she’d level with me as long as I kept it a secret. But I couldn’t promise that, so she closed up on me.”

  “How come she’s afraid? She’s already in prison.”

  “Exactly. It means she’s protecting someone.”

  “Who?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out. Unfortunately, because of my probing, Dana got defensive on me. In fact, she said she didn’t want Heidi to visit her anymore.”

  “That’s why we left so fast?”

  “Yes. I didn’t want Heidi to go into the visitors’ facility only to be told by the matron that Dana wouldn’t talk to her.”

  His son’s face went very still. “You really like her, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” Gideon said honestly.

  He hadn’t known what to expect when he’d left the two of them alone. But it didn’t sound as if Kevin had softened.

  “What will you do now?”

  “Before Heidi attempts to see Dana again, I need to find out how much she knows about the murder. Then I’ll go downtown and read Dana’s case from start to finish. After that I’ll start my investigation.”

  “So you’re going to work on it for her?” Kevin demanded.

  Already damned for being interested in Heidi on a personal level, Gideon realized that in his son’s eyes, agreeing to help her was making matters even worse. Aside from the issue of Kevin’s jealousy, it meant more time spent away from him.

  “Yes.”

  “Is she going to pay you?”

  Good Lord. “I wouldn’t take her money, Kevin.”

  His son squinted at him. It made him look older than his fourte
en years. “Maybe Ms. Ellis had something to do with the murder and she’s the one her friend’s protecting.”

  This remark, intended to wound Gideon, lifted the hair on the back of his neck—particularly as the same thought had crossed his mind when he’d first gone to Daniel about the Turner case. Alarmed and saddened by Kevin’s attitude, he had no words to calm a volatile situation.

  They pulled up in front of the house without speaking. It didn’t surprise Gideon that Fay immediately came outside. She was the main reason he hadn’t wanted Heidi in the car. If his ex-wife had caught one glance of so much glorious red hair, she would’ve marched right down the path to talk to them, creating a confrontation Heidi wasn’t ready for.

  As it was, Fay had allowed one day’s irregularity in visitation, but that was it. She wanted their son in the house. Now.

  Kevin had seen her, too. He opened the car door. Before getting out, he stroked the dog’s head. “Be good, Pokey.” He refused to look at Gideon.

  “I’ll see you on Wednesday right after school.”

  “That’s okay, Dad. You’ve got other things to do.” The door slammed shut.

  Gideon groaned. Obviously nothing was going to be settled tonight—or anytime soon.

  He watched until Kevin had gone in the house with Fay, then he took out his cell phone to call Heidi and tell her he was coming over. To his chagrin he got her voice mail.

  “Heidi? It’s Gideon. If you’re there, please call me back on my cell.” He gave her the number. “I took Kevin home and I’m on my way to your apartment. We have to talk.”

  He clicked off, then headed for her place. By the time he’d turned down her street, she still hadn’t returned his call. The same light was on in her living room. Wondering if she was even there, he drove around to the back of her apartment building to the carports. Her Audi was missing.

  Frustrated, he called again. “Heidi? I came by, but you weren’t home. I need to take Pokey to my house, then I’m coming back. If you’re not here, I’ll wait for you.”

  He didn’t know if she had a cell phone or not. Before the night was over he intended to find out. It was vital to his peace of mind that he be able to reach her no matter where she was.