My Private Detective. Rebecca Winters

for the fictional skier’s death underscored Heidi’s belief that the police had overlooked something vital in Dana’s case. Something that would point to the real killer.

      “Before I tell you which of your stories I’ve picked for the class to analyze, I’m going to pass out a packet detailing a homicide that happened in San Francisco a few years ago.

      “This case will be your textbook. Inside is an incident report, crime-scene evidence reports, coroner’s report and a press report revealing the arrests made after a two-month investigation. Go ahead and look through it. Then you’re free to get up and stretch or use the washrooms at either end of the hall. We’ll reconvene in five minutes.”

      Only the man named Tom left the room. The others immersed themselves in the information the detective had distributed. Heidi glanced through the pages, but her mind was still on Dana.

      How she wished it was her friend’s case they were studying!

      As soon as Tom was back, the teacher asked each of them to make one observation about what they’d read. Everyone said the same thing. They had no idea so much evidence could be gathered at a crime scene.

      The detective nodded. “Perhaps now you’ll understand why many criminal cases fail to stand up in court. If the investigating officers overlook a piece of vital evidence, or if someone purposely or unwittingly disturbs the crime scene and tampers with the evidence before a team of experts can get in there, crucial bits of information are lost.

      “It’s unfortunate that, on occasion, the police themselves have been accused of tainting or even planting evidence, but we’re not going to get into that in this class.

      “Okay, let’s proceed to the mystery we’ll be examining. We’ll assume the crime scene is untouched and waiting for Mesa Junior High’s detectives to begin their investigation.”

      A ripple of excitement swept through the room.

      Heidi hadn’t met Mr. Mcfarlane, but she couldn’t imagine him enthralling the class the way Detective Poletti had. The man possessed so much genuine charm and charisma, everyone was mesmerized.

      In fact, she couldn’t think of another man who exuded such confidence and intelligence without being at all overbearing. As she looked around, she realized the men, as well as the women, were captivated by his personality and easygoing manner.

      “Emily Deerborn? I’ve chosen your synopsis.”

      Everyone clapped for the beaming older woman and told her how lucky she was that her story had been the one selected.

      The detective said, “Why don’t we ask Heidi to read it for us this time? When she’s finished, someone tell the class why I decided this was a good mystery for us to study.”

      Heidi already knew why. Or at least she thought she knew. After she’d done her part, she sat down. At that point several hands went up, but their answers weren’t what he was looking for. Heidi raised hers.

      His gaze swerved in her direction. “What’s your guess, Heidi?”

      “A lot of the other stories dealt with motives that would have to be explored by interviewing suspects and witnesses alike. This story involved a poisoning carried out by four culprits. That means there’s an unusual amount of physical evidence that will have to be gathered in order for all four to be arrested in the end.”

      Something flickered in the depths of his eyes. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Emily has presented a case in which forensics will play a vital role. Daniel told me you signed up for this class to learn more about forensic science.”

      Just as everyone nodded and made comments, the bell rang.

      He glanced at his watch. “It’s time to go. Here’s your assignment.”

      They all opened their notebooks and started writing.

      “Over the weekend I want you to put on your detective hats. You’ll be writing up Emily’s incident report. I’ll start you off.

      “It’s a Tuesday morning. You’ve been called to the scene of a possible homicide. You enter the office building with another detective and find two police officers, as well as two paramedics, already there, along with one witness who works in that office.

      “Said witness came to work and discovered her boss slumped over the desk, so she called 911.

      “With that scene in mind, list as many things as you can think of that need to be done on the spot. Use the textbook case I gave you to help make your list. Wednesday, we’ll put everything on the board and go from there.

      “As you leave the room, please put your synopsis on the desk. Make sure your name’s on it.”

      The class members got out of their seats and clustered around Detective Poletti. When he went into the hall, they followed, bombarding him with questions. Heidi hurriedly rearranged the desks for Monday morning.

      She would have erased the board where he’d written his name and an outline of the class, but he came back inside and did it for her.

      “Thank you.”

      “You’re welcome.” His eyes were smiling and alive. “What else can I do for you?”

      “Not a thing. I’m ready to go. I need to pay my fee for the class before the secretary goes home.”

      “Since I have to hand in the attendance roll, I’ll walk with you.”

      He waited while she turned out lights and locked the door, then they started down the hall. Her awareness of him made it difficult to act naturally.

      Jeff had been a much shorter man with an average build. Detective Poletti’s tall, well-honed frame was a revelation.

      The last thing she wanted was to act like some of the other women in the class who’d already made their attraction to him obvious.

      “You weren’t a detective in another life, were you?” he asked.

      She chuckled softly without looking at him. “No. It just seemed to me that in a poisoning case, a lot of forensic work would be required in order to determine the culprit.”

      “I’ll bet no one gets away with much in your geography class,” he teased.

      “You’d be surprised. Kids come smarter and smarter these days.”

      “You’re right,” he murmured. “Especially on the streets.”

      Heidi turned her head to look up at him. “Was it a lot different in New York than here?”

      “No. Gangs are everywhere.”

      “I know. It’s a tragic situation that seems to be getting worse.”

      He followed her into the community-ed office.

      “Hi!” Carol greeted them, but her gaze rested on the man who’d just handed her the roll.

      “Hi, Carol.” Heidi vied for the secretary’s attention.

      “How much do I owe for the class? Detective Poletti was kind enough to let me sign up.” She opened her purse and reached for her checkbook.

      “Make it out to Community School for a hundred dollars.”

      “That’s all?”

      The detective’s mouth curved upward. “Didn’t you know that law-enforcement officers, like teachers, aren’t in it for the money?”

      “It isn’t fair. Considering all the times you’ll have to drive to our school, you’ll end up spending most of your teaching fee on gas alone.”

      It was his turn to chuckle. “I’m not worried about it, but I appreciate your concern.” Their eyes met. Her pulse began to race when she realized that he seemed to be waiting for her.

      After writing out the check, she handed it to Carol. “Thanks. See you later.”