Private Dick Casefile 01 - Lily White Rose Red

though. As if she’d damage library property.

    Lily White, Rose Red: Grey Randall, Private Dick Casefile #1
    45

    “Jane Austen writes about sensible women with superior brains and morals—and they aren’t always pretty! ”
    “But you are. See you, Charlie. Gotta see a man about a girl.” I went closer and dropped a kiss on her cheek.
    “Since when are you interested in girls?”
    “I like you, don’t I?”
    “You like getting me to do your research for you.” But she was pleased, I could tell by the glow.

    IT WAS a short drive up Mesquite to the police station. I parked on the street and went up the front steps into the lobby, where a middle-aged desk sergeant labeled Thomas sat behind the cage.
    “I’m here to see Officer Reggie Harding,” I announced airily, galloping by him to the door that led to the offices behind.
    “Hey, hang on! Who the hell are you?”
    “Grey Randall. It’s okay, I know the way.” I waved my hand at the desk sergeant and breezed through the door before he could get up.
    I saw him reaching for the phone, but I figured once I got to the photo lab, I’d be home free. It was dark in there, and they’d never spot me.
    It was just my bad luck that when I turned the corner I ran right into a big man who practically filled the hallway. He was handsome and genial, brave and stalwart. Captain Woods liked himself so much that other folks thought there had to be something in it and liked him too.
    Big Billy Woods came by his name honestly. He was at least six foot five, towering over me. His wavy, black hair was on the longish side for a cop, but he didn’t bother with the uniform except at press conferences. Today he had on a stylish navy blue suit that had obviously been tailored to fit. His face was open and friendly, his lips were curled into a smile, and I suppose some might have called him handsome.

    46

    CATT FORD

    In stark contrast was a wizened gnome in uniform, Sgt. Bert Guthrie, who was almost always to be found a few paces behind the captain. He sneered at me under Captain Woods’s arm. He was a few inches shorter than me, which put him under periscope depth for the captain.
    Sergeant Thomas plunged through the door after me and skidded to halt when he saw the Captain, saluting instinctively. “Sir, I just—”
    “I’ll take care of it, Sergeant, back to your post.” Sergeant Thomas nodded and backed away.
    Captain Woods gave me the once-over. “Reporter?”
    “Nope.” I grinned up at him. “I’m a big fan of Lieutenant Steele’s. I just came to visit, maybe share a gab over old times.” I tried to edge around the captain. If he was busy, maybe he wouldn’t have time to deal with me, but Guthrie seemed like he was going to give it the old college try, shifting to block my way. “I know the way,” I assured them.
    “I’m sure Lieutenant Steele will be happy to see you. I’ll show you to his office,” Woods said. He waved his hand, indicating that I should take the lead. Maybe it was a test to see if I knew where Lieutenant Steele’s office was. Well, I’d been hauled in there before, so I flew there straight as a homing pigeon.
    I raised my hand to knock, but Captain Woods reached past me and opened the door.
    My nemesis, Lt. Tom Steele, stood up at attention, all natural irritation at seeing me wiped from his face in an instant. “Captain Woods, sir! What’s the problem?”
    I could just tell Steele was dying to glare at me, but he wouldn’t in front of the captain. I sauntered in like I owned the place, hoping it would annoy him. “Hi, Lieutenant Steele.”
    “No trouble, Lieutenant. Just an unescorted visitor who says he’s looking for you.”

    Lily White, Rose Red: Grey Randall, Private Dick Casefile #1
    47

    “I know him, sir,” Steele said grudgingly, answering the unspoken question. His face was wooden, and he stood there stiff as a board.
    Captain Woods smiled over my head in my general direction and then ignored me. I was beginning to feel like a forgotten chip on a poker table. Whatever was going on between them had nothing to do with me, and the tug of war was just beginning, with me in the middle.
    Captain Woods was much better at this game. But maybe he’d had more practice. He kept the smile glued in place, at any rate. “Let’s see now, who is this young man?”
    “He’s a private investigator, sir.”
    I noticed that Steele didn’t mention my name.
    Captain Woods couldn’t hide the little grimace that crossed