The Detective's Last Case

by Gerald Lopez

  “Yeah,” Galen said. “Can we keep the land all together and make lots of grapes?”

  “Of course we can,” Gabriel said, then smiled.

  “We’ll need to get a security system installed,” Arnou said. “Also a guard dog and probably a live-in caretaker. And all before you boys start coming over to work on the house.”

  “I agree,” Gabriel said. “What do you think, Pops?”

  “It’s a good start. I like the way you think, Arnou.”

  “I’m glad he’s finally started thinking after all these years,” Marianne said, and chuckled.

  “Ha, ha,” Arnou said. “To change the subject, is anyone else hungry?”

  Everybody decided they were hungry, so they got back in the cars and headed to the downtown area, and found a place to park. The majority of the buildings in town were made of the same stone as Gabriel’s house. While they walked down cobblestone streets people stared and whispered their way.

  “I’d recognize Naomi anywhere,” a woman hanging her laundry on the line outside her second floor balcony said.

  “Tauncy?” Naomi said. “Is that you, Tauncy? They told me you moved.”

  “I’m back,” Tauncy said. “Twenty pounds heavier, with three kids and an American husband. I heard you’ve become a huge success.”

  “Well—” Naomi said.

  “She has,” Gabriel said.

  “Oh my God, is that little Gabriel all grown up?” Tauncy said. “He looks just like his mama and Chambers.”

  “Yes,” Naomi said. “How did you know about Chambers being Gabriel’s father?”

  “That was the worst kept secret in this whole country,” Tauncy said and laughed.

  “Gabriel has a brother now,” Marianne said.

  “Marianne,” Tauncy said, “I didn’t even see you. What’re you all doing here?”

  “Gabriel just inherited the old family house,” Naomi said. “We just left there and are on our way to find a place to eat.”

  Tauncy squealed. “You just found a place to eat, and I have plenty of food for your whole group. We’ll eat on the rooftop terrace.”

  “I’m not gonna say no to that invitation!” Naomi said. “We’ll come up now.”

  After hanging up one last shirt, Tauncy disappeared inside her house.

  “Tauncy is the best cook in the area,” Marianne said. “She’ll whip us up a feast in no time.”

  “My mouth is watering just thinking about it,” Naomi said.

  “She’s that good?” Jimmy said.

  “Hell, yeah,” Arnou said.

  “She uses locally-sourced ingredients in her humble but filling and satisfying rustic recipes,” Marianne said. “She’s a legend around here.”

  “And she’s perfect to be chef of a restaurant probably,” Jimmy said.

  “People would come from all over to eat her food,” Naomi said. “Gabriel, it’s an idea worth exploring.”

  The group followed Naomi into Tauncy’s building. In no time, they were on the roof terrace. Dalida’s song ‘Amor, Amor’ was playing, while Jimmy and Gabriel helped Tauncy and her son grill vegetables and meat. The smells were tantalizing not just to humans, but also dogs. Arnou and Marianne were helping Galen and Louise, along with Tauncy’s two younger children keep the puppies under control. Walter and his detective looked out over the rooftops of the town while they munched on crispy bread and talked.

  “You’re no longer my detective now that you’ve retired from the biz,” Walter said.

  “Now I’m just yours.”

  “This really is the life, isn’t it?” Walter said.

  “Walter, I’m happier than ever.”

  “That’s everything then,” Walter said, as Naomi approached them.

  “Now that you’re not a detective what should we call you?” Naomi said. “What’s your name?”

  “Pops, how do you like your meat cooked—medium, rare, or well-done ?” Gabriel said, from where he stood by the side of the grill.

  “Popsy!” Galen said. “The puppy won’t stop licking my face!”

  The former detective looked at Naomi and Walter, then smiled.

  “Yes,” Naomi said. “I like those names for you.”

  “‘Pops’ fits him, I think,” Walter said.

  “Then ‘Pops’ it is,” the former detective said, and smiled as the sun shone down on all of them.

  Contact the Author

  Thank you for reading this book. If you liked it, please consider leaving a review on the website of one of your favorite retailers.

  Gerald loves to hear from his readers, and may be contacted by e-mail at

  GeraldLopez@Comcast.Net

  Gerald and fellow author Etienne have started to issue a regular newsletter, which will keep readers and fans updated as to forthcoming books and events. The newsletter is published on a monthly basis. If you would like to receive the newsletter, send your e-mail address to Etienne.Reynard@Comcast.Net and ask to be included on the list.

  About Gerald Lopez

  Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for him—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.

  Other Books by Gerald Lopez

  Dueling Divas (an Avondale Story)

  Murder, mayhem, and love all find their way into The Next Club Superstar singing contest.

  Dead Men Tell Tales (a New Eden Tale)

  A contemporary tale of murder, ghosts, and romance set out West.

  Blue Light By Night (a Layton Shayne Mystery)

  A supernatural mystery set in a small town in Louisiana. Also, first book in a series.

  For Love Of: Tangi

  A heartwarming and often funny story of a young man’s coming-out and finding true love.

  Green Eyes Cry, You Die (a Layton Shayne Mystery)

  More supernatural suspense. This time, Layton Shayne must locate a green-eyed statue that has the power to create zombies.

  Miss Lucy and the Pussy Brigade (Miss Lucy Case Files #1)

  First spin-off from the Layton Shayne Mysteries. Hilarious read involving the supernatural, crazy agents, and a bunch of cats.

  All Queers Must Die

  In a world where no one is who they seem to be and everybody has secrets… how do you find the truth? Bart Farrow is a man determined to get to the truth of what is going on in Maynard Shores.

  Lost Bitches: an Abel Kane Mystery

  Private detective Abel Kane is on the case. And he is willing and able to do what it takes to get the job done. What starts off as a seemingly simple dognapping case turns into much more when the mob, a pretty female call girl, and several hunky men get involved.

  For Love of: Colt

  Colt and Tangi are in love and they’ve survived being crowned homecoming kings. But if they’re expecting the craziness in their lives to settle down—they couldn’t be more wrong. Even though members of Colt’s football team, the cheerleaders, and the entire high school become involved in the couple’s romance, Tangi and Colt persevere. And Tangi stands strong when the time is called for him to do so. All… for love of Colt.

  Black Hearts Dance (a Layton Shayne Mystery)

  Detective Layton Shayne and his partner Alex are back, and working on a new case. While out with friends, the two catch the eye of a mysterious older woman who hires Layton to investigate the hauntings on her estate, Carson Court. Not only is Layton intrigued… he also feels compelled to take the job. New surprises greet him and Alex at every corner as they meet the hunks and mysterious citizens living in and around Carson Court. Layton knows to listen to his instincts, but this time could tha
t lead to trouble of a supernatural nature in a house with a dark past and secrets desperate to come out?

  Gray Days, Wicked Ways (a Layton Shayne Mystery)

  They were supposed to be on vacation but how could Layton not take the case—it was to help a Marine’s kid. But the case gets complicated. Someone is out for blood and no one is safe. Things hit home further when fellow Marines get involved and old familiar faces turn up with hidden agendas. When Forrest Hanson pays a visit things heat up in an all together different way for Alex and Layton. And what would Layton’s life be without some supernatural elements thrown in for fun.

  A Grande Romance

  Life was just grand for Julian Grande. His dream of opening a bookstore had come true. He loved the town he was living in and had his best friend Noreen working for him. And the sexy fireman Jaxon Reed had entered his life. But then things take a turn for the worse. Lives may hang in the balance unless Julian and his friends can get to the truth of things. They need to solve a puzzling mystery that has the whole town in its grip.

  The Travelers: Samuel—Dying to the Flesh

  They think of themselves as travelers. But others refer to them as monsters… creatures of the night… vampires. Rory Baker is a human who unexpectedly enters their world. He meets Samuel, a handsome traveler and vampire who was turned shortly after the Civil War. And an attraction blooms between them.

  Throughout his life, Rory has dealt with many metaphorical monsters, but now in his time of need who will come to his aid? Between mortals and vampires who are really the most human and who are the true monsters?

  Between Lights and Death (a short story for Halloween)

  Best friends Barry, Gary, and Terry are off on a Halloween adventure. But what starts off as a normal trip to a haunted house ends up as anything but a usual occurrence. As the horror becomes all too real, love blossoms between two old friends. But will they survive the night for love to bloom.

  A Shared Darkness (Book One of A Stratham Town Father Andrew Trilogy)

  The quiet town of Stratham, Florida has been shaken to its core. Explosive and deadly events have people scared. Father Andrew Madera is on the scene to help investigate. But he soon discovers the town has yet to come to grips with some dark secrets that have yet to see the light of day

  Crackpots, Crooks, and Cowboys (Book Two of A Stratham Town Father Andrew Trilogy)

  While trying to solve the mystery of his heart, Father Andrew has his hands full. It seems he’s made an enemy who has it in for him. And this enemy’s attacks are escalating. With the help of Officer Tate, Vincent, and others will Father Andrew be able to find the person behind the evil deeds inflicted on him before it’s too late?

  Lily's Passion (A Lily Courtland Romantic Mystery)

  Lily Courtland is an author with writer's block. Life hasn't been easy for the thirty-something-year-old widow with a young daughter. But big changes are coming. A mystery involving a painting titled Heart's Passion changes Lily's life forever when she meets the handsome Thomas Jacobs. Between long hidden family secrets, deadly perils, and burgeoning romance, Lily's writer's block may soon be over.

  Andrew in Paradise (Book Three of A Stratham Town Father Andrew Trilogy)

  Life has certainly changed for Andrew Madera. Now it's taken yet another turn that finds him on an island paradise. But is this Eden all it seems or is there a snake hiding and waiting to strike? And what about Andrew's future with Vince? Meanwhile a new mystery has surfaced during the island's hedonistic gay festival. A mystery that will involve Andrew, Vince, and their new friends.

  City of Dead Men (A New Eden Tale)

  Things in the town of New Eden have been quiet, but that’s about to change. Ken and Mason have been living happily together raising their two adopted sons. But police officer Ken’s new case will affect those he loves, including Mason. New people have come to town—some good and others bad. Familiar characters face big changes in their lives even as others are fighting for survival. And everything leads to the mysterious city of dead men.

  Gay Forever After (a Jerry Tale)

  Everyone's looking for their own Happily Ever After in life. But helping two gay men find their happy ever after is of vital importance. The fate of the fairy tale kingdom and the human world depends on Jacob and William making a love match. The Fairy Queen will have to recruit ogres, and dwarves to help fight those against the match, such as witches, dragons, and a well-meaning preacher.

  Horror in Lowden Hall

  Writer Henry Ayala is looking for a new direction in his life. He thinks he’s found it in the haunted property Lowden Hall located in a sleepy Florida town. Will the hall and its ghosts reveal terrifying secrets to Henry? Romance even rears its head when a handsome stranger appears. But what horrifying things will take place in the Hall on Halloween?