The Case of the Rising Star

by Zavo

  “But I can’t imagine any one of them would harm me just to get the lead in a picture or to get me out of the way for future projects. There are dozens of motion pictures being produced, so you would think there’s plenty of work to go around.”

  “One would think that, Gordon. But this industry can be very cutthroat. You can’t deny you came from relative obscurity, with no real training, and shot to almost instant fame. For someone who’s been struggling in this business for years, well, that could make someone carry a grudge and want to sabotage your career.”

  “I guess what you say is true, Derrick.”

  I found myself warming up to this well-spoken young man. While he was talking, I had taken a closer look at him. Several days’ worth of stubble covered his cheeks and neck. His eyes were light brown, almost golden. His nose was slim and straight, the tip well-centered above his lips, which glistened.

  “Short list or not, Gordon, it’s a place to start.” I slid the pad of paper and the pencil back to him. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

  I went to my office and poured a short bourbon. I drank it and another before stashing the bottle back in my desk.

  When I rejoined Gordon he slid the notepad to me. At a quick glance I saw only the names he had just mentioned. He seemed to sense my incredulity, for he chuckled softly.

  “I’m not as big a jerk as I made myself out to be, Derrick. I may have pissed off a lot of people, but not enough to want to do me harm. Or intimidate me. When I said I had a lot of enemies, I should have added not a lot who would wish to see me harmed or dead.”

  “Okay, Gordon. I’ll start by visiting my contact at the Sixty-ninth Precinct. I can have him check this list for any convictions or financial troubles. After that, I’ll run by your home to have a look around. Will you be there?”

  I secretly chided myself for the note of expectation in my question.

  “Here’s my home number, Derrick, and a number to reach me on the set. It’s answered by one of my assistants. I’ll be at my house till a little after lunch. I have to be on the set by one p.m. Perhaps we can have a bite to eat while you’re there?”

  “I’d like that, Gordon. I’ll see you soon.”

  He held out his hand. As we shook, I reveled in the warmth and strength of his grip. I was sorry to see him go.

  After Gordon left, I went back to my office and finished my case notes for Vivian. I wondered what she was up to right about now. Had Stanley been made aware of the photograph? I pushed that aside and made a new folder for Gordon. I jotted down the few facts I knew. I had a feeling this was going to be an interesting case. How could it not be, with a handsome, young motion picture star at its center? My mind wandered to salacious thoughts of Gordon. I swore I could still feel his touch on my hand. I reached into my desk drawer, withdrew the bottle of bourbon and a glass, and filled it halfway. I sipped it reflectively as I relived Gordon’s visit. The first thing I intended to do was make a trip to the library to learn all I could about Gordon Maxwell.

  I grabbed my hat and my Walther, called to Roman, and said good-bye to Betty. When I opened the office door I found myself face-to-face with a large man dressed in black. Immediately thinking it was one of Lionel’s henchmen here to finish the job, I swiftly reached for my gun. Roman growled deep in his throat.

  The man raised his hands in the air and stepped backward off the stoop.

  “Hold on there, mister. I’m not looking for any trouble.”

  Without lowering my gun I took a step toward him, forcing him to retreat further. I felt an instant dislike for this man. Roman continued to growl menacingly.

  “Honestly, I meant no harm. I’m new to Los Angeles. I was looking for some space to rent to start a business. The Realtor told me this building had office space available.”

  “Your Realtor is wrong, stranger. We own this entire building. There is no space for rent. Have a good day.”

  The man’s scowl belied his professed innocent intentions, and I braced myself for him to press the matter or turn belligerent. However, he did neither. He forced a smile at me.

  “Thanks, mister. I won’t take up any more of your valuable time. Have a good day.”

  I watched the man walk down the sidewalk till he disappeared from sight. I wondered briefly where his car was. When I was certain he was gone, I went back inside and poured myself another bourbon. For some reason, the stranger had rattled my nerves.

  I finished the bourbon and thought about a second drink, but placed the bottle back in the drawer instead. I called to Roman once more, and this time we left the office without incident. As Roman leapt in the SSK, I slid in beside him. It was turning into a muggy morning, which meant it was going to be an even muggier afternoon. As I pulled into the parking lot of the precinct, Roman wagged his tail enthusiastically. He had been here several times and always enjoyed seeing Michael. But it was probably best he stay in the car this visit.

  “Stay, Roman. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  After a short bark, he curled up on the front seat.

  After entering the building and making my way down a short hallway, I found the handsome lieutenant at his desk. It was good to see Michael again.

  He rose and shook my hand. “It’s great to see you, Derrick. Please, have a seat.”

  At a distance, sitting at his desk, was Captain Hendricks. He was on the phone as I waved. He smiled and nodded in return.

  “Is this a social visit, Derrick, or does your visit involve one of your current cases?”

  “Both, actually. I haven’t really seen you since shortly after the raid at the Hamilton estate. I felt a visit was warranted. How is the wife these days?”

  “Pretty much the same. Can’t live with her, can’t live without her. How are you and Daniel doing?”

  “We’re chugging along. I’m hoping we’ll be moving back into my house soon. It still holds a lot of bad memories after Robert’s murder, though. I’m having a hard time making that final leap.”

  “Why don’t you just buy a new home, Derrick? Your bad spending habits aside, you must be able to afford one.”

  Michael knew all too well my penchant for booze and young men.

  “I’m just not ready to make that commitment, Michael.”

  He shot me an exasperated “isn’t it time to grow up” look. “How’s the rest of your family?”

  “Very good. Mother and Father are always busy with their friends and social activities. Nathan is hard at work building the business. Which is doing very well, by the way.”

  “That’s great news, Derrick. So, what brings you here?”

  “Before I tell you that, Michael, have there been any new leads on the Lionel Hamilton case?”

  “We did manage to arrest two more of his men who were involved in the police shootout that night. That leaves just a few we have names for, and we figure the rest have probably left the country or at least the state. However, I’m not certain we’ll ever know how many men Lionel had working for him. As for Antonio, no one has seen or heard from him. It’s like he dropped off the planet. But my gut feeling tells me we haven’t seen the last of him. He’s just the type to seek revenge. You know that, firsthand. He’s had it in for you since we were in high school.”

  “I know, Michael. I still can’t believe his hatred ran deep enough to get mixed up with the likes of Lionel Hamilton. Okay, that’s enough about Antonio. I’m here on a new case.”

  I quickly brought him up to speed on the note Gordon Maxwell had received. When I was finished I handed him the list of suspects Gordon had created.

  “Have you heard of Gordon Maxwell, Michael?”

  “Can’t say that I have. Then I’m not much of a moviegoer. I never pictured you as the type. Gordon must be some looker.”

  Michael knew me so well.

  “I won’t lie to you, Michael; he is quite handsome, as well as ten years my junior.”

  Michael laughed. “Okay, Derrick. I’ll see what I can find on these folks, and I’
ll do a little digging on Gordon as well.”

  “Thanks, Michael. As always, I appreciate your help. I’m going to track down Daniel and then head to Gordon’s estate to have a look around. I’ll check back with you in a few days to see what progress you’ve made.”

  “Sounds good, Derrick. But before you go, why don’t you meet me downstairs and show me your appreciation firsthand?”

  “Absolutely, Michael. What are best friends for?”

  Usually, Michael came to my house to have his needs taken care of. However, we had a secret room deep in the bowels of the precinct where we could go if the need arose and Michael was unable to leave the office. It was an old evidence repository.

  “Thanks, Derrick. Meet me at the usual place in five minutes.”

  I got up from Michael’s desk, shook hands, and sauntered down the hall. Halfway to the front door I paused, pretending to read community events on the bulletin board. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Michael get up and head toward me. After he passed me he took a hard right; I could hear his footsteps echoing down the stairwell. I fell in a few steps behind him, knowing each move he was going to make. As I reached the bottom of a second flight of stairs, I stopped. This would give him time to unlock the door at the end of the hall. When I turned the corner he had disappeared into our special room. I quickly joined him. The only light in the evidence room was from two low-watt bulbs about twelve feet above us.

  The room smelled musty and unused and of several unpleasant things. I locked the door behind us. In that brief moment, Michael had undone his pants and pushed them to his ankles. He was leaning against the old desk where the evidence clerk used to sit. I could see the outline of his cock through the white fabric of his briefs. It was fully erect. I stepped to him and sank to my knees in front of him. I rubbed the long cock through the fabric, and Michael moaned softy in appreciation. I grabbed his waistband in both hands and his briefs quickly joined his pants. I leaned in and sniffed his balls, then sucked the entire sack into my mouth, gagging slightly as I did. Michael’s moans intensified, and he placed his hand on the top of my head.

  “Take it in your mouth, Derrick,” he whispered.

  I didn’t need to be asked twice. I rose up slightly and licked the plum-sized head before swallowing the familiar shaft to its thick root. I rested there, breathing gently through my nose as I inhaled the odor of Michael’s thick patch of crotch hair. It was intoxicating. I ran my tongue underneath the shaft, then sucked on it vigorously.

  Soon Michael was pumping his hips to match the movement of my head. With my left hand I squeezed his balls. After a good ten minutes, Michael grabbed me none too gently by my ears and held his dick deep down my throat as he pumped his thick seed down it. I swallowed greedily, released his cock, and licked the head clean.

  “Potent as usual, Mr. Grogan.”

  “And your talents never cease to amaze me, Mr. Steele. After all these years you’ve yet to let me down. I’ll check on that list of names you gave me and call you with what I find. I need to get back to my desk before I’m missed. I assume you can show yourself out?”

  We both laughed at this, as it had become our parting line for these encounters.

  “May I use your phone before I leave? I need to find Daniel.”

  “Sure. Just give me time to get back to my desk.”

  After Michael left, I gave him five minutes by my watch before rejoining him.

  When I dialed the house, George picked up on the second ring.

  “George, is Daniel at the house? I need to speak to him for a moment.”

  “No, he’s not, young Master Steele. I believe he’s at the office. Nathan indicated as much a half hour ago when he called.”

  “Thanks, George.”

  Betty answered the phone at the office on the first ring.

  “I’ll put you right through to him, Derrick.”

  Shortly, Daniel’s sexy voice was on the line.

  “If you have nothing pressing this afternoon, I’d like you to ride out to Gordon Maxwell’s estate with me.”

  “Gordon Maxwell, the movie star?”

  “One and the same.” I quickly told Daniel about the recent meeting I’d had with Gordon.

  “I’m happy to go, Derrick.”

  “Good, I’ll be there to pick you up in twenty minutes.”

  “Okay.”

  I hung up and turned to Michael. “Michael, do you want to see Roman before I leave?”

  “Sure.”

  Roman was excited to see Michael when we got to the SSK. After a serious round of vigorous ear and chin scratching, Michael pushed Roman gently from him.

  “Take care, Michael.”

  “You too, Derrick.”

  Once on the highway, I quickly put the car through its paces, and before long I was pulling up in front of the office Roman was out of the car before me and waiting on the stoop. When I opened the door he bounded in, eagerly greeting Daniel and Betty.

  “Your mother just called. She wants an autographed photo of Gordon. If it’s not too much trouble. I think Betty would like one as well.”

  “I’ll see what I can do, Daniel. Let’s go. Betty, I’m going to leave Roman here this time. Nathan can take him home later today.”

  “Okay, Derrick.”

  We left the office and were soon heading into the Hills, but in a different section than Lionel Hamilton’s case had taken us. It was a newer section that a lot of the up-and-coming motion picture stars were flocking to for the privacy and the breathtaking views.

  I glanced at the directions Gordon had given me. I took the next left, and we continued our interminable climb. I glanced over at Daniel and found him staring at me. A smile was on his face, and the wind was gently tousling his dark hair. I thought again of my discussion with Michael about my house. After my kidnapping, Daniel and I had decided to stay with my parents for a few weeks. Nathan was still there, as well. As far as I knew he had made no plans to purchase a house of his own. Of course, my parents were delighted to have all of us under one roof; my mother had doted on all three of us, again making it clear she considered Daniel one of her sons. Truth be told, I was seriously thinking of staying put. I’d been kicking around the idea of building my own home somewhere on the estate. Probably out past the riding trails. With all that had been happening, I hadn’t yet had a chance to broach the subject with my parents—or Daniel, for that matter. Perhaps Nathan would want to live in my house. It really no longer held the same appeal for me. I would miss Yolanda, my housekeeper, but such was life. Perhaps she could come to work for my mother? She could never seem to find or keep good housekeepers. She had recently hired Charles to help George out around the house. George was getting on in years and was no longer able to manage everything by himself.

  Especially with three new houseguests.

  I glanced at the directions again and took the next right. Another quick right brought us to a set of black, wrought-iron gates. They were ubiquitous in this area, it seemed. As was the silver call box embedded in the stone pillar that held the left section of the gate firmly in place. I pulled up to the pillar, picked up the handset, and pushed the button. Almost immediately, a young male voice came on the speaker.

  “Mr. Maxwell’s estate. Who may I say is calling, please?”

  “It’s Derrick Steele and Daniel McAllister, of Steele Investigations. We’re here to see Mr. Maxwell.”

  “Oh, yes, we’ve been expecting you, Mr. Steele. But I don’t have Mr. McAllister on my list. Please hold a moment.”

  While we waited, Daniel drummed his fingers in annoyance on the lip of his car door.

  “Mr. McAllister is clear. Please drive through and park in front of the house.”

  The person on the other end pushed the necessary control, and the two sections of gate swung inward. As we drove between them and along a winding cobblestone driveway, I was impressed at the opulence that greeted us. Gordon Maxwell was doing very well for a man his age. The lawns were well cared for and lush
ly green. Numerous cherubic stone fountains and other assorted stone statuary and benches dotted the grounds here and there. Could he already afford this elegant estate? Maybe he had been taken under the wing of one of the rich movie moguls who desired young men.

  We stopped in front of an enormous three-story house built entirely of what appeared to be blocks of white marble. The front steps were also marble of a light gray hue. They led to a wide portico, in which was set a massive pair of doors. We exited the car and climbed the steps. A multitude of pots lined the front porch, all overflowing with blooms of various colors. Before I had a chance to ring the doorbell, the right door opened and a young, handsome man faced us.

  “Good afternoon, gentlemen. Please come in.”

  He beckoned us with his right hand, and as we entered the house, we found ourselves in a sparsely furnished, almost Spartan foyer. The few rooms I could see from this vantage point also appeared to be bare of furniture or bric-a-brac. It seemed that Gordon was still furnishing the interior.

  “I’m Donald Frazier, Mr. Maxwell’s personal assistant. I’m the one who urged Mr. Maxwell to reach out to a detective agency yesterday morning after finding the note in the mailbox. Mr. Maxwell is waiting for you in his study. Please follow me. Can I bring you anything to drink?”

  I asked for a bourbon; Daniel asked for a beer.

  “Very good, sirs. I’ll escort you to the study and return with your drinks.”

  We went down a wide hall running parallel to a huge spiral staircase to the floors above us. We passed a set of closed doors on our left and took the next left into an oversized study. This room was well furnished with modern leather furniture. A large desk stood against the far wall. Two leather chairs faced it. Gordon was sitting at the desk, perusing a large stack of papers. Another young man sat in a third leather chair to his left.