Sig Alert

By David Scott

Darcy Garcia and Peter Dale are at it again solving the biggest crime of their careers.

The future of Los Angeles hangs in the balance.

Can they figure out what will happen and when it will happen in enough time to stop it?

Find out in SIG ALERT!

SIG ALERT is the sequel to the novel HELP WANTED

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546230465

David Scott

David Scott is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the History of Parliament Trust and has formerly taught at both York and Yale Universities. His previous book (for Palgrave) 'Politics and War in the Three Stuart Kingdoms 1637-49' was chosen by the Sunday Telegraph as one of its Books of the Year in 2004.

Book preview

Chapter 1 – Getting Married

Peter and Darcy were driving down Pacific Coast Highway going through Huntington Beach in route to Laguna Beach. Darcy was admiring the waves. You think we could learn how to surf? Peter was watching the waves. I think we’d fall off our surfboards. We aren’t the surfer types.

Darcy thought about it. You’re right. I like to watch the surfers anticipate a wave, paddle toward it and hop on their boards. It’s amazing how they can time the waves to know when they can hop on. Peter saw a surfer paddle then hop on his surfboard. I guess it is. I hope we can find easy parking. I think we left early enough.

Darcy let out a happy cry when she saw a Laguna Beach signpost. We’re almost there. I love Laguna Beach.

It’s a special place, Peter replied and he hoped forever for the two of them a very special place. Peter felt for the engagement ring he had concealed in his shirt pocket. It was the third time he had checked it since they left on their day trip. This would be one time where forgetfulness would be unforgivable. Let’s walk to the gazebo and back before lunch.

Darcy considered their options. Are you sure you don’t want to eat first? We left home without eating breakfast. Peter was trying to appear outwardly calm. I want to stretch my legs and get some exercise. Darcy always loved walking along the paths and looking out at the Pacific Ocean. Sounds good to me.

Peter turned left onto Broadway and luckily street parking was available. Peter parked their car and he was glad to have avoiding any parking hassles. That’s what I’m talking about. I knew leaving at eight was a good idea. Peter put the car in park as Darcy reached in her purse for the roll of quarters for the parking meter. How many quarters do you think we need to put in? Peter was trying to calibrate the amount of time he would need to properly pop the question. Put in three hours’ worth.

Darcy carefully watched the time count on the meter as she inserted quarters in the meter. We have parking for three hours and fifteen minutes. If we want to stay longer we’ll need to be back here at noon. As they walked across an intersection crossing Pacific Coast Highway toward the beach Peter felt for the ring to make sure it was still there. Darcy looked up at a staircase winding its way up to a higher summit. Good thing we come here once a month or we’d never get any exercise. Let’s go.

They started climbing with Darcy leading and Peter behind her still feeling the ring in his pocket and silently rehearsing his lines. About halfway up between labored breaths he decided to abandon his memorized proposal and just play it by ear. Peter knew if he had to count on saying the words as he’d written them he’d flub his lines.

That’s good exercise, Darcy said as they exited onto a walking path. Lots of people were out on this picture-perfect day some strolling around with their families and dogs. As they approached the gazebo Peter noticed several people loitering inside taking in the ocean air and beach view. That wouldn’t work. It has to be empty.

Peter took Darcy’s hand and guided her to a bench near the gazebo. I thought you wanted to go in the gazebo. Peter looked at the gazebo. Let those people clear out first. Peter kept an eye on the gazebo as they were soaking in the sun. When one to two people left the gazebo one or two more took their place. After five minutes of this a couple left and nobody else was in the immediate area queued to go in. Peter grabbed Darcy’s hand and almost pulled her up from the bench. Hey, you don’t have to pull me. Peter hustled her inside and they stood together looking out at the Pacific Ocean.

There’s Catalina Island, Darcy said as Peter reached into his shirt pocket and cupped the ring in his right hand. The other day on the oldies station I heard a song about Catalina Island. We’ve never been there. We should go sometime.

Peter shook his head in agreement as he positioned the ring in his right hand. Just as he was going to speak a couple of teenagers came into the gazebo comparing social media notes on their phones leaning over the railing standing next to them. Why don’t you leave, Peter thought in frustration. As fast as the teenagers walked in they walked out and Peter and Darcy were alone again.

Peter gathered his courage as Darcy was watching waves crashing on the rocks below. Peter put his arm around Darcy and commiserated with her. We’ve been through a lot you and I. Darcy squeezed his waist in acknowledgement. Peter looked down at Darcy. You saved my life. Darcy looked up at Peter. You saved mine. We saved each other. We escaped death by the slimmest of margins you know and we killed, how did one of the tabloids put it, notorious criminal Bill Lasky.

Peter looked down at her. You mean you killed notorious criminal Bill Lasky. Darcy protested. It was you and me working together who killed him.

Darcy felt her right-hand spasm and it was gone as quickly as it came. The ocean view was therapeutic. Peter began to reminisce. Remember how much news coverage we got for a few weeks? We were temporary media stars. Then it was old news and the press moved on to other things. Darcy agreed. We had our fifteen minutes of fame and now it’s fading away.

Peter placed his hands on her arms and turned Darcy toward him.

Three more people meandered into the gazebo. This time Peter didn’t care. Clutching the ring firmly in his fingers Peter looked at Darcy and said Darcy, will you marry me? Darcy’s eyes widened and, after what seemed to be a century to Peter, she broke into a large smile. Yes, I’ll marry you! As Peter kissed her and placed the engagement ring on her finger, several people in the gazebo broke out in cheers and applauded the scene they had witnessed.

Darcy held him with her head on his chest as Peter realized he’d created a minor public spectacle. A man standing next to him was pointing to his phone. What’s your email address? I’ve got some photos for you. Peter was feeling lightheaded as he and Darcy held each other tight. Maybe this is what bliss feels like he thought.

The following Monday Peter was in his office at the newspaper where he worked doing his part of arranging for their wedding in Laguna Beach. Word of their engagement spread fast at the paper and the police department where Darcy worked. In celebration, a network of friends took up a collection to gift the couple an all-expenses paid wedding of their dreams. That day in Laguna Beach was perfection and surrounded by their good friends, they were wed in the same gazebo – their gazebo – where Peter proposed to Darcy.

Peter’s best man was Sam Sergio who also gave Darcy away. Sam worked with Darcy at the police station and was instrumental in helping Darcy and Peter solve the Bill Lasky case. Sam and Peter had become close friends. Darcy enlisted her best friend and her sister to be her maids of honor.

For their honeymoon Peter and Darcy were given two weeks paid which was spent at a luxury resort hotel in Hawaii. They leisured their days on the beach at Waikiki and explored all the beauty and mystery that are the Hawaiian Islands. While on their honeymoon among other things they explored the possibility of opening their own private investigation agency.

The weeks and months after their honeymoon were like a whirlwind. Peter was able to acquire his childhood family home in Whittier after helping his parents move to a retirement community in Phoenix. Darcy’s family provided some financial assistance and she and Peter moved in. It seemed as if an invisible hand was guiding them as one blessing after another graced their lives.

What Darcy and Peter didn’t know was their experiences with Bill Lasky had left them with deep psychological scars that were being hidden by all of the positive things that were happening in their lives.

Chapter 2 – Setting Up Shop

Peter and Darcy began to seriously consider becoming private investigators. The way they saw it they had enough public acclaim to justify this goal. They studied California requirements to become private investigators and discovered they didn’t qualify, or wouldn’t qualify, anytime soon. Darcy came closer because she could show some compensated experience in investigative work in her job as an administrative analyst with the police department. Still she was far short of the three years, or 6,000 hours experience she needed in investigative work to meet California state requirements to become licensed.

Neither Darcy nor Peter had law degrees or four-year degrees in police science. Peter’s background in sports writing and reporting were not applicable to being licensed as a private investigator. They weren’t able to obtain a special waiver based on their recent experience with Bill Lasky and solving the long list of cold cases associated with him. After much debate they decided to open a business calling themselves private researchers.

Peter was able to work out a deal with the newspaper to be a part-time contributing editor for sports and crime including a crime bi-line. He passed up a promotion to be a full-time editor to pursue their dream of having their own business and being private investigators, although they had to be satisfied to be called researchers. Darcy was able to arrange working part-time at the police station as Assistant Manager of the Evidence Room. Darcy passed up a promotion that would have set her on a fast track to becoming a criminologist, but it would have required a complete commitment of her time.

They decide on a name for their business: Dale and Garcia Private Researchers.

They got incorporated, got a business license, set up a website, printed business cards and got new smart phones. Darcy found a cozy office not far off Sunset Blvd in the Los Feliz area. The long commute from Whittier to the office and back was a hassle, but the office rent was reasonable due to a fortuitous combination of circumstances and Darcy’s business acumen and hard bargaining.

A schedule was devised to man the office. Darcy’s obligations to the station limited the time she could devote to their new venture to Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Peter’s shift was 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Mondays through Fridays occasionally visiting the newspaper. With his ability to work remotely downtime waiting on clients was utilized by working on his sports and crime columns for the paper.

Even though they were technically researchers and not private investigators Peter believed he and Darcy needed to prepare for any eventuality including the possibility that someday they could be private investigators. If that were to happen they would need to be armed. Peter had a Glock 19 handgun and he bought Darcy a matching Glock 19 so they could use the same caliber ammunition. They learned how to shoot their handguns at a local shooting range. It turned out Darcy could shoot her handgun more rapidly and accurately than Peter could shoot his. After passing extensive background checks and completing firearms training and meeting other California state requirements they were issued carry and conceal firearm licenses.

Chapter 3 – Solving Cases

Peter and Darcy were unknowingly easing out of their careers at the newspaper and police station. Their first referral for their first client was from Sam. Sam had a side business trashing out foreclosed homes. One of his employees Angel Hernandez filed what Sam considered to be a fraudulent workers’ compensation insurance claim. Sam reminded Peter and Darcy that most of their cases would be mundane and involve a lot of sitting around waiting for a break in the case.

With Darcy at the office Peter drove to the man’s last known address in Bell Gardens. Peter discreetly took photos of the house and surrounding area. The man was nowhere to be seen and the house didn’t look lived in. Peter’s phone rang. Hi hon, Darcy said. Find anything?

No. I’m at the address Sam gave me. I don’t see anything. Darcy looked at the screen of her computer. I did some checking online and found a house painting company using the last name of Sam’s ex-employee. Hernandez Brothers House Painters. The address they list is the same one you’re at. Really, Peter replied as he looked over the house again.

Peter drove back to the office and called Sam. Sam, it’s Peter. I didn’t find anything at the address you gave me. Peter was feeling guilty for being annoyed at Sam for the drive he’d made to Bell Gardens. Like I said Pete being a private investigator, oh sorry, private researcher, means sitting around a lot and trying to outthink your opponent. Think outside the box. That what you got to do to be a successful private researcher. I’ll never get used to saying that.

Peter sighed. Ok, I’ll – we’ll – keep at it. Darcy did find the name of a local house painting company has the same last name as your scammer. Hernandez Brothers House Painters. Sam’s reply indicated this could be a lead. That could be important. Leave it to Darcy to find a clue. I’d go with that next. I have to go now. Keep me updated. Will do Sam. Peter hung up.

Darcy was looking at him. Were you talking to Sam?

Peter was going over the conversation he’d just had with Sam. Yes. Sam thinks you may have found an important clue in finding out about Hernandez Brothers House Painters. Not sure how it would tie in. I’m mad at myself for blaming Sam for the drive I made this morning and finding nobody home.

Darcy furrowed her brow as she often did when she was thinking. Having to do things like driving down to Bell Gardens are the unpleasant but necessary chores we have to do as researchers. What if this guy is working as a house painter? If you can catch him painting a house when he’s supposedly injured that could prove fraud. Peter all of a sudden felt better about having made the trip. Guess it would. All right.

Peter sat down at his desk. That’s the angle. I have an idea. What if I call and ask them to paint our house? It needs a paint job anyway. They won’t know who we are. At least I don’t think they’ll know. This approach sounded reasonable to Darcy. Probably not. Go for it. We need to solve our first case!

Peter called Hernandez Brothers House Painters from a prepaid cell phone, a habit he had picked up from Sam when he wanted to keep a low profile. Hernandez Brothers, came the answer. Peter determined the guy was driving based on the background noise. Peter took a deep breath. Are you guys available for a house painting job that needs to be done very soon?

The voice on the phone replied immediately. Yes sir, our schedule is open for the next week. You want the inside or outside painted, or both? Peter shifted into his acting mode. Outside, Peter said. Tell you what, Mr… The voice filled in the blank for Peter. Hernandez.

Do you have referrals? Peter could hear the ardor in the man’s voice which may have been a precursor for the hard sell. We have many satisfied customers. Do you need me to provide referrals?

Peter was convinced. That won’t be necessary. What are your rates? The man hesitated for a moment. "It depends on how big the job is. Our website has a chart listing square footage and rates.

Peter was feeling his subterfuge was going to work. Yes, Mr. Hernandez. I’ll check out your website and call you back. Are you usually at this number? Mr. Hernandez continued his upbeat assessment of Hernandez Brothers House Painters. Yes. My brother and I own the business. Sometimes my cousin works with us. Check us out and call me back. My name is Angel. We guarantee our work. What is your name sir? Peter was figuring he shouldn’t use his actual name. Thumb, Peter said, Tom Thumb. Angel quickly responded. Call us back. We’ll do a great job for you. Angel hung up.

Darcy was eager to find out what happened. How’d it go? Peter was accessing the impressions he had of the conversation with Angel. He wants the job. Why shouldn’t he? Work is work. What is the name of Sam’s guy again?

Darcy looked at her computer. Angel Valdez Hernandez. Peter looked at Darcy. The name of the guy I spoke to us is Angel. Angel Hernandez.

Darcy looked at her computer again. Maybe you talked to Sam’s man directly. Peter hadn’t considered that possibility. Maybe I did. I’m uncomfortable giving this guy our home address. I need to find another house. Darcy thought of her mentor and surrogate father Sam who was also their first client. Call Sam. He’s in the home foreclosure business.

Peter called Sam. Sam listened with interest to the details of Peter’s phone conversation with Angel. Good old Angel. He was with me for two years, then suddenly his back is wrenched on the job lifting up a bicycle onto my truck. He’s strong as an ox. I know it’s fabricated. My workers’ comp mod rate went through the roof because of him. I know Angel screwed me. Good thinking on your part to use the false name Tom Thumb. Mr. Thumb I want you to finger this guy.

Peter was attempting without much success to establish a relationship with Sam as someone who was a client and not his best friend. I don’t doubt he screwed you Sam, but to prove fraud I need to catch him in the act and I need a house painting job for them. Peter could sense Sam was lost in thought.

After a long interval Sam resumed talking. I might have something for you. Not only was I in the trashing out business for foreclosed homes a few years ago I also bought up several foreclosed properties. I have one in Chatsworth that needs a paint job. It’d be the perfect cover. Angel doesn’t know I own this house. Tell them the house is 2300 square feet and the paint job is for the outside of the house only.

Sam gave Peter the address and gave Peter a final instruction. This is very unlikely to happen, but if Angel notices the house isn’t in your name tell them you bought it as a foreclosed property and the deed is in court and you’re fighting a bank over ownership. If they somehow were to actually find out I own the house pass it off as a coincidence. They won’t check. They just want the work. Be consistent using your cover name Tom Thumb. Do your best Tom Thumb. Peter thought he heard Sam laughing under his breath.

Peter called the number of Hernandez Brothers House Painters. A voice blandly answered. Hernandez Brothers. Peter was rehearsing his chosen name Tom Thumb in his mind. May I speak with Angel? The bland voice replied. Angel is busy right now. Can I take a message? Peter was feeling annoyed again and realized he had to learn to be more patient if was going to eventually do this kind of work full time. No, I need to discuss this with Angel. I have a house painting job for him.

Now the voice at the other end was more receptive. Ok, wait. I’ll go get him. Peter waited a couple of minutes and then Angel came on the line. Hello? Peter braced himself. Hello, my name is Tom Thumb and I’m interested in having my house painted.

Peter could hear the eagerness in voice at the other end. You ready for us to paint your house? Peter put his acting cap back on. Sure am. It’s in Chatsworth. Here’s the address. Peter gave Angel the address, square footage, color paint, confirmed the price and told Angel it was cash job, which made Angel happy. The paint job was scheduled to start at 9:00 am the next day. Peter told Angel he’d be there in person.

On the following day Sam and Peter waited in Peter’s car parked across the street from the Chatsworth house. Sam was carefully disguised in case Angel would notice him. It was 9:15 am. Peter was becoming concerned. What if they don’t show? Sam looked at him. One good thing about Angel he’s punctual like me. Probably got caught in traffic. Settle down.

Peter felt uneasy as the clock moved to 9:20 am and then 9:25 am. At 9:28 am a battered old pickup with ladders and other things that were sticking up and partly hanging out over the rear truck bed approached with the faded words Hernandez Brothers House Painters on it.

Sam scrunched down in the passenger seat as Peter got out of the car and walked toward the pickup as three men exited. Good morning, Peter said, glad handing. Are you Angel?

The man flashed a broad smile at Peter. Yes I am. This is Arturo and Sebastian. Angel said a few words in Spanish to them. Peter tried to appear enthusiastic. Great. Looks like you’re ready to paint. May I see the color paint you’ll use?

Angel took a small and worn paint color chart from his back pocket, unfolded it and pointed to a specific square. This is the cream yellow we’ll use. Like I told you on the phone it is a special mix. It will look nice on your house.

Peter gave Angel his friendliest and most ebullient grin. I’ll pay you half now, cash like we said, with the balance due when the job is done. Oh geez, I left the money in my car. I’ll be right back. Peter walked to the car and found Sam crouching down in the front seat. Is that him? Peter asked. Yeah, that’s Angel. You can give him the money.

Peter walked back to Angel giving Angel the money Sam had given him. Sam was always cash and carry whenever possible. Angel counted the money. Good Mr. Thumb. Can I call you Tom? Sure, Peter casually responded. Angel continued. This job should take a couple days. The weather forecast is good so we won’t need tarps we’ll just put wet paint signs in the yard.

Peter looked up at the cloudless sky. Do what you need to do Angel. Angel started to give instructions to Arturo and Sebastian. You won’t be disappointed, Angel said as Peter walked back to his car. Peter stopped mid-way in his tracks and turned around. I’ll be in the neighborhood from time to time to check on the progress of the work. Angel waved good-bye. No problem, Tom. We’ll do a good job for you."

Peter and Sam drove to a restaurant and had an early lunch. When they returned to the house an hour and a half later Angel and Arturo and Sebastian were all painting. Positioning himself directly behind Peter Sam took out his small video camera and began filming. Don’t move, Sam said. I’m zooming in on Angel. Look at that bloodsucker. No way is he injured. I have to credit Angel for one thing he works hard.

Peter was uncomfortable as Sam had him change positions a couple of times. Unexpectedly Angel waved at them and Sam hit the deck. Peter hurriedly got out of his car as Sam stretched his body over the front car seats. Angel was walking toward him. Tom, how are you my friend? Peter walked toward Angel blocking Angel’s view of the car as best he could. This house is important to my wife and she wants it done just right.

Angel was looking around Peter at his car. You have someone with you? Your wife? I thought I saw somebody in the car with you. Peter tried to appear nonchalant. It’s only me. Can you show me your painting techniques? Peter’s felt his heart rate quickening as he took a backward glance at the car as he followed Angel to the house. Sam was out of sight. Peter pretended to be extremely satisfied with the paint job and turned around and waved to Angel and his two cohorts as he walked back to the car.

That was close, Peter said to Sam as he got back in the car. Stay down. He saw you Sam he saw you. I think we dodged the bullet. I don’t think we can come back again with you in the car.

Sam slowly rose up as the car turned a corner. My mistake Pete. I didn’t duck fast enough. But it won’t be necessary to come back. I’ve got enough on film to nail that son of a bitch. Good going you just won your first case. I’ll pay your fee.

Dale and Garcia Private Investigators had successfully completed their first case. Sam sued Angel and Hernandez Brothers House Painters and the false workers’ comp claim was rescinded. And thanks to Sam a second case found its way to Dale and Garcia Private Researchers. Sam was turning out to be a good luck charm.

A female friend of Sam’s who used to work for him as his bookkeeper when he had the part time foreclosure business asked Sam to find out if her husband was cheating on her. It seems cliché, Sam said to Darcy and Peter, but that’s the type of mundane cases you get. Infidelity is a common case. Mundane or not never forget every case is important to the client. Peter understood what Sam said and had a question for him. Why aren’t we getting cases on our own Sam? This is the second time you’ve given us work. I’d like to know what we have to do for people to call us. We mention Lasky on our website.

Darcy walked over to Peter and took his hand. It takes time Peter. And need I remind you technically we’re not private investigators. She’s right, Sam said. Most PI work is from referrals. You’ve only been in business a few weeks. Just wait until you have too many cases to handle at once and you have to hire employees. That’s when your headaches start.

Darcy tapped Sam on the shoulder. Do you have the details of the case? Sam reached into his shirt pocket. Right here on this flash drive. Sam handed the flash drive to Darcy. Got to go. You guys take it easy. Bye Sam, Darcy and Peter said.

Darcy downloaded the files from the flash drive to her laptop and put the flash drive in a safe she had purchased for the office for such things. She read through details. Peter’s curiosity was peeked. What’s the case about? Darcy started to summarize still looking at her laptop. A suspicious wife suspects her husband is having an affair and she wants proof so she can divorce him.

Peter looked crestfallen. That kind of case sucks. Like Sam said, cliché. Darcy scolded Peter. How can you say that? It’s a case. A case is a case and a fee is a fee. This woman is willing to pay us our fee. How can you argue with that? It’s my turn. I’m handling this one. I need the practice. And don’t forget, we’re really not private investigators legally speaking. We have to look at it from the client’s perspective. Peter looked at her. You got the job baby.

Peter had an afterthought. If we’re really not private investigators, can we really even do this kind of work legally speaking? Darcy half heard Peter as she was reading. Pardon? Peter walked over. Since we’re not PIs is there any liability to our getting involved with other people as if we were licensed PIs? Darcy stopped reading and brooded on his question for a bit. We kind of stretched the point on our business license application with our business objective to help clients with special research projects. If we are honest with the client and do the best job we can and use good judgement I think we’ll be ok.

Darcy was staring at nothing in particular looking like someone who didn’t quite believe what she’d just said. Peter noticed. You mean the fact we stretched the truth is not the point. Darcy looked at Peter acknowledging with a slight up and down of her head and kept on reading Sam’s file. Peter knew Darcy was always uneasy when she would tread into ethical danger zones.

Darcy found out the client’s name is Holly Worthington. Her husband Jay Worthington is a well-known investor in high tech startups. He was a frequent guest at dinner parties hosted by well-heeled people. After some research Darcy discovered Jay was going to attend a fundraiser in Beverly Hills