Richard Steele Private Eye: Behind the Steele Curtain

By David C. Reyes

Private Eye Richard Steele is asked to go undercover as an inmate in a maximum-security prison known as "The Steel Curtain." Meanwhile his assistant Kit, must take over an investigation by herself for the first time. As these two assignments begin to unfold, Steele must use his unique skills to find a way out of the impenetrable fortress of a prison, while making an enemy with one of Chicago's biggest mobsters. Meanwhile, Kit's investigation leads her down a twisting path that will bring about a life-changing revelation. One which could affect Steele for the rest of his life!

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Harbor Press
• Release date: Mar 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224997008

David C. Reyes

David is a published author with multiple works of fiction to his credit. A trademark of his writing, is to use his creativity where he entwines a positive moral message within his storylines. Beside writing, David enjoys watching romantic comedy movies or spending time in the local mountains with his lovely wife, Linda.

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Richard Steele - Private Eye

BEHIND THE STEELE CURTAIN

David C. Reyes

New Harbor Press

RAPID CITY, SD

Copyright © 2024 by David C. Reyes

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

Reyes/New Harbor Press

1601 Mt. Rushmore Rd, Ste 3288

Rapid City, SD 57701

www.NewHarborPress.com

Ordering Information:

Quantity sales. Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the Special Sales Department at the address above.

Richard Steele - Private Eye: Beyond the Steele Curtain / David C. Reyes. —1st ed.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version, Cambridge 1769

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Dear potential readers;

I normally attempt not to include any curse words or coarse language in my books. However, due to the fact my main character spends some time in prison, there is some coarse language. This had to be used in order to lend authenticity to the storyline of prison life in the late 1940s, and early 50s.

Thank you.

Prologue

Seeing the prison yard empty and no one was at the weight set, Steele decided to lift a few weights to wake himself up. He was a little lethargic, and he knew a few lifts would get his heart pumping to stimulate his brain for the task ahead. He went to the barbell set and added twenty-five pounds on each side to give him a total of 200 pounds for his bench lift. Steele straddled his legs over the bench and leaned back. He lifted the bar off the stand, then lowered it and pressed upward with relative ease. As he continued with a few more repetitions, the sunlight which warned his face, suddenly grew dim. Laying on the bench he looked backward and saw Vito Antonelli and his men standing over him. He tried to push the bar up onto the stand, but one of his men shoved it back down hard on Steele’s chest. Steele pressed harder to get the bar off his chest and was winning the battle when another man came and the two held him in place. As Steele struggled against these men pinning him down, they shoved the bar hard up to his throat. Vito’s face then came into view and glared down at Steele with utter disdain.

I wanted to make you a part of our group, but all you did was spew your insults at me. I don’t care who you were on the outside, Moretti, but in here, I’m the man with all the clout! Vito then glanced to the empty bench where Franco Carlucci and his group normally sat. And don’t think you have any backup. I arranged for Carlucci and his boys to attend a little meeting with Cellblock A. They are currently in their meeting, so you are all alone and no one is here to save you. No one insults Vito Antonelli and gets away with it!

The group then surrounded Steele to shield the tower guards from seeing what was happening.

Vito addressed him once more. You’re about to have a terrible accident, Moretti. While you were lifting this barbell, your hands slipped and the bar fell on your throat and crushed your windpipe.

Steele attempted to call out to the guards to hear him, but they firmly covered his mouth with their hands.

Vito leaned in closer. Tisk, tisk, it’s such as shame. Such a good-looking young man like yourself is going to die at such a young age. But as the saying goes; we all must die sometime. Vito motioned to his men with a slash across his throat. End him!

They began to apply more pressure on top of the bar against Steele’s throat. A thought flashed in Steele’s mind so he turned his head to the side to avoid direct contact on his windpipe. A technique he learned at the police academy.

Vito motioned for another man to pull Steele’s head back in place. As the bar sank deeper into his throat, suddenly, a whistle blared out from one of the towers! A guard had spotted a possible fight. The tower guard looked below for the assigned guard on duty, but he was busy handling a fight that conveniently broke out in the cafeteria. Guard Saunders had just walked into the cafeteria when he saw the commotion through the windows. He ran out the door and began blowing his whistle.

Vito saw him coming and shouted with anger, Finish him!

The scene seemed to run in slow motion, as Guard Saunders was running to the back of the yard blowing his whistle. The pressure of the bar slowly sank deeper, and Steele knew he was losing the battle. At a point, he could no longer take any more breaths and knew he was in the final moments of his life. In those final moments of desperation, he knew that only God could save him now. His mind then flashed to Kit. How he had promised her that he would make it back to her alive. As he felt himself slipping away into the darkness, his final thoughts went to her, and how he would have to break that promise.

Chapter One

One month earlier.

It was a Monday on this June morning. Steele unlocked the door to his upstairs office and placed his jacket on the coatrack. He held a yawn and turned on the percolator coffee maker which he had prepared the night before. A slight chill of this June morning filled the room and he couldn’t wait for the coffee to be done. He walked over and opened the curtains and looked to the street below. As Steele had done for many years, he saw Stan the flower man setting things up on his flower cart. To Steele, Stan’s presence always signified the city streets coming to life and a brand-new day.

Steele withdrew from the window then sat at his desk and thought of his next case. It was for a woman who lost touch with her sister after being separated at a very young age. The two sisters were orphaned due to their father being killed in World War I, and their mother was killed in an automobile accident.

It would be nice, he thought, to find the sister and reunite the two after all these years.

The sound of the percolator increased its bubbling, as Steele walked over and began to prepare his coffee cup with cream and sugar. Seeing Kit’s cup on the table, made him wonder if she was going to want a cup when she arrived. Kit, as Steele’s assistant and best friend for nearly six years, would soon be coming into the office. Kit, had just graduated from high school, so she now had the opportunity to work more hours with Steele on his cases. The friendship of a thirty-five-year-old man and an eighteen-year-old girl was unusual, to say the least. However, the backstory to their friendship would make even the coldest of hearts melt like the coming of a spring day.

Suddenly, the beeping of a horn alerted him. He thought it was strange as he didn’t have any appointments this morning, and the nightclub downstairs was closed. The beeping of the horn continued as if to alert or gather someone’s attention. Steele walked to the door, opened it, and looked down at the parking area in front of the building. His eyes grew wide and a look of surprise rose in his smile. It was Kit in the driver’s seat of a convertible car waving and smiling from ear to ear.

Steele rushed down the stairs to greet her. What in the world! Kit, is this yours?

She got out of the car and closed the door. Yes, it’s all mine. Well, that is until I finish making all the payments for the next two years.

Steele began to walk around the vehicle; noting the rounded edges of the fenders. Is this a 41’?

Actually, it’s a 1940 Ford Deluxe convertible.

And you had enough saved for the down payment? You do know I would have helped you with some money. After the Hamilton case where Mr. Hamilton gave us that generous bonus, we still have some of that money in our business account.

I know, but you already do so much for me. I had saved some money on my own, but then my foster parents offered to pay for part of the down payment; saying it was my graduation present.

Steele continued to scan the exterior of the car. It looks in good condition for being almost ten years old. Did you get a good deal on it?

Of course, she said with a proud smile. I went to Phil’s Used Cars on Grand. I went at the end of the month because you are more likely to get a good deal. The dealers are more open to making deals as they have bills to pay at the beginning of the next month. Plus, you know me; I can haggle with the best of them.

Steele smiled. Yes, I have seen you in action.

The sound of a telephone ringing caught Steele’s ears. I think that’s the office phone, I better get up there.

Steele rushed upstairs as Kit followed behind. He reached for the phone on his desk.

Richard Steele - Private Investigations; how can I help you?

Steele listened to the person on the other line, as Kit placed her sweater on the coat rack, and began to make her cup of coffee.

Yes, Sergeant McMurphy, he said. It’s good to hear from you. How can I be of assistance?

Steele creased his brow at what was being said. And you don’t want to talk about this over the phone?

He continued to listen intently. All right, we can meet halfway between Southport and Charlotte. How about Laurinburg?

Steele grabbed a pencil and notepad. Yes, that sounds fine. I’ll meet you tomorrow at Washington Park around noon. Alright Sergeant, I will see you there.

Steele got off the phone as Kit noticed the strange look resting on his face. She finished stirring the cream in her cup of coffee and made her way over to his desk.

What was that telephone call about? What did Sergeant McMurphy want?

He wants me to meet him to discuss possibly working on an important case he has going. The odd thing was, he didn’t want to discuss it over the phone. He said he needed the utmost in secrecy and didn’t want any chance of prying ears by any telephone operator. He said he would fill me in on the details at the time we met. I don’t know if you remember, but at the end of the Hamilton case, I offered to work jointly with him if he should ever want my assistance. I guess he is taking me up on that offer.

I overheard you would be meeting with him tomorrow at noon?

Yes, we are going to meet halfway between us in Laurinburg. It’s just rather odd.

Kit took a seat and leaned in with interest. What do you mean by odd?

It was the tone in his voice. It was as if he was being guarded in what he said, but at the same time, I could sense it was of a serious nature. I can’t quite explain it.

Kit took a sip of her coffee. I guess you’ll find out more when you meet him.

Yeah, I guess I will. On another subject, how does it feel to be a bonafide owner of your own car?

I love it! I love driving with the top down and feeling the wind on my face and hair. And now that I’ve just graduated from high school, I can eventually look for a place of my own. And if it’s all right with you, I’d like to split my time working here and at the grocery store. Then once I’ve saved more money, I will have the deposit and first month’s rent payment so I can find a small apartment. My foster parents told me it was no rush for me to move out, but I’m not sure that is exactly true. Lately, my foster dad keeps asking how much I have saved towards getting my own place. Then once I overheard them talking about making my room into an office so he could work some from home. But overall, they have been great the last couple of years, but I still want to move out. I just need to keep saving. It may take me a while, but I’ll get there.

Steele nodded his head. I completely understand about getting a place of your own. Now that I have been alone since Rachel’s passing, you get used to living by yourself. A look of remembrance was etched across his face. Of course, I would trade being alone in an instant to have Rachel back again.

As his mind coursed through those thoughts, a look of revelation sparkled in his eyes. Hey, I have a great idea, why don’t you move in with me?

Kit looked at him with an inquisitive stare. "You want me to move in with you?"

Yes. You give your foster parents money to help them financially, plus you are trying to save for a place of your own, so you would save money. I have that extra bedroom and a second bathroom down the hall which could be yours. You also wouldn’t have to pay for anything while living with me and there would be no pressure to move out. And in turn, your foster parents can make that bedroom into an office. It’s a win-win if you ask me.

Kit glanced to the side, thinking deeply. That sounds like a great idea, but I do have one concern.

What is that?

Will the authorities let me do that? I mean, seeing that I am registered as their foster child.

Since you just turned eighteen, you are your own legal guardian. You will have to sign the paperwork for separation from Social Services, but then you are free to do what you want.

She glanced out the corner of her eye, then smiled. This all sounds great, but what about people?

What people?

I mean, what will people think if they know that a thirty-five-year-old man and an eighteen-year-old girl are living together? Won’t it cause like a scandal or something?

A scandal? It’s not like we are movie stars like Humphrey Bogart who started an affair with Lauren Bacall at the age of forty-three and she was nineteen. We are nobody; I mean, who is going to call the New York Inquirer to run a gossip column and write a front-page story on us? And besides, do you think any of our friends or acquaintances we know would think there was something wrong with it? Knowing our past friendship we have had over the years, they would be happy for us. I’m sure if your foster parents or Betsy or even Sergeant McMurphy knew, they would think it was a great idea. But if you think it will be bad for your reputation, I can request to file as your Temporary Guardian. The law states that I can do that if; the person is at least 18 years old, which you are now, and has never been convicted of a crime. He held a playful smile. You’ve never been convicted of a crime, have you?

Kit thought deeply; gathering her thoughts. "Well, you said, convicted of a crime, right? Because let’s just say that when I was out on the streets scrounging around for food, I might have borrowed an apple or two from some of the neighborhood backyards."

Steele smiled. "Not that I am condoning stealing or ‘borrowing’ of any kind, but I don’t think that would count against your qualifying. So, what do you say, Kit; do you want to be my roommate?"

Her face lit up with excitement. Yes! When can I do it?

Just have your foster parents sign a release form, and you must sign it too. Then file that separation form at the Social Services office, and that’s it.

Where do I pick up the form? I want to do this right away.

Steele opened the middle drawer of his desk and pulled out a folder. He opened it and handed Kit a piece of paper.

She looked it over. This is the form! When did you get this?

I’ve been thinking about this for a while now. I was just waiting for the right time—this seemed to be it.

She walked around the desk and gave him an appreciative hug. Thank you so much! And don’t worry, I’m not a messy person and I know how to cook pretty well. Plus, I will give you some money to chip in.

Don’t worry about the money for now; I want you to be able to save. Now, I do expect one thing; if you ever have any male suitors over to visit you while I’m not home, please visit with them out on the front porch. Because speaking of scandals, there may be some nosey neighbors watching.

You don’t have to worry about that. Besides, there are no male suitors on the horizon.

Steele smiled and then glanced at the calendar on his desk. Not to change the subject, but how did the initial meeting go with Donna Morris in finding her sister, Susan?

I gathered some information from her last Friday. The big lead so far, is a document she found in some old papers of the orphanage they were living at around the time they were separated. After their mother died in that car accident, they were first sent to an orphanage in Raleigh. From there, Donna was taken in by a family who lived in Winston-Salem, and she thought she remembered something about her sister, Susan, going to a small town called Monroe. I made an appointment with the adoption agency in Raleigh for tomorrow at 12:30 with a Miss Winters. But since you now have that urgent meeting with Sergeant McMurphy, I will need to reschedule with the adoption agency.

Steele gathered an idea from the corner of his eye. Wait…, since you now have your car, how would you like to go to the adoption agency in Raleigh yourself? Do you think you would be up to something like that? I’ll give you money for the gas you will use driving down there.

Kit perked up. Yeah! I would love to start the case myself, and also be able to drive out there in my car.

Okay, good. I’ll give you a list of what to ask them at the adoption agency. If there are any documents they have on the sisters, see if they have a mimeograph machine to make a copy. Oh wait, they would have to go through the trouble of making up a stencil to make a copy. I guess you’ll just have to write down all the important information.

I have a simpler idea; I’ll just take a photograph of the documents with my camera. They have a Kodak photo shop downtown that processes the film really fast, and they can even blow it up to see it better.

Good idea, Kit. You never cease to amaze me.

Thanks. So, tomorrow is the big day of that meeting with Sergeant McMurphy, huh?

Yes, and you want to know something strange? I have that same feeling in my gut as when we took on the Hamilton case. Which is strange, because I don’t know anything about what Sergeant McMurphy has going on.

Well, all I know is when it comes to working a case, that famous gut of yours is usually right.

*****

Steele met with Kit the next morning to go over any last details on her trip out to Raleigh. He gave her some money for gas and for something to eat for lunch.

Kit smiled with appreciation. Thank you for trusting me to investigate this part of the case. It means a lot to me that you are now giving me more responsibility.

"I do trust you. I just hope this investigation leads us to find the other sister. I guess I have a deep-seated yearning in my heart when a person has lost someone they love—I know that from experience. Anyway, I know that whatever you encounter on this investigation, you will be able to handle it."

I will, don’t worry.

Steele glanced at the clock. I’ll probably leave around 10:00 am. It’s about an hour and forty-five-minute drive out to Laurinburg to meet Sergeant McMurphy at noon.

Yes, me also. I checked, and Raleigh it’s about a two-hour drive, so I’ll be leaving about the same time to get there by 12:30.

***

When it neared the ten o’clock hour, Kit rose to her feet. All right, I’m ready to leave. Do you need anything before I go?

I’m good. How about you?

I’m good also. I put gas in my car and I have plenty of money for lunch. You have a good trip too. It will be interesting to see what Sergeant McMurphy has to tell you.

Steele raised his brow. Yes, I guess I’ll have to wait and see.

Steele watched Kit get in her car and drive off. Like a proud father, he smiled to himself as Kit was becoming a young woman. Memories flashed in his mind of the first time they met. It was in the back alley of a supermarket when Steele was at the lowest point in his life. On that fateful day, he met Kit, it would be the turning point in his life and the beginning of an incredible friendship with her.

A few minutes later, Steele then gathered his things, left out the door, and over to his 1939 Chevrolet Fleet line. As he got on his way, there was still a chill in the air, but the blue skies indicated a nice day was ahead. As he got onto the highway, his mind flashed back to his conversation with Kit about living alone. As he had thought earlier, he would give anything to have his wife Rachel back in his arms.

As Steele entered the town limits of Laurinburg, he took in a breath to their forthcoming conversation. His mind had explored all the possibilities of what Sergeant McMurphy wanted to discuss with him, but he came up empty with no conclusions. He turned down Seventh Street where Washington Park was located. He spotted Sergeant McMurphy’s coal-black 1947 Dodge sedan and pulled up beside him, as both men exited their cars.

Sergeant McMurphy extended his hand. Good to see you again, Richard.

You too, Sergeant McMurphy.

Richard, because I won’t be acting in the capacity of a Sergeant from the Southport Police Department, you can call me by my first name; Patrick.

Steele narrowed his brow. Not working in the capacity of the police department? Now you really have me confused.

I know, but I’ll explain in just a minute. But first, how was your trip down here?

Very good; it’s a pretty nice day for a drive. If you remember, I have an assistant named, Kit, and she is on an investigation of her own.

Really? How old is she now?

She’s now eighteen and she just purchased a car of her own. That girl is growing up so fast.

Yes, my wife and I have two kids around her age, and so I know what you mean. Anyway, why don’t we have a seat on that park bench so we can talk.

The two men took a seat across from one another, as Steele looked at him with a questioning stare.

"I tell you, Sergeant; I mean, Patrick; by the tone of your voice on the phone I’m very curious about what you want to talk