Murphy strolled into the office the next morning and was surprised to see Mildred coming out of Laura's office with Laura's empty coffee mug. He frowned, nodding toward the partially open door.
"She's already in?"
"She was here when *I* got here," Mildred confided in a soft tone as she carried the cup to the machine to refill it. "And she's not in a very good mood, if you ask me."
"What makes you say that?"
"Mr. Steele's called twice and asked for her both times, and she told me to tell him that she was too busy to talk to him."
"Oops," Murphy muttered, filling his own mug with coffee before taking Laura's mug. "Let's see if she'll talk to me."
"You're braver than I am, Mr. Michaels," Mildred told him, going toward her own desk.
"Did Steele say anything else when he called?"
"Just that he'd be here a little late and that he wanted to see both of you when he arrived."
Murphy took a deep breath, mentally girding his loins, and then moved toward Laura's office. Forcing a smile, he entered, extending her coffee. "I think you needed this?" he suggested.
Laura barely glanced up as he placed the mug on her desk. "Thanks." She was writing something in a notebook that lay open before her.
"You're in early today," Murphy noted, sitting in the chair nearby. "Mildred said that you were here when she got here."
"You know what they say about the early bird," Laura said, taking a drink of her coffee. "Just wanted to get a jump on the morning."
"I admire your dedication, Laura," Murphy told her. "You've come a long way since those early days at Havenhurst."
"Live and learn," was Laura's reply as she picked up her mug again- only to nearly drop it on the desk as they heard a familiar voice in the reception area.
"Good morning, Mildred," Remington Steele said, sounding, Murphy thought, a little uncertain.
"You okay?" Murphy asked Laura in a sincere tone.
"Of course. Why shouldn't I be?" Laura wanted to know as Remington entered the office. Her gaze went immediately to the desk in front of her as he spoke.
"Good morning, Laura. Murphy." Those blue eyes remained firmly fixed on the woman at the desk, as if he were willing her to look up at him. "Filling Murphy in on the latest events, Laura?" Remington questioned.
"I thought I'd leave that to you, Mr. Steele," Laura replied evenly. "I'm sure you know much more about the 'latest events' than I do."
Murphy looked from Laura to Steele as he rose from his chair, sensing that something was seriously wrong between them. But he also knew better than to press the issue. "What's up, Steele?" he asked.
"Why don't you and Mildred wait for Laura and me to join you in my office, Murphy? I need to speak to Laura about a - personal matter."
Murphy looked from Steele to Laura, who was still focused on the desk before her, then nodded his head and left the office, closing the door behind him.
Remington stood there, looking at Laura before he took a step closer to the desk and withdrew her notes from beneath her hand. "It appears that you've been busy this morning."
"I didn't have anything else to do," she commented, gathering the letters and envelopes as she rose from her chair. "There aren't any fingerprints on these."
"There's none on this one, either," Remington said, handing her the latest missive from Racine Douglas' stalker.
Laura hesitated before taking it. "Where did you get it?"
"It was waiting for Racine when she returned home last night," he told her. "He apparently got into her house and left it and a red rose on her bed."
"Did you call the police?" Laura asked, still not looking at him.
"No. Racine didn't want them involved. I checked the house- he somehow managed to overcome the security system as though he knew the code- and there were no fingerprints other than those of Racine, her housekeeper, and Howard Forrester."
"Whoever he is, he's good, then. Doesn't mean we won't be able to smoke him out." She slipped the letters into a folder, and then started toward the door that connected her office to his. She managed to open it before Remington's hand fell against it to close it again.
"Laura, I tried to call-"
"Really? When? I stayed at your apartment until nearly four."
"Racine was upset. She didn't want me out of her sight. Not even to make a telephone call. So I tried to call you at five-thirty when she finally fell asleep. Then I tried your house - and then here, but the answering service picked up. Then Mildred kept telling me that you weren't here. I swear that I didn't know when I left the apartment that Racine expected me to stay with her all night."
"I'm sure you didn't struggle too terribly long against doing your duty," Laura scoffed.
"Laura-"
"Look, Murphy and Mildred are waiting to be brought up to date on this thing. If we don't get in there -"
"I don't give a damn about Murphy and Mildred!" Remington told her, his voice still quiet as he put his hands on her shoulders, refusing to allow her to turn away. "I need to know that you're okay with this. That you understand that nothing happened last night."
"Of course. I'm sure that you and Racine Douglas spent the entire night playing pinochle," Laura said through clenched teeth.
"Actually, we played two-handed gin rummy," Remington admitted with a crooked smile. "She's not bad, really. Beat the pants -" he stopped, realizing what he was saying. But he maintained the smile anyway. "I'm grateful we weren't playing for money. It kept her mind off of things. I had to wait until her housekeeper arrived this morning to check for fingerprints. Racine wouldn't let me leave her for more than a moment until she fell asleep." He wasn't getting through, and Remington sighed. "We discussed this, Laura," he reminded her.
"I know," Laura said. "But I didn't think it would happen the weekend after -" The telephone in reception began to ring, and Laura glanced toward the one on her desk.
Reading her mind, Remington refused to let her go. "Mildred or Murphy will get it. I need to know that you understand, Laura. That you believe me when I tell you that nothing happened -" He groaned as there was a quick knock on the connecting door before it was opened by Mildred.
Her eyes took in Remington's hands still on Laura's shoulders as she apologized. "Sorry, Mr. Steele."
Laura used the interruption to move away. "What is it, Mildred?" Remington replied.
"There's a Howard Forrester on the telephone for you. Says it's important."
Remington nodded; handing Laura the paper containing her notes, then went through to his office, where Murphy was sitting in the conference area. Picking up the telephone, Remington spoke as Laura and Mildred joined their co-worker. "Steele here."
"Mr. Steele," Howard Forrester said. "I just wanted to apologize for not being wholly honest with you last night - I'm at Racine's now. She told me what happened."
"I think we need to talk, Howard. There *are* a few things that we didn't work out yesterday evening."
"I agree. Thanks for being here for her. I wouldn't have blamed you for walking out. Might be best if we meet here."
"Very well." Remington glanced at his watch, then at the conference area. "I have some things to take care of here at the office, can you give me an hour or perhaps a bit longer?"
"I'll be here. After last night, Racine's nerves aren't exactly calm."
"I'll see you then," Remington replied, ending the call. After a moment of studying the telephone, he took a deep breath.
"What's up, Steele?" Murphy asked, gaining his attention.
Hands in his pockets, Remington joined his associates. "Last evening, I received a visit from Howard Forrester," he told them. "He's Racine Douglas' agent."
"Racine Douglas?" Murphy repeated, giving a low whistle.
"*The* Racine Douglas, Boss?" Mildred asked. "The actress?"
Laura's unimpressed sigh was loud in the room, and Remington saw Murphy give her a concerned look, as though pieces of a puzzle were starting to come together. "The actress," Remington confirmed as he sat down in the white leather chair. "It would seem that she's having problems with a stalker," he explained, indicating the folder that Laura held, indicating that she should give it to Murphy. While Murphy examined the letters, with a shocked Mildred peeking over his arm, Remington continued. "They don't want the police and press involved due to Racine's recent personal problems that have been played out for all and sundry to see."
Mildred nodded. "All of that mess with her divorce. I used to like Ian Devlin," she sighed. "Until he left her for that little tramp and then tried to excuse it by telling everyone that Racine was frigid."
Murphy finished scanning through the letters. "This guy's a little -" he paused, looking for the right word.
"Obsessed," Laura supplied.
"I'd have said scary," Mildred added. "So they want us to find this nut case, Chief?"
"Oh, that's not all, Mildred," Laura said. "They also want round the clock security for Miss Douglas."
Murphy looked from Laura to Remington again. "Ah," he said briefly as he sent Remington a look of either sympathy or pity, Remington wasn't sure which. "Which is where you come in, I take it."
"Howard Forrester felt that the media wouldn't think it strange that I would be seeing Racine socially, while you and Laura investigate and find the stalker out of the media's glare."
"Has this guy contacted her directly?" Murphy asked. "By telephone, maybe?"
"No. But he did get into Racine's house in Malibu last night while she and I were at a charity gathering. He left a rose and another letter on her bed. I checked the letter and the house for any sign of unknown fingerprints, there were none."
"What about her security system?" Mildred questioned. "I mean, don't movie stars usually have those?"
"Yes, they do, Mildred, and Racine's is state of the art. But whoever this is, he got in anyway."
"Like he knew the code," Laura repeated Remington's earlier comment, getting everyone's attention.
Remington knew that look. "You have an idea."
"It was pretty convenient that the stalker got into Racine's house on the first evening that you were taking care of Racine. And the only fingerprints in the house were those of Racine Douglas, her housekeeper, and Howard. What if Racine's stalker is her trusted agent?"
"Then why involve the agency?" Murphy questioned. "Why not just *save* her himself and gain her trust?"
"Go on, Laura," Remington said, sitting back in the chair. "I'd like to hear the reason for your theory."
"Ever since I got here this morning, I've been doing a little background check on Howard Forrester. Racine Douglas is his biggest client. The rest are all bit players, mostly people who'll never make it big in the business. Howard Forrester doesn't date much, either. Its seems that his entire life revolves around Racine and his talent agency. Around the time Racine married Ian Devlin, there were rumors that he was pressuring her to sign on with the agency that represents him."
"Rumors?" Remington questioned, lifting an eyebrow as he recalled the previous evening's discussion with Howard about that subject.
"I know. But it's something to start with, isn't it? It wasn't long after they married that they apparently started having problems."
"According to Racine, things were very nearly perfect between herself and Ian for the first six months," Remington informed her. Seeing her look, he smiled. "We talked while we were playing gin rummy last night," he said. "I'll have to ask her about Ian wanting her to dump Howard for his agent."
"Then do we go with this as a lead?" Laura asked.
"I think so. Just remember, keep a low profile. The last thing we need is for some Hollywood reporter getting wind of this investigation," Remington added. A glance at his watch sent him to his feet. "I'm meeting Howard at Racine's house in Malibu. I'll check in later and see if you've come up with anything."
Mildred frowned. "You'll be out the rest of the day?"
"Racine's supposed to appear on a local talk show this afternoon and wants me there to keep an eye on things," Remington explained, giving Laura a look that silently begged for her understanding. "And then we're having dinner at Giorgio's."
Laura's expression was carefully controlled - a bit *too* controlled, Remington thought, as she picked up the folder and headed for the door. "Let's go, Murphy. You have an appointment with Howard Forrester at one at Tony's Gym."
"Tony's Gym?" Murphy questioned, giving Remington a confused look as Laura left the office.
"He thought it would look more natural for he and an 'old friend' to meet up there and have a little chat about the case," Remington explained.
"Coming, Murphy?" Laura called from the reception area.
Remington stood there as Murphy sent him that look again before he followed Laura out through the glass doors into the hall. Definitely sympathy Remington decided. "I guess I get to hold down the fort, Chief?" Mildred said.
"A very important job, Mildred. If you can, reschedule my appointments for the next few days."
"Miss Holt's upset about your spending time with Racine Douglas, isn't she?" Mildred asked, revealing once again her ability to see far too much at times.
"She's not pleased, Mildred, no," Remington admitted. "But we'll be all right," he said, wondering if he was trying to convince himself as much as he was Mildred.
***
Murphy barely managed to catch up to Laura before they entered the elevator. Watching her viciously press the button for the parking garage, he winced. "Okay. Spill."
"Nothing to 'spill'," she replied in a cool tone that revealed far more than she realized. "It's part of the job. Part and parcel of being a world famous private detective."
"If it means anything, I don't think he's enjoying himself."
Laura looked less than convinced. "Oh, come on, Murphy. Racine Douglas practically defines sex appeal. Any red blooded man would react to her."
"Maybe. If they weren't already involved elsewhere. I mean, yeah, I'd jump at the chance to be in Steele's place, keeping an eye on her. But then, I don't have someone sharing my life."
Laura swallowed heavily. "Sharing your life?"
"Oh, come on, old friend. You think Mildred and I don't know that you and Steele spend most of your time away from the office together? Or that this weekend -"
She looked worried. "What about this weekend?" she asked as the doors opened. "Never mind," she said quickly, taking off toward her white Rabbit.
Murphy frowned as he opened the passenger door and got in. He pulled the seatbelt around him, getting ready. He knew from experience that Laura tended to take her anger out on the road. Maybe he should have suggested they take his car, he thought. "Did something happen this weekend, Laura?" he asked as she started the motor.
Laura shoved the car into gear with a jerky movement. "What could *possibly* have happened?" she countered. "We spent two days in Las Vegas. End of story."
The little car roared out of the parking garage, bouncing out onto the busy street, barely missing another car, and Murphy thought better of asking any further questions for the moment. All he wanted to do was survive long enough to find out who was stalking Racine Douglas - and to solve the new mystery involving Laura and Steele's Las Vegas weekend.
***
Martha, Racine's middle-aged housekeeper, met Remington at the front door of the beach house with a worried smile. "Mr. Steele. Mr. Forrester and Miss Racine are out on the deck. They asked that you join them when you arrived."
"Thank you, Martha." After her arrival that morning, Remington had discovered that Martha de la Garza had been Racine's housekeeper for almost ten years, since Racine had purchased this house in Malibu with the proceeds from her first starring role in a film. She was fiercely loyal to her employer, and had been very upset when he had told her about the stalker getting into the house and leaving the rose and letter for Racine.
"Can I get you something to drink? Some coffee, perhaps?"
He smiled at the plump Hispanic woman. "I'd like that. Thank you."
"I'll bring it out to you," Martha told him, indicating the glass door that led out to the deck, where he could see Howard and Racine sitting at a glass topped table, talking over the morning's paper.
Opening the multi-paned wooden door, Remington joined them as Howard was saying. "We couldn't buy better press, Racine. Once this is finished-"
"Good press?" Remington questioned, and saw Howard's smile falter a bit.
"Mr. Steele," the agent said, nodding nervously as he folded the paper.
Racine turned around and smiled warmly. "Remington. I'm glad you're here. Is there any news?"
"Nothing yet, I'm afraid. But I have my best people working on it," he assured her.
Howard placed his hand on the paper. "Why don't you go get ready for this afternoon, Racine while Mr. Steele and I talk, hmm?"
Racine looked up at Remington, who had remained standing. "You are still going with me, aren't you?"
"Of course. It's my job, remember?" She gave him a relieved smile and stood, going into the house as Martha came out with Remington's coffee.
"Thank you, Martha," he said, taking the china cup from the tray she was carrying.
The housekeeper put the tray on the table and placed the second up before Howard before going back into the house, leaving the two men alone.
Remington sipped the coffee thoughtfully, moving to the redwood railing that encircled the deck to look out over the beach. Finally he turned back to where Howard sat. "Howard, I have to ask: is all of this merely a - publicity stunt? Some Machiavellian attempt to garner sympathy for your client?"
"Of course not," Howard insisted. "The stalker is very real, Mr. Steele. Of course, if being seen with you gets her good press, then I consider that a happy side effect of this mess."
Remington stepped closer, placing his cup on the table, and waited until Howard removed his hand to pick up his coffee, and then deftly lifted it from the table. "Let's see what's here, shall we? I didn't have time to peruse the morning paper today." He quickly scanned the folded page, and found nothing, until he opened the paper out and noticed a local gossip column. The writer was well known for her take on the daily lives of the rich and famous, had, in fact, been one of Ian Devlin's biggest supporters during the divorce from Racine.
"Well, well, what have we here?" he said aloud, and then began to read the item in question. "'Ice queen Racine Douglas was spotted at the Film Commission fete with famous gumshoe Remington Steele. One has to wonder if the devilishly handsome sleuth will be able to melt the ice that Ian Devlin couldn't begin to chip away. On a side note, there was no sign of Mr. Steele's usual companion, his 'associate' Laura Holt. Is there trouble in that quarter, one wonders?'" Remington dropped the paper onto the glass table, then leaned forward, resting his palms on the smooth, cool surface as his eyes met Howard Forrester's green ones. "If I find out that you're using my agency and my good name to further your client's career, *Howie*, -"
Howard swallowed heavily, interrupting the threat. "Believe me, Mr. Steele, there *is* someone stalking Racine. I wouldn't play games like that. I - I know there are some agents who would, but- She's not just a client, she's a friend. I give you my word, any good press that comes out of this is strictly coincidental."
Remington kept his gaze focused for another moment on the smaller man before picking up his coffee and draining the cup. "Why didn't you tell me that Racine expected my undivided attention last evening when you came to my apartment?"
Howard exhaled. "I - I wasn't sure whether you'd agree if you knew. For all of your denial, Mr. Steele, your - relationship with Miss Holt is common knowledge around town. I hope this case doesn't cause a rift there."
"Nonsense," Remington assured him. "Laura's a professional. She understands that sometimes a case demands personal attention."
Howard relaxed a bit, looking relieved. "Thank goodness."
Both men turned around as Racine returned to the deck, wearing an off the shoulder blue dress that fit in all the right places. Her blonde hair shone in the sunlight, and she smiled, her teeth white between the red lipstick that adorned her full lips. "Well?" she asked uncertainly. "Will I do?"
Remington realized that she was more than a little uncertain about her appearance, and moved forward to take her hand in his. "You look lovely, Racine. Doesn't she, Howard?"
"Gorgeous," Howard agreed. "You two had better get going," he said, looking at his watch. "I have to meet with your associate, Mr. Murphy."
"He's supposed to meet you at one, I believe," Remington confirmed. Extending his arm, he said to Racine, "Shall we?"
Racine's smile widened and she took his arm. "You're sure everything will be all right?"
"I'll keep an eagle eye out," he promised, closing the door behind them and steering her toward the limo, where Jack was waiting, the door open.
"Good morning, Miss Douglas, Mr. Steele. It's nice to see you again."
"Jack," Remington said to the chauffer as he got into the vehicle behind Racine.
"Where to, Miss Douglas?" Jack asked once he was in the front seat and the engine was running.
"The KTLA studios," Racine answered.
Remington waited until the car had turned out onto the highway, and then found the button that raised the darkened privacy screen between the driver's compartment and the passenger area.
"Thank you for coming with me, Remington," Racine said.
"Part of the service," Remington assured her, hoping that she would understand that this was merely another case for him.
"Still, I know you must be a very busy man. To just- drop everything to make me feel safe - "
"Tell me, Racine, how long have you known Howard?" Remington asked.
She looked a bit surprised by the change of topic, but answered easily. "Oh, forever, it seems. He discovered me."
"Indeed?"
She nodded. "In a little theatre production of 'Streetcar Named Desire'. I played Blanche."
"Wonderfully, I'm sure."
"I was good enough that someone suggested to Howard that he come and see my performance. I've never had another agent. He's probably my best friend."
Remington pretended an interest in the crease in his pants as he asked the next question. "I heard that your ex-husband wanted you to drop Howard and go with another agent."
"Yes. Ian didn't like Howard very much. Said he was too controlling. I think that was part of our problem. Ian wanted to control me as much as Howard did."
"So you chose Howard over Ian Devlin," Remington commented aloud.
"Ian didn't give me much of a chance. And then he left to make a film on location in Paris and, well, you know the rest."
Remington placed a hand over hers to calm her. "I don't believe any of the rumors."
"Thank you," she said with a grateful smile.
"It sounds as if you're very close to Howard."
"I am. As I said, we're best friends."
"You realize that I'm curious why you and he never -?" his voice trailed off as Racine gave him a confused look for a second.
Then her face cleared, and she laughed softly. "It wouldn't work. Believe me."
"You're both very fond of each other, he's concerned about you and your career - "
"And Howard is gay," Racine finished.
"Oh," was all Remington could find to say.
"It's not widely known, of course. Ian doesn't even know. Oh, I think he suspected, but - Howard's just not ready to 'come out', as they say. There are still a lot of people who wouldn't understand."
"Hmm." Remington's gaze moved to the view beyond the tinted windows as he sighed.
So much for Laura's theory, and he had a suspicion that Murphy was *not* going to be pleased with this turn of events . . .
TBC