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like a relief valve on a pressurized container, letting someone he trusted share in his fears. The relationship with Murtaugh hadn’t progressed to that stage so far. “How were things in the classroom today?” he asked.
    Marti mulled the question for a second. “Not bad, I suppose. Spring break coming up in a few weeks seems to have everyone in a good mood. My biggest concern now is knowing Mrs. Ramiriz has to find a substitute for the substitute, since the surgeon wants me to take it easy for awhile after next Wednesday. She’s been good about it, but I can tell she’s frustrated.”
    “Well, that’s her problem. Don’t let it bother you.” But he knew it would.
    It was clear she wanted to change the subject. “How’re you and Murtaugh getting along?”
    “Fine today, since he wasn’t with me for part of it.” He recounted the visit to the Forbidden Gardens, the interview with the tour guide, and the gift of the scavenged harmonica. “By the way, I think you’d enjoy the Gardens. It’s an impressive layout. Why don’t we make a run out when the dust settles?”
    “Oh? Does the dust ever settle?” She smiled wryly, then added, “Sounds good. Maybe some Saturday.”
    Pete went on to describe the Becker case, and how the instrument might tie-in.
    “Could be just the lucky break you need,” Marti said hopefully. “Are you still wrestling with that other case?”
    “The missing girls?”
    “Right.”
    “I am, but it’ll take a back seat while I have forensics check out the harmonica for DNA and prints.”
    “There could still be some after so long?”
    “Marla Evans has indicated so recently. I’ve heard her say they can be preserved for an indefinite period. Guess we’ll see.” Evans was the head of forensics in the Medical Examiner’s office serving the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, a tireless researcher who loved her work.
    “Well, just make sure Marla doesn’t try to extract any DNA from you when you see her.” Marti stopped chewing long enough to level a teasing, wicked smile.
    She didn’t possess a jealous bone, and Pete knew it, never giving her any reason. But the knowledge that he was one of the forensic chief’s favorites was no secret among his fellow detectives. Wendell Ross had made sure Marti was aware of that fact; one more reason Pete had enjoyed skewering his ex-partner earlier.
    He ignored the jab, accepting it for what it was. Though forthright when she felt the need, Marti possessed just enough ego to stand erect. They ate in silence for a few moments. Finishing first, as he always did, Pete pushed his bowl across the counter.
    “Have the kids decided when they’re coming?”
    “Chris is taking a couple of days off. Says he plans to arrive late Tuesday. He’s going to try and get in a half-day before heading out.”
    “Lori coming with him?”
    “Don’t think so. She’s right in the middle of her mid-term exams, may not be able to get away.” Marti slid from her stool, circling the counter and moving into the kitchen side. “And it’s really not necessary for her to even try. I don’t see why you three are making such a fuss over this in the first place. I’m sure everything will be fine.”
    Lori was Chris’ fiancee. Their plans to wed had been moved back to June, at the completion of her second year of law school at U. T. His schedule was more wide open, due to a decent position at an Austin-based computer company.
    “And Julie?”
    “Late Tuesday. She can only stay until Thursday morning. She’ll drop Mindy and Matti off at my folks’ on the way.”
    “So we won’t get to see them?” Pete didn’t try to hide his disappointment.
    “I know...I know. Julie was afraid they might be confused about everything. I argued with her, but you know how headstrong she can be.”
    Chris and Julie were Marti’s kids from her first marriage to a Houston P D uniformed officer. He had been gunned-down in the line of duty a couple of years before she had