Bad Reputation, A by Jane Tesh

looked exactly like a woman who would be easily taken in.
    I introduced myself as Madeline Maclin and asked her if she’d ever had a séance with someone named Jerry Fairweather.
    â€œMy goodness, yes, I have,” she said. “Are you from the police?”
    â€œI’ve also had a séance with Mr. Fairweather.” Which was true. “A séance which did not turn out very well for me. I’m trying to find Mr. Fairweather. Would you mind if I asked you some questions about your experience?”
    â€œNot at all, not at all. Come in.”
    We sat down in her dark little living room. “Mrs. Forest, could you tell me what happened?”
    â€œWell, I heard from some friends of mine in town about this young man who was an accomplished medium and could speak to those who’d passed on. I was in desperate need of some financial advice, and the only one I trusted was my dear departed uncle. Mr. Fairweather was able to contact him through a séance we held right here in this very room. He put a candle on the table and my uncle spoke right through him! At the time, I found it all astonishing. I know now it was all a dreadful lie. Through Mr. Fairweather, my uncle advised me to put all my savings into Double Delite Doughnuts, so I did. The company failed, and I lost everything.”
    â€œWhen was this?”
    â€œThis past August, August 15.”
    â€œCould you describe this man?”
    â€œOh, my, yes. He was very handsome, very charming.”
    My heart sank. “Do you remember anything else?”
    â€œHe had light brown hair.”
    Oh, dear.
    â€œAnd the most beautiful gray eyes. You don’t see that very often these days.”
    Oh, brother. “Are you absolutely sure about this, Mrs. Forest?”
    â€œWell, aren’t all con men supposed to be good-looking? It’s part of their performance. I still can’t believe I was so taken in. So sad, isn’t it, that a young man like that has to resort to cheating old ladies?”
    â€œOh, I agree.” Believe me, I agree.
    â€œWhat did he take you for, dear?”
    â€œPractically everything I had.”
    â€œWell, dearie, I’ve done something about it, and you should, too. I got a lawyer, and I’m suing that young man.”
    â€œHow did your lawyer know where to find him?”
    â€œI was so lucky to have a dear friend in Celosia who said she’d heard that name before. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be the same man!”
    â€œI would like to speak to your friend.” Boy, would I.
    â€œOh, I’m sorry to say she’s passed on just last week.”
    I thought of a better idea. “Mrs. Forest, what if I found this man for you? Would you be willing to sit down with him and have some face-to-face negotiations and settle out of court? If you’ve lost your life’s savings, paying a lawyer and court costs might be difficult for you.”
    â€œWould you be able to find him?”
    â€œI’m pretty sure I can. I’m a private investigator, and I’d do this free of charge for you. Or if you prefer, you can get a mediator or an arbiter, but I believe that would cost you some fees, as well.”
    She looked daunted. “Well, that’s awfully generous of you. Let me think about it.”
    I gave her one of my cards. “Please call me when you decide. Thank you for all your help, Mrs. Forest.”
    â€œYou’re welcome,” she said. “Can you see yourself out? My leg’s acting up today.”
    When I got back in the car, Jerry took one look at my face and said in disbelief, “It wasn’t her?”
    â€œDenby Forest is a wizened little grandma who remembers you quite well and wants every drop of your blood.”
    He started to get out of the car, but I caught his arm. “Jerry, no. Not yet. I told her I’d find you, and the two of you can settle this out of court. I don’t want you bursting in on