Rock & Roll Homicide by R J McDonnell

that I find embarrassing. I’m just worried that he’ll offend you and I’ll spend the next two months wondering if you think I’ll turn out just like him.”
    Kelly replied, “There is nothing your father could say or do that could come close to what I’ve experienced with my family.”
    “Maybe not,” I said. “But, I’m still going to feel embarrassed and wonder what you’re thinking.”
    “I’ll tell you what. If your dad says anything that I think will embarrass you, look at me. I’ll give you a wink that means he’s still not in the same league with my family. OK?” she asked.
    “OK,” I replied as we pulled into the parking lot.
    She said, “All I ask is that you make an effort to have a good time tonight and don’t let your dad get under your skin, or I’ll pinch you.”
    “What!” I exclaimed.
    “You heard me. And, if I catch you throwing gasoline on the first little spark, you’re going to owe me a month of chick flicks. Do we understand each other?” she asked authoritatively.
    “Yes Miss Kennedy,” I replied, like one of her students being taken to task.
    I secured the best seats available, which turned out to be quite good since the Padres were ten games out of first place in mid-August. After I did the introductions, Mom insisted Kelly call them Molly and Jim. This was a first. Dad seemed to choose his words carefully, and managed to keep his foot out of his mouth, as we made our way through a concession stand line and to our seats. Mom took charge when we arrived and got everyone situated in the desired spots. Dad was on the aisle, followed by me, Kelly and Mom.
    Once we got settled in and Mom engaged Kelly’s attention, Dad asked, “Any new developments in the case?”
    Over the first three innings I gave Dad a summary of all that had transpired, except for the gunshots in the parking lot of the Ukrainian Citizen’s Club. I stopped only for the Star Spangled Banner, and when Kelly asked me to hail a soda vendor. After I had finished Dad asked, “What do you think you’ll find in Tecate?”
    “I’m convinced that the money to finance Koflanovich came out of Yuliya,” I said. “Do you think it’s possible that the guy with the money might be calling the shots at Cerise?”
    “That’s good thinking son,” said Dad. “I guess that matchbook-cover detective school is finally paying off. Did you hear anything at the birthday party that might help confirm your suspicion?”
    “Most of the older men were speaking Russian. The Learn Russian at Home in your Spare Time course must have been on another matchbook,” I said. I hadn’t realized my voice had gotten louder until I felt Kelly’s fingers drumming on my leg. When I looked, her fingers moved into the pinch position and tapped my leg twice while she continued a pleasant conversation with my mother. That engineer at Perfect Pitch has nothing on Kelly when it comes to multitasking.
    The women took a rest room break in the sixth inning and came back with refreshments, including beers for the guys. Mom said, “Jim, you haven’t had much of a chance to get to know Kelly. She’s really a lovely girl.”
    Dad looked over me at the women and replied, “It’s hard to be sociable when your son’s chewing your ear off. Do you like baseball, Kelly?”
    “Oh yes,” she said. “I don’t watch it on TV, but I love coming out to the ball yard.”
    “That’s great. I thought this one,” he said pointing a thumb in my chest, “was going to grow up to think second base meant an extra four-string guitar. But he’s turning out alright.” Dad smiled at me, actually thinking he paid me a compliment.
    Kelly could sense that I was getting angry. I opened my mouth to say something, but she beat me to the punch by saying, “Jim, have you ever seen the movie Steel Magnolias ?”
    Dad replied, “Isn’t that a chick flick? I don’t go for them, but I’m sure Molly’s seen it.”
    Kelly said, “I just saw it and really enjoyed