Liars and Tyrants and People Who Turn Blue by Barbara Paul Page B

long way from Shelby’s perfect score.”
    â€œA policeman in New York told me that it was automatic,” said Gilbert. “That she either saw a red glow or she didn’t. How can that be? Truth and lies are usually mixed up together. How can it be a yes-or-no proposition?”
    â€œWell, it’s not exactly like that. Shelby sees gradations in the auras, different shades of red, depending on how much of what is being said is false. What you and I call white lies Shelby sees as pink. That’s how it all started—when she entered adolescence she noticed her father glowing pink every once in a while. But the very nature of police investigation is such that the lies told the police are either bright red or dark red. That’s what we’re working on now—trying to figure out the difference between ‘bright’ and ‘dark’.”
    â€œI suppose you have evidence to document all this.”
    â€œTons of it,” the scientist said unscientifically.
    â€œThen I’d like to send in some people who are qualified to evaluate your testing program and its results. Do you have any objection?”
    â€œNone whatsoever,” Dr. Wedner agreed cheerfully.
    â€œEric wants me to do what? ” said Tee, appalled.
    â€œHe wants you to help him persuade Shelby to give up her police work,” Max repeated.
    â€œBut I can’t do that! That would … it would be downright immoral for Shelby to hide her talent! She … there’s never been anyone like her, ever before! How could she … and he wants me to … she’d think I … I can’t do it, Max!”
    â€œOkay,” he laughed.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI said okay. I think you’re right.”
    â€œBut you said—”
    â€œI carried a message, Tee, that’s all. We’re going to have to let Shelby and Eric work it out for themselves.”
    â€œHow many times have you consulted her?” asked Kevin Gilbert.
    â€œOh, nine or ten,” said Lieutenant Nicolosi. “It’d be a lot more if she lived here in Pittsburgh, but we gotta pay air fare as well as her fee every time she comes. I tried to talk her into moving to Pittsburgh once, but she’s got a husband who’s tied to New York. Some sort of bigwig with the Jets.”
    Gilbert knew all about Eric Kent and his job. In fact, he’d learned almost everything there was to know about Shelby. “And she’s never been wrong once?” he asked almost desultorily. “Not even once?”
    â€œNot here she hasn’t. She’s been right on the money every time. Have you talked to the police in New York and Boston?”
    â€œYes.” And Philadelphia. And Detroit. And Atlanta. And everyplace else Shelby Kent and her extraordinary ability had added a new dimension to crime-fighting .
    â€œAnything else you want?” Lieutenant Nicolosi asked.
    â€œNo, I guess not,” said Gilbert.

CHAPTER 15
    PASTELS ARE CHEAPER
    Winner of the Longest Song Title Contest: “Dear Okie, If You See Arkie, Tell Him Tex Has Got a Job for Him Out in Californy, Pickin’ Up Prunes, Squeezin’ Oil Out of Olives”
    â€œWe’re all outa Cherries Jubilee,” said the waiter.
    â€œNo you’re not,” Shelby smiled sweetly.
    The waiter looked startled. “You calling me a liar?”
    Eric spoke up. “The lady’s saying you’re mistaken. Cherries Jubilee. Care to try again?”
    The waiter muttered something under his breath and trudged off to the kitchen.
    â€œNow why would he lie about that?” asked Tee.
    â€œToo much fuss,” Max said. “Pulling the tray over here, lighting the cognac—extra effort for him.”
    â€œTerrific,” sighed Tee.
    â€œWhat’s the matter, Tee?” Eric asked. “You look down in the dumps.”
    â€œTchaikovsky,” Tee mumbled.
    â€œTchaikovsky?”
    Max said, “Metropolitan