Jex Malone (40 page)

Vickie would like to specially thank:

My eternal love, Doug, for giving me space and time simply to be; Nicholas, for filling the world with light and laughter that knows no bounds; and my Florida, Connecticut, and Ohio family. My enduring gratitude to my longtime friends (notice I didn't say “old”) the Darling Divas and my news family—those vast, noisy, curious, argumentative, and pushy, ink-stained, and camera-toting friends who filled many of the years at police lines, on courtroom benches, and in press galleries with camaraderie and a sense of purpose. And a special note of thanks to my colleagues at the University of South Florida and President Judy Genshaft for allowing me the privilege of putting words to what it is you do every day: the inspirational and transformative work of creating knowledge and empowering a new generation.

Cindy would like to specially thank:

The forever and always love of my life, Ron, for yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We met as kids and I love the man you are today. I'm so proud to call you my husband. The best stepdaughter in the world, Sabrina, who proves that like Jex, you can do anything if you dream big. Your talents and smarts will take you far. A big thanks to my brother, Gavin, sister-in-law, Jill, and my amazing nephews, Reid and Cade, and niece, Wylie. Thank you to Cheryl and Richard Pearlman. A big thank you to my
Chicago Sun-Times
family and a great editor, Gayden Wren, at New York Times Syndicate. To Carrie Healy for being such a great support system and friend. And finally, to my father, Paul Pearlman, for always being there, advising, loving, and believing.

So Vick, we did it. Can you drive me home now? I'll crank up “Rosalita” on the tape deck.

There is no such thing as the Drew-Ids. Just in case anyone asks. In other words, don't spy and tell.

That said, a member of the Drew-Ids is a girl who has a detective gene just bursting to come out. She has the ability to keep digging until a case is solved or there is no need to sleuth any longer.

That much more said, you will not use your Drew-Ids skills to spy on a boy you like. You can, however, be hired for $1 by a friend or fellow D-ID member to snoop for her. It just takes the romance out of everything if you “look into things” for yourself.

Drew-Ids respect the ways of great girl detectives of the past, including Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, Kay Scarpetta, and the grandma of all snoops, Angela Lansbury. (Face it: You enjoyed watching some of those
Murder, She Wrote
episodes with your grandmother or by yourself.
Shhhh.
)

You will never do anything entirely illegal in the name of detective work, but there is no exact definition of “entirely.”

You will never choose any activity with a guy over what needs to be done for the good of society. Also, inevitable romantic heartbreak is no excuse for ignoring your Drew-Id duties.

You will keep no documentation of your cases. The written word is tricky, and parents have a way of doing their own snooping when you're not home. So be smart, keep facts in your head, and in rare cases of paper trails, shred, shred, shred.

You must never forget about your Drew-Id Sisters even if you're thousands of miles away from them. They're only a call away for a quick consultation.

During official Drew-Id cases, you never leave until the entire group leaves together. This is important. Nobody gets ditched for any reason.

In the end, you're working to save the world, one case at a time. Now, get out there. Stay alive. Keep your nose out of nothing.

And remember the number-one rule: If you don't stand for something, you're going to fall for everything.