The Keystroke Killer

by Melissa Caudle

  “Any chance we’ll see you run for a political seat? The crowd seems to want a presidential run.”

  “Let’s never rule anything out darling. You never know what the future holds. I learned from my mama Mel Corbin, God rest her soul, ‘Never say never.’ Especially, when you are in a position to help.” Kelly blew kisses at her adoring fans as she promenaded to the entrance.

  “Well, you heard it here first on KWNC. Never say never. There could be a political future in store for Ms. Corbin. By all indications, here at the Convention Center, if she would have been on the ballot tonight, she might have won. Everyone adores Kelly Corbin. Now, back to the news room where George Newland stands by with Alfred Katz, our very own political analyst.”

  Behind the convention center at the private entrance, the Thompson’s motorcade arrived. Dr. Angela, Lux, Gunter and Meagan waited to greet them. The chauffeur opened the door, followed by Janice’s presentation of her Milan outfit. She moved to the side swishing the royal blue mermaid tail. Her diamonds sparkled under the convention center’s lights.

  Congressman Thompson stepped out and tilted his head in respect toward Dr. Angela. “We did it, sir!”

  “Yes, we did.” Dr. Angela handed the Congressman a thick envelope marked, “Welcome to the Consortium.” A chilling smirk erupted from the corners of Janice’s lips.

  Meagan looked at Lux. “Do you know anything about a Consortium?”

  “It’s a gentlemen’s club.”

  “Great. That means you’re not invited.”

  ***

  The convention center hall filled as supporters of the Congressman waited anxiously for the man of the hour entrance. It was as if the krewes of Endymion, Rex, Zulu, Hermes, Orpheus, Thoth and Morpheus came together for one great Mardi Gras ball and the Thompsons were the King and Queen. The New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra provided the opening entertainment and celebrity musicians including the King of Zydeco, in Grammy style, who volunteered to perform a concert following the Congressman’s acceptance speech.

  Reserved twenty tables of eight along the front of the stage purchased at the price of one million dollars allowed the rich to assert they witnessed a future president rise to political fame. Excitement for a candidate hadn’t been this ramped since President John F. Kennedy, a century ago.

  Dr. Angela, his private investors and his closest friends claimed the three tables front and center. Michael Edmonds sat next to Dr. Langford at one of the head tables. To the left, and behind Dr. Angela’s, a spotlight highlighted the reserved table for Kelly Corbin, Ima Star, Amber Alert, Bessie Da Mucho and Eura Phan. Each queen ravishing in their glorious attire sat proud and upright as they awaited the evening’s pomp and circumstance.

  Also seated at Ima’s table were Agents Mansfield and Locklear who were on alert. Agent Locklear darted her eyes as she scanned the room. “You really think, the Surgical serial killer will come here tonight?”

  “He’s that arrogant. He will be in this room.”

  Across the room, the table reserved for Hammer and Snead Investigative firm filled as Mr. Hammer, Mr. Snead, Peterson and his older wife, Lakota took their seats.

  Peterson shook Mr. Sneads hand. “It’s good to see you. I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Lakota.”

  Mr. Snead nodded. “It’s a pleasure. I’ve heard extraordinary things about you.”

  “Thank you for inviting me.” Lakota’s uneasy expression softened as she gazed at Mr. Hammer. “It’s quite an honor to be here.”

  Mr. Hammer pulled his wet blunt from his mouth. “No need to thank me. It’s part of the perks working for us.” He nodded at Peterson. “Has Matthew called you?”

  “Not since this morning, but Debra has arrived.”

  Debra and Dr. Franklin joined the group. They shook hands with the others and sat having the perfect view to the stage. Two seats remained vacant at the table.

  Mr. Snead looked around the standing room only celebration hall. “This is a momentous success.”

  Mr. Hammer tapped his cane twice. “What did you expect? A flippin rodeo?”

  Dr. Franklin adjusted his chair. “He’s rather impressive. To be incredibly young and have this much respect from everyone, does make a mark on history. It is something I won’t forget.”

  A flush of desire stole over Debra as she gazed at Dr. Franklin. “I agree. It’s very exciting for me to see. I’ve known the Congressman and his brother since we were five or six.”

  Dr. Franklin raised one eyebrow. “Do tell, Debra. When I introduced you to him at his fundraiser, you acted as if you didn’t know him. What was the Congressman like as a child?”

  “We would play dress up. When I was five, and he was six, we played…”

  “…House?” Dr. Franklin’s voice hinted a tint of jealousy.

  “Not at all. We’d play like we were getting married. He’d wear black, and I wore white.”

  Peterson smirked at Debra. “Bang, bang, he shot you down.”

  “What? What the hell are you saying?”

  “You sound like the lyrics to an old song.”

  “Go screw yourself. Tom always dreamed of having the perfect life and the perfect wife. His dream came true.”

  Dr. Franklin placed his hand on Debra’s knee. “Speaking of dreams coming true, I have something to ask you. I can’t think of a better place.”

  The spotlights flashed and twirled red, white and blue as Meagan held a wireless microphone and took center stage. The crowd roared as Dr. Angela, Lux, Kelly and Gunter took their seats front and center at the table where Michael Edmonds and Dr. Langford waited.

  Meagan tapped the microphone which reverbed throughout the hall. “Welcome. I am exceedingly proud to stand here today and say to the world Congressman Tom Thompson has arrived. I mean that in more ways than one. He will work for Louisiana. He is our Congressman for a stronger America.”

  The crowd cheered and extended a thunderous ovation. Those who couldn’t whistle, screamed for the rock star politician about to take the stage. “And now, drum roll please.” Meagan pointed to the percussion section.

  The tiffany drummer pounded on his drum for several seconds.

  “Without further delay, I present to you, Congressman Tom Thompson.”

  The crowd cheered louder as if the New Orleans Saints brought home their fifth Super Bowl victory. The Congressman held Janice’s hand as they paraded to the podium waving to the crowd.

  Ima Star radiated excitement. “Isn’t she magnificent?”

  The Congressman stood at the podium. “Thank you.” He leaned toward the microphone. “Thank you.” The crowd continued to roar. “Please, take your seats.”

  It took several minutes for the crowd to settle from their exuberance to a teary-eyed Congressman. He soaked in the glory as he fantasized about the night the American people elected him President. Janice leaned into him. “I’m proud of you.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I’m proud for you.” Her tone softened for the first time toward her husband.

  Tom kissed her cheek and flashed her a smile of admiration. He stood at the podium and took in his glory before he began his acceptance speech. “Governor Peril, Mayor Feinstein, Vice-President Elliot to my constituents, I cannot thank you enough for your support. I stand here today a humble man. I’m honored that each of you have found me worthy to continue to represent you in Congress. Today is not my victory. It is our victory. Our victory for American freedom. The world is a very scary place. We hold in our hands the power to either destroy our world with nuclear weapons or redirect that power to save mankind. We dare not forget that terrorists attempted to interrupt our resolve today. It didn’t work. We are more committed today, here in New Orleans, here in Louisiana and across America as we stand united against those who seek our demise. We will not let that happen. Our torch has been lit and we will fight for peace and prosperity. As one of our greatest Presidents John F. Kennedy stated in his inaugural address, ‘Let every nation know, wheth
er it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.’ In his spirit, I pledge this – and more. We can, and we will forge against our enemies with an unprecedented alliance where every political party will work as one. No matter your gender or your race, we will do this for those who fought for America’s freedom before us and we will do this for America’s future. We will not succumb to terrorists.”

  The crowd erupted in loud cheers with another five minute ovation. The applause thinned as the Congressman continued his speech. “Without the LGBT Community and the Non-LGBT Community coming together, I would not have been victorious tonight. I have Ms. Ima Star and the gorgeous Kelly Corbin to thank for that.”

  The spotlight lit Kelly and Ima as both gave an accomplished proud smile and waved to the crowd to a thunderous roar and another standing ovation.

  Dr. Franklin pulled out a black velvet ring box from his inside pocket, got on one knee, and took Debra’s hand. “Will you marry me?”

  Debra sniffled; and her eyes teared. “Yes. The Congressman isn’t the only one who is getting their dreams to come true tonight.”

  Mr. Hammer looked and Peterson. “Where’s Matthew?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Peterson leaned into Debra. “Mr. Hammer is pissed Matthew isn’t here.”

  “I know. These tickets weren’t cheap. Look at my ring. I’m engaged.”

  “Where do you think he is?”

  “I don’t have a clue.”

  The Congressman held up one hand. “The excitement that fills this room fills our entire country. We are united in our resolve; and as your Congressman, I pledge to focus on legislation that will benefit all of us. My priorities will be to strengthen the United States in the global market, to increase military funding, both here on earth and on the space frontier and I promise that by twenty sixty our third starship, the U.S.S. Enlightenment will launch with more than 10,000 civilians. The Space Age has arrived.”

  Dr. Franklin leaned close to Debra and grasped her hand. “Do you want to be on that starship? I can make that happen.”

  chapter 56

  The Voice in the Pond

  Matthew looked like a bombing refugee distraught from the day's events as he parked the SUV at Kenner City Park. The black ominous smoke that filled the sky reminded him of the face of the Devil. He turned off the engine and stared blankly at the two long-stemmed pink roses on the passenger’s seat. Both had handwritten tags - “For Livia,” on the first tagged soft-pink rose; and “For Blaze,” on the second tagged dark-pink vibrant rose. It’s your birthdays.

  He stepped from the SUV holding the two roses. He took a deep breath and slammed the door. Mournfully, he trudged toward the pond and looked around at the eerie sight. No matter where he looked, there were no lights in homes, apartments or stores as if the entire area had a mandatory hurricane evacuation. The ducks quacked, the frogs croaked, and his heart pounded in the otherwise eerie evacuated silence. He headed to Livia’s favorite bench, sat, placed his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. A thorn pricked his face. He looked back and forth between the two roses as several tears fell leaving a path in the dirt and ash on his face. “We have to talk girls.” It was as if the roses represented Livia and Blaze.

  “I’m sorry, I really am.” He sobbed finding it difficult to speak. “I won’t stop until I find the answers. I promise both of you that. I’ll die trying before I stop.” He sniffled and took quick breaths.

  Liz came from behind him and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. “I knew you’d be here. I came so you wouldn’t have to face this alone.”

  He tossed her hand off his shoulder. “Don’t go there. I’m not even sure if you believe me or even give a damn.”

  “I care; and I believe you.” She moved around the bench and sat near him. “Everyone has secrets, even me.”

  “I can’t explain what happened. No one believes me. Hell, I’m not sure if I believe myself anymore. Peterson is right. I sound like an F’n lunatic.”

  “Do you think you’re the only one that’s had a rough day?”

  “What could possibly be worse?”

  “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

  “Try me.”

  “I confronted my father today and gave him a taste of his own medicine.”

  “That sounds like progress. I hate my dad.”

  “Your dad isn’t the Mind’s Eye serial killer.”

  “You’re joking?”

  “Please, don’t tell anyone. No one knows.”

  “Your secret is safe with me.”

  “Now, let’s talk about Livia and Blaze?”

  “What’s there to talk about? They dematerialized in front of my eyes.”

  “I know.”

  “Don’t patronize me.”

  “Trust me, I’m not. I know what happened.”

  “What do you mean you know?”

  “My dad told me he saw everything.”

  “How can that be?”

  “They didn’t name Red Lettenberg the Mind’s Eye serial killer for nothing, Matthew. He’s a product of a government experiment on remote viewing gone bad. Most people only use ten percent of their brain. Red, uses at least ninety of his. He has more control over his brain’s ability than anyone.”

  “Sounds like a smart guy, in a sick way.”

  “He’s telepathic and can be God in deciding who lives or who dies with his thoughts. He also is a clairvoyant. That’s why the government tapped him for the remote viewing program. He can see something happening somewhere else and was used to spy on our nation’s enemies. He was never the same after those experiments. Instead of killing a world leader with his mind, he wanted to touch, taste and smell the moment of death. He turned into something else as if possessed by an evil spirit. Judas Greenberg was one of those doctors who worked on the remote viewing program. He follows him so to speak and saw you at Greenberg’s command center. He saw what you did.”

  “You’re telling me my only hope to support what I am saying is a goddamn telepathic clairvoyant serial killer? This day keeps getting better and better. The worse part, after today, I believe you about your father.”

  “I’ll help you Matthew. He’ll help you even if he is executed tomorrow.”

  “What! Is the freak going to visit me from the dead?”

  “Not from the dead Matthew. From the fourth dimension. He has a plan that I believe will work.”

  “Could you leave? I need to tell my sisters happy birthday in solitude.”

  Liz didn’t pay any attention to the plurality of the word ‘Sister’ in Matthew’s last statement. She kissed him on the cheek. “I’m here for you. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. I’ll leave you to this.” Liz left.

  He approached the pond. He kissed Blaze’s rose and threw it in the water with bone-deep regret. His eyes flushed as he kissed Livia’s rose and threw it. He watched the water ripple for a second, then he closed his eyes.

  In the ripple, Livia swam to the top, but couldn’t breach the water’s barrier surface. Livia’s mouth opened. “I am here.” Air bubbles escaped from her mouth and ascended to the surface.

  Matthew opened his eyes as if transcendence occurred. “Livia?” Her image faded away. He wiped his eyes and trudged to the truck. Above, a fiery plane descended and crashed on the interstate. Without a flinch or a blink, he strode to his car. “This is far from over.”

  TO BE CONTINUED…

  READ MORE IN THE SERIES

  I hope you have enjoyed Part I of The Keystroke Killer. As the author, I have spent seven years developing this story and the rest of the series. If you want more, that’s great news. For your enjoyment, I have included an excerpt from the opening chapter for The Keystroke Killer: Part II – Reborn. Hang on as this psychological thriller saga continues and discover what happens to the characters you love and to those you love to hate. Be sure to
register to my newsletter at www.drmelcaudle.com to receive updates for release of the new books in this series, insights into the characters, plot, behind-the-scenes interviews and trivia on writing KSK.

  The Keystroke Killer: Part II – Reborn

  The Keystroke Killer: Part III – Preeminence

  The Keystroke Killer: Part IV – Opacity

  The Keystroke Killer: Part V – The Fourth Dimension

  The Keystroke Killer: Part VI – New Realm

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  excerpt the keystroke killer part ii

  Reborn

  The U.S.S. Dimension, a spaceship launched in 2041, financed by Dr. Garrick Angela, propelled and tumbled rapidly through the nebula in the outer atmosphere of the TRAPPIST-1 system; a densely packed dynasty of planets forty light years away from Earth. Mission – bring supplies, updated technology, dock to the U.S.S. Hawking and colonize a planet if it proved habitable. Every crew member understood this trip was a one way mission and accepted their fate upon assignment.

  The U.S.S. Dimension slowed and came to a drift as a red code alarm reverbed in the still of space. The sixth cryochamber door blasted forward revealing Captain Taki Giannis. He struggled to unclasp the restraints which bound him across his shoulders, waist and legs. He shivered like a heroin addict and vomited.

  “Captain!” Lieutenant Commander Eli Giannis bolted toward his older brother. “Captain! This is Eli. Do you hear me?”

  The blare of the alarm continued to reverb in the vacuumed environment.

  The Captain continued his struggle. His sight hadn’t caught up to the rest of his body. He struggled to focus. Objects appeared multiplied as if seeing through a spider’s eyes.