Her Last Whisper: An absolutely unputdownable crime thriller (Detective Katie Scott Book 2)

by Jennifer Chase

  “That’s a mouthful.”

  “Make yourself at home. Grab some plates in the kitchen. I need to let Cisco out and quickly change,” she said, opening the sliding door as Cisco bolted outside.

  Katie went to her bedroom and took off her holster and badge. She quickly slipped out of her work clothes and opted for yoga pants and a hoodie.

  There was a knock at the front door.

  “Nick, can you see who that is?” she hollered, zipping up her sweatshirt and letting her hair down.

  Glancing at herself in the mirror, she saw how tired she looked with dark circles under her eyes and dull skin. She splashed water on her face and then brushed her hair. She hurried out of her bedroom.

  “Nick, who was that?” she asked as she entered the living room. Then “Hi,” when she saw who was standing there.

  “Hey,” said Chad.

  “I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “I made plenty of food for everyone,” hollered Nick from the kitchen, pushing more of his Kentucky accent than usual. The sound of plates rattling followed.

  “I tried calling a few times, but I knew you were busy,” he said.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Chad, this is Nick, my sergeant from the army,” she said. “Nick, Chad.”

  “We met at the door,” said Nick. “It’s nice to meet you, Chad.”

  “I can see that I caught you at a bad time,” Chad said.

  “No, no, come have dinner.”

  “There’s plenty,” chimed Nick.

  “C’mon,” she said and took Chad’s hand.

  Chad wasn’t his usual energetic self and it was clear that he was surprised and a little bit hurt that there was another guy in the kitchen with dinner for Katie.

  “C’mon,” she said again. This time with a big smile.

  “Do you really have enough food?” he asked.

  “I brought enough for an army—no pun intended.”

  Katie walked to the slider where Cisco had been fogging up the glass and let him back in. The dog immediately made his rounds with the two men. He then lingered in the kitchen smelling the food.

  Katie and Chad took a seat at the counter.

  “What’s on the menu?” she asked.

  “Ribs, fried chicken, salad, garlic bread, and of course, beer,” he said, holding up a bottle.

  “Wow, this looks fantastic.”

  “I agree,” said Chad.

  They served up their plates and began eating.

  “So,” began Nick, “what do you do, Chad?”

  “Firefighter.”

  “He just signed on with Sequoia County the same time I started my new position as detective,” said Katie, trying to lighten the awkward conversation.

  “Fighting fires is an honorable profession—being a first responder,” Nick said.

  “I’d like to think so. So, how long had you been in the army before, well, you know,” he said.

  “You know, guys, this is supposed to be a pleasant dinner. I’ve had a difficult day,” Katie replied.

  “No, it’s okay, Scotty,” Nick said. “If I can’t talk about it, then how am I going to cope? I lost my leg, I served my country, and if I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

  A stiff silence ensued.

  Katie got up to get herself another beer. Normally she didn’t drink much, but tonight seemed to call for one. She sat back down. “Look. We all have jobs that at any time we could be killed or maimed. Let’s just leave it at that, okay?” She hated being so blunt, but it needed to be said otherwise the guys would just keep escalating and end up saying things they don’t mean.

  Chad and Nick nodded.

  “So, Nick, I have a records’ specialist running down some leads where James might be. It’ll take some time.”

  “Scotty, I can’t thank you enough. I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. Family is what is important now.”

  “This is really, really good, Nick.”

  “Thanks. It’s one of the things I enjoy doing—cooking. It takes my mind off things.”

  Katie systematically turned to Chad and asked, “How’s the firehouse treating you?”

  “Everything is going great. Long hours, but it’s a great group of guys to work with.”

  Katie continued to act as a referee of sorts. She loved them both—Nick as a brother and Chad as… There was no argument that she loved Chad deeply, but her hesitation stemmed from her private war with PTSD and all the demons she carried around in her soul. She didn’t know if she could handle everything that went along with having a serious relationship, but she wanted to give it a try.

  With Katie on high alert, the three of them continued to eat and partake in small talk until all the food was gone. Exhausted, Katie’s eyes began to droop and Nick and Chad made their excuses. She was asleep on the sofa before she even heard the door close behind them.

  Fifty-One

  Friday 1145 hours

  “Life comes around full circle, the beginning and the end,” Katie stated. “Haven’t you ever heard that before?” She looked up from her computer.

  “Like from a fortune cookie?” replied McGaven with a smirk on his face. “Like yin and yang?”

  Katie laughed. “Put five bucks into the Psych Out can for that remark.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Take five dollars from your pocket and put it into the can.”

  “No, I mean about the full circle.” He smiled but searched his pockets for a few dollar bills.

  “I read this great article written by a profiler, criminalist guy. I think his name was Dr. Chip Palmer—some crime scene genius that lives near the coast, I think. Well, basically, he claims that by working a crime scene backwards it will take you full circle. He also stressed the importance and attention needed at the physical crime scenes, claiming so much about the perpetrator gets overlooked. Everything investigators need to know is at the scene, just secondary to the body,” she explained.

  “Don’t most investigators do that?”

  “I think the author of the article means really study the crime scene area—whether it’s primary or secondary—it’s the beginning and the end for the murder. Don’t overlook anything. And I love one of his points about not finding anything at a crime scene is a big clue and not to be dismissed. Everything fits together if you know where to look.”

  Gesturing to the overcrowded board and map, he said, “I think you’re covering every base.”

  “Okay, got it,” she said and pressed print. “Let’s take a look at your list and see what we have,” she said with a hopeful tone.

  McGaven rolled his chair closer to Katie’s desk. He gave one set of copies to her and took one set himself.

  “Cross your fingers,” she said.

  Katie used her right index finger and slowly dragged it down the page, comparing the alphabetized names. She found one name and wrote it down, and continued to scan the list. When she finished, she had three names. She got up from her desk as she waited for McGaven to finish. She wrote the three names that were on both lists on the board—hospital worker and residents of Basin Woods Development.

  Robert Glen Sykes – custodian at hospital, worked on construction crew to tear down a few of the houses at the Basin Woods Development.

  Sebastian Harding – part-time intern at the morgue – resident at Basin Woods Development.

  Chris D. Randall – resident at Basin Woods Development – maintenance trainee from eight years ago.

  “You beat me, but yeah, I have those three names too.”

  “There could be other connections,” she said, still studying the board.

  “Like Dr. Jamison?”

  “We don’t rule him out.” She put his name on the list with an asterisk next to it. “I couldn’t find anything that connected Marco Ellis to the Basin Woods Development. I’m going to add him to the suspect list with an asterisk.”

  “He definitely should be considered, since he was Amanda’s last known boyfrie
nd.”

  “Okay, here’s our list,” she said.

  “I haven’t heard you state the obvious,” he said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “We could be looking at the name of a serial killer.”

  The reality of another serial killer hit Katie with a vengeance. She swallowed hard. They had to stop him before he killed another woman.

  She tried to block out of her mind the memory of the desperate expression Jane Doe—Madeline—had on her face. And Amanda’s fearful declaration: He will come for me. And I know that he will eventually kill me.

  The reality that woke her up was the abduction of Tess Regan. From everything they had so far, it led to the extreme possibility that she had been taken by a serial killer.

  Tess, we will find you…

  Fifty-Two

  Friday 1645 hours

  Katie made a quick stop at her house to change into jeans and hiking shoes. Of course, Cisco wanted to come along. She left McGaven back at the office to try and find out more information and continue background checks. She kept the concept of working the crime scene backwards running through her head.

  As Katie drove back into town and toward the vacant lot in Whispering Pines, where Amanda’s body had been found, she still thought about how all the women were connected. It still wasn’t clear if the women came into contact with the hospital chemicals when they were alive, or if the killer transferred it to them accidentally. She contemplated that theory until she reached the vacant land.

  The automatic headlights turned on just before she found an appropriate place to park. The fall evening was getting darker and cooler. She should really come back when the light was better—and with McGaven. She quickly sent a text to him:

  Where are you?

  He sent a reply:

  At the office admiring your map.

  Katie laughed in spite of herself. She typed:

  What do you think?

  He answered her:

  Taking it all in.

  Can you meet me at Whispering Pines?

  Give me fifteen.

  See you then.

  Katie turned her focus back to the property as she got out of the car, now better prepared with a flashlight, and followed closely by Cisco. This time he gave a high-pitch whine followed by a low chuff.

  “What’s up, Cisco?” she said softly.

  The dog circled her in one of his protection techniques, where he watched everything all around her in order to keep her safe. He had obviously caught wind of something he wasn’t sure of or didn’t like. Either way, he was cautious, and that was fine with her.

  Katie always carried her police firearm no matter how she was dressed, but especially on any investigation. There were too many variables to calculate when dealing with a killer on the loose, and someone following her and leaving her notes. She knew that McGaven would catch up with her soon, which lessened some of her apprehension.

  She glanced at Cisco who seemed to be edgy with his hackles slightly bristled, which could mean anything from the scent of vermin to something he couldn’t identify in the wind.

  Katie stepped up her pace to the crime scene with her flashlight directing the way. It wasn’t completely dark, but she used the extra light to illuminate her surroundings. It wasn’t difficult to remember exactly where Amanda’s body was found.

  Katie stood still and closed her eyes so she could envision the crime scene. What story did the killer have to tell? What was so important to him? She had already been here to investigate and there were photographs, but it was important for her to remember what had first struck her when she had arrived. The body was facedown, naked, posed in a very modest way. There was no drama in her positioning, nothing carved into the body, or even anything missing. This killer wasn’t taunting the police: He wanted the crime scene to reenact what should have happened if Amanda had not escaped—that was why there were ligature marks post mortem.

  Why?

  Katie stood at the exact spot where Amanda Payton’s body had lain, the reality giving her pause, remembering their last conversation; the sound of Amanda’s voice and the terror in her eyes. The last thing she said to Katie was: He said that I would never be without him. That he would come for me. And I know that he will eventually kill me.

  There was a sound like the noise of muffled footsteps, or the stamping of something against the earth, above her near the parking lot. Katie hadn’t heard any car enter or leave the area since she had been there.

  McGaven?

  Katie stayed quiet and listened, using hand signals to keep Cisco close until she knew what was going on—not wanting to frighten some hikers or teenagers with her gun drawn and Cisco’s bark.

  “Cisco, bleib.” She softly instructed the dog to stay until she released him from his position.

  Katie decided to check out where the noise came from and who might be there—an inkling that someone was following her.

  She hurried up the hill and down a well-traveled path. Deciding to turn off the flashlight, she stopped and listened in the partial darkness. She saw the outline of the trees, bushes, and the paths. There was nothing indicating that there was a person waiting and watching.

  The sound of human footsteps hurried right next to her—so close that she thought she could reach out and touch them. Turning, she followed the noise as quietly as she could. A line of heavy bushes and evergreens crowded between the trails, making it difficult to see over to the other side.

  There was someone there—a figure moving stealthily, watching her—there was no doubt in her mind. They appeared to be lean, wearing dark clothes, a hoodie, and had the build of a man.

  Katie kept up the brisk pace and when she couldn’t wait any longer, she yelled, “Identify yourself!”

  The figure took off running at a fast pace, but she kept up with him. Breaks in the foliage gave her glimpses as she gave chase.

  “Stop! Sheriff’s Department!” she yelled again.

  She knew it wouldn’t stop them but she wanted this guy to know she was on to him. The forest barrier would soon end as the path spilled into a parking lot.

  She pumped her arms faster to get to the parking lot first. By her calculations, she would run right into the guy. That was her plan anyway. However, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up, much less be able to pass him. With every ounce of energy she had left, she pushed her stride and pace as hard as she could, praying she didn’t trip. Seeing the outline of the parking lot up ahead, Katie thought that she could just make it in time.

  As soon as her feet reached the parking lot asphalt, she turned to her immediate left and was about to confront the person when he collided directly into her. He weighed more than she did, so she took the brunt of the impact. Katie slammed to the ground—and the person barely slowed, regaining their balance once again, and then continued on their run.

  She could hear Cisco’s bark echoing around the park.

  Winded, Katie rolled to her side in agony. A strangled sound escaped her lips as she tried to breathe. In the distance, she watched the unknown assailant enter a storage building at the side of the parking lot.

  Still gasping for air, Katie felt her lungs begin to function again. She managed to get her legs and feet underneath her and stood up.

  She took off at a full run until she reached the entrance to the building. She stood still, readying herself, gun drawn, in case the unknown man decided to suddenly exit.

  “Come on out!” she said. “You have nowhere to go. Come out slowly with your hands up!” she insisted.

  She heard a muffled clunk sound from inside.

  Katie made a quick decision and slowly pushed the door open, with her flashlight shining inside. There were shelves and equipment, but no sign of the man. She took a few seconds to assess where he was. “C’mon, quit playing games and come out now.” She moved deeper into the storage building.

  That’s when she heard the door slam behind her.

  Dammit!

  K
atie was angry that she had fallen for the trap. She tried the door, but something was jamming it. She walked deeper into the storage area and knew that there had to be a way out—that was how the man had escaped. Behind the stacks of compost, she saw the window. She felt the cool air blow inside. Climbing up on the large plastic bags filled with redwood chips, Katie managed to get through the window and jump down. She ran around the building and saw that there was a long handle of a broom that had been wedged under the door. She continued to run toward the parking lot.

  Nothing.

  There was no sign of the man.

  She directed the flashlight beam at the ground and could vaguely see the track of a single tire mark—a bicycle.

  Of course.

  A bike was how he was able to get away so quickly and quietly from the Basin Woods Development.

  Defeated and mad at herself for falling for the ruse, Katie began to walk back to where she had left Cisco, her breathing becoming normal again. As she turned the corner and headed down the hill toward the crime scene area, she ran into McGaven and Cisco.

  “What’s going on?” said McGaven.

  “I ran after a guy that had been following me,” she said, still slightly winded. Her pitch sounded higher than usual.

  “Who was it?”

  “I couldn’t see him.”

  “What did he look like?”

  “Average, slender, hoodie, and fast as hell. Remind me to add an extra workout at the gym this week.”

  Cisco barked and circled around Katie again.

  “Good boy, Cisco,” she said.

  “Why did you leave him here?” McGaven asked.

  “I couldn’t release the dog into an unknown situation—he’s not officially a sheriff’s department K9. I kept him here to keep him safe—he would have heard me yell and responded if there was a problem.”