I shook my head in response to his question, feeling too stunned to speak. How can this be possible? How is he here, of all places?
The killer moved the chair to a different table, where he joined an unkempt older man with a beard. It drew awareness to his own unhealthy-looking pallor. If that wasn’t enough to make you think he didn’t care for himself, his hair would’ve convinced you. It was parted to the side and hung in a dishevelled mess over his face.
Transfixed, I stared at his profile. My eyes traced the way his forehead jutted out before sliding into a pointed nose, and a double chin. All of his features were more pronounced than I had described. I got the impression the evil within him was warping his appearance. Despite that, on the outside, he looked like an ordinary man.
How can he sit there, drinking coffee as if he has no cares in the world? Outraged that he should be here, in my café, on my territory, prompted me to act. I had to do something - anything - rather than sit there and let him get away with it. Pulling out my phone, I selected my brother’s name, clicked it, and listened to it ring.
“Cassie,” Seb answered. “I’m just in the middle of something—”
Cutting him off, and cupping my hand over the mouthpiece, I whispered, “I’ve got him.”
“Got who?” His voice became alert.
“The creep from the heath,” I responded, staring at the side of the killer’s head. I could not take my eyes from him.
Seb spoke to someone in the background before saying, “Where, Cassie? Where are you?”
“The Dandelion,” I hissed, willing him to do something quickly.
“Okay, I’m on my way. Don’t do anything stupid.” He hung up without saying goodbye.
As I gazed over at them, the man’s companion rose. “Thanks for the coffee,” he said before turning away and heading for the door.
My eyes burned into the side of the killer’s head as my blood boiled.
He casually glanced around the café and raised his cup to his mouth.
How dare he just sit there and act like a normal human being. The creep probably thought no one knew what he’d done, except he was wrong – because I knew.
Foolishly, but unable to help myself, I moved across the café towards his table, afraid he would leave before Seb arrived. I pulled out the vacated chair and sat opposite of him.
The man regarded me with a surprised expression as words bubbled violently inside me. Gazing into his wicked eyes, I found myself, suddenly, unable to speak. Then, Pedro slipped unexpectantly into my mind. Why am I thinking of him? I immediately pushed the thought away.
“Can I help you?” the killer asked after a second of awkward silence. His voice sounded normal, though curious. His expression was open, friendly even, except for his eyes. They were inky black – almost as if evil manifested there.
I gulped, knowing my brother would be annoyed by my behaviour. Seb says I’m a loose cannon, who’s unable to contain my feelings, and he’s right. I shouldn’t take risks, but often, I can’t help myself. Like him, I’m just as committed to finding the truth, which means I’ll do whatever it takes for justice.
“I know,” I told him quietly.
The man’s vibes flowed over me, along with the awful stench of his personality. It made me want to dig deep for every nasty word I could think of, although I restrained myself. I didn’t want to go anywhere near his level.
He stared at me for a moment as if I were mad. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
I wanted to throw the fabric I still clutched at him and ask if he remembered it. “Yes, you do.” I spoke calmly as I faced this distasteful man down. “I can see it in your eyes.”
His breathing hitched up a notch. “I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
“No, I haven’t,” I persisted. “I know exactly who you are. Or should that be what you are?” I knew I was getting carried away, but I was unable to help myself.
Though his Adam’s apple bobbed, making him appear nervous, his eyes grew more piercing. “And what’s that?”
I looked around. “Do you want me to say it out loud?”
When the intimidating prick leaned forward, I flinched and shrunk, pressing against the back of the chair. I hated myself for not being stronger, but our proximity was opening my connection to him. My empathic cues were increasing.
In a whisper, he said, “Lady, you’re crazy. I don’t know you, and you sure as hell don’t know me.”
As his breath washed over me, I felt the corruption lurking there. Annoyingly, Pedro came to the forefront of my mind again. Angrily, I shoved the thought away. He has nothing to do with this, so why would I consider him?
Forcing my concentration back to the murderous fiend, the empath in me fed on his inner emotions. He was taking pleasure from the power he yielded from his disgusting secret as well as my growing discomfort. It emanated from him like food he’d consumed, yet still lingered on his breath.
The dark joy appeared to me as a malevolence, pouring from his mouth and rising towards the ceiling like steam. Its colour was a vivid purple. The horror of it drew me to my feet and understanding finally dawned. In that instant, I realised this man was extremely dangerous, and I’d just stepped onto his radar.
The killer stood up, too, grating his chair against the floor like nails scraping at wood. It sent a warning through every fibre of my being. Then, giving me a hard stare, he strode out of the door and into the street.
Damn!
Chapter 3
As soon as the killer left The Dandelion Café, I immediately followed behind, pressing redial on my phone as I went. When my brother’s voice came through, I didn’t want to explain what I had done – not that I had time to – though that would come later, when he’d demand details. Instead, I simply hissed, “he’s left the café.”
“Can you still see him?” Seb asked.
Pushing the front door open, my eyes hunted for the psycho amongst the crowd. “There are too many people about.” I moved onto the pavement to get a better view of The High Street but still couldn’t see him. “Damn,” I complained. “Where are you, Seb?”
“Two minutes. I’ll be there in two minutes. Just stay where you are, Cassie,” he commanded.
Turning sideways, I gazed into the glass of a shop window. Though I watched the reflections of people passing by, I didn’t see him. The evil prick had slipped away, evading us yet again. It was my fault. I’d let him get away.
With a great suddenness, a chill ran through me. My skin prickled in warning – the killer was near. The intensity of his presence and the feel of his dark intent made me want to escape. Frightened, I spun around to find him behind me.
Standing face-to-face with the maniacal bastard, I realised I hadn’t been quick enough. Then, something sharp pressed against my waist.
“Walk,” he hissed into my ear. His hand gripped my elbow to guide me in the direction he wanted to go.
The touch of his fingers against my skin consumed me as my psyche flooded. The sounds of his rape victim’s sobbing and the screams from those he’d assaulted filled my ears as their wounds flashed through my mind. Immediately, I shut the flow off, blocking the images I couldn’t bear to see and muting the haunting echoes.
Having no choice, I let the killer march me forward. The knife that bit into my waist was hidden under his jacket, as not to draw attention to us. If I tried anything, there was no doubt he’d plunge it into me and run before I hit the ground. My head swam with regret for my impulsive foolishness, for not listening to my brother.
Seb, for God’s sake, where the hell are you?
My assailant manoeuvred me down a nearby alleyway and out of sight. It was the rear entrance to the shops and housed large retail dustbins. There were several next to each other. It was there that he led me, moving the knife up to my throat.
For a moment, I thought I’d hyperventilate. The emotions that threatened to drown me were reminiscent of so many victims I’d connected w
ith psychically before. Only, this time, it wasn’t a memory. This time, it was my reality.
“Well, aren’t you the clever one?” As the killer spoke into my ear, one of his grubby paws began snaking up my skirt towards my underwear.
Instinctively, I moved to block his passage. My thoughtlessness earned me the sting of his blade as he applied more pressure, but not enough to cut flesh – just enough to warn me. I halted movement, and he followed suit. When I raised my hands in surrender, he chuckled triumphantly.
“How did you know?” he asked, entering my panties. His fetid breath covered my face as my breathing intensified.
Stupidly, I hissed through gritted teeth, “I know everything.”
“You know nothing!” he growled angrily. The sadistic fuck gripped me hard, holding me firmly against his body. As he cupped me intimately, everything about him seemed to constrict, like the snake he was.
The blade finally broke the flesh on my neck, and a faint trickle of blood teased my skin.
Tentacles of terror wove around me tightly. Oh, dear, God! Seb, please hurry!
Twisting my body, the horrible beast forced me to the ground. As he did, the dagger pressed and moved as if it had a life of its own.
If I keep fighting, that knife is going to slice right through me, I realised, giving up. I hated being compliant, but I saw no other safe alternatives.
A police siren screamed to a stop somewhere in the near distance, but my attacker didn’t react. Unaffected, the prick continued to breathe heavily as he forced down my underwear. He must have thought he was safe; that the sound wasn’t for him.
I squirmed with revulsion as his fingers touched me, probing and pushing until I felt sick. When a second felt like an eternity, I started to wonder if I’d imagined the siren. I closed my eyes, half-frozen with fear, unwilling to look evil in the eye. But then, I heard Seb call my name.
This time, my assailant stiffened and grew alert, but he remained on top of me. The bastard knew my brother couldn’t see us – not where we were tucked behind the bins. However, he didn’t know Seb was a seeker.
I knew my brother’s instinct told him I was there. Afraid to call out, I reached to him with my mind. Help!
When Detective Inspector Newbold called my name again, he was closer. His proximity caused the killer to jump to his feet. The repulsive knob was fastening his trousers and trying to leg it when Seb appeared around the dustbin.
I sat up, panting, and met my brother’s eyes.
Seb roared, then took up pursuit. It was almost comical to watch him chase after his quarry. The unfit, unhealthy slob was easily overtaken, and my brother threw him heavily to the ground as he gazed in my direction.
I pulled my clothes back together with trembling fingers, then struggled to my feet. My legs were rubbery, and, for the first time, I could smell the awful stench coming from the waste bins. Touching my neck, my fingers came back bloody. Though the sight of it seemed to mesmerize me, a sting prickled on my skin, making me light-headed.
“Are you alright?” Seb shouted over.
Steadying myself with one hand against the wall, I wondered if I was bleeding to death. Head injures bleed profusely, but this didn’t seem right for the wound I sustained. I thought he only nicked my neck. Maybe it’s worse?
“Cassie?”
“Yes,” I replied, realising I’d forgotten to answer him. “I’m okay.”
With the culprit in cuffs, Detective Inspector Newbold spoke into his radio, calling for backup. As he did, tears welled up in my eyes.
I was going to be the next victim, I realised. Had Seb been a second longer… I didn’t want to think about how close I had come to falling prey to this maniac.
I tried to slow my breathing and pull myself together as I took in the surrounding scene. Having heard the commotion, people were starting to gather, obviously wondering what was going on, and I needed to be presentable. Still, when they shouted in our direction, aiming their phones to take pictures, I attempted to hide my face with my long, thick hair.
Seb was growing frustrated. Though agile, he was of slight build and struggled to keep his grip on the apprehended killer, who was refusing to comply. The growing crowd just complicated things. “Police! Stay Back.”
To my relief, sirens filled the air as Seb’s backup finally arrived. Cops spilled into the alleyway, gaining control of the spectators and possession of the prisoner. As soon as they did, my brother ran to me, his face full of concern.
“Cassie, are you really alright?” he asked, assessing my visible injuries.
“I don’t know,” I sobbed. “I think I might be bleeding to death.” I raised my blood-soaked hand and presented it to my brother, unsure what to do next.
Seb pushed my hand back onto the cut. “Keep pressure on it,” he commanded, then looked up and gestured for someone.
A uniformed officer promptly came running over with a green First Aid kit. “Ambulance is on the way, sir,” he reported.
Seb nodded acknowledgment. Seemingly content that I was okay, he began to survey the activity around us. His expression was one of distaste and tension.
The shock of what had happened, what I had instigated, settled heavily on my shoulders. What did I do? All this is because of me and my inability to take instructions. Still tearful, I said, “I’m sorry.”
“Never mind apologies. Did he touch you?” Seb demanded, a hard look in his eyes.
Knowing what he meant, I shook my head. “Well… he didn’t penetrate,” I answered in a near whisper.
Anger and revulsion passed over my brother’s face. “You’ll need to go to the hospital for an examination. We need to take photographs and try to collect any evidence that may be present.”
Understanding what ‘evidence’ Seb spoke of nearly caused me to crumble. The only reason it didn’t was because of the remorse he was projecting. It was wrapping around me painfully, like a protective barrier. I would not add to that.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t faster.”
I lifted Seb’s face, so his eyes met mine. “I thought you said no apologies.”
My heart swelled at the small grin that creased his lips.
Chapter 4
The last thing I wanted was to go to the hospital, but I really had no choice. it was my responsibility to do everything I could to keep this monster from hurting someone else. So, I was examined, swabbed, and even my underwear was retained as evidence. This violation didn’t have the feeling of my death hanging over me, but it was just as uncomfortable as I anticipated.
Thankfully, Seb escorted me. Although he excused himself during the invasive moments, my brother stayed with me through the entire unpleasant experience. It was during that time that he took my verbal statement.
Afterward, when Seb drove me home, I knew by his silence that I should keep my mouth shut. Not that I wanted to speak, anyway. Instead, I spent the short journey with my hands in my lap, trying to distract my mind from what had almost happened. The fact that I wasn’t wearing knickers didn’t help.
Seb parked outside my flat and turned off the engine. "What the fuck were you thinking, Cassie?"
"Clearly, I wasn't," I retorted.
"What part of ‘stay where you are,’ don’t you understand?"
"You got him, didn't you?" I immediately went on the defensive because I didn’t like being shouted at.
The palm of his hand slapped the steering wheel, making me jump. "God damn it, Cass! Do you think I want to make my case by getting you fucking killed?"
"Please stop swearing at me. I'm sorry, alright?” I knew he was only trying to protect me – I could feel his compassion and worry – but I wasn't a little girl anymore. Unclipping my seatbelt, I stated, "As I said, I'm fine. And you don't need to come in."
"I do,” my brother insisted, flipping off his seatbelt. “That’s a hell of a thing to go through, and I –"
'Seb!” I snapped, a little more harshly than I intended. " I don't want you to come up with me." My resp
onse caused him to pause, and I took the opportunity to open the door. "I’m quite capable of looking after myself. I won’t break."
I was proud of how strong I sounded. The truth was, I was ready to shatter, but he didn’t need to know that. I caused enough trouble for one night. Whatever came next, I’d deal with on my own.
Seb remained silent as I climbed out, but I knew the look on his face. He wanted to be with me to ensure I didn’t self-harm. But he needn’t worry – those days were long gone.
I leaned back into the car, supporting myself with one hand on top of the door, and said in a softened tone, "I need to be on my own and to rest. I’ll ring you later."
He gave me a tight smile and a quick bob of his head. "If you’re sure…"
"I am." I straightened. I was.
"If you don’t call me later, I'll ring you."
"I will. I promise." I shut the door and pulled out my keys. As I ascended the stairs to my one-bedroom apartment, my brother drove away.
The doorway to my flat was between the display windows of two shops. I legged it up the stairs, unable to get inside quickly enough. As soon as I shut the door and found myself in the privacy of my sanctuary, tears streamed down my face. They cascaded like a waterfall.
The shock of the last few hours was no longer containable. It came out in a horrible wail.
I didn't know what to do as the shaking started. It wracked my body, and my belly convulsed. I barely made it across the small lounge and into the bathroom before I emptied the contents of my stomach.
Flushing the toilet, I rested my head against the cool porcelain. Anger filled me. My home’s my sanctuary. It's the one place I can truly relax – where my defences can drop and I’m at peace. At least, it’s supposed to be.
My home enabled me to shut out the world - both seen and unseen. With no residue from the dead, ghosts couldn’t contact me, and being tucked away, I’m safe from the empathic cues that plague me constantly. From the open-concept layout to the colours of my spring décor, everything about my apartment soothed me. That’s why I chose them; to help me unwind.
The Killer on the Heath (The Cassidy Newbold, Clairvoyant Collection Book 1) Page 2