by Mayer, Dale
"Yes, there is. I wish I'd brought Shiloh now. She'd have picked up the decomp." Closing her zipper against the chill of the night, she pointed at storm clouds off to the north. "We need to hurry to beat the storm."
Grant lifted his head to study the horizon. "Why didn’t we bring Shiloh, again? If we find anything, I'll have to get a team here fast."
"We didn’t bring Shiloh because she’s tired, because I didn’t expect to actually find anyone, and besides…we don’t need her," Kali said, her tone grim. "The victim is just a few yards up." Sand and loose gravel grated under their feet. The hoot of an owl sounded far off in the distance. With the stormy weather coming in, the air practically crackled with static.
"How'd the killer expect you to find her way the hell out here?"
"I have no idea. No one, and I mean no one, knows about my weird psychic skills." She thought about that for a moment and realized it was no longer true. "Except you and Stefan."
"The killer may have suspected it anyway. Even if only as an explanation for your successful record."
She glanced at him, his face a pale circle in the dark. "Except these skills are relatively new. That reputation was established long before these weird twinges showed."
"But this person wouldn't know that."
"Christ." The killer could be putting her years of success down to otherworldly reason instead of experience. By being forced to play the killer's bizarre game, she was actually proving the killer right about her 'mad skills.'
The clouds separated, releasing the moon from its shadowy prison to highlight the violent movements of energy twisting and churning at one spot.
"Why don't we do this stuff in daylight?"
Grant strode forward, passing her slightly. "You tell me - this is your show."
"No, this is the killer's show." Kali stumbled in the dark, caught herself, and carried on. The terrain leveled off. They angled around a crop of bushes and stopped. They were at the top of a knoll with the ground dropping off on the other side.
Kali stopped, hands on her hips, to catch her breath. "Right, she's here. At least I think she is. Normally, I have Shiloh to confirm something like this."
Grant walked closer. "The dirt is loose and the slope accessible on the downward side." As he shone the light over the surrounding area and the big evergreen in front of them, Kali saw some of the dirt had fallen away. Moonlight highlighted the skeleton roots, exposing huge hollows underneath. The dirt pile underneath suggested something was buried here.
She bent over, scraping up a handful of soil, before letting it slip through her fingers. "It's sandy. With the dry spring and summer we had interspersed with heavy storms, this is a perfect burial place begging for a crazy killer."
"I need to call a team."
"And if she's not here?"
"Is she?" His gaze locked on hers.
"I think so. But are you willing to call out a team without confirming there's a crime scene?"
"How much information can you get about her? Can you show me a spot where there is less dirt that I might be able to brush away enough to confirm what we have? We have to make sure we disturb the area as little as possible though."
Grant rested the flashlight on a root where it cast a yellow light in the gloom. "And I'll try to grab a couple of pictures before we touch anything." He pulled a camera out of his pocket, surprising and momentarily Kali was blinded as several flashes went off lighting the sky.
When he was done, she suggested, "You're at her feet. It might be better to try for her face?"
"You can tell?" Poor light or not, she could see her statement had thrown him. He studied the ground.
Kali stepped forward. "Yes. She's in a relaxed fetal position with her head here." She pointed out the correct layout. "She's facing us." She placed her hand gently where the woman's head lay hidden. A large chunk of earth slid down. "Try there. The layer is thinner now."
Pulling thin gloves from his pocket, he bent to where she pointed and scooped one handful of dirt away. Sand slid into the newly created space. He worked gently for a few minutes. Kali was mesmerized by his gentleness as he brushed the dirt away from the pile. He treated the area with deference. Her heart warmed. He believed her. An odd euphoria swept over her. Followed by doubts. What if she were wrong?
"There." Kali cried out. "Stop. I think I see something."
Leaning back on his haunches, Grant reached for the flashlight.
"I need more light." He flashed the light down on the spot - and reared back.
She crowded beside him. "What? What did you find?"
Eerie flickering light shone on the exposed surface. A small delicate nose blended into the grains of sand. A gold earring with an emerald starburst twinkled in the dirt. Kali sucked in her breath, tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. Although expected, nothing prepared her for the reality of what she faced.
And nothing could camouflage the eye that stared out - accusing them both.
Recognition slammed into her. Kali jumped back with a small cry.
Grant spun, reaching for her. "It's okay." He laid a gentle hand on hers. "We found her. That's why we're here. To bring her home." He tugged her trembling frame into his arms. "Take a minute. Breathe."
She shuddered. Closing her eyes briefly, she leaned into his comforting arms. Nothing could stop the image from burning into her memory, where she knew it would stay for the rest of her life. Sorrow washed over her. Pulling back slightly, she gazed up at him.
Pain speared her heart. "I know her. Her name is Melanie Rothschild."
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Grant stood on Kali's front doorstep. He should have let someone else make this call. Stan maybe. It would have been easier. But it wouldn't have been right.
The news would hurt her regardless of who delivered it. Maybe he could at least give her a few answers to go with it. Even worse, no one who knew about this was going to be able to talk about it. Not until the killer had been caught, just in case it was case related.
He rang the doorbell before stuffing his hands in his pants pockets. Inside the house, Shiloh barked. Kali's voice murmured softly. He loved the soft caring in her voice. Her voice took on an almost sing-song tone when she spoke to the dog.
He didn't want to break her heart today. But his news would. He glared at the low lying clouds. Rain could break before he made it back to town. He didn't have this window of time but had made it happen anyway. He'd yet to make it to bed. Talk about a shitty night. He rubbed his whiskered chin, wishing he'd had time for a shower and shave first. Still, he was here. He could find an hour for her.
The door opened.
Kali's face lit up with surprise...and he hoped with pleasure.
"Kali, may I come in?"
The surprise dropped away, a hint of dread slipped in to replace it. Wordless, she opened the door wide enough for him to enter. "I have fresh coffee. Would you like a cup?"
"Thanks."
She led the way to the kitchen. "I presume you have news about last night. I have to admit that I didn't sleep very well. Just the thought of-"
"I didn't come about last night." He hated to see her step falter, her back stiffen. Her shoulders hunched as if fearing a blow, but despite that, she slowly turned to face him.
"I'm sorry. I wish I had better news."
She swallowed. "Just tell me."
Shit. Still, straight out was best. "We found Brad."
"What?"
"He's dead."
Kali closed her eyes briefly and bowed her head. Her hand climbing to her neck, she sagged into the first chair. She tried to speak, but no words came out. Shiloh came to her side, whining deep in her throat. She laid her head on Kali's leg.
To give her a moment, Grant walked over to the coffee pot and poured her a cup. Returning, he placed it on the table beside her. He walked to the open porch doors and stared out at the sky that couldn't make up its mind.
"What happened?"
He walked back, pulle
d out a second chair and sat down in front of her. Reaching over he picked up one chilled hand and warmed it in his. "We don't have all the details at this point. His body was found a few hours ago. Apparently it had been there for a while."
"Where?" she whispered, her other hand buried in Shiloh's ruff.
"In Sacramento. He never left. The authorities are working on the theory that he stumbled into the cordoned-off area after a night of drinking. The area was unstable. Part of the building shifted, crushing him under a heavy load of concrete."
Kali placed her second hand over his and squeezed tight.
"Poor Susan." She stared at their clasped hands, but he doubt she saw them.
"Kali? Kali, I'm so sorry."
"When?" Clearing her throat, she asked in a hoarse voice. "When did he die?"
Grant stroked the side of her hand on his. "Don't know yet for sure. He was found in sector four at the site." His thumb moved gently back and forth. She watched the movement for a long moment, then lifted her head to face him. He didn't have much more information to give her. Except one thing. "He would have died instantly."
Her eyelids slammed shut. He could only imagine she knew exactly what condition Brad's body had been found in. She had a wealth of images to draw on for that. Her bottom lip trembled as she struggled for control.
He admired her even more when her lips firmed, but his heart broke when she asked the next question.
"How do they know it was him? Could there be a mistake?"
Her shoulders hunched against his answer. There was no way to make it easier on her. He turned her hand protectively then squeezed her hand gently, bracing her. "I'm sorry. The victim's DNA is being tested to be sure, but there’s little doubt. The victim had on a SAR vest and Brad's wallet was on the body. Everything else fits too."
Her shoulders slumped. "Oh." She produced a sad smile. "Being buried alive is every rescuer's worst nightmare, you know. It's something we see too much of. Something that sits in the back of our psyche and festers." Kali closed her eyes, hot tears meandering downward at the corners. "It really hurts that he died alone."
"A couple of the locals said he'd stayed around for a while, drinking heavily."
Kali nodded. "He sent Sergeant home to Susan and stayed behind to drink away his demons alone." Tugging her hands free, she stood and walked to the railing. Shiloh followed to lean against her leg. Several sniffles sounded. He wanted to walk over and take her into his arms, but she'd walked away. A part of him understood. She needed to find her balance in a world that had suddenly shifted. As he watched, she wiped away her tears on her sleeve before turning her face into the breeze
"Is there anything I can do?" she asked after a moment.
Grant joined her at the railing.
"I don't think so. Susan's mother is arriving tonight. Brad's body will be shipped home in the next few days. I'll keep you up-to-date on the arrangements when they're made."
"Please do. How's Sergeant?"
"According to Susan, he's fine."
Kali cringed. "Sergeant will be lost. Brad raised, trained, and worked him from a young pup."
Grant didn't have an answer for that.
"I wonder what she'll do with him."
"I doubt she knows at this point."
Kali sniffled, releasing a heavy sigh. "So much death."
"I told Stan. He said he'd be here..." Grant checked his watch, "soon. I can't stay. I'm meeting with the profiler, then I'll try to grab a few hours of sleep."
"Oh, I never thought. You've been out all night on the scene, haven't you?" She rubbed her eyes. "Any news on last night's victim? Do we know if it was Melanie, for sure?"
"Not yet. The coroner has her now."
She sighed. "I came home instead of hanging around, but I didn't sleep. It gets harder every night."
"It's difficult to rest knowing this killer is out there, isn't it."
She stopped. "Damn, this is hard. I'm just wondering if Brad could have been a victim of the killer?"
Grant's heart ached. "No, Kali. All indications say it was an accident."
With a tremulous smile, she nodded. "Thanks. It does make it easier. I don't think I could have stood it otherwise."
"It's tough enough to deal with as it is."
"Stan and I are both going to miss him." New tears formed at the corner of her eyes. She wiped them away. "I relied on Brad's laughter, his compassion and, most of all, his support. My world has become a darker place." She forced a tremulous smile through her tears.
He couldn't stand it. Stepping closer, he opened his arms.
And she fell into them.
Enfolding her close, he held her while the tears poured. He'd be late. Too damn bad. Sometimes schedules had to adapt. He closed his eyes and rested his head against hers.
It surprised him how quickly the storm burned out. Finally she lay with her head resting against his chest staring out toward the ocean. He just held her. When she made a move to retreat, he forced himself to drop his arms, allowing her to step back.
"Better?" He searched her eyes, beautiful deep blue awash in tears still but, thankfully, not so lost as before.
"Thank you. It's going to take some time, but I will get there. Brad wouldn't have wanted me to wallow. He'd rather I open a bottle of champagne and celebrate his life. I'll talk to Stan, maybe plan something like that." She retreated another few steps.
He hated the widening distance, but the moment was over. "Hold off spreading the news. We’ve asked Susan and Stan to keep a lid on this for a few days. Try to avoid any interference and cross over on our investigation. Just for a day or two."
She attempted a smile. "Right. We still have a killer to catch. You need to go. I'm fine. Stan will be here soon and that will help. I want you to make your meeting with the profiler, then please get some rest. This madness needs to stop."
She hooked Grant's arm and ushered him back through the house to the front door. She opened it and damn near pushed him out.
"You're sure you're alright. I hate to leave you alone."
This time her smile had real humor. "I'm fine. Go. And..." she reached up and kissed his cheek. So gently, so tenderly, he almost snatched her back into his arms.
It was the first physical move she'd made toward him.
With that, he left. But in his car, driving down the highway, he couldn't stop grinning.
Progress.
***
Kali stood looking out at the empty driveway long after Grant left.
She hated that sense of loss as the distance between them widened. Could he see the energy, the colors vibrating between them?
Even through her grief and tears, they'd been hard to miss. It gave her hope. Something she badly needed today.
Her eyes burned from the tears already shed, and she could only imagine how they'd be by the end of the day.
God. Brad, her staunchest defender and best friend since forever was never going to come home again. With this hell consuming her, she hadn't had time to really worry about him. She hadn't allowed herself to consider such an outcome. She'd been expecting him to show up out of the blue with that sheepish look of his. Instead he was already dead. And no one had known.
Picking up the phone, Kali dialed Susan's number. If Brad's death was painful for her, she could only imagine what Susan was going through right now. Her heart ached for the widow. Susan and Brad had been married for over ten years. Kali had lost a beautiful friend, but Susan had lost her partner.
"Hello?"
The ravaged voice made Kali's stomach clench in sympathy. "Susan, it's Kali. I just heard. I'm so sorry."
"Sorry?" Susan's voice had a dreamlike quality, as if she wasn't fully hearing Kali's words.
"Yes. I know how difficult Brad's death is for you. It's hard on all of us. These rescue missions can be dangerous, but we don't really expect anything bad to happen to those we love."
"Love?" Susan's voice sharpened. "What do you know about love? Brad was my husband. H
e was down there because of you. Because you needed him. This is your fault. Yours. He's dead because of you." Her voice cracked with tension, her blistering words singed Kali's heart. "Stay away from me. Don't call me again - ever. I hate you!"
Kali sat frozen. Logically, she could rationalize away everything Susan had said. Susan was upset, grieving and angry at the world. Kali knew that, but her heart didn't care.
It hurt.
Brad had been her friend. She'd loved him, too. And it hurt to know that to a certain extent, Susan had been right.