Deadline

by Judy McDonough

Lying beneath the bed's white canopy, Caroline couldn't help but think about the story of Rachel Fontenot. She really hoped she was able to dream about her again, to possibly learn more truth about what happened. Clearly the reason she came down here extended beyond Trevor's insistence.

  The cryptic dream saga that had plagued her for months was more than just dreams. They were clues to a mystery. Unsure how or why she was chosen to unravel these clues, she was too involved to turn away. Unwilling to fully accept the whole ghost concept, perhaps something else permitted the dead to speak from their graves. She obviously never knew her, but Caroline's gut told her Rachel didn't kill herself.

  She took her engagement ring off and admired it before she placed it on the nightstand. Tired from her busy day, Caroline could hardly keep her eyes open. She noticed two missed calls from Trevor, and considered calling him back, but it was pretty late, so she decided against it. Instead she sent him a quick text to tell him goodnight and that she would talk to him tomorrow.

  Thankfully she brought her satin eye mask to keep the morning sun at bay. Unless Beau decided to serenade her again in the morning, she should get plenty of rest. It didn't take her long to fall asleep, and like magic. . .the dream began.

  Nine