‘If Ben hadn’t panicked he would have had enough air for an hour. I might have let him out if he’d succeeded. His fear got the better of him. The Bible was wrong Cassandra; the meek shall not inherit the earth. I’ve spent my whole career treating the meek, and trust me, there’s no way they should inherit anything. They’re not worthy.’
‘So I suppose Rod Strauss deserved to die of a drug overdose? He wasn’t meek. He was helping people overcome their addictions.’ I spat the words out, refusing to make eye contact with him.
‘I’m not here to answer your questions!’ He roared the words at me, leaning forward so that his face was only centimetres from mine.
I flinched, fighting the urge to get up and run across the room to the door again.
After a few moments he mastered his anger and sat back again. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his face. The eye on the side with the scar was watering profusely.
‘Tell me more about the vision you just had. I want to know what it was like and if I were you I’d cooperate. You really don’t want to make me angry now you know what I’m capable of.’
I forced myself to look at him. There was a vein throbbing in his temple. He was under control, but only by a hair’s-breadth. I had no choice but to answer his questions.
‘It was awful. I felt that man’s pain and fear. I felt the snake bite him. He died a horrible and painful death,’ I said.
‘You felt his fear?’
‘Yes.’
‘Incredible! You know, I brought you here to work on your fears, but that can wait. This is much more interesting. I want to see you having the vision again.’
‘No.’
It’d been a mistake to tell him how my visions worked but what choice did I have? If I’d sat in that chair again it would have happened anyway.
‘It wasn’t a request, Cassandra.’ He stood up and pointed at the chair.
A memory forced its way into my mind. It was a conversation between Ed and Dave when they were trying to get me out of the hospital. I was only semiconscious at the time, just coming out of a vision, but I remembered Ed bellowing at Dave not to touch me. After the Fleurieu case Ed was convinced that if anyone touched me while I was having a vision they’d feel exactly what I was feeling, like some kind of massive electric jolt. I wasn’t convinced he was right, but I hadn’t been prepared to put it to the test again. Until now.
‘There’s a way you can see what I see.’
He frowned. ‘How?’
‘If you touch me while I’m having a vision, you’ll experience it too.’
‘I’ve never heard of that before. I think you’re making it up.’
‘I don’t know what happens to my body when I have a vision but others have told me that some of it transfers across if they put their hands on me.’
He stared at me. He was trying to work out what I was up to.
I stood up and slowly walked towards the chair.
CHAPTER
46
‘Are you sure she didn’t have some plans she forgot to tell you about?’ Ed said.
‘No, Anita would never stay away overnight without making a big fuss about it.’
‘When was the last time you saw her?’
‘That’s the thing. I haven’t actually seen her since the day before yesterday.’
‘And you think she was seeing a client?’
‘I assumed that, but I can’t be sure.’
‘Is there a man in her life?’
‘A man? No, no, she would have told me. There’s no reason for her to hide something like that. I would have known. Besides, even if she was out with a man and she’d decided to stay at his place she would have phoned. She wouldn’t worry me like this.’
‘And what did Natalia say when you spoke to her?’
‘She told me to sit tight. She’s had people looking for the car and she checked the local hospitals. She also made Cass stay in Adelaide. She told Cass it was in case Anita turned up at her place but that wasn’t the real reason. I didn’t want her driving all the way here when she was so upset. I couldn’t bear the thought of her having an accident on top of everything else.’
‘And where is she now?’
‘She said she was going to an appointment with a psychiatrist. She thought she’d be back at her place by now. Her phone’s diverted to mine in case Anita tries to call her. She’s probably forgotten to switch it back.’ She paused and took a shaky breath. ‘I’m worried about her too, Ed. She’s had a terrible time of things lately.’
‘I know. Don’t worry, Gwen. I’ll stop in at Cass’s place and check on her. You call me if you hear anything.’ He gave her his mobile number before ending the call and starting to dial again. Dave interrupted him.
‘Whoa! Hold it for a second. How about you tell me what’s going on? Who’s missing?’
‘Cass’s mum. She didn’t come home last night. It’s really out of character. I’m worried.’
‘She’s probably stayed over with a friend.’
‘I know her, Dave. She wouldn’t go AWOL without telling Cass’s grandmother. They’re all really close. They tell each other everything. I can’t get hold of Cass either; she’s diverted her phone. She’s at an appointment.’
‘While her mum’s missing?’
‘Yeah.’ Dave didn’t need to know Cass was seeing a shrink.
‘You’re going to swing by her house and see if she’s there?’ Dave said.
‘That’s the plan.’ He would go to Cass’s place but he wanted to try Metzger’s rooms first. He was hoping it was Metzger she’d gone to see. He’d given her Metzger’s card, so there was a good chance.
‘I need to call Fairfield and see if they’ve found Anita’s car or made any progress before I go.’
‘Give me the details and I’ll call the Fairfield station. If I drop your name enough someone should talk to me, right?’ Dave said.
‘Thanks, mate. Ask to speak to Phil, but make sure you tell her you’re my partner. She’s not much of a fan of MCIB.’
‘OK, go! See what you can find out. Don’t forget to ask her about the Rod Strauss thing. We still need some answers.’
CHAPTER
47
I came out of the vision the second time round reeling and disoriented. I felt like a heavy weight was pressing me into the chair. I raised a shaking hand to push the hair out of my eyes. The doctor was staring at me, leaning forward in his chair and watching my every movement. He looked like he was thoroughly enjoying himself.
‘I’m sorry I doubted you, Cassandra. You really do have a gift. I can’t believe it! When I touched you it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I felt Carl’s fear and pain. It was incredible. You have no idea how good it felt to feel his pain.’ He rubbed the scar on his face.
A wave of nausea hit me and bile flooded my mouth. I leant forward and vomited. The smile fell from the doctor’s face and I felt a pang of satisfaction that I’d ruined the moment for him.
‘I suppose that’s normal?’ he said.
‘I don’t know. I’ve never had the same vision twice in a row before.’ I glared at him.
‘I think that might be about to change. I like what you can do. I think our relationship is going to be a long and fruitful one.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I think I’ll keep you around for a while. There are a few places I’d like to visit together.’
‘People will miss me.’
‘I suppose they will, but I doubt they’ll come looking for you here.’
I felt a faint glimmer of hope. I’d told Gran I was visiting a psychiatrist. He didn’t know that. I wasn’t about to tell him.
‘There’s no evidence tying me to any of the deaths, and your friend Detective Dyson and his cockroach of a partner are going to be very busy with Smythe for a long time.’
‘The body they found yesterday, that was you?’ I said.
‘Of course it was me.’
‘Who was the man?’
‘You
’ve just met him.’
CHAPTER
48
Ed drove to Metzger’s rooms in high tension. Everything about the case felt wrong and now this whole business with Cass and her mum. He felt like he was bumbling around in the dark.
He parked illegally and jogged up the steps to the building’s entrance. He peered through the glass. The doors were locked and the lobby was swathed in darkness. He stood back and looked up at the third floor where Metzger had his rooms. He couldn’t see any lights.
He’d try Cass at her place. Gwen was probably right. She’d probably forgotten to switch her phone back.
The drive to Cass’s apartment seemed to take twice as long as it normally did. Ed snagged every red light through the city before getting trapped behind someone determined to drive well below the speed limit. By the time he pulled into Cass’s driveway his teeth were clenched so hard his jaw was aching.
He walked from the visitor’s parking to the apartments and spotted the empty space in Cass’s carport. Knowing it was probably a waste of time, he walked up to her door and hammered on it anyway, in case someone was home. Best case scenario, Anita would answer the door and the pit of churning anxiety in his stomach would go away.
He waited, listening for any sounds. Nothing. He hammered again, more as a way of venting his frustration than anything else.
‘Can I help you?’
Ed turned at the voice. An elderly lady wearing a fierce scowl was glaring at him. ‘She isn’t home,’ she said.
‘Yes, I can see that. Who are you?’
‘Emily Richter, her neighbour. More importantly, young man, who are you and why are you banging on Cass’s door hard enough to knock it down?’
Ed had to admire her pluck, considering recent events.
‘I’m Detective Dyson,’ he said, reaching into his pocket and passing her his ID. ‘I’m a friend of Cass’s. I’m trying to find her urgently. Do you know where she is?’
‘A detective? Is this about her stalker? Is everything all right? They haven’t let him out, have they?’
‘It’s nothing like that,’ Ed said, seeing the worry etched on her face. ‘Her stalker is still in custody. Do you know where Cass is?’ He tried hard not to sound impatient but his sense of urgency was increasing by the minute.
‘I’m afraid I don’t. I was out when she left.’
Ed tried to decide what to do. ‘I don’t suppose you know where she keeps her spare key, do you?’ he said. ‘If I could have a look inside I might find something useful.’
‘Oh, I don’t know if she’d approve of someone going into her place while she isn’t here.’
‘Under the circumstances, I’m sure she’ll forgive me. It’s about her mother. She’s missing.’ He decided the quickest way to get any cooperation was to tell the truth.
‘Oh my! That’s terrible. The poor girl! Surely nothing else terrible could happen after all she’s been through?’
‘I hope not, but I need to find Cass and speak to her as soon as I can, so if you can help me get inside I’d really appreciate it. Every minute counts and I don’t want to wait around for her to come back. She could be hours.’
The old lady frowned, considering what he’d said.
‘You can come in with me to watch what I do if that helps?’ He smiled, hoping he was looking reassuring and not crazy-anxious like he was feeling.
She cocked her head on one side. Ed knew his character was being measured. She made him feel like he should have combed his hair and polished his shoes.
‘I suppose, under the circumstances … I have her key. Wait there and I’ll fetch it.’
Ed watched her shuffle over to her own apartment and disappear inside. It wasn’t long before she was back, handing him the key and waiting while he opened the door. Ed realised she was taking him at his word. He was going to have her shadow every step he took in Cass’s apartment.
He tried to ignore her hovering presence. He hadn’t been inside Cass’s place before. It was a comfortable space and much tidier than he’d expected. He started his search in the lounge room, looking for a diary or notepad. There was a stack of papers on one table and he spent some time flicking through them before he realised they were assignments from her students. There was nothing else. In the kitchen he found a calendar with a few scribbles on it but nothing recent. He moved into the bedroom and scanned the dressing table and the bedside tables. There were a few books and magazines but not much else. He was about to leave when Miss Emily grabbed his sleeve.
‘Look!’
‘What?’
‘There’s something written on the back of that book over there.’
Ed picked up the novel wondering how someone who was nearly ninety could spot something halfway across the room when he hadn’t. Maybe Forensics should recruit her.
Cass had scrawled across the back of it in smudged black writing. Ed squinted, trying to make out the words. Emily was leaning around him, studying it as well.
‘It says 1pm, but I can’t read the next bit,’ she said.
‘I think it’s an address. 134 Mitchell Terrace, Melingie?’
‘It could be Medindie,’ she said.
‘Maybe.’ Realisation dawned on him.
‘That’s a fancy address,’ Emily said.
‘I think I know whose it is.’ Ed pulled out his mobile and phoned Dave.
He answered on the second ring. ‘Did you find her?’
‘Not Cass, or her mother. What was Metzger’s home address again?’
‘Hang on, I’ll have to check. Mitchell Terrace but I can’t remember the number.’
He came back on the line a few seconds later. ‘134.’
CHAPTER
49
Ed pulled into the service road parallel to Mitchell Terrace. He scanned the numbers, driving slowly until he found 134. Spotting Cass’s hatchback, he felt a rush of satisfaction. At least he’d found her. He pulled in about three houses away from it. He decided to park and wait for her to come out. It was nearly three o’clock. Surely she couldn’t be much longer.
He wondered why she was seeing Metzger at his house rather than his rooms. It was a bit unusual, but then again, a lot of specialists had rooms attached to their houses and Metzger wasn’t the healthiest person so working from home would be a good option.
Ten more minutes ticked by. He was starting to get impatient. He was about to get out of the car when a garden gate opened and Dr Metzger walked out. Ed instinctively sank down in his seat. The doctor looked around, then crossed the road and approached Cass’s car. He pulled the keys out of his pocket and got inside, started the car and drove it up to the double gates to his driveway. They swung slowly open and he drove in.
Ed waited until the gates closed before getting out of his car and crossing over to Metzger’s garden gate. He was on full alert. Metzger had moved smoothly and efficiently – gone were the limp and walking stick – and why the hell was he moving Cass’s car? He pulled out his phone and dialled as he walked. His mind was firing at a hundred miles an hour.
‘Dave? I need you to ask Smythe a question.’
‘Why?’
‘I don’t have time to explain.’
‘I can’t ask him anything. His lawyer’s left. You know I can’t question him without her there.’
‘Fuck the lawyer. It’s important. I’m at Metzger’s and I think something’s going on. I need you to ask Smythe who introduced Metzger to the centre.’
Dave went quiet while he digested Ed’s request. ‘Metzger? Oh shit, you think it’s him?’
‘Maybe, yeah.’
‘Fuck!’
‘Just ask him, Dave, and text me the answer.’ He switched the phone to vibrate and put it in his pocket.
He eased his way through the gate and looked around. There was no one in sight. He followed the path up to the front of the house and peered through the windows. There was no sign of activity. He walked up to the front door and tried the handle. It was locked. He toyed with
the idea of ringing but decided not to. If something was wrong he didn’t want to announce his arrival and startle Metzger.
He followed the path around the side of the house. He was halfway along when his phone vibrated. He looked at the screen. His heart sank. The message was simple: Rod Strauss. I’m on my way.
CHAPTER
50
‘Cassandra? Cassandra! Wake up!’
A stinging slap across the face brought me back into full awareness. I’d dozed off in the aftermath of the two visions. I raised a hand to my throbbing cheek and stared at the monster in front of me.
‘What do you want from me?’ I forced the words out.
He smiled. ‘As much fun as this is, it’s time to talk about what you came here for. There’ll be plenty of time later for us to explore your visions. First we need to focus on your treatment. You need to confront your fears.’ He leant back in his chair, smiling at me.
‘I don’t want to confront my fears.’
‘Oh, but I think you do. You can’t spend your whole life worrying about something happening to your mother and grandmother. It’s time to face that.’
‘No.’ I refused to look at him. I knew he was enjoying every minute. I didn’t want him to see what was in my eyes.
‘No?’
‘I won’t play your game.’
‘You will.’ He walked away from me and pointed a remote at the TV screen. He flicked through the AV channels until an image came onto the screen. It was a woman sitting in a chair with her head slumped forwards. For a split second I didn’t understand, but then it hit me. It was Mum.
Fury launched me out of the chair. ‘You bastard! What have you done to her?’ I wanted to hurt him. I wanted him dead. I grabbed for his throat.
His eyes widened in shock and he raised his hand and slapped me hard across the face. The blow forced me back, making my face sting and my eyes water.
‘Stop that right now! Your mother’s not dead, but if you don’t behave she soon will be and so will you.’
I froze. My chest was heaving and tears were running down my face. I looked back at the image of Mum. Her hands and feet were tied. Her hair was falling in a matted tangle over her face.
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