by Wood, Lorena
When Nick turned around, Agent Hollerman had gone back in the room. Nick cautiously opened the door to see what was going on inside. Whitney was sitting up sipping some water and laughing with Teddy. She was pale and drawn, but she was alive. Teddy was telling her a story about Nick, and Agent Hollerman was on the phone.
Nick realized Teddy was telling her about the last time they worked with a psychic and he hadn’t been very happy about it. The woman had dressed like a gypsy and carried a crystal ball. Teddy had come down with the flu so Nick had to entertain the woman for a day. He hadn’t been very friendly to her, and she put a curse on him. Whitney threw her head back and laughed as he explained the curse was cast on Nick’s sex life.
Nick cleared his throat. “Thanks for sharing that with her Teddy. Now she can join in at the station when the guys rib me about my curse.” He turned back to Whitney. “So are you feeling better now?” He didn’t know whether to be concerned or suspicious.
Whitney put her hand over her mouth as she tried to stop laughing. “Yes, I’m better now. I’m so sorry for scaring you like that. That was really stupid of me.”
Nick nodded and walked over to stand next to Teddy.
“So was it successful?”
“Well, I was able to get flashes of what happened, but I’m not sure yet if I have any new information that will help. I’ll have to spend some time reviewing it. Everything that happened will be written in my report.” She gingerly got off the bed. It took a few minutes for her to stretch and get her muscles loosened up.
Nick watched her rub her neck to get the kinks out. Considering the way Sarah had dragged her into the room, she would probably be bruised for days. Her long black hair was a mess and her clothes were torn. Nick couldn’t help appreciating that she was toned and curvy, all at the same time. His mind wandered and he considered how she would look in a dinner dress or, even better, in no dress at all. When she turned back to face them Nick felt like a little boy caught with a centerfold.
Looking away quickly, Nick hoped she couldn’t actually read complete thoughts. He tried to picture her walking through a construction site and, instead of just getting irritated at the cat calls and whistles, she’d have to deal with hearing all the lewd thoughts that inspired them. He tried to switch his mind back to something more mundane.
Thankfully Whitney provided the distraction. “I really need to get something to eat,” she said sheepishly. “I never eat before I do this, and I’m starving right now.”
Nick looked to Agent Hollerman expecting him to take care of her, but that wasn’t the plan.
“Detectives,” Agent Hollerman said walking toward the door, “I have to get back to the station and coordinate the men. Since our assistant is gone, and we have to wait to see who will be available, I would appreciate it if you could drive Miss Bentley somewhere she can get some good food. I’ll check in with you later.”
“Wait for me,” Teddy yelled after him and then turned to Nick. “I hate to miss a good meal but I’m supposed to get to court in an hour to testify on the Brady case. I’m going to run and catch the agent for a ride. See ya later Nick. Miss Bentley.”
Nick watched the door close and turned to Whitney. Now he wasn’t just expected to bring her to crime scenes, he was responsible for feeding her and who knew what else.
Whitney was watching him with a wary expression. “I guess I’m at your mercy, Detective Naylor. If it’s a problem, you can just give me directions and I can get a cab.” When he didn’t answer she nodded her head and reached for the phone. “I’ll call a cab for now and I can rent a car later. Don’t worry. I’ll stay out of your way. I would have brought my car, but they said Sarah would be driving me around. It makes me feel like an invalid or something. It’s just that I get so tired when I am working on a case.”
“You don’t need a cab,” he said trying to put on a friendly smile. “It’s no problem. Where would you like to eat?” Nick was still doubtful, but if she really did see something she was the only witness they had. Nick needed her help.
“I know it’s late but I’d really love a big breakfast,” she said looking very uncomfortable.
If he had only heard her voice, he’d have thought she was in the mood for a cheery meal. Instead he could see the pain in her eyes and the way her hands shook.
“There’s an IHOP down the road, and a little café just down from that. They serve breakfast all day and it’s quiet in there.”
“Then the café it is. I’ll grab my stuff and meet you in the car.”
Nick realized she needed a minute to freshen up so he headed outside. His body felt like it was in shock from the events of the morning. He felt in his pocket for a cigarette. “Damn! Great time to quit.” He had quit four months ago but he still felt the old habits kick in when he was under stress.
“Man, this sure qualifies for a stressful moment,” he thought to himself. “What I wouldn’t give for a Marlboro Light right now. Didn’t see her smoking. Nope, probably not her.”
He slid into the car and ran his hand through his hair. Maybe a good meal would calm him down. “But alone with her? That can’t be the best thing for my nerves.”
Soon they were settled in the booth in the back of the café. The whole place was done in a western desert theme, just like so many businesses and homes in Arizona. Nick had grown tired of the western décor but at least it was bright and comfortable and almost deserted. After finishing her breakfast of three eggs, home fries, toast, juice, and a couple cups of coffee, Whitney started to look a little better.
Nick had picked at his omelet and was working on his third cup of coffee. He finally broke the silence.
“Do you mind if I smoke?”
“I didn’t think you smoked,” she said, eyebrows rising and nose wrinkling. “You don’t smell like a smoker.”
“Well, I just quit. A few months ago. But I really need one right now.”
“Oh Nick, I’m sorry. Please don’t let my stupidity get you started again.”
“It’s not your fault.” At least he didn’t think so. “And you are not stupid. I think you are probably very brave, and maybe a little stubborn, but not stupid. I just need something to calm my nerves right now. I still have this feeling that this is all a dream and I’ll wake up any minute. In that case, I won’t actually be smoking and I won’t have to worry about it.”
“Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.” Whitney shrugged and tried to smile. She had too much on her mind to deal with his habits right now.
“Thanks”.
Nick went up to the register and bought a pack and a lighter. He went outside and sat on the bench. The first drag tasted like ashtray, and after the second drag his head spun. It was the dizzy rush of the first cigarette after a long abstinence.
“Better?” Whitney stepped through the door and walked toward him.
“A little. So, what’s the deal with Sarah? Haven’t you worked with her before?”
“Well, she tries really hard. I’ve worked with her a little, but not on such a stressful case. She’s been around the department for a while, and really wants to be a part of it. She thinks she has some psychic ability, but nothing that really works in the field. I guess she might have some ability, because she was able to block me enough so that I had no idea what she was planning.”
“Block you? You mean some people can keep you from sensing their…thoughts?”
“Yup.” Whitney sat on the bench as far from Nick as possible. “Some people put up barriers. Those with psychic abilities have different levels of awareness and some can block others. Even some without any gifts are able to keep up barriers. Many times it’s the same person who puts up barriers to relationships and other normal human contact.”
“So, when people can’t do this, like most of the population, you can read their thoughts?”
Whitney could see Nick fidgeting in his seat and couldn’t help laughing. How many times had she been through this? She could either get irritated and angry, knowing
that he would probably try to keep his distance from now on, or she could see the humor in the situation. He looked like a little boy getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar, or something much worse.
“Something like that. Sorry. I know it’s a pain for you, but it just happens. It’s not like I try to do it. I don’t dig around in your head for info. At times people are sending the energy out so strong it’s hard not to catch bits and pieces. The more the person becomes agitated or angered or any other emotion that happens with the thought, the stronger it is.”
“So I didn’t imagine your blush in the station?”
Whitney shook her head, as her cheeks got pink again.
“I’m so sorry.” Nick started talking faster. “I had no idea. I didn’t mean to, I mean I wasn’t trying to be… Oh hell. I’m sorry. How can someone keep from thinking like that around you?”
Whitney was trying to keep from laughing again. “Nick, it’s okay. Everyone has thoughts like that. It’s normal, and flattering. Being exposed to everyone’s thoughts from a young age has taught me to ignore most of it. I do wish I could turn it off sometimes, but I can’t.
“Okay. Let’s change subjects. Back to Sarah.”
“Sarah just gets too nervous for this work. She was on the verge of being let go, but I wanted to help her. Give her another chance. See, stupid. I didn’t realize the next assignment would be so…hard.” Whitney sighed. “Well, I guess I had better get back to my room and get started on my report.”
“Can you tell me anything right now that will help us?”
“Not yet. I have to take the time to go over it. It’ll take a while. Thanks for taking me to breakfast and for being patient.”
“Do you know who did it?”
“Nick, if I knew that I’d tell you. Really. Just give me some time.”
Nick shrugged and put out his cigarette. If she could see things, why didn’t she see the killer? It still wasn’t making much sense, and his belief system was going haywire. His mind was deep in thought all the way to the motel. She seemed lost in her own thoughts as rode along in silence. Just as they pulled into the motel his cell phone rang.
“Naylor. Yeah. Dropping her off at the motel. No. No. Fine!” He turned to Whitney. “It’s Agent Hollerman. He wants to talk to you.”
Whitney slowly reached for the phone. Nick’s face had turned to stone. He was being asked to do something he didn’t like.
“Hello.” It was Agent Hollerman. “Yeah. Uh huh. No! I’ll be fine.” Whitney could hear the whining in her voice and tried to sound more commanding. “No. Look, this is getting ridiculous.”
The agent on the other end sounded like a father talking to his errant teenager. “Look Whitney, you know you shouldn’t be alone. It’s one thing to take risks, but not unnecessary ones. You need someone there, and I can’t get away. I’ve tried, but everyone is out on assignment and no one can be pulled off. Nick has already been through the worst of it. Let him stay with you just until you finish the report. Whitney? Whitney if you can’t do this, I can pull you off the case.”
“No! That’s not fair. You know I can’t stop now. I want to stop this guy as bad as you do.” Whitney paused. “Fine! Whatever. We’ll do it your way. Are you sure he’s willing?”
Whitney handed the phone back to Nick. “He wants to talk to you again.”
Nick talked over the details and hung up. So now he was the new “assistant”. The captain had cleared it as long as Nick agreed. He thought about saying no, but he just couldn’t do it, even though in this case an assistant was a glorified babysitter. Of course that meant she would be accompanying him on any detective work, which would be another headache. He looked over at Whitney. She was looking out the window, but he could see the tears rolling down her cheeks. He couldn’t believe he’d started the day thinking she was a nut, and now he found himself wishing he could do something to ease her pain. What kind of life could she have reading everyone’s thoughts? Even worse, she offered her skills to dig into the thoughts of victims and killers. He was starting to feel protective and that worried him.
“Don’t get so involved. She can read your mind,” he thought. “She’s not someone you want to start worrying about. It’s not your job,” he shouted in his head. Glancing back at Whitney, seeing the tears and rigid posture, Nick realized his own self talk was like screaming at her.
“Sorry. It’s okay Whitney. I’ll try to stay out of the way. Just let me know what you need.”
She just nodded and got out of the Mustang. Nick followed her into the dim room.
“This is the best the FBI can do? This place is a dump.”
“I just like out of the way places. Sarah booked it. I think she wanted to make sure we were away from the station, and the agents.”
“Look, since we’re stuck together for a while, and it’s not exactly cheerful in there, what do you say we head to my place for the afternoon? It’s closer to the station, but in a quiet little neighborhood. I live out in the country. Well, the desert.”
“I don’t know. I feel like a big pain in the butt already. I don’t want to be a problem, but maybe you would feel more comfortable there. I guess you could keep yourself more occupied at home than in this little room.” She thought for a minute and finally agreed it was the best choice.
Nick called the station to leave a message for Teddy, and headed down 10 East. He had a little place in the town of Gilbert. The house was a little run down, but he liked it because it had the same kind of siding you find out east. No stucco for him. He saw too much of it every day. And it came with five acres of land. The past owners had a horse, but Nick didn’t even have a dog. He did have a big friendly mutt that liked to visit him from down the road. Nick let him visit because he was a good alarm when rattlesnakes were around. The dog spent most of his time searching for snakes with his nose to the ground. He loved the chase and when he finally had one cornered, he would bark up a storm. Nick was waiting for the day when a snake would get tired of all that noise and sink it’s fangs in the mutt. So far, the dog always won.
The dog barked and jumped when Nick stepped out of the car. “He won’t hurt you. He’s from down the street but I think he likes my house better. Maybe it’s all the bones I give him. But you probably already know that. Can you read his mind?”
“No. I can’t. Very funny. Animals don’t have the same kind of thought patterns. Thank goodness. I don’t believe I’d want to know what they think about all day.”
She grabbed the laptop and other bags in the back of the car. He reached around and took the heaviest bag out of her hands. When his hand touched hers she jumped and pulled back. Nick stopped and looked at her for an explanation, but she just turned away and clutched the laptop to her chest.
“The house is great.” Whitney wasn’t interested in explanations, but she didn’t want to offend him. “It’s very peaceful here. I really do appreciate it.”
They stepped inside and Nick led her through the house. The whole place had a rustic look. Large pine beams ran up the vaulted ceiling. The living room had large windows that looked out over the desert scenery. There was an old brown recliner sitting by the picture window, and a worn couch sitting on the other side of the room. The floors were hardwood, and he had thrown a pretty gray rug in the middle of the room.
They walked through the neatly organized kitchen and out into a large, glassed in porch.
“Hope this works for you. It’s right near the kitchen. The bathroom’s over there and there’s a small table right next to the couch. Make yourself comfy. I’m going to go upstairs and change. If you don’t need me right away, I may I lay down for a nap. Maybe I’ll wake up and the world will be back to normal.”
She smiled at him and felt guilty for putting him in such a state of confusion. She was his nightmare, and he was hoping to wake up. Well, at least it would be over for him eventually. There were times she wished she could wake up and her gift would be gone. She had dreams about it.
Whit
ney looked around at the room. It was surrounded with large windows and filled with plants. “No wonder he thought my room was depressing,” she thought. “This guy likes to see sunlight.”
She arranged her paper, pens, voice recorder and other supplies on the table. She opened the laptop and set it on the couch. Time to do it. She was hoping Nick would really take a nap and give her a little time. She turned on the voice recorder and stretched out on the couch.
She tried to relax and let the images come back slowly. Her own body had a way of protecting itself by hiding the images in the far away corners of her mind. She didn’t want to remember but she had to, for the kids. The smell of the cave came back to her. She started describing her experience out loud so she could use the recording to finish her notes. She didn’t want to overlook even the smallest detail. The smell of wet rock, and dirt, and blood. A small whimper escaped her lips. She could hear the boy crying again. Crying and begging. What did he see? It was blurry. Were his eyes injured already? A tall longhaired figure loomed over him. “Mama!” he was crying out in his head, but he was only able to mouth the word “No” over and over. “It hurts, please stop.” He was losing consciousness. She couldn’t see, couldn’t breathe. She thought she was going to pass out when the images shifted. Now she started to feel the adrenaline and the anger. “Everything comes naturally for you doesn’t it! How does it feel to lose this time? Little Bastard. I told you you’d pay. Let’s see you get up from this one you little punk.” The image was turning red. She could see the hands slashing with the knife. The hands were strong looking, with short fingernails and long fingers. It was hard to get a good look since they were covered with blood. Now he was slashing at the boy's feet. His socks were a bloody pulp. The last thing Whitney felt was the hot spurt of blood as he stabbed an artery in the neck.
* * * *
Nick was hoping he would wake up from this dream, or suddenly find a way to make sense of it all. He was too tightly strung to try sleeping. Were the other so called psychics all frauds, or just not as talented as Whitney? How many other people out there could do these kinds of things? Why couldn’t she just reach out with her mind and find the creep if it was that easy? He jumped off the bed and decided to get some ibuprofen for his throbbing head. Maybe it’s just a brain tumor and I’m hallucinating.