by Wood, Lorena
“I’d be damn good at it too.”
“I…just don’t know.” Whitney’s eyes were brimming with tears. She didn’t know how to make this kind of decision.
Nick slid out of the booth and moved over next to Whitney. “I know it’s happened kind of fast…but I can’t stand the thought of being without you. Whitney…I love you.” He cupped her chin in his hand and kissed the tears rolling down her cheeks.
“I love you too. I just don’t know how it happened, and what to do about it.”
“Be happy Whitney. It’s okay to be happy. Let the rest work itself out in time.”
“I’ll give it a try.” She placed her head on his shoulder and sniffed back the tears. This was what she had been fighting all her life; allowing herself to be happy. Her mind knew she had the right to be happy, but in her heart it still felt wrong. It wasn’t really the logistics of who would live where that seemed so hard to work out, it was the feeling that she should just say no. She finally agreed to move into Nick’s house for a while on the condition that there would be extra police protection for the both of them. They drove down to Casa Grande to collect her things and later met up with Teddy at the station.
“Thank God you two got back together. I was having a tough time figuring out the paper work to get Nick committed.”
“Very funny big man! I may have been a bit over the edge, but I wasn’t that far gone,” Nick said gruffly.
“You didn’t see it yourself, but don’t worry, I have pictures.” When Whitney laughed Teddy turned to her and his face grew serious. “Worrying about you was driving me crazy woman! Don’t ever do that again. Nick and I are partners. We depend on each other. You can depend on us too. You drove my partner crazy, and had me sick with worry.”
Whitney leaned over and kissed Teddy on his cheek.
“Thanks for caring so much Teddy. I’m sorry. I promise I’ll be good. So, you want to know what I found out so far?”
Nick’s head whipped around.
“You didn’t tell me you came up with something.”
“That’s because I didn’t really. But I did meet with Ann Marie and I don’t think she did it.”
“I don’t think anyone’s convinced she did it, but they have no other suspects right now.” Nick pulled a file off his desk and pulled out a sheet of paper.
“This is the list of people that are allowed into Kevin’s room at the hospital. Hollerman told us to keep an eye on his visitors. He’s been allowed a few more now, and you never know if one could be the killer.
He handed the list to Whitney. Nick and Teddy had already interviewed everyone that had been near Kevin in the two weeks before he was abducted, but nothing stood out.
Whitney read the list out loud. “Kevin’s Mom and Dad, his older brother Tom, four kids from his team, Ann Marie and her sons, and Coach Hunter. What? Was Coach Hunter his coach?”
“No,” answered Teddy. He befriended Kevin when he saw him playing a few years ago. Kevin was a great baseball player and the coach took an interest in him. Teddy and I already talked to him and he was out of town that day.”
“What about Ann Marie? Why is she allowed on the list?”
Nick answered this time. “Ann Marie was a mentor to many of the boys. Even after she was accused, Kevin’s parents didn’t believe it. They kept her on the list to show their support.”
“Great, that doesn’t leave us much. The rest are all kids. Ann Marie’s oldest boy is in a wheel chair, and the rest are too young to be our suspect.” Whitney tossed the paper back on Nick’s desk.
“Just because he’s in a wheelchair doesn’t mean he isn’t involved,” Nick said, stuffing the paper back into the file. “Maybe he was protecting his mother, or someone else.”
“Do you think he could have been at those crime scenes in his wheelchair?” Whitney asked, not able to imagine it.
“No, I’m not saying he was there. I’m still concerned he knows who did it though. That would make him an accomplice.”
“Derrick seemed genuinely devastated when Kevin was found,” Teddy said, looking up from his computer. “He kept asking about his condition even after his mom was put in jail. But,” he added, “we’re not ruling him out as an accomplice yet.”
“I’m getting a headache.” Whitney rubbed her temples and Nick reached over to massage her shoulders.
Teddy was busy shuffling through a file. “We don’t know if the killer will go to the hospital. It’s just something to think about. Kevin is a loose end.” He read over the paper in his hand. “They dug up some information on Coach Hunter. Seems he was tried in Texas for manslaughter. He lost his temper and ended up killing someone. The captain wants us to keep an eye on him and double check his alibi. If it’s not Anne Marie, the killer is probably reaching the boiling point again. A person who starts committing these crimes weekly will build up a need for release. Even if they think what they’re doing is for a good reason, the need to act will become overpowering. You and I need to get back to the coach’s house. Burns and Hansburg are on him right now.”
“Whitney, will you promise me you’ll stay out of trouble today? Don’t disappear and don’t try anything on your own.” Nick didn’t know if he could bear to lose her again.
“Nick, I won’t disappear. But I would like to go visit Derrick Kensington today. I’ll be careful.”
“Stick with the officer assigned to protect you today. I’ll ride with Teddy and pick up my car on the way home.”
He kissed her goodbye and tried to concentrate on the case. The detectives on surveillance told them that the coach hadn’t left his house all day. Nick wiggled around trying to get comfortable in the car. His arm was aching and he was still exhausted.
“Looks like you’re still a little sore buddy. Did you overdo it a little last night?” Teddy’s lecherous grin made it clear he was digging for more information.
“I tell ya Teddy, you can’t even imagine. I know I shouldn’t say anything but, wow!”
“So you seduced her into coming back?”
“Maybe,” Nick said laughing. “But her mental talents don’t just affect the bad guys. It comes in pretty handy in other areas too.”
“Like she knows what you want without asking?”
“No. Well, she might. But I can feel…what she’s feeling when she’s having a, well you know what. It’s not like anything I’ve felt before. It’s pretty hard to describe.”
Teddy studied his partner’s face. “Maybe it’s just cuz you’re in love?” When Nick shook his head to indicate it was more than that he asked, “She got any single friends?”
“I’ll have to ask. And not a word to Whitney. Shit. She’ll know I told you. There’s one of the drawbacks.”
“I’ll try not to think about it around her.”
“Thanks.”
“Of course next time I see you two together, I probably won’t be able to think of anything else.”
“Great.” Nick groaned. “Try thinking about food.”
* * * *
Whitney was hoping that she would be able to draw Derrick out of his shell when she met with him. If he wasn’t responsible for Kevin, he was probably in a lot of pain knowing a friend had almost died and his mom was being blamed for it. The officer that drove her waited outside while she knocked on the door. No answer. She could feel him inside, but she had no way to make him open the door. When she finally gave up, the officer brought her back to her car.
She didn’t want to go too many places, since the killer would soon learn she was back in the valley. Instead of staying at the station she decided to do some quiet detective work on her own. Planning to stay in her car and imagining a boring stakeout, she didn’t ask for anyone to go with her. Nick would be mad, but she planned to make it quick.
She went down to the courthouse and parked in the alley so no one would see her. She thought maybe she could catch Derrick going to visit his mother. She saw a familiar form leaving the building and realized it was Coach Hunter.
>
“I don’t get it.” Whitney mumbled to herself. “I don’t see Teddy’s car. I thought they were watching him. How did he get away from the surveillance? Wonder what he’s doing visiting Ann Marie?”
She quietly got out of the car and stood in the shadows of the building. The coach was walking her way. He must have parked down the road to avoid having his truck spotted.
Whitney stepped out and said hello to the coach.
“Hello Coach Hunter. How is Ann Marie doing?”
He jumped back in fear and stood staring at her. Whitney could sense he was afraid of her powers. He was afraid they would find out about the manslaughter charge in Texas and he wouldn’t be able to coach the boys any more. He had been to see Ann Marie to tell her the truth and ask to be allowed to continue coaching.
Whitney felt sorry for him. She took a step toward him to tell him not to be afraid. Before she could get the words out of her mouth, he came at her like a linebacker and tackled her. Whitney felt herself falling back toward the brick building.
* * * *
Nick yawned and stretched, feeling a little better after his nap. Since nothing much was happening, Teddy convinced him to get some shuteye. They were getting ready to call it a day, when Nick heard Whitney’s cry.
“No. Ahhhhh.”
“Shit, Whitney’s in trouble.”
“What. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. I heard her cry out, and now nothing.”
Nick punched her number on the cell phone and listened to it ring. No answer. He tried again. Where was she? He called the station as Teddy turned on his lights and sirens and headed back toward the city.
* * * *
Whitney opened her eyes and heard her phone ringing. She felt her head and didn’t feel anything bleeding or broken. She got back to her feet and made it back to the truck. The phone was ringing again and she picked it up.
“Hi Nick. I’m okay. Sorry about that.”
“What happened? I heard you scream.”
“I know. I probably linked with you when I got hit. I was going to check on Ann Marie and I saw the coach coming out of the building. When I tried to talk with him, he knocked me down and ran.”
“What! Damn. Teddy, he’s been gone the whole time. He knocked Whitney down at the courthouse. We’d better try to track him down.”
“Nick, I don’t think he meant to hurt me. He was scared.”
“Yeah, maybe he has something to hide.”
“He doesn’t know we know his little secret already.”
“I don’t care. He knocked you down and ran. That’s enough reason to pick him up. I’ll send someone to come get you.”
“I’m fine. Really. I’m going to head back to your house and meet you there. I’ll make something for dinner. You can bring Teddy.”
“Don’t get out unless there’s a unit outside. If you feel dizzy or anything, get yourself to the hospital or call 911.”
“I will. You be careful.”
Nick and Teddy were unsuccessful in tracking down the coach. He had probably gone into hiding realizing he’d be in trouble for hurting Whitney. Teddy dropped Nick at his car and followed him back to his house.
The patrol car was in front of the house, and Whitney was outside talking to an officer on the steps. She waved and walked toward Nick. Suddenly, Nick remembered that he had blabbed to Teddy about his night with Whitney, and he dashed over to Teddy’s car.
“Maybe tonight’s not such a great night for visitors.”
Teddy could see Nick was trying to get rid of him, but it was too late. Whitney met them at the truck.
“Hi Teddy. Glad you could come. Do you like chicken cordon blue?”
Teddy’s mouth started watering but he stood riveted in place. Whitney looked from him to Nick and started laughing.
“Man oh man. Can’t keep any secrets with you two.” She narrowed her eyes and glared at Nick. “Guess I won’t be doing anything with you that I don’t want Teddy to know about.”
“I’m sorry sweetie. It was so amazing I had to talk to someone. Guy talk, you know. You girls do that stuff all the time.”
“I don’t kiss and tell.”
She smiled and walked inside. She’d probably be filling Tara in eventually, but she hadn’t had a chance just yet. She should have known that Nick and Teddy would tell each other that kind of stuff. They had been partners for a while, and that meant spending more time together than a husband and wife.
Teddy enjoyed his dinner so much he could hardly move when Nick walked him back out to his car.
“Man, not only is she gorgeous, smart, and talented in so many ways, but she can cook too! Let me know if things don’t work out with you guys.”
“You can just forget it bud. She’s mine. You can enjoy her cooking all you want, but the rest is off limits.”
“You just make sure to keep her happy so that I can come for dinner.”
When Nick came back inside, Whitney was sitting in his chair by the window.
“You guys discussing anything else I should know about?”
“Yeah…I told him I’d fill him in tomorrow if you came up with any new talents tonight.”
“Oh…you think you’re getting me to bed tonight after blabbing my secrets all over town. I don’t think so.” Nick took her hands and pulled her out of the chair. He held her tight and kissed her neck.
“Whatever you say.” He could feel the fires igniting already. She laughed and pushed him away. Then she took his hand and led him to the bedroom.
Chapter 11
Nick and Whitney slept late that morning. Whitney was worn out and sore from the incident with the coach, and Nick just couldn’t seem to get out of bed with Whitney snuggled up next to him. He finally got up when the phone rang.
“Hey. You still sleeping? Did you get a vacation and not tell me?”
“Hey Teddy. Whitney was worn out, and I didn’t want to leave her alone.”
“I’ll bet. Well, thought you’d like to know, the boy in the hospital is waking up. They think he’ll probably be more alert tonight.”
“I’ll be there in about an hour. Call me if he wakes up before that.”
Whitney heard the conversation about Kevin. How many boys would it take for them to catch this guy? She hoped Kevin had some answers. Whitney couldn’t bear the thought of what would have happened if they hadn’t found him in time.
Nick finished his second cup of coffee and kissed Whitney goodbye.
“I’ll call you later when the boy can have visitors. Let’s hope we break this case today. You take it easy today.”
“I will. I feel like I was run over by a car instead of one man.”
“Just take care of yourself today. Don’t go fishing for suspects with that pretty head of yours.”
Whitney blew him a kiss. “I’ll be here, all by myself, just thinking about you.”
“Good. You can think about what we can do tonight, once you’re rested.”
Teddy was waiting by his car when Nick pulled up to the station. He looked upset.
“Check this out.” Teddy handed the newspaper to Nick.
The front line read ‘Psychic leads search for serial killer.’ The article was full of facts about Whitney’s life, her home in Sedona, and past cases. It included a picture of her leaving the station with Nick.
“Great. If the killer didn’t know enough about Whitney before, he’ll be thrilled to read this one.” Nick hated the idea of Whitney being played in the press with no concern for her safety. He ready the byline and noticed it was the same reporter that had written about her involvement in the case a when the story first broke.
“Teddy, do you know this guy, Bill Carter? He’s the one that keeps writing articles about Whitney.”
“We’ve checked out all the people following the case quite zealously, and he’s one of them. He’s a young guy trying to make points with the paper. Lives over in Tempe, the college part of town. Makes himself a real pest, but he isn’t a sus
pect. He writes like he’s working for the Enquirer instead of the Gazette. He goes for the most sensational stories.”
“Know anything about him that isn’t on the up and up?”
“I heard he tried to make the police force, but he has a record. He was picked up at a college drug bust. Thought he might have been dealing, but he gave up someone higher up and got off.”
“I don’t suppose he printed that piece of news.”
“Here’s some more news,” he said checking a text message. “They may set bail for Ann Marie. It hasn’t happened yet. Just thought you should know.”
Teddy pulled out his notebook to update his records. He liked to keep everything on paper so he wouldn’t miss anything. They both liked to review the notes when nothing seemed to fit, and it was Teddy’s notes that had lead them to the answers many times in the past.
“So who would have tried to set her up?” Nick wondered out loud as they drove to the hospital. “Let’s go over those notes again. I’d like to check back on a few people today, including the coaches, to see who was missing from the area yesterday.” Teddy read to Nick as he drove into the parking lot.
As they walked to the entrance reporters and cameramen trying to get a picture or a statement blocked their way.
“Are you the officers that found the boy?” One man asked, shoving a mike toward their faces.
“Did you find the killer?” A mall woman yelled over the crowd.
“Is it true the psychic lady led you right to him?”
Nick turned to see who had asked the last question.
A young man in his twenties was holding a camera and shoving in front of the others.
“What’s your name?” He asked, giving a friendly smile.
“William Carter.”
“Listen William, I have a special news scoop just for you.” Nick motioned him back into the parking lot.
Nick walked quickly so no one else would follow. Slowing down after a few minutes, he turned to the reporter. “So William, you’re interested in the lady psychic?”
“You can call me Bill. I’ve been following the case of the serial killer, and I know Whitney Bentley’s been working with you guys on it. Can you give me a statement about her part in the investigation so far?”