Vibrations

by Wood, Lorena

  “I’m pretty crazy about him too.”

  “He’s a great guy. He cares too much sometimes, but that’s who he is. I’m making his favorite for dinner, Lasagna. I’ll let you make the salad.”

  Dinner was almost ready when Nick pulled in the yard. His brother-in-law came home from work at the same time and they walked in the house together.

  “Yum, something smells great,” Gary said. “Smells like you made Nick’s favorite. It’s always a pleasure to have you for dinner Nick.” He laughed and patted his brother-in-law on the back.

  “Thanks, even though I know it’s the lasagna you crave and not my company.” Nick was crossing the room to see Whitney when the kids came running into the room.

  “Uncle Nick! Uncle Nick.”

  “Pick up. Up Up.”

  He had his hands full and swung them both around for a ride before he put them down. Steven came into the room looking like he was much too old for that kind of greeting.

  “Hello Uncle Nick. How was work today?”

  Whitney could see the excitement the boy was trying to hide. He couldn’t wait to hear the exploits of his favorite uncle, and he was rarely disappointed. Nick told him about the car thief that morning and Steven’s eyes widened.

  “Did you find the man who’s been kidnapping those boys? Did anyone else disappear today?”

  Nick’s look sobered and he put his arm around his nephew. “No new boys are missing right now, but we still haven’t wrapped up the case. We can talk about that another time when the little ones aren’t around.”

  Steven looked thrilled that he hadn’t been included with the little ones. He was proud that his uncle would discuss his work in front of him. He knew he left out most of the scary stuff, but he kept up with the news to fill in the details. There were always serious crimes happening where Nick worked in the city.

  They enjoyed a lively supper with all four children home. Whitney liked the oldest daughter. She had taken to Whitney as soon as they met, watching her every move. She thought Whitney was very beautiful and exciting. Uncle Nick never brought any girlfriends to visit before, so maybe she was the one. Lisa’s eyes were full of amusement as she watched Nick and Whitney together.

  Brittany had been trying to get Nick’s attention all evening. She finally got to sit on his lap after dinner, and she snuggled right in.

  “Uncle Nick, do you love me?”

  “Of course I do sweetie. You’re my little angel.”

  “But is Whitney your new angel?”

  Nick blushed when he realized everyone was watching him and waiting for an answer.

  “She’s my friend.”

  “Your girlfriend?”

  “Yes, she’s my girlfriend. But that doesn’t change you and me. I still love you the same, and you’re still my angel.”

  “Will I grow up to be pretty like her?”

  “You bet. Now let’s go see that new Barbie car you just got.”

  The other adults couldn’t stop laughing at Nick’s hasty retreat. Whitney could see that his family loved him, and that they weren’t used to sharing him. It made Whitney long for a family of her own.

  But what if her own kids inherited her gifts? That would be a hard life to wish on anyone. Maybe they wouldn’t feel so compelled to get involved in the search for killers and other criminals. Chances are they wouldn’t have abilities as strong as Whitney. It wasn’t something that happened that often.

  Whitney couldn’t help smiling as she watched the kids and imagined herself as a mom. “I guess I might make a good mother,” she thought to herself. “I’ll know exactly what the kids are trying to hide from me, and exactly what trouble they’re getting into. I might just make Mother of the Year.”

  Whitney was happy and relaxed when they drove home that night. “I’m so glad you convinced me to go visit. It was fun. You’re family is wonderful.”

  “They sure loved watching me squirm,” he said, sounding a little embarrassed.

  “I kind of enjoyed watching you squirm too. Made it worth being the subject of interest all night. You’re kind of cute when you’re blushing and squirming like that.”

  That night Whitney slept through the night without waking, and the children in her dreams were calling her mommy.

  Chapter 12

  Whitney decided it was time to go back to Sedona. She wanted to bring her two birds back with her. Nick was happy to accommodate them, since it meant she would be staying longer. She called Tina and told her to take the day off. They would be there in two hours and could take care of the rest. Tina promised to be available if she needed her in the future.

  Just before they left the phone rang. It was Ann Marie.

  “Hi Whitney. I was wondering if you’d like to come down and visit me again. I’d like your advice on something.”

  “Sorry Ann Marie. I was just heading out the door. I’m going up to Sedona for the day to get some things. Can I help you now?”

  “I was just wondering…my lawyer is trying to get me out on bail. I want to get out of here…but what if something happens again and they blame me again. Maybe I should just stay here a little longer. I know that sounds stupid. I just feel scared.”

  “What does your lawyer say about it?”

  “He says I’m stupid to even think of staying here. I was hoping I could stay with someone that the police would trust and then I can’t be blamed for the next one. I was wondering if you had any ideas.”

  “Do you have any friends that can help you out? I’m not sure if that would work, but it’s worth a try. I’ll talk to Nick see what he thinks. I should be able to visit you tomorrow.”

  “Thanks Whitney. You’re an angel.”

  The car ride to Whitney’s house gave them time to discuss Anne Marie’s phone call. They both thought she was probably trying to get Whitney to be her witness, but that wasn’t going to happen.

  “I wish I could help,” Whitney said fidgeting. “I just don’t think she did it.”

  Nick rubbed his neck and tried to release some tension. “I think I will need a professional message when this is over.” He absently patted his pocket looking for the cigarettes that weren’t there.

  Whitney shook her head. “You don’t need those nasty things. If you get stressed, let me know and I can help.”

  Nick saw the seductive smile on Whitney’s mouth, and laughed. The way she kept her sense of humor through all the sadness amazed him. He had never known how sexy a sense of humor could be.

  They had driven her rental truck so they could bring back the birdcages. Nick was having so much fun driving a truck for a change that he was considering buying one for himself. The mustang had been his baby for quite a while, but maybe it was time for a change. It seemed like everything else in his life was changing.

  The birds were as happy to see Whitney as she was to see them. Nick made an effort to be friendly to them, but the Macaw was just too big. After Whitney spent some time settling them down, she brought Dundee over to Nick.

  “He really loves to cuddle. Let me set him on your lap and show you how to scratch him.”

  Nick was surprised at how soft the bird felt under his wings. The bird seemed to love getting scratched on his head and on his sides. He made little cooing sounds that helped Nick to relax too.

  “I can see why you like them. It’s kind of relaxing to sit here like this. As long as he doesn’t decide I’m doing it wrong and come up for a bite.”

  “He doesn’t bite,” she paused. “Well, not often,” she said and laughed at his look of fear. “Don’t worry, he likes you.”

  They spent the afternoon getting the bird supplies ready and trying to relax. Whitney felt safe here. Whatever had been keeping her awake at night was miles away. She looked forward to a restful night in her own bed.

  Nick had other thoughts. Whitney looked relaxed and happy for a change and he planned to make the most of it. By the time they fell asleep, they had both worked off plenty of stress.

  Whitney’
s dreams started out peaceful and happy. She was riding a horse and Nick was beside her. The birds flew in circles around them as they galloped over the fields. Sometime during the night her dreams turned to the evil that had been stalking her in the valley. She was in a dark, cold room all alone. There were no doors or windows, and something was trying to get inside. She called for Nick but she couldn’t feel him. Her birds flew around the room squawking and shrieking. They knew there was danger outside. Whitney tried to calm them, but they just kept screaming louder and louder.

  “Whitney, wake up!”

  Whitney opened her eyes to see Nick hovering over her.

  “Whitney, are you okay?”

  “I was dreaming.”

  “You’ve been tossing and turning. Maybe the birds sensed it. They started screaming. It sounds like you’d better check on them. Do they ever scream like that for no reason?”

  Whitney could hear them screaming, and she could feel something else. He was here. It felt like the same thing that had been haunting her at night in the valley.

  “Nick, something’s wrong. They don’t do that. And…I feel something.”

  Nick jumped up and threw on his pants. He grabbed his gun and told Whitney to stay in the bedroom. Whitney listened as he quietly snuck down the hall. She could hear Dundee screeching. Something was in the house.

  She shivered as she felt the dark energy searching for her. She could almost hear it calling her name. Someone was in the house, and he wanted her. What if he surprised Nick and shot him again? Whitney couldn’t wait any longer. As quietly as she could she moved toward the door. The sound of glass smashing and Nick yelling spurred her on.

  Nick was going out the front door. “Stay here. Call 911. I’m going after him.” Whitney found the phone and dialed.

  “911, what is your emergency?”

  “Someone broke into my house. Nick…detective Naylor is outside trying to catch him. Please send someone quick.”

  Whitney gave her the address and hung up the phone. She was standing naked in the living room, shaking from fear. She knew they police would be coming, but she couldn’t get herself to go get some clothes. She had to check her birds.

  The bird room was quiet now. She turned on the light and saw that things had been thrown and smashed into the windows. Dundee was hanging from a light on the ceiling. She looked down and saw Charlie on the floor. His neck was twisted and he wasn’t breathing. She picked him up, but his body was too broken to be alive. She laid him carefully on a pillow and called to Dundee.

  Dundee was visibly shaking. He was clinging to a fixture high on the ceiling and wouldn’t let go. Whitney tried to stop her tears and sound calm so he would come down. Nick walked in and rushed over to her.

  “I’m so sorry.” He saw the colorful body of the macaw and pulled Whitney close. “I’m so sorry.”

  Whitney’s sobs started again. She couldn’t talk. Her eyes looked up at Dundee, and she clung to Nick harder. Nick sat her down on the floor and ran to get a chair. Even with the chair he could barely reach the bird.

  “Come here Dundee. It’s okay now. Want a scratch? He won’t come Whitney. What should I do?”

  Whitney didn’t answer. She just sat and rocked the other bird with the pillow on her lap. Nick couldn’t wait, so he jumped and scooped at the bird’s legs. The bird started screaming again but Nick held on to his feet. He jumped down off the chair and tried to calm the bird, but it flew away.

  Dundee landed on Whitney and she seemed to come back to her senses. She set the dead bird aside and worked on calming the Cockatoo. After a few minutes she seemed to have done the job. Dundee was snuggled onto her shoulder as Whitney stood up and surveyed the room.

  “We need to get some clothes on you sweetie,” Nick said guiding her back to the bedroom.

  He threw on his shirt and left her to dress when the police pulled up. He was busy answering their question for a while, and then he went back to check on Whitney. She was still sitting naked on the bed. He had to help her dress. It wasn’t easy, because she wouldn’t let go of the bird.

  They finally finished and walked back out to the living room. It was then that Nick noticed the writing on the mirror. Whitney followed his eyes and saw the red words meant for her.

  “You’re next bitch.”

  Whitney’s legs gave out and Nick caught her just in time. He carried her to the couch and wrapped a blanket around her and the bird. By the time they had finished dealing with the Sedona police, Whitney had fallen asleep. Nick sat down in the black leather recliner and kept his gun at his side. He watched Whitney until she woke two hours later with the sunrise.

  Whitney lifted her head and looked around. The memory of what had happened hit her and the tears started again. Nick tried to comfort her, but he wasn’t sure what to say. He wasn’t sure if she was more upset about the threat on her life, or the death of her bird. Since she had survived the attack a few weeks ago without this many tears, he assumed it was the loss of a beloved pet.

  “I’m so sorry about your bird sweetie. I think he may have died trying to protect you. The officers found blood on his claws. He must have tried to fight off the intruder.”

  A hint of a smile showed on Whitney’s face. “He probably scared the shit out of the guy. I hope he took some huge chunks right out of his face.”

  “He may have. He at least scratched his arms or some body part pretty good. Maybe we’ll spot him right away when we see him. They are keeping the bird for DNA testing. When we find him, the bird will convict him.”

  Whitney stroked the bird on her lap and looked back up at Nick. “I’m sorry Nick. I don’t feel very well. You’d think that I lost a child instead of a bird.”

  “It’s okay. I understand. They’re your babies. You just rest. I’m going to get Dundee’s things and drive us back to my house. I want you to rest and do what you need to do.”

  Whitney nodded and looked away. This case had become way too personal. This was the first time someone had become aware of her involvement. She couldn’t stand the thought of going back to Nick’s, but she couldn’t stay here. There was nowhere safe for her now.

  Nick knew Whitney was miserable. She slept on and off all day and stayed close to the bird. They put his cage in the bedroom, but he wouldn’t leave her side. He screamed and yelled when she left the room. Whitney just gave in and carried him around on her shoulder.

  That night, Whitney could not sleep. She had been able to rest during the day because she had been in shock. Now that it was night, the fear of someone out there waiting had adrenalin shooting through her body. She pretended to sleep so Nick would get some rest, but she knew it wasn’t working. They both lay there awake, waiting.

  Nick finally dozed off at sometime, and Whitney snuggled in close. It was near three in the morning when she felt him somewhere outside. He was taunting her. Getting close and waiting for her to sense him. How did he know so much about her? How had he known she would be up in Sedona?

  “Nick, wake up. Oh God Nick, he has a boy!”

  Nick sat up and saw that the blood had drained from her face.

  “Nick…oh God. He’s close by and he’s got a little boy. He’s hurting him now. Make it stop.”

  Whitney grabbed her head and screamed. Nick felt sure he was watching the woman he loved being driven off the edge of sanity, and into a place he couldn’t reach.

  “Whitney, try to block it out. I’ve got to call Teddy and start a search.”

  Whitney was holding her head and rocking. She was babbling and saying something Nick couldn’t understand. Once he had Teddy on the way, he sat down and held her on his lap.

  “Talk to me Whitney. Maybe that will help.”

  “Stop…don’t let him…help me.” Nick didn’t know if it was the boy she was reading, or Whitney’s own pleas for help. He threw some things in a bag, put the screaming bird into his cage, and carried her out to the car. He hadn’t had to worry about dressing her. She had been so frightened by the night
before that she had refused to take off her clothes for bed. He drove away from the house as fast as he could. The highways were slow at this time of night, and with his sirens blaring he raced away from the visions that were tormenting Whitney. She sat curled in a ball crying and talking to herself.

  About twenty minutes later, on the edge of Scottsdale, Whitney opened her eyes and looked around. She took in a deep breath and unwrapped her arms from around her legs. She was panting like she had been running instead of sitting in a car.

  “Where…where are we going?”

  “Away. Just driving. Are you better?”

  “How did we get in here?”

  “I carried you to the car. Do you remember what happened?”

  “Yes. I wish I didn’t. I remember the…” She broke down crying and Nick pulled over. He held her until she could catch her breath again.

  “Nick, we have to catch him. He’s mad. He wanted to kill me. The bird hurt him. He’s going to torment that boy until…”

  “If you’re not there, what will he do?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Teddy is out there searching for him with plenty of help. I can’t take you back there.”

  He drove to the Buttes, a beautiful hotel on edge of town, and checked them in. He had to carry Whitney to the room. He set her on the bed and her eyes rolled back in her head.

  “Shit.” Nick was out of ideas. “We’re both going to lose it on this one. Maybe we can get married in a mental hospital.” He watched as Whitney’s breathing stopped and checked for a pulse. He kept his hand on her neck and watched the second hand on the bedside clock. Eighty seven seconds later her heart started beating again. He collapsed next to her and slept.

  Nick woke the next morning thankful that Whitney was sleeping peacefully. He got up quietly and walked out of the bedroom into the large open room of their suite. He had signed them in as Jenny and Jason Brown, so no one knew they were there. His cell phone beeped with voicemail when he turned it on.