by V. K. Powell
Audrey melted against her and they clung together like drowning victims to a single life preserver. “I’ve been so worried…about everything. I needed you, but I know you’ve been working. Can you forgive me for barking at you in the hospital and being generally selfish?”
“It’s all my fault. I should’ve called, should’ve told you…” Rae kissed Audrey’s cheek and then her lips, hungry for the connection they’d shared three days earlier. It seemed almost like a dream until Audrey responded with equal urgency. Rae’s body flared with the same heat, the same consuming need she’d felt when they first made love. Their bond had been and still was very real.
“I’ve missed you so much. I was trying to protect you, but I have something to tell you.” She pulled back, her hands resting on Audrey’s waist.
“It’s about the attack on Yasi, isn’t it?”
“That and more.”
“I knew something was going on. Everybody’s acting weird, strangers are following me, and you’ve been missing in action.”
Rae feared the Whisperer was already making his move on Audrey. “What strangers?”
“Well, not exactly. A couple of the mayor’s bodyguards have been tailing me the last couple of days, trying to be discreet, like that’s even possible for men the size of tanks.”
Some of the tension in Rae’s shoulders relaxed. Not So had come through. “They’re the protection detail I asked for.”
“But Yasi was attacked.”
“Come sit with me, please.” Rae led Audrey to the settee in her study, and when they’d settled in, she took Audrey’s hands. “I don’t like keeping things from you. The only way I could do it was to distance myself. I’d hoped to have good news. I’m afraid I don’t.”
“Tell me, Rae. Yasi has been at my place for two days and won’t even let me hug her. She’s too afraid I’ll see what she’s hiding. The others went back to work. They were driving me nuts with their incessant humming and avoidance. It’s nice that you’re all trying to protect me, but I need to know what’s going on.”
Rae kissed the back of Audrey’s hands and prayed she wasn’t about to inflict unnecessary injury. “I believe the man who assaulted Yasi is the same person who initially attacked you and did so again at the community center.” She waited to see if the information tweaked Audrey’s memory about what happened a year earlier but saw no indication she remembered anything.
“That doesn’t make sense. The first time he used a knife and the second a stun gun. Don’t these guys usually follow some kind of pattern? What do you call it?”
“An MO, modus operandi. They usually do, but I have a feeling he deviated this time. Maybe he was in a hurry. Maybe you surprised him and he had to improvise. It’s possible he wasn’t ready.”
“What do you mean? There’s more to it, isn’t there?”
“I don’t have anything to connect the two cases yet, but I believe they are.”
“That would explain why I couldn’t read my initial attacker or the stun-gun guy. They were both like an indecipherable mass of white noise.”
“I think he’s obsessed with you.” Rae hesitated. Caring, empathic Audrey would undoubtedly blame herself for Yasi’s attack and that of all the other women who came before. “He’s been following you, spying on us. He told Yasi he wanted you. It’s personal in a fanatical sort of way. Don’t worry, I won’t let him hurt you again. No matter what I have to do.” The light of understanding sparked in Audrey’s eyes and the color drained from her face.
“Oh, my God. He cut Yasi just like me, didn’t he?” Rae nodded. “And this other case you have—the woman I saw that day in the canteen—they’re his vict—he hurt them too?” Again Rae nodded as tears welled in Audrey’s eyes.
“I think you were his first.” As Rae spoke the words aloud their gravity registered in her soul with a sickening dread. The woman she had come to value so deeply was in the crosshairs of a maniac’s sights. Rae would do anything to protect her, even risk her own life.
“Why can’t I remember, even now?”
Rae tried to reassure her. “It’ll come back when you’re ready to deal with it.”
“If I’d come forward a year ago, told someone, these other women wouldn’t have been victimized…and Yasi…” Audrey covered her face with her hands, and her shoulders shook as she silently sobbed.
Rae held her and tried to reassure her but Audrey couldn’t be consoled. It was difficult to imagine feeling responsible for the brutal attack of one of her best friends. Rae had enough trouble distancing from victims she didn’t know. If her actions or lack thereof contributed in any way to a friend’s injury, she’d never forgive herself. Several minutes passed before Audrey spoke again.
“Who is he?”
“I don’t know.” Rae hung her head in disappointment and shame, unable to meet Audrey’s gaze. “I’ve been working night and day trying to track down clues, but I’m not any closer. He’s like a ghost.”
Audrey cupped Rae’s chin and forced her to look at her. “You can’t blame yourself. I know you’re doing everything possible. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. I should’ve reported the initial assault.”
“You handled it the only way you could at the time. That’s all any of us can do. Maybe you can help now.” Rae was desperate to distract Audrey from her guilt and to jump-start her investigation.
“How?”
“Would you consider giving me your take on the case? I could sure use it.” Audrey twisted her hands nervously in her lap. Maybe Rae still didn’t understand how Audrey’s gift worked. Perhaps psychic ability couldn’t be conjured up at will or on demand. “I’m sorry. You’re obviously not comfortable with that suggestion.”
When Audrey finally met her gaze, her eyes brimmed with tears. “It’s not you. I’ve always been uneasy with this ability. It was one reason I found it easier to leave the area when the assault happened. My life was a bit us-versus-them—my cirque family that knew I was a freak and the outside world that didn’t.
“After the assault, I started over and pretended to be normal—no assault, no gift. You’re the only person I’ve told. I’m not sure I want to engage that part of myself again. Not everybody is as understanding as you. And what if I get it wrong again? Or what if it comes out that you used a psychic on your case? You’ll be the new poster child for the Comedy Club, and I’ll be labeled a charlatan.”
Rae had never considered the emotional turmoil such a gift could cause or the toll it could take. Denying any part of yourself was like denying yourself entirely. She’d tried with Janet and it only created more uncertainty and eventually total separation. The same struggle now played out across Audrey’s delicate features. “You don’t have to. I understand.”
“My mother said someday I’d have to choose to become a part of the real world or hide from it forever. And when I made the choice, I’d have to embrace my gift as part of that reality. The time has come. I owe it to Yasi and all the women before her to help in any way I can. Let’s get started.”
Rae had never been prouder of anyone. “You’re the most courageous person I’ve ever met.” She squeezed Audrey’s hand and fought back tears. “So how—”
“You said he’s a ghost? Who better to catch a ghost than a psychic? Let’s fight one supernatural entity with another.” A grin tugged at the corners of Audrey’s mouth. “Cops and psychics working together? I do believe you’re coming around. I’ll help you on one condition.” Her mischievous grin blossomed into a smile. “Hold me.”
Rae didn’t hesitate. She pulled Audrey down on top of her on the settee, her long legs hanging over the side. Audrey settled between her thighs with her feet pointing toward the ceiling. Arousal stirred in Rae as Audrey’s soft, hot body rubbed against her.
“I was afraid you didn’t want me anymore. I’m not exactly a love goddess.”
“Maybe that’s one of the things I like most,” Rae said.
“You’re one of those defilers of young innocents, aren’t
you?”
“Only you.” Rae covered Audrey’s mouth and slid her tongue inside. Audrey sucked and matched her probing. Her hips rocked against Audrey’s pelvis with an urgent need. Her jeans, which would usually be a hindrance, served as an additional stimulant against her tender flesh. Desire pounded hard and insistently, her pulse peaked, and a light sheen of sweat covered her body. She had never been so fully stimulated so quickly. If Audrey kept touching her, she would come very soon.
Then she slowed, afraid Audrey would misread her interest as purely sexual. “I want you…in every way. Maybe we should—”
“We should do exactly this, for the moment. I need you so badly it hurts. Neither of us will last long.” Audrey resumed the earnest pace between Rae’s legs, her moans like physical caresses. “Come with me, my darling.”
The pending climax bunched and strained inside Rae as Audrey sucked her breast through the fabric of her shirt and wedged her thigh firmly against her. “I’m coming…now.”
Later, Rae’s feet and legs tingled as they dangled over the side of the short settee, and the afternoon sun warmed the side of her face. Audrey rested with her head between Rae’s breasts. They had climaxed together, slept together for several hours, and would soon wake curled together like a real couple. Rae felt more invigorated than she had in days. She could get used to sharing her life with Audrey, but before that could happen, they had a criminal to catch.
“I can hear you thinking. Is it work?” Audrey asked.
“Some of it—and then there’s you and us and this.” She wiggled seductively against Audrey and nuzzled her ear.
“Stop that or we’ll never get to the work part.” Audrey pushed up on her elbows and stared down at Rae. “I can’t feel my legs.”
“Me either.” She rolled Audrey carefully to the side and sat up, her own legs like a pincushion. “I need to tell you something else.” She already knew she cared for Audrey, maybe even loved her. What if this was the only chance to tell her?
Audrey placed her fingers over Rae’s lips. “Don’t say it. I feel the same. When I hear the words, I want to know we have a future.”
“I won’t let anything happen to you.” The thought that a maniac could come between her and Audrey filled Rae with sadness, followed closely by anger.
“It’s not me I’m worried about. I have a feeling you’re the one in danger.”
Rae’s heart ached to see such uncertainty and pain etched on Audrey’s face. “I’ll be fine. If you don’t worry about me, I won’t worry about you.” Even as she said the words, Rae knew neither could live up to them.
Audrey kissed her gently and nodded toward the desk. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
“What about your job? Aren’t you supposed to go to work shortly?”
“I’ve taken a few days off to look after Yasi. The mayor is very understanding.”
Rae retrieved the file folder. “If you’re sure. I’m not crazy about you being mixed up in this any further.”
“Rae, I need to help. I’ve let it go too long. If I look at it objectively, without considering myself as one of his—as involved, maybe I can get a better sense of him. He seems to be able to block me directly. If I concentrate on helping someone else, it could work, like sneaking in the back door.”
“It’s worth a try, but I’d prefer not to show you the crime-scene pictures…power of suggestion and all. And I have to verify any information you provide. Does that make sense?”
“Yes, darling, I understand the skeptical mind of law enforce-ment, and I appreciate that you need verification.”
“So, how do we do this?”
“If I could hold the file, not open it. I get much better readings from physical touching.”
Rae handed Audrey a folder and sat on the arm of the settee. “It’s a difficult and disturbing case.”
Audrey didn’t respond. She rubbed the cream-colored folder between her hands, placed it on her knees, then waved her fingers above it. “Is this a joke?”
“Why would you think that?”
“Because these are notes for one of your college exams.”
Rae’s face flushed and she tried to sound contrite. “I had to be sure.”
“I understand.” She smacked Rae on the arm with the folder and gave it back to her. “And you passed. If you open your mail, you’ll find the test scores. Congratulations.”
Rae looked at the pile of unopened mail on her kitchen counter. She wanted to confirm what Audrey said but didn’t want to offend her.
“Go ahead. The sooner you stop testing me, the sooner we can get to work.”
Shuffling through the stack, Rae found the official-looking brown college envelope and opened it. As Audrey predicted, her grades were enclosed, along with a congratulatory letter. Audrey definitely had a gift, and it simultaneously thrilled and concerned Rae.
If she had any other leads, she wouldn’t involve Audrey. She felt like a failure for putting the woman she cared about in danger. “Thank you for indulging me.” Rae handed her a thick manila envelope.
Audrey repeated the process from earlier, but this time her hands quivered. “He’s done this five times, six counting me.” Audrey’s expression soured, as if the statement tasted bitter crossing her lips.
Rae had never seen a psychic at work. She wanted to support and encourage her, but knew instinctively to be quiet. Audrey stared out the window, silent and unfocused. Shadows clouded her face and life seemed to drain from her bit by bit. After what seemed a very long time, she spoke again.
“He uses words, soft words to frighten.” So far Audrey hadn’t said anything she couldn’t have learned from any number of sources, but Rae believed in her. “He’s a formidable man—strong, well-trained, perhaps even military. He’s damaged in some way. That part isn’t clear. I smell chemicals, some pungent and some sweet, and I see blue, lots of blue.”
Audrey let out a long sigh. Her shoulders sagged and she clenched her hands in tight fists. Rae hadn’t understood until this moment how much her gift demanded of her physically.
“Are you okay?”
When she looked up, the file slipped from her hands onto the floor. Her eyes were dull, void of light and animation.
“I’m sorry. I can’t do any more right now. His energy is like a black hole.”
She hugged Audrey, hoping to provide tangible support. “It’s all right. Rest a bit.” As Audrey settled against her chest, Rae reviewed what she’d said. Her impression of possible military training could add credence to the forensics weapons expert’s description of the knife and to Ken Whitt’s instinct about a services connection. She’d need more to narrow the search. Maybe the damaged angle could help, but again she needed specifics.
When Audrey shifted beside her a while later, Rae asked, “Do you feel like answering a few questions?” Audrey nodded. “You said he’s damaged. Can you tell if that’s physical or emotional?”
“Sorry.”
“What about the blue?”
“Nothing more specific. Sometimes I get additional flashes after the fact. Do you have anything I can touch without compromising evidence?”
“I don’t want to push you.”
“We need to go on. What dead ends have you run into? Surely you can tell me what hasn’t worked.”
Rae considered the offer and decided it wouldn’t violate any departmental regulations or rules of evidence. Maybe she’d been too close to the case for too long to see clearly. “I’ve been looking for a dry-cleaning business in the area of the dump sites.”
Audrey sat up and touched the file again before responding. “Have you been looking at only active businesses?”
The innocent question settled in her gut. She’d violated a prime rule of investigation—never make assumptions. The business could be closed and still give anyone access to supplies left behind. She’d also assumed the business would be in close proximity to the dump sites. However, experience had taught her suspects often disposed of victims away from
their home turf. How could she have overlooked two such potentially crucial details?
“I can’t believe I missed that.” Rae added a check of inactive business licenses to her to-do list. She also included a registration check for vehicles of defunct dry-cleaning businesses in the area. Rae pushed for one more identifying feature. “And a vehicle’s probably involved.”
“I think you’ll find that it’s an old white van.”
Rae stared at her in amazement. “I didn’t even know what type vehicle, much less the color. I can narrow the search using both criteria. How do you know things like that?”
Audrey slid her hand up Rae’s arm. “I’m only relaying what pops up. It’s your job to separate the chaff from the grain, darling.” She gave Rae a mischievous grin. “I’m merely an instrument.”
“You can be my instrument any time. You’re quite impressive.” And the information did sound impressive, but Rae had to evaluate it objectively. “Anything else come to mind?”
“This sounds over the top, but I’m not sensing feet. It’s almost like he doesn’t have any—that can’t be right. I’m probably getting mixed signals. Can we stop now?”
“Of course. You’ve given me a place to start, and I appreciate it. Would you like some coffee? I feel like I need it.”
Audrey suddenly jumped from the sofa and headed to the door. “Oh, gosh, I forgot about Yasi. She was still sleeping when I left. She’ll wonder where I am…or maybe not.” She gave Rae a guilty look. “I told her about us. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course I don’t mind. She’s your best friend.” Rae felt a surge of pride that Audrey cared enough to share her feelings with Yasi, then a prickle of guilt as she thought about her own friends. They’d only seen Audrey once. None of them knew what had happened since they met her. Rae hadn’t even contacted them in almost two weeks. Her friends always understood how absorbed she got in her work, and they managed to love her anyway. She vowed to call them soon and celebrate passing her final exams. “How is Yasi doing?”
“Better, but she won’t be able to work for a while. She’s going back to the new cirque hotel tomorrow. Everybody pitched in and rented a suite of rooms so they could be together. They think they can do a better job of protecting her there.”