Garden of Sorrow (Book 4 of Psychic Visions, a paranormal romantic suspense)

by Mayer, Dale

  "Could we start again?" she asked dryly. Quickly recovering her composure, she held out a hand. "Hi, I'm Alexis."

  When his chuckles calmed down, he shook her hand. "I'm Stefan. Kevin told me a little about you, but he didn't say that you would be a breath of fresh air to my jaded soul."

  "If you can read my mind, I might as well speak it. I don't think I can communicate telepathically like you do."

  "Wrong. If you can understand me as easily as you do, you are certainly capable of speaking your thoughts in the same way. And I heard yours, remember? You just have to learn how to focus them, then send." He tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow. "Let's walk."

  They meandered through the twisting pathways. There was so much color that it distracted Alexis from her purpose.

  "You love the plant world, don't you?"

  She nodded at his question.

  "Why?" he asked.

  "There's not an easy answer." She took a minute to gather her thoughts. "I feel better when I work with plants. They've helped me to heal, to grieve for my sister."

  She stopped to smile down at a particularly valiant pansy trying to bloom between the flagstones. "I admire the wild ones, like this little guy. In the face of all odds, he makes a tremendous effort to live his life the best that he can."

  "Isn't that what you're doing?"

  Startled, she stared at him. He was very intuitive, regardless of any psychic abilities.

  "My struggle hasn't been all that difficult."

  He allowed that one to pass, for the moment. "Where do you see yourself going from here?"

  She snorted. "It's all I can do to get through each day right now." Her fear and frustration bubbled over. She had to tell him. "All of a sudden, there are ghosts, voices, even weird visions that have taken over my life without warning." She searched his face closely. She didn't know what she'd do if he laughed at her.

  Stefan only nodded.

  A weight in her chest eased. "I've talked to plants for years, but I hadn't seen that as odd. Many people have a green thumb. But after finding those bones, well, I don't know if green thumb explains it anymore."

  Stefan motioned her in the direction of a large stone bench. "Now, start where you found those bones." He remained silent as her words poured out...

  "Then you called me," she finished lamely, feeling a bit foolish at the end of her emotional spiel.

  Stefan looked at her with admiration. "Kevin is an old friend, from a difficult time in my life when I didn't want friends. In truth, I didn't want anything – especially life."

  Alexis turned to face him at his surprising confession. "You were suicidal?"

  Her shocked disbelief brought a wry smile to his face. "Yes, I was. The reason, however, is all you've just said…and so much more. I saw dead people all the time. I answered questions in people's heads, under the assumption that they'd spoken to me. I knew things were going to happen before they did. The worst part…" He paused for a moment. "Was that nothing I did stopped events from happening. I couldn't do anything to keep the bad things from coming to pass. I was helpless. That made me a victim myself." He fell silent.

  Alexis watched his face darken with the shadows of memories. He'd turned inward as if staring off into a horrendous past.

  "How did you get through it? My God, I've only been dealing with this for such a short time, and I didn't think I'd make it through that." Alexis cringed at what he must have endured. His childhood had to have been one long, lonely nightmare.

  "I met someone, a parapsychologist who recognized the mess I was in. After that, I studied, practiced and learned to mentally control my abilities. At least to a certain extent. That helped me regain perspective." He smiled. "I was no longer a victim and that made all the difference."

  "What makes these abilities start up? No prior warning, just all of a sudden there are ghosts walking toward you? I don't get it." And she didn't. It was just too odd to think that one day, she'd fallen into a ditch and had woken up like this.

  Stefan patted her hand. "There are still so few answers. Your abilities with the plant world left a door open, which triggered the next stage of development. There seems to be no limit to how far these abilities can progress."

  He stood and pulled his jacket closer together in the front, before burying his fists deep into his pockets. "In my case, they are in constant flux. I never quite know what's next."

  "So just get used to it, is that it?" The thought of the intrusion left a bitter taste in her mouth.

  "You can learn to accept your gifts and eventually develop them, or you can fight them and slowly go crazy." He smiled a little grimly down at her. "The choice is yours."

  He started to walk away, leaving her sitting there alone.

  "Wait."

  He stopped, but didn't turn around.

  "I'm scared. This is pretty freaky stuff." She chased after to stand next to him. "How do I learn to control all this? Please understand, I didn't ask for this." That brought a disgusted look to his face, rushing her back into speech. "I can't live with my life always being out of control. I need to know how to direct it."

  "It won't happen overnight. But there are some things that you can do to minimize the impact and speed up your recovery after." He hesitated, his expression undecided.

  "Please," she pleaded. "I need your help."

  Finally, a single decisive nod. "We'll try to meet twice a week. But you have to work with it every day between. If you can't make that commitment, then neither will I."

  "Agreed."

  He considered her for a moment. Then spoke slowly, "As time appears to be an issue, we'll start tonight." He pulled out his card and handed it to her. "Meet me at my place at 7:30. We'll cover some basics this evening."

  Startled, Alexis took the card that read 'Stefan Kronos. Consultant. Psychic Investigator.' When she lifted her head to ask him what kind of investigation could one do in that field, she found he'd walked off, leaving her to stare after him.

  ***

  Kevin sat down at his desk, determined to find some proof to support Alexis's vision. An eight- or nine-year-old girl and the name Daisy was all he had to go on. He logged onto his computer and set up a search.

  Within minutes, he'd traveled deep inside the national data banks. He started locally, then branched out county-by-county, researching missing person files.

  Grim realization settled quickly on his shoulders. There were just so many cases of missing children, so many destroyed families that existed in an endless state of waiting and hoping.

  By the time he'd run through all the searches he could, the name Daisy still had no hits. Kevin slumped in his chair. Fatigue screamed through his muscles as he stretched his arms overhead.

  "Damn." He hadn't expected to solve this mystery in the first five minutes, but it would've been nice to score a little information. From his desk, he could see the black shadows cast by the old clock tower above the square. He could find no comfort in the familiarity of the scene tonight, not when a different kind of darkness gathered in the deep silence.

  His intuition screamed that this heinous crime related to a child buried in the park was just the tip of an iceberg. He had no idea what lurked beneath the surface. He'd find out though. This was what he was born to do. It defined who he was.

  A hunter.

  Every instinct flashed on red alert now.

  Why that location? What drew a killer to that spot? A garden? Had it been the softest spot to dig at the time? Or perhaps the prettiest spot to lay the child to rest? Did the place seem like a memorial to the perp? Surely burying a body, no matter how small, would have been noticed by the gardeners who worked there at the time. Or dogs in the ensuing years. Then again, if the gardeners used heavy chemical weed sprays or fertilizers, that could have kept the dogs unaware.

  Wouldn't Alexis, with her abilities, have sensed something was wrong there when she gardened close by? Although, it's possible she might not have known or understood, on an energy
level, what she'd received. She was a beginner in energy work.

  Kevin was past frustration. He'd walked straight into disgust. What had made him consider, for even one minute, that 'Daisy' was the name of the child they'd found? It sounded more like a nickname than a proper name.

  He shoved his chair back, stretching out his arms to rotate his shoulders. He needed a break. Glancing at his watch, he swore, stood and raced out of his office. He was going to be late for his meeting with the mayor – a very perturbed mayor who'd just received another threat this morning, according to the early phone call.

  The mayor's favorite café around the corner had become a steady lunchtime gathering place. Two blocks away, it catered to a varied clientele. The food was good and always came hot. Kevin didn't care about much else. This was their third such meeting at the same place. So far, the mayor had proven to be a creature of habit.

  John Prescott stood talking on his cell phone outside the restaurant. Seeing Kevin, he finished his call and smiled at him. "Good to see you. Life is busy these days, isn't it?"

  They walked in and were immediately seated in one of the far corners. At the exact same table as last time. "It's too damn busy. Our town is growing and it's hard to stay ahead." Kevin couldn't resist passing on a reminder that the town needed more law enforcement officers to keep everyone safe. "Could use more staff."

  "Noted." John moved into the corner and took the far side of the table, his back to the wall, where he could watch the rest of the restaurant. He didn't look at the menu, choosing instead to order his regular hot sandwich and salad from the waitress.

  Kevin waited his turn, then ordered the special, a hot roast beef sandwich and mashed potatoes. One good meal today would hold him for a long time. Who knew when he'd get home tonight? Besides, if their lunch meeting followed their regular pattern, they'd eat quickly, and then go walk in the park while they discussed personal stuff.

  Sure enough, today was no different.

  Once outside, John led the way into the large park in front of Bradford's Central Hall. Once away from the crowds, he wasted no time. "Any news?"

  "Nothing, John. Absolutely nothing."

  This whole blackmail mess felt wrong. There had to be more to it. Kevin felt it. To this point, the mayor had received threats, but no demands, except to say that the mayor had better step up and tell the truth – or else. It was the last part that bothered Kevin. He hadn't spent all these years on the force without gaining a deeper, darker understanding of humanity. In this case, blackmailers usually had something to use as a bargaining chip. Only the mayor denied such a thing existed.

  The mayor lowered his voice, his body almost vibrating with tension. "Kevin, this is unacceptable. I need answers. Hell. I need more than that. I need solutions, damn it." He clenched his fists, glaring at the bright, sunny gardens surrounding them. "This asshole is going to ruin my life," he spluttered to a stop, then started up again. "I can't sleep for worrying. What the hell is going on here?"

  John, as a politician, had faced criticism and verbal abuse before, but he told Kevin it was never like this. For the last ten years, he'd served the citizens of Bradford well. The public record showed he'd been a businessman in Redding, California, before then. The timing had been perfect for his move here, as the locals here were more than ready to get rid of their corrupt politician. Through the years, John remained a popular figure, easily being re-elected.

  "I'm looking, but I haven't found the answers yet," Kevin stated.

  "Then you'd damn well better find them fast," the mayor grumbled. "Before this asshole makes good his threat."

  Kevin got the message. But he couldn't help wondering what the mayor might be hiding. He'd once probed gently to see if he could find out, but had hit a wall immediately. It happened that way sometimes.

  As he walked back to the office, Kevin's mind once again turned to Alexis. Had Stefan called her? Instinct said he had. A twinge of unease settled in his stomach. Stefan's looks often stopped women in their tracks. It wasn't Stefan's doing and in no way did it affect their friendship, but Kevin found himself hoping that Alexis wouldn't react like all the rest.

  Stefan kept his love interests private, but generally the relationships were short and intense. Stefan had said once that his potential partner wouldn't show for another few years, and that would happen only if she found him. When Kevin had asked for an explanation, the answer had been even more confusing.

  "Energy, like colors or musical notes, have to combine to make the right kind of music, or I don't go there, no matter how willing or how gorgeous the woman is. Especially for a long-term relationship."

  Colors? What did that have to do with anything? It boggled Kevin's mind.

  As did the thought that he wanted Alexis for himself.

  He couldn't help but wonder if Alexis blended with his colors, creating potential to make the right kind of music.

  And if they did, how long before they could start to sing their colorful song together?

  ***

  Alexis drove carefully to the address Stefan had given her on his business card. The driveway, lined by tall trees, appeared well kept and normal. She wasn't sure what she expected, but considering what this man could apparently do, it wouldn't be an ordinary home. She followed the curve of the road and hit the brakes.

  What the hell?

  The gardener in her was stunned. Both the transmitter and receiver in her were overwhelmed…with joy. Gently she parked her truck to the side, and got out. She took several steps forward, tears in her eyes.

  It was apparent in this setting that she was but a green student to a master when it came to gardening or plant health. All the bushes, flowers, even the trees looked like they were on steroids. The house itself twinkled through the greenery that both hid and guarded it from prying eyes. One side of Stefan's house was all glass that reflected the late afternoon sun. The rest was crafted from logs. Some of them so huge she'd wished she'd seen the trees before they'd been felled. Evergreens bordered the top of the property and they glowed with some otherworldly shimmer.

  Everything was alive in a way she had never seen before. Birds twittered and sang in the garden as she stood in awe.

  "Were you planning to come in or just stand there?"

  Stefan.

  She didn't bother to glance at him. Her gaze was desperately trying to delve deeper into the miracle in front of her.

  "Earth to Alexis."

  "I'm here. I'm just…overwhelmed." She'd never seen roses with blooms so big. And the colors. Everything practically radiated joy. Wood carvings peeked out from parts of the garden, catching and holding her attention. Such craftsmanship.

  "Don't be. You're very talented with plants as well."

  That caught her attention. "No," she said. "I'm skilled." She waved her arms around her, and added, "This…is talent. I don't even recognize some of these plants."

  "I'm a bit of a collector. Have plants from all over the world." He grinned.

  She stared for a moment then grinned back. "And you are too damn good looking, too."

  This time he chuckled. "But only temporarily. Once you get to know me, I won't look that way at all."

  She frowned and walked closer. "Why? Does the troll in you shine brighter the better I get to know you?"

  He stepped inside and motioned her to enter, but she couldn't. She stalled at the open front door. Made of wood, it was as if she saw Tolkien's tree Ents coming to life. Faces had been carved, making unique use of the wood grains. She shook her head and walked in. "You didn't answer my question."

  She followed him through the house, loving the unique space, the bright lights…and oh my God, the stained glass windows. She spun around trying to take everything in, and realized she couldn't. The walls were covered with paintings that drew her in and wouldn't let go.

  "I don't need to."

  Had she insulted him? She hoped not. Damn her unruly tongue. She studied Stefan's features carefully. He didn't appear to be ups
et.

  He motioned her to a chair. "We'll start right now. And we'll keep it short. I want to show you how to protect your space and how to run the energy you need for your system. I'll show you several techniques to help you meditate. From there, all kinds of skills can be worked on."

  "Like?" Alexis sat where he pointed.

  "Talking safely with ghosts, for starters."

  She flushed. Dare she ask about the safely part? But he was already giving her instructions to sit comfortably and take several deep breaths. She tried to let the questions go and followed along.

  And hoped she could trust where he led.

  Forty minutes later, she was still hoping.

  "Okay, we'll try to put all this into practice right now, then call it a night. Close your eyes. Focus on deep breathing. One breath in… Let it out slowly. And again. As each thought flits into your mind, acknowledge the thought exists, then let it slide away. Let it go. Let them all go. Let the thoughts drift in and then drift out. Just like your breath. Deeper breaths, longer exhales. Feel the tension drain away.

  "Now think of a favorite place where you'd like to be. A waterfall, a beautiful meadow. One or your favorite gardens perhaps. See yourself there. Be there. Smell the fresh air… Feel a breeze on your skin."

  Alexis walked forward toward a waterfall she'd loved as a child. She was on the path through an open meadow. The grass was high, the sun hot. The sound of the water beckoned. She felt so alive. Strong. Vibrant. She tilted her face to the sun and smiled.

  Feels good, doesn't it?

  She turned to answer Stefan, somehow not surprised to see him in her mediation. Yes, it does.

  Good. Now let's work on your energy pathways.

  She followed his instructions and saw the energy in her body glow as he pointed out how to move it up the meridians that crisscrossed her body. He showed her how the little hiccups in the meridians could be smoothed out and how to increase the energy as the two of them moved about.

  She lost track of time in this alternate world. It was as if there were just the two of them in a whole new world.

  Actually it is a new world. It's a different facet of the old world – but in a whole new way. For you. For me and many others, this is a place we come to often.