Not A Good Reason

by McCarthy, G. L.

  Dr. Mary LeDuc, NEIMH Clinical Psychologist specializing in Forensic Psychology, calmly approached JT and asked him what was wrong.

  “How?” JT mumbled as the tears ran down his cheeks. “How?”

  “They don’t know everything yet JT. I’m sure they’ll catch whoever did it.” Dr. Mary was surprised at JT’s concern about the deaths.

  JT wasn’t upset about the deaths; he was upset they’d been found. Those cheating bitches were not suppose to be found, they were suppose to spend eternity in those unmarked graves. This was wrong, now they would be buried in the cemetery with their families crying for them. They didn’t deserve this; they lied and tried to cheat on their husbands. They were evil and now no one would know it because the report stated they’d been the victim of a serial killer. Them the victim? No he’d been the victim! They lied to him they told him they loved him and wanted to be with him always just so they could get him to kill their husbands. This was totally unacceptable and he needed to find out who was responsible for this. They were the evil one, not him; they needed to pay for this. He needed to get out of this place so he could track down this “hiker” and make him pay for discovering their bodies. They needed to know JT’s side of this story; they needed to know the truth about those women.

  “JT why don’t you go back to your room and lie down.” Dr. Mary looked to one of the orderlies to escort him.

  “I’m fine. I just want to be left alone that’s all.” JT knew he needed to keep his cool so he wouldn’t be medicated and then unable to plan his escape.

  JT had been a patient long enough for the staff to know when he was on the verge of one of his explosive tantrums. Kirby had been watching JT very closely and moved in to get between him and Dr. Mary. If he did start to swing Kirby wanted to make sure the good Doctor wasn’t in harm’s way.

  “How about you and I take a walk to cool off.” Kirby was one of the few people who seemed to be able to get JT to stay in line. It didn’t hurt that Kirby was 6’ 4” and weighed 240 pounds which was all muscle.

  “Okay.” JT knew this was his only option.

  Kirby turned and smiled at Dr. Mary as he followed behind JT who headed for the hall leading to the garden. JT was being on his best behavior, but what was going through his mind would have surely put him in a cell for the rest of his life.

  Sally Jennings was surprised at this new behavior of JT’s. He’d never acted this way as long as she’d known him and now he looked like he wanted to kill someone. This might be just the thing she needed to get him to do her dirty work and take care of Ms. Alexandria Whitney and her own worthless husband. If she could just figure out how to turn JT against them. Maybe she needed to take a walk in the garden too.

  Sally wandered around the garden waiting for Kirby to leave JT alone. After JT made several laps around the entire garden Kirby felt he was sufficiently calm enough to be left alone. Kirby nodded to JT, which meant he’d be checking in on him again so stay out of trouble, and left him to enjoy the garden unsupervised. Sally wondered over to where JT was standing and folded her arms as she tried to figure out what to ask him.

  “What are you looking at? So I lost my temper, big deal.” JT wanted to wipe that smirk off of Sally’s face.

  “I was amazed to see you in that state. But what was getting you so angry. It was just a news report about some serial killer – what was he to you?” Sally said the words before she thought about who she may be saying them to.

  JT would have loved to have gotten in her face and told her exactly why he was so angry, but then she would tell everyone he was the one responsible. So he thought for a few seconds while smiling at Sally and then told her what was up with him.

  “I hate violence against women. I just wanted to get my hands on the one who was responsible and wring his neck.” JT was only telling half the truth because he did want to ring the neck of the person who found his secret burial place.

  Sally liked this new insight into JT’s personality and maybe she could turn this rage towards a few people she needed out of the way.

  “I have someone on the outside who may be able to find out more on that case. I’ll do some checking.” Sally had no one, but knew JT didn’t know that and would believe whatever she told him.

  “Hey do you think this person could find out who found the bodies. I’d love to shake their hand and tell them what a hero they are to me.” JT smiled but had other plans for this hero than just shake their hand.

  “I can try.” And at that moment Sally knew how she was going to get rid of both her husband and Alex.

  Alex was the well known hero in town and there were enough newspaper articles to prove it. She needed to wait a few hours to make it look liked she checked with her source and then lay out a story to get JT to help her get out so she could finish what she started back in October which was to kill Alex and then use JT to kill her husband and be blamed for both deaths.

  “Great. I’d really love to meet this person. I have so much I want to say to them.” JT had never thought of leaving NEIMH, he had no where to go really. But this was enough motivation to get him to want to leave here the first chance he got. He just wasn’t aware how quickly that chance was coming.

  Chapter 42

  The school was alive with this newest crime news. The school had had its share of publicity on two occasions and now this had some of the girls wondering what happened to their quiet little town.

  Alex listened to the girls concerns and they discussed the possibilities of a serial killer in the area. Alex was quick to point out that no one had gone missing for some years at least, that she knew of. But everyone should always be aware of their surroundings at all times. By the end of each period the focus was brought back to English and the news of a test tomorrow. After the moaning had passed Alex let them study for the last few minutes before the bell rang.

  When the final class bell rang for the day Alex was so done talking about this case and wished the Sheriff would call her with great news that they’d found the guy and it was all over.

  But one thing this busy day didn’t allow for was Alex dwelling on the bomb Sam dropped earlier that day. She only thought about it when she confided in her best guy pal Frederick, the world’s best school janitor. He felt Alex was right to give Sam some time to figure out what she wanted and he was sure she’d be back when she realized that she wanted to be with Alex. He also brought up a point that Alex hadn’t thought of – what if Zane was the aggressor and Sam just didn’t react quick enough to stop her. He had a point, just like Alex couldn’t stop Victoria from kissing Janet when she took over for those few minutes when they were in New Mexico over the Christmas holidays. It just happened like it did with Sally Jennings making her move on Dez. Alex then wondered if Sam had ever told Zane that she had a significant other just like Dez had forgotten to as well. Realizing that they never really discussed what Sam and Zane talked about could be part of the problem. What if Zane thought Sam was single and saw nothing wrong with making a move when the occasion arose. Was that the reason Sam was so upset, she felt she led Zane on and now she had a real mess on her hands. Was that the reason for the “good person” comment? But they had talked about introducing her to TJ and then nothing ever came of it.

  The sound of her classroom door opening brought Alex back to the here and now. One of the girls from her last class had forgotten her backpack. Alex nodded to the young woman and then realized she needed to get going herself. She had a date with a ghost and she wanted to be out of there before it got dark.

  Before Alex reached her truck her cellphone rang with the ringtone she’d assigned to the Sheriff. Why she picked the theme to The Pink Panther she didn’t know, but it just seemed to fit.

  “Hey, are you famous yet?” Alex wondered how he was doing now that the news was out.

  “I’m the best Police Chief Hastings has ever had. Maybe the best one in the state. I’m going crazy of course. What are you up to?” The Sheriff needed a lead, the tarps whe
re not producing any usable fingerprints.

  “I’m going to visit the ghost of Elizabeth Borden and I hope she’ll talk to me. But I need to pick up Oliver just in case. I may not be able to hear her, but he will. Why?” Alex had just thought about her not being able to hear what this ghost may have to say.

  “I’ve got the Major Crimes Division in Meriden wanting to take over the cases. They say they have more experience, maybe in murders but not serial killers. But they are still puffing up their chest like they do this kind of investigating all the time. I need a lead, something that would send these guys packing. Can you call me the minute you get anything new on this case?” The Sheriff was hoping Alex could work one of her miracles.

  “I’ll try. I need to get going and don’t want to be talking on my phone while driving. Bye.” Alex didn’t mean to cut him off, it was just that she needed to get home fast and get Oliver.

  Alex wished Oliver had a cellphone so she could just tell him to go the back way and meet her there. So she put the pedal to the metal and went as fast as she dared. She wasn’t worried about the only Deputy Hastings had on patrol it was those State boys she didn’t have any pull with.

  When Alex roared up her gravel road she made so much noise that Oliver came running through the back door to see what was wrong and jumped into the passenger’s seat.

  “Oliver, I need your help. Will you please come with me?” Alex knew he would, but thought he should have a choice.

  “Yes, what’s wrong?” Oliver had been watching the news reports and wondered what was up.

  “I thought I could talk to the ghost at the cabin myself, but then remembered I only could after having that dream about you. I haven’t had a dream about this specific woman so I may need you to get the answers to my questions.” Alex had the truck in reverse and had pulled back onto the road heading for the downed tree.

  “Oh, okay I can do that. Is that all?” Oliver thought that was easy enough.

  “For the moment. I’ve never interviewed a murder victim before. I guess no one has. So I’m not sure just how to begin.” Alex wanted to ask sincere intelligent questions.

  “I’ve been watching those shows about this stuff but they already know who did it. It’s a play, right?” Oliver was learning a lot from the box.

  “Exactly. I guess we introduce ourselves and tell her why we are there and then hope she does all the talking.” Alex thought that sounded considerate enough.

  Alex was glad this cabin wasn’t near the spot the bodies had been buried. But when Alex made the turn onto the dirt road she didn’t notice the State Trooper’s Patrol Car parked on the other side of the road just up ahead. Trooper Valdez was finishing up his notes about the case when he saw the F-1 turn off the main road. He recognized Alex but wondered where she was going. The road to the crime scene was further up. Maybe he should follow just to make sure everything was okay.

  The drive seemed shorter this time, but the cabin was just as she remembered it. It was sad to see it in this condition as it was once so well cared for. Alex had her flashlight, which she now kept under her seat, just in case they stayed longer than expected.

  Alex thought she saw a figure out of the corner of her eye, but when they got closer no one was in sight.

  “I guess we should knock?” Alex hadn’t before because she didn’t think about it. “Hello, Mrs. Borden.”

  Oliver disappeared and Alex assumed he was going in to see if she was home. Looking around the place her heart jumped when she saw a truck covered with an old tarp. Could this be the pickup in her dream? She walked over and lifted the dust covered tarp to find an old Chevy truck underneath. Rats!!

  Oliver still hadn’t returned and Alex was getting antsy until she saw the patrol car come up behind her truck. Double Rats!!

  Alex strolled out to see if she was going to get busted for trespassing. She was pleasantly surprised to see a face she knew, sort of.

  “Trooper Valdez, fancy meeting you way out here.” Alex thought she’d let him do most of the talking.

  “Ms. Whitney is everything okay?” The Trooper was looking to see if anyone else was around.

  “Great, just great. I like to explore the area around where I live. Which is, actually, just over this hill.” Alex hadn’t seen any No Trespassing signs posted so hoped she’d be allowed to stay.

  Trooper Valdez smiled at Alex and his gut was telling him she knew more than she was telling. Was it a coincidence that she shows up at the Sheriff’s office and then just happens to be with him when the call came in about the bodies? Why was she here looking around this place? He thought he would do some fishing and try to find out.

  “So you live over that hill. You wouldn’t by chance be the anonymous hiker would you?” The Trooper noticed Alex’s eyes widen at his question.

  “I might be. Can I ask you a question?” Alex wanted to feel like she could trust this man with her secret.

  “Depends on the question. But go ahead” The Trooper liked how she tried to change the subject.

  “Are you family?” Alex felt it was a nicer way to ask.

  “What, why would you ask me that.” The Trooper had never been asked about his sexual orientation since he took this job.

  “Because I’ve been watching you watch me. And I know that you must know who I am. I’ve been in the news enough the past several months and my sexual orientation is well known. Plus, ever since I met you I’ve had this vibe – my gaydar went off. I wasn’t sure, until now.” Alex also remembered that he had left the Marines, which may have been because of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and not his injury.

  “Does the Sheriff know?” Trooper Valdez felt his stomach spasm.

  “No and even if he did he wouldn’t care. He’s worked in the big city and he may be straight, but he’s not narrow minded. But don’t worry I won’t say anything. That’s your story to tell.” Alex felt better that the Trooper had his own secrets to keep.

  “Thanks. Wow, someone knows and the world didn’t come to an end. I’m still here. So level with me. What’s up with you and this place?” The Trooper thought it was Alex’s turn to come clean.

  “Okay, I know your secret and now I’m going to tell you mine. But only a few other people know, two being the Sheriff and Jim so you need to swear to keep this to yourself.” Alex took a deep breath and then told the Trooper about her abilities.

  “So you’re the Ghost Whisperer?” Trooper Valdez was going to verify this with the Sheriff.

  “No. I don’t talk to them like that, exactly. I have dreams that show me things that have happened. They usually involve dead people. I’m here to see if I can talk to the woman who I believe was one of the victims. Her name is Mrs. Elizabeth Ridgeway Borden.” Alex watched the Trooper’s eyes widen at this news.

  “But you said you don’t talk to them.” The Trooper was getting confused.

  “Well I have someone else who will be doing the talking. Then he will tell me what she says.” Alex smiled and hoped he stopped asking questions.

  “Whatever, I guess. Has she started talking yet?” The Trooper looked around and wondered when she was going to get some answers.

  “Standby. Oliver, is she here now?” Alex looked at the Trooper and held up her hand to say ‘give me a minute.’

  “Alex, she wants to know why the police are here. She also said she deserved what she got and to leave her alone.” Oliver was still invisible even though he knew the Trooper couldn’t see him.

  “The police are here because she was murdered and please ask her why she thinks she deserved it.” Alex could see the puzzled look on the Trooper’s face; because she was sure she had one as well.

  “Okay, I’ll ask. But I don’t know if she’ll answer me.” Oliver wished Alex could do this part, he felt like he was prying.

  “So now what?” The Trooper looked at his watch and needed to either get back to the office or call this in – which was what exactly?

  “Let me go into the house. You can come along and maybe
if I ask the questions Oliver can tell me what she says.” Alex turned and headed for the house.

  “Who’s Oliver?”

  “He’s a good friend who happens to be dead.” Alex would let the Sheriff fill Trooper Valdez in with the details.

  Alex gently tapped on the door before pushing it open. It looked different in the daylight, not so depressing. It wasn’t abandoned just not lived in for a very long time. There were sheets over the larger pieces of furniture and the cupboards still had dishes in them.

  “She just says she deserved it and wishes you would leave her alone.” Oliver wanted to leave her alone too.

  “Mrs. Borden, my name is Alexandria Whitney. I can’t believe you deserved to be murdered, just like I won’t believe you feel the other four women deserved it either. The man who killed you is emotionally disturbed and we need to find him before he kills anymore women. Can you please help me find him?” Alex looked around and hoped she heard her.

  “Alex she wants to know what other women?” Oliver felt a change in the woman’s voice and demeanor.

  “The four other women who over the past twenty years have been murdered by this man in the same way she was and buried out in the woods. Mrs. Borden please tell me how you knew him.” Alex hoped she would give her a name.

  “She says she only knew him as John and he worked at her parent’s restaurant, the Ridgeway, as a bartender. That was in 1999.” Oliver thought to ask the year on his own.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Borden. Thank you.” Alex was delighted at this new information.

  But how could she share this information with the Trooper when the Sheriff asked first. She would just have to be upfront with Trooper Valdez and tell him the Sheriff was her boss on this case.

  “So what did she say?” The Trooper was very skeptical about this information.

  “There’s a slight problem about that. I work for the Sheriff so I need to tell him first since this is his case. Now if he says I can tell you then I will. But right now I can’t.” Alex hoped he understood her dilemma.