Footsteps sounded from the second floor of Brendas house, and a little girl of about eight burst in. She seemed surprised to see guests with her mother, and stopped in the doorway, twirling a strand of long brown hair around her finger.
Its seven oclock, she reported shyly. Im ready. So are Ben and Pammy. I reminded them. And I just called Daddy. Hes ten minutes away.
Brenda smiled, reaching out her arm for her daughter. Thanks for rallying the troops, sweetheart. Dinner should be ready in five. A quick glance at Casey and Marc. This is my daughter, Annie. Shes keeping track of the time for me. Its family dinner night. She gave them an apologetic smile. Is there any way we can continue this another time?
Absolutely. Were heading out now. Casey rose to her feet. Im sorry for interrupting you. But Im also grateful for your time and your input. She handed Brenda a business card. My email address is there. If you could send me that list of Jans friends and any addresses or phone numbers you do have, it would be appreciated.
Ill take care of it right away, Brenda promised. Ill even pull out our college yearbook to double-check that Ive included everyone.
Great. Marc put away his writing pad and stood up. One more question. You said that Jan waitressed. Do you happen to know where?
The Lakeside Restaurant at the Central Park Boathouse. It was close to Columbia and the tips were really good. Plus, it was convenient if Jan wanted to get in an extra run. She worked there for about six months.
Marc nodded, adding that to his memory.
Thank you again, Casey said. She flashed a smile at Brendas daughter. Enjoy your family time, Annie. Were sorry to have kept your mom for so long.
* * *
Outside the house, Casey turned to Marc. Well, that shoots my pregnancy theory to hell. Brenda wasnt lying. Nor was she hesitating. She knew everythingincluding the fact that Jan went to health services about her missed periods. Of course, Ill want to interview Jans boyfriend, Chris. But I doubt hell give us a different story.
Agreed. Marc nodded again. But we have a lot of other ground to cover. Jans friends, her sports, her job. This wasnt a suicide. Nor was it a random disappearance. There are too many indications pointing to an inciting incident, from Jans anxiety to her change in behavior. I need that list of friends. As for right now, Im sure Ryans already found his way into the universitys records. Thatll give us insight into Jans academic standing and her course schedule. Therell be professors to talk to and classmates to look up. And well get Brendas list soon. Patrick and I are going to be very busy.
So am I, Casey said. Knowing Ryan, I have no doubt that hes also run a cross-check on all the basic aspects of Hollys and Jans lives. I want to look over those results and add any of the courses and activities I remember Holly being involved in.
Youre convinced the cases are related.
Do you blame me?
No. Marc didnt hesitate for a second. Actually, Im starting to agree with you. The coincidence is just too real to be accidental. If the pregnancy theory had held water, I would have felt differently. But it didnt. Which means the parallel victimologies still stand, at least until a piece of evidence says otherwise.
Its going to be another late night, Casey said grimly. Im not going to sleep until I sort out all the pieces.
* * *
Back in his cell, Glen Fisher pushed aside his empty dinner tray. The food sucked. But he wouldnt have to live with that for much longer.
He glanced at his watch. Eight forty-five. A slow smile curved his lips.
The fun was about to begin.
Chapter Six
Kendra reentered the liquor store a little before nine, barely noticing the drunk who staggered out ahead of her, metal flask in hand. The wall clock reminded her to hurry. She realized she didnt really need to be here, that it was probably overkill. But a handle of tequila would go a long way toward sweetening her and Maries reception, especially when added to their earlier purchases.
That creeper Barry was still at the counter, eyeing her up and down as she paid for the booze. She kept her gaze averted and got out as quickly as she could.
She was late and she knew it. The party was already under way, and Marie would be pissed off that she had to wait.
Tucking the tequila under her arm, Kendra crossed West 113th Street, and headed directly toward the brownstone where the frat house was located. She was excited. She didnt go out often; she was too busy with her schoolwork. But shed killed herself studying this week, all so she could have some fun tonight. All she could think about were the hot guys Marie had told her would be at the party.
Shed taken care with her appearance. Gone was the pathetic-looking geek who buried her nose in philosophy books. Shed straightened her curly auburn mane and tied it back neatly. Shed put on her favorite pair of skinny jeans, a V-neck sweater and some makeup. Not too much, not too little. Just enough to ensure that she wasnt lost in the crowd.
That was important to her. She didnt have much of a social life. She was an introvert and aware that people saw her as a bit weird. She studied not only to get As, but because the philosophers fascinated her. Tonight would be different. Tonight shed actually cut loose and have some fun.
She picked up her pace, eager to meet Marie and check out what promised to be a great party.
A flicker of light flashed from the alley, like a lighthouse warning an approaching ship of impending danger. Kendra was oblivious to it, as well as to the beam of light that bounced off the alley wall. She never saw the dark silhouette or smelled the acrid contents soaking through a handheld rag.
The fraternity house was just down the street. Kendra passed the narrow alley between two buildings.
Abruptly, a figure in black darted out of the shadows and grabbed her. A damp cloth was clapped over her nose and mouth. A powerful arm locked around her waist, pulling her into the dark alley.
Kendra began to struggle the instant she realized what was happening. But it was too late. The handkerchief was held in place. And the sharp point of a knife pressed against her abdomen. She felt its sting just as the sickeningly sweet smell pervaded her nostrils. Too terrified to move, too groggy to fight, she ceased her struggles.
The world went black.
It would never grow light again.
* * *
The fraternity party was already crazy when Marie showed up at the path leading to the front doors. She waited there as she and Kendra had agreed, which was just fine with her. As enticing as the thundering base was coming from inside, it always felt better to have at least one friend along when you made an entrance. Anyway, the liquor would be as welcome as the two of them, no matter how hot they looked.
Still, she found herself growing impatient as the minutes ticked by. She called Kendras cell phone, but it went directly to voice mail. Marie hoped her friend hadnt gotten lost in the library stacks, immersed in one of her beloved Aristotle books.
Three phone calls and thirty minutes later, Marie gave up. She hadnt spent two hours tearing through her closet to find just the right outfit so she could stand outside and get odd looks from all the other partygoers. It was time for her to suck it up and go in on her own. Shed hand over the bottles and tell the frat guys that her friend was on her way. Then, shed keep an eye out for Kendra. Hopefully, her friend would snap out of whatever trance had sidetracked her and show up.
Still, she found herself growing impatient as the minutes ticked by. She called Kendras cell phone, but it went directly to voice mail. Marie hoped her friend hadnt gotten lost in the library stacks, immersed in one of her beloved Aristotle books.
Three phone calls and thirty minutes later, Marie gave up. She hadnt spent two hours tearing through her closet to find just the right outfit so she could stand outside and get odd looks from all the other partygoers. It was time for her to suck it up and go in on her own. Shed hand over the bottles and tell the frat guys that her friend was on her way. Then, shed keep an eye out for Kendra. Hopefully, her friend would snap out of whatever trance had sidetracked her and show up.
On that thought, Marie marched up the path and went through the doors, ready to tackle the party on her own.
* * *
Claire had been sitting in a small dark office at Forensic Instincts all evening, handling Jan Olsons personal items. The energies shed been picking up were dark and complex.
Icy coldness. That was the prevalent aura that emanated from Jans clothing, her textbooks, even her notebooks. An icy coldness that was the absence of life. And the book bag, the running shoesthey held another energy. Fear. A powerful fear that Jan had internalized, shared with no one.
Whatever shed been afraid of, it was key to their investigation.
A killers random learning curve. The awareness slid into Claires mind, then took root. Whatever had happened here, it was the initial part of a string of evil. Strategically planned. But a random choice of victims. At least it had been with Jan. Fine-tuning had brought with it a honed expertise. But Jan had been one of the first. A learning experience.
Claire could visualize Jan Olson running through a park. Water was glistening in the background. Her heart was slamming against her ribs. Shed peer over her shoulder, stumble on the uneven ground, then struggle on. Squeezing her eyes shut, Claire focused intently, trying to pick up something specific about Jans surroundingsa landmark, a street sign, anything that could tell her about the locale. Butterflies...birds...
Abruptly, there was a loud buzzing in Claires head, followed by an eclipse in time and a radical shift in scene. A jolt of ominous energy shot through herone that was so powerful it caused her to physically double over.
Something horrifying was happening. Not in the past. Right this moment. Whatever energies Claire had been picking up from fifteen years ago had opened up a channel to a fatal crime that was occurring as she sat there. She fought her panic, trying desperately to zero in on the crime.
Pain. Agonizing pain. Terror. A woman. Struggling, clawing, fighting for her life. A monster who was overpowering her. The hard feel of a concrete floor. A warehouse? Yes, a warehouse. Dirty floor. Large wooden crates with shipping labels. The smell of the river. The sound of bells. The flash of a clock tower. Not right there. But close by.
Clothing was being torn. The woman was screaming, begging. She was pinned to the ground. Naked. Helpless. Violated.
Large hands locked around her throat crushing her air supply as he raped her. Searing pain. Paralyzing panic. Heightening more and more and more...
Claire almost screamed aloud, the violent energies she was experiencing were so acute. Beyond excruciating.
She couldnt wait any longer. Drenched in sweat, she forced open her eyes and fumbled for her phone. Ordering her brain into rational action, she blocked out her vision and honed in on reality. Think. Think. The phone number. Shed called it a dozen times.
His direct line escaped her, so she settled for the general number and punched it in.
Eighty-fourth Precinct, a voice answered.
Is Detective Werner in? Claire made her voice sound relatively normal.
Just a minute. There was a short series of rings and then a familiar baritone.
Werner.
Tom? Its Claire Hedgleigh.
Ah, Detective Thomas Werner replied with wry amusement. The brilliant psychic addition to Forensic Instincts. I should be pissed that youre not consulting for us anymore. But I cant blame you for taking on a challenge like working for the FI team. How can I help you?
Something bad just happened. A rape. And an attempted murder. It could be a fait accompli already. I dont know. But its in your district. A warehouse near the East River. Rows of wooden crates. And bellsI know those bells. Theyre from the clock tower at Dumbo. Claire pinpointed the enormously expensive Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass penthouse in Brooklyn. Thats as specific as I can get. I wish I could tell you more. But I cant. All I know is that its urgent. Search the area. And hurry.
Im on it. She could tell that Detective Werner was on his feet, ready to grab his partner and take off. He and his precinct had worked with Claire often enough to know she was the real deal.
Please keep me posted.
I will.
Claire disconnected the call, feeling ill as well as oddly attached to the vision. Like it was personal. But shed never met the victim. She was sure of that. So why couldnt she shake this sense of personal dread? Shed consulted for the NYPD and local police departments for years before coming on board at Forensic Instincts. She knew the drill. And this was out of the realm of normal. There was something more going on here.
And that something involved her Forensic Instincts family.
She knew what she had to do next.
* * *
Casey had just arrived back at the office. She was on her way down to Ryans lair to compare notes when her iPhone rang.
The number was blocked.
Casey Woods, she answered.
Youre putting your energy in the wrong place, Red. The weird tinny words told Casey that, whoever the caller was, he was using a voice scrambler. That girls case is as cold as her body. But the one who just died? Her body is still warm.
Who is this?
The last person youre going to see before you close your eyes forever. A chilling laugh. The blood chain is under way. It will end with you. Spin your wheels and try to stop it.
The line went dead.
Casey? Marc had been parking the van. He walked inside and was standing behind Casey in time to see her ashen expression. Whats the matter? Youre white as a sheet.
Before Casey could answer, her phone rang again. She startled, then stared at the caller ID. It was Claire.
Claire, I cant talk now, she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
You have to. Claire was literally vibrating. I just called the Eighty-fourth Precinct. Somethings happening. Someones being tortured and killed. Its happening in Brooklyn. And its drawing me to you. Claires voice broke. Oh, my Godshes dead. He killed her. He raped her and he killed her. Hes still with the body. Hes doing something to it. But shes dead. And you have to know that. I dont know why. But you do.
Caseys own stomach was turning over. Claire. Listen to me. I need you to focus. Tell me everything. Everything.
I did. It was clear that Claire sensed the rising hysteria in Caseys voice. Why?
Because I think I just got a phone call from the killer.
Chapter Seven
The body was located just after 1:00 a.m. at a warehouse on Jay Street.