Vibrations

VIBRATIONS

Written By

Lorena Wood

Vibrations

By Lorena Wood

Copyright 2001- Lorena Wood

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

All Rights Reserved

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To my wonderful husband for always supporting my dreams

Highlight

As Whitney entered the small cave, the vibrations hit her like a wave. Grabbing the uneven wall for support, she pushed away the unessential memories of the policemen and crime techs that had crowded the scene just days before. The voices outside began to fade as she narrowed in on the lingering exchange she was searching for. Her body grew rigid with fear and pain. The rock held the energy so well.

A small boy was pleading, No, please. I’m sorry. Whatever made you mad, I’m sorry. She saw his small body curled against the back wall of the cave. His face was covered with dirt and tear streaks. Maybe my Mama can fix it for you. She’s good at fixing things. Please, the small voice begged. She heard his scream as the knife connected with his flesh.

Chapter 1

Nick rubbed his neck and tried to clear his mind. Too many questions were racing around inside his head for such an early hour. He drained the rest of his coffee while speeding down the exit ramp. The anger and exhaustion were pooling together to create an aggressively nasty mood. As a detective in Phoenix, it was a mood that worked well for him.

Although he was long past the rookie days when he could still be surprised by brutality, this case had his nerves frayed and patience thin. Four children had been abducted in the last month and two had turned up dead. He didn’t like to think about what had happened to them before they died. The coroner said they had both been tortured before having their throats slit. Now a fifth was missing and they had absolutely nothing to go on. Well, there were the five hundred or more phone calls that came in weekly. The media, busy competing for the most sensational story, was creating more panic and false alarms than the Phoenix PD could handle. He knew people were eager to help, but it slowed down the process of actually finding the killer.

The entire valley was anxious to find this guy and stop the terror. Parents were afraid to let their children out of their sight. Many of the families in Phoenix had become accustomed to the fear of drive by shootings and gang activities. They had learned how to dress, what places to avoid, and all the things that lowered the risks. Even the youngest kids in elementary school knew what colors belonged to what gangs, and what streets were safe. So far, no one knew anything that would protect the kids against this new threat.

All five that had disappeared so far had been boys. They were between six and twelve years old. They came from different areas of the valley and different walks of life. There was no common thread. They all seemed to be good kids, if that counted.

When Nick finally pulled into the station, he could see that the air conditioning was still out of action. The windows in the station were wide open. It was May, and in the valley that meant 100 degrees or more. Today they were predicting 108 or higher. Just like every other year, every air conditioner that wasn’t ready for the triple digit temperatures decided to quit on the same day. It was almost impossible to get someone in to repair it. It had only been one day, but you would think a building full of overheated men and women carrying weapons would become a priority.

At least everyone in the station would be finding an excuse to get outside and into the sanctuary of his or her air conditioned cars. He wouldn’t have to deal with all the jokes bound to come his way about the meeting scheduled first thing this morning. Once the guys on the squad found out it would be weeks before they left him alone. They all knew he wasn’t happy about the new consultant on the case. He was hoping, with everyone out of the building, they’d forget about the whole thing.

They had become so desperate that the captain had called in the FBI. Today they would meet the SAC, or Special Agent in Charge, and his special psychic friend. The last time he had to work with a psychic the guys had ribbed him for weeks. They knew how he hated getting forced to work with them. He’d given it a chance in the past, but what resulted had been a farce. They were all attention seeking charlatans as far as he was concerned. He didn’t have time for this. Those kids didn’t have time for this. Since he was the one in charge of this case he had no choice. If he didn’t play nice, there was no way the SAC would send any new information his way.

He walked into the bright conference room and realized he was getting a really bad headache. He saw Teddy watching him and gave him a nod. Teddy had been his partner for the last four years. His name was Ted, short for Theodore, and he looked like a great big teddy bear. Teddy was six foot three and on top of two hundred pounds of muscle he had another forty or more of cushion. That’s what Teddy called it when he was wolfing down another donut. Have to keep lots of cushion on these bones, he would say.

Nick sometimes felt small next to him. He was almost six foot but had none of the cushion. Not that he was skinny. He was solid and built from years of working out and being active. He felt lucky to have Teddy backing him up when they were in tough territory. Teddy may have seemed soft and fluffy at times, but he could be very intimidating out on the streets.

The florescent lights were flickering, the room was hot, and the meeting was getting a late start. Nick realized his neck was tense and his shoulders were just about up to his ears. He tried to relax and drop his shoulders like the chiropractor had taught him. No wonder he had a headache. There was probably very little blood making it to his brain with his muscles this tight.

Hey Nick. You look like you’re squinting. Got a hangover? Teddy looked relaxed and chipper as always.

Nope. Skipped the drinking and went right to the headache. So how’d the blind date go? Was she head over heels for your big teddy bear ass?

Not a chance. She was a little scrawny thing that didn’t like my taste in restaurants.

Took her to Burger King?

No way. I went all out and took her to Red Robin.

What a romantic.

Nick turned as the captain and another man walked into the room. He knew it was the SAC just by his demeanor and choice in clothes. The tall, thin man in the dark suit and polished shoes looked like he was very comfortable giving orders. Captain Edwards introduced agent Roger Hollerman to everyone in the room.

Nick was still thinking about the throbbing in his head when a woman walked in behind them. Nick’s attention immediately came to alert as agent Hollerman introduced Whitney Bentley. She was petite, probably five three at the most, with long dark hair, and huge brown eyes that gave her an exotic look.

At first Nick thought that she was another agent since she dressed in a business suit and looked completely professional. Then agent Hollerman started discussing her gifts. She sat quietly as he praised her abilities and stressed her importance to the operation. Nick watched her as the agent spoke of energy, thought patterns and individual talents. Since it was all theoretical, and completely ridiculous, he didn’t waste his time absorbing the details. He did enjoy the fact that she was pretty enough to provide a pleasant distraction while her boss discussed ESP or whatever she did.

She didn’t look like any of the psychics the force had used in the past. She looked very normal. The one thing that did catch his attention was her eyes. They held a haunting look that made her seem extremely sad or distant. Maybe she was just as bored as he was with this charade. He admired her beautiful skin, long lashes, and athletic body. Just looking at her in the form-fitting business suit he could tell that she had a small waist and her breasts were nice and…

Suddenly she looked up at him and her cheeks turned pink. Nick almost fell out of his chair. She acted like she knew what he was thinking.

No, that isn’t possible, Nick thought to himself. They were just supposed to pick up faint signals or something. He had never had known a psychic that actually claimed to read minds. That would be too hard to prove wrong. He should have listened better to see what her gifts might involve.

Captain Edwards turned to Nick. Nick, since you’ve been spearheading the search for this guy, I’d like you to bring Agent Hollerman up to date. I’m heading out for an update meeting with the Mayor. His eyes narrowed just enough for Nick to realize he was being told to behave appropriately.

Sure thing Cap. He sat up straight and thumbed through the files on the table. Well, you’ve probably read the files and know most of what we know. Five kids missing in less than five weeks, all with the same M.O., all boys, in various areas of the valley. We’ve only found two so far, he paused and looked around the table. Do I need to go into details about their condition when we found them?

No, we’ve seen the files Detective Naylor. The agent pointed toward his own pile of files on the table. Maybe you could let us know more about any leads you have at this time. Then you can take Miss Bentley to the site of the last abduction and the last crime scene where the body was recovered.

We’re still receiving calls every day, and we’ve been following up on every one of them. Nick’s mouth turned down in exasperation. "So far nothing has turned up. The first boy was abducted in Scottsdale, the second in Tempe, two more from inner city Phoenix, and the last one lived way up in Northeast Mesa.

We’re concentrating on information from the family and others in the Mesa area because that's the one that happened most recently. We’re hoping he could still be…"

Alive? Whitney asked softly.

Yes, that’s what we’re hoping. Nick said without looking up at her. Her voice was quiet and sad like her eyes, but she didn’t flinch as they finished discussing the known details.

Fine. Agent Hollerman said as he rose. "I’ll be working in the large conference room down the hall when I’m not in the field. We have our team setup there. We’ll keep you informed of any new leads we develop, and you can keep me updated in turn.

Turning to Whitney he spoke quietly. I’ll catch up with you at the first crime scene. Wait for me there and don’t start without me. Sarah’s waiting for you outside.

As he left the room Whitney turned to face the two doubting detectives. Here we go again, was her first thought. Aren’t there any cops that can believe in more than guns and muscle?

She saw Nick comparing notes with Teddy while watching her out of the corner of his eyes. He was a handsome man with a rugged, take no crap appearance. She preferred that over the pretty boy look. Pretty boys usually spent too much time thinking about themselves. Whitney found herself unable to keep her eyes off the dark haired detective.

He moved with an air of authority, but she knew he wasn’t comfortable with her in the room. He wore casual clothes and kept his hair short. He looked like the typical macho detective that had no room in his view of the world for her unexplained talents.

His eyes finally glanced up and met hers, and Whitney felt a blush start on her cheeks. She glanced away and rose to leave.

Too bad he’s so cute, she mused to herself. She hated when her hormones kicked in, because it made her face the painful facts of her failure with relationships. Whitney kept herself apart from anything that would complicate her already difficult life style. She tried to enjoy looking and dreaming from time to time, but her thoughts always turned to reminders of what she was missing.

Nick saw her look away and immediately tried to recall what he had just been thinking. Maybe she knows how much I don’t want to work with her, he guessed, seeing the look of pain in her eyes. No way he wanted to work with someone that could read minds.

He started to feel guilty for having mean and then lustful thoughts about her, and then laughed at himself. His imagination was in hyper drive. No one could actually read minds. The best he could wish for was that she didn’t get in the way. Nick felt his body tense as he pictured working side by side with the beautiful profiler. She walked past him and he realized he was thinking about her again. What if she really could read minds?

Whitney turned to the two detectives and flashed her most professional smile. My assistant is waiting outside. We’ll drive to the site of the last abduction. Northeast Mesa, right?

Since Nick just seemed to be glaring at her, Teddy answered. We’re heading there now. You can follow us if you would like. It’s a small road off of Power, up above McKellips Road. It’s close to Saguaro Lake. Just go two miles North of McKellips, and take a right on East Gila Dam Road. Number 6682.

She smiled at him but shook her head. No need for us to follow you. Sarah’s familiar with the valley. We’ll meet you there. My assistant will drive me and answer any questions you have about my work. I get a bit tired so, when we’re done, she’ll drive me back to my room. I’ll be available later this evening if you’d like to meet with me. I prefer not to have to talk to anyone while in the middle of my work.

She turned to Nick and smiled sweetly. You can just stay in the car if you’re nervous about looking like a fool following me around. Before he could answer she was out the door and down the long hall.

Smooth, Naylor. Really smooth, laughed Teddy. He continued to tease Nick about his way with woman all the way to the car.

Shut up and get in the car. Just because she was nice to you doesn’t mean that she can do all that psychic babble stuff. You know how it bugs me wasting my time chasing after them.

Well, maybe we’ll find something new at the crime scenes or at the interview, Teddy said optimistically.

Sure, while she’s walking around with her Voodoo dolls. Nick snorted. He buckled up and started up the old Mustang, pulling out of the parking lot before Teddy could even get his belt on.

Nick, you either gotta get a longer belt, or slow down driving. I’m gonna be dead before I get this thing hooked.

You got all that extra cushion, right? So what are you worried about?

* * * *

Whitney slid into the seat next to Sarah, and let out a tired sigh. Same old, same old? Sarah asked.

Yup, the detectives assigned to the case know they have no leads and are desperate to catch this guy, but they’re too close minded and ignorant to give me a chance.

Sorry. Um, I know this is a bad time, but I have to tell you something.

Whitney had worked with Sarah only once before and knew she was a worrier. The blonde haired blue-eyed beauty had decided that she wanted a job of intrigue and danger. At the age of twenty-four she was determined to become a profiler with the FBI. For now, she worked as an assistant to other profilers on the job. Sarah didn’t have strong psychic abilities but she cared about helping people. Sometimes she cared too much.

Suddenly Whitney realized what was coming. Sarah! Whitney moaned then turned an angry face toward the young girl. You are overstepping the boundaries, your job description, and your right to make decisions for me.

Yes, Whitney. Sarah sighed. I brought the small defibrillator. She didn’t seem fazed by the anger or insults. I can’t take it, just waiting to see if your heart will start up again when you get overloaded. She shrugged and added, Just in case.

No. You do not have permission to use that on me. I know it’s scary and you feel responsible for me at times, but I’m the one choosing to take the risk. I don’t know what could happen if you did that to me while I was trying to clear out some of the energy. Just don’t!

Sarah just stared ahead and pouted as she drove. Whitney hadn’t realized how good Sarah was at blocking her. That must be why she hadn’t known the small machine had come with them on the trip. She gave up trying to read her assistant and concentrated on the job. The process of talking with the families would be difficult so she focused on calming her breathing and preparing herself.

She usually had no problem clearing her mind before jobs, but she couldn’t stop thinking about the handsome detective. It was frustrating to know he thought she was a fraud and a waste of his time before he even saw her in action. It wasn’t his fault. He had never been exposed to anyone with true metaphysical abilities.

She hoped that he could get past his irritation with her since they would be working closely together. It didn’t usually bother her this much when people doubted her abilities. For some reason she wanted him to understand her and not think she was a fool. It made her feel shallow to think she felt different because she found him handsome. He had found her attractive too. That thought made her feel even more foolish. He may have liked the way she looked, but he’d never consider making a pass at her. Besides shying away from psychics she had sensed he wasn’t big into relationships or the dating scene. Relaxing a little at that thought she hoped she wouldn’t have to worry about any flirting on his part.

Whitney stared out at the passing desert and thought back to the meeting. Agent Hollerman had already warned about the detective’s attitude but had told her to make it work. He wasn’t what she had expected. Somehow the description had conjured up an old, ruffled and flabby cop with sparse hair and dull eyes. Instead, she remembered the way his dark black hair had contrasted with his deep blue eyes. Waves of energy flowed around him, but didn’t reach far. He kept himself carefully guarded. She had found it hard to not to look away when he looked at her with those intense blue eyes. He was handsome and dangerous looking, and yet totally unaware of the effect he had on women. Something about his dark looks and well muscled body struck a chord down deep that she hadn’t felt for a long time. She kept telling herself it was a good thing that he wanted to keep his distance from her.

* * * *

Nick and Teddy were at the address ten minutes before Whitney arrived. Of course, not having to worry about a speeding ticket made it easier. They knew every road and highway that crisscrossed Phoenix and the surrounding cities like lines on a piece of graph paper. The homes in the neighborhood were typical clones of each other with pink clay shingles and peach and tan stucco plastered to the outside. The city had painted the numbers on the sidewalks to make it easier to find the right house. They parked a few houses down from the crime scene and started looking around.

Nick stopped and leaned against a palm tree when the rental car pulled up. From what he could see, Whitney looked upset or maybe anxious about something. He hadn't been paying attention enough to see if she had any experience out in the field.

She headed straight to the house and he jogged up next to her. Look, you don’t have to go in here if you don’t want to. We can let you know all the information we have from the family without having to actually face them.

Get a clue, she thought. Don’t worry, she said to the detective. No, this is not my first time, and no you cannot give me all the information. I need to go inside. You can wait out here, she said emphasizing the word you.

Wait, that’s not the deal. I have to go with you to be able to catch anything of interest to our investigation.

Fine, she said briskly. Let’s go.

He took the lead and knocked on the hollow metal door. Teddy walked around the house looking for missed evidence and Sarah stayed in the car.

Less than a minute later a heavy blonde woman came to the door and let them in as she brushed the hair away from her face. They could see she had been crying and hadn’t taken the time to arrange her hair or clothing.

Whitney took a deep breath, and began. I am so sorry to meet you like this, Mrs. Dolan. I’m Whitney Bentley. We spoke on the phone yesterday.

The woman nodded in recognition and led them to the living room. Nick took a seat and glanced around. He had been in her home for hours just the day before, searching for something to point them to the boy. The only thing that had changed was the height of the pile of dirty dishes on the dining room table. The television was blaring the local news, and had probably been on all day.

Please let me know if he is alive, begged Mrs. Dolan. Conner is just a baby. He’s only seven. He loves to play outside with the other kids on their bikes and skateboards. He would never stay away this long. He doesn’t even go to the end of the street. Please! The last word was almost a moan.

She started to sob hysterically but Whitney continued quietly speaking to her, too low for Nick to hear. Finally the woman began nodding and her crying subsided.

Whitney turned to Nick. Could you help Mrs. Dolan get us some tea from the kitchen? I want to take a look upstairs. I’ll just be a minute. She could see him debating what to do, but she didn’t give him a choice as she quickly swept out of the room.

Whitney slowed as she went up the stairs. She slid her hand on the banister and pictured the little boy that was missing. Her stomach was knotted and her head hurt. This was just the pre-event jitters and she wanted to turn and run. It wouldn’t get any better. She knew. It was always the same. She already knew he wouldn’t be found alive. She could feel it. Maybe this time she was wrong. Please be wrong, she whispered to herself.

The first room on the right had a sign scribbled telling all girls to keep out. She opened the door. It was a typical boy’s room. Pictures of sports heroes filled the blue walls. Trophies from various sports were placed carefully in rows on the shelves. His bed had a Sponge Bob comforter and Buzz Light Year pillows. There were a few model cars and a gigantic track in the middle of the floor.

Whitney stepped in and closed her eyes. She could sense the happiness that had been in this room hovering around the edge, but as she neared the window she could feel the fear. She stood, rigid and unseeing as the image became clearer. Someone he knew was calling him. The person was parked at the curb, just outside the window on the first floor. She followed the sensations and quietly slipped back down the stairs. The back door creaked as she let herself out, but no one seemed to notice.

Her hands were open and seeking as she walked around to the side of the house. Conner was looking for a friend as he came around the corner. She touched the branches near where the car had been parked and felt a chill as the energy rolled onto her hand. The killer had been here. He had gotten close to the child. And then the child was gone. He had only had a moment of fear before something had rendered him unconscious.

She knew that wasn’t the end of it. He had suffered somewhere, alone,