The Killer on the Heath (The Cassidy Newbold, Clairvoyant Collection Book 1)

by Karen J Mossman

  Taking in a deep breath, I filled my lungs with the earth’s fragrance. Sadly, I noted that even though the new greenery and blossoming flowers painted mental serenity, today, it remained tarnished by a man who liked hurting people.

  He would’ve hurt me if given half the chance. I focused on the daffodils that lined the boulevard beside Seb’s car. I thought how nice the flowers would look on my windowsill, framed by the yellow print curtains. For a moment the pretty picture distracted my dark thoughts.

  Beep! Beep! Clicking his key fob, Seb awoke both his vehicle and me. “You going to answer me now that we’re alone?” he asked.

  “I want that bastard to rot in hell,” I growled through gritted teeth.

  “Not before we have our answers,” Seb replied, resting his arms on the car roof to watch me pace.

  “If Plinth thinks he can just die and that’s it, he’s wrong.”

  “Well, that might just happen, Cass.”

  I threw my arms up in frustration. “Seb, he must be punished for what he’s done to all those girls!”

  “Cassidy.” My brother only used my full name when he wanted me to pay close attention. “You’re getting yourself worked up. He’s not worth it.”

  I glared at him. “It’s my bloody fault he’s here and then, almost… wasn’t.” I stopped and, sighing deeply, rubbed my temples to ease the throbbing that had begun. “Thank God he’s still alive. That’s all I can say because who knows how any of this has impacted Chantelle Parslow.”

  Seb came around the side of the car, “Cassie…”

  “No.” I held up my palms to him. “Don’t tell me he’s not worth it. Think of those girls.”

  “This isn’t about them or him. This is about you – right now, at this moment.”

  “I’m only one of many, Seb,” I reminded him. “He’s a monster.”

  “I know, I know.” Seb put his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. “I wish I didn’t have to involve you in all this. It isn’t fair.”

  “But I am involved,” I said, resting my chin on his shoulder, grateful for the hug and closeness of someone who cared.

  Seb squeezed me tighter before releasing me. “Come on, let’s go home.”

  I nodded, afraid if I spoke that I would break down. When Seb opened the passenger door for me, I slipped inside. I just wanted to be home. I needed my sanctuary and solitude.

  Seb dropped into his seat beside me, clipped on his seatbelt, and was about to start the engine when he asked, “you’re sure he murdered Chantelle Parslow?”

  I nodded. “It was in the visions. It was dark… I think, maybe, they were in a cellar? Her face was dirty, and I got the impression she’d been there a while.”

  “What do you mean – like, her body’s been there a while?”

  “I don’t know. What I saw… it’s all jumbled,” I admitted.

  Seb nodded before bringing the engine to life.

  As we headed for the prison’s gates, I tried to envision what I’d seen, but I was scared to look too deeply. I knew what it meant if I did. Being empathetic, I’d take on whatever was being projected. It’d be like watching a horror film; wanting to see, yet not wanting to see, afraid to miss something important. I was doomed to be haunted.

  “Cassie?” Seb’s gentle touch caused me to start as it yanked me from my thoughts.

  I blinked. “Sorry. I’m just trying to process it all.”

  Seb squeezed my hand.

  Once again, I felt grateful to have such an understanding brother. I owed so much to him. After all, it was he who discovered what my gifts were. For a long time, I thought there was something wrong with me; that I was crazy – cursed even. I’d engaged in cutting and locking myself away.

  When Seb realised what I was doing, he got me the help I needed. He stopped my self-imposed alienation, ended my suffering, and helped me to understand what I am. Luckily, I’m not that fragile anymore. But he’s never stopped protecting me – from others or myself.

  “Can you tell me anything else?” he asked after a moment. “Give me something to go on? We’ve got to link Plinth categorically to Chantelle.”

  “He’s a horrible man, but I need to sort through it.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Chantelle’s saying nothing. All I see is her face, staring, and I’m consumed by her palpable fear.” Frustrated with both him and myself, I snapped, “It’s all just images and emotions, and honestly, the rest I’m afraid to look at.”

  “I get that, but he thinks he’s got one over us because we can’t prove it yet. We’re going through everything, piece by piece - his house, his friends, including the one you told us about from the cafe. Basically, we’re taking his life apart.”

  “Pushing me won’t help,” I complained.

  “I’m sorry for pushing you. I really am, but time is of the essence, Cassie. You know that’s true.”

  I sighed, knowing Seb was right. My tired brain strained to find something. “I did see Mandy… Mandy Smith? She remembered me from the heath and reached out, but I couldn’t really… you know how it is, Seb. She – she wanted to share her pain – to show me what he did to her, but I couldn’t…” I swallowed hard. “I think it’s the same place I saw… Chantelle.”

  We joined the motorway that would take us home. Seb and I fell into a comfortable silence. Understanding each other the way we did, we never needed to fill the space between us. Instead, my brother occasionally glanced at me while the steady rhythm of the car lulled me into a sleepless dream state, which brought the visions flooding back to me.

  “There’s nothing that makes much sense, “I finally said in a weary voice. “Both Mandy and Chantelle were held in the same place. It’s somewhere dark… there’s a dim light, but nothing natural.”

  “Any landmarks?” Seb asked, throwing the vehicle into park outside my flat.

  No.” I shook my head. “Some sort of seating, though. It’s hard to make out. Everything’s old and damp – the air is moist and smells earthy.” Wrinkling my nose with disgust, I said, “wherever it is, it gives Plinth a lot of pleasure. He’s in full control and whatever he says, goes.”

  I could read the anger in Seb’s face. “I’m sure that fucker likes that.”

  Staring out of the window, I watched the rain strike the pavement. “There’s something else… it’s hidden in shadows.” I growled. “I don’t know why I’m not seeing it.”

  “Just relax. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths,” Seb suggested. “Maybe that’ll help.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Seb, I’m trying, but I have to go. I’m working at the Spanner House tonight.” Shrugging, I added, “I’ll let you know if anything comes to me.”

  “I understand. Thanks, Cass. Really, I mean it – thank you.” My brother bumped into my side affectionately, then asked, “will you be all right? Working, that is.”

  “Yes,” I replied. Being constantly exhausted was a consequence of who I was.

  “Uh-huh.” Seb gave me a knowing look. He was fully aware of the draining effect my abilities had on me. It was why I never held a full-time job. “You should probably tell your face that. You look ready to pass out.”

  Chuckling, I said, “Yeah, well, it’s hard to rejuvenate my batteries being around people, but I don’t have a choice.”

  Seb nodded in understanding. “Can you block them out when you’re this tired?”

  I shrugged. “I can try. It just takes more effort and concentration.”

  “More energy you don’t have to give, huh?” My brother shook his head. “Sorry, Cass. I know I’m only adding to your burdens.”

  “It’s okay. We all have our part to play,” I said kindly. Getting out of the car, I waved goodbye.

  Seb drove away while I headed towards my flat. Stepping inside, the tension began to leave my body. As was my custom, I went to the kitchen, made some herbal tea, and then, sat on the sofa with my legs curled underneath me. I sighed with contentment, allowing the magic of my home to ease my worries.

&nb
sp; Finally relaxed, I tucked the horrible day away and all I’d witness from Plinth’s corrupt mind. Everything’s a balancing act. It’s about clearing one’s mind to restore what’s lost and knowing how to find the right information when asked without stressing or damaging oneself. These were the tools the specialist taught me for controlling my gift.

  Relaxing in my sanctuary is one of the best medicines I can give myself.

  That night, after a taxing shift at the Spanner House, I was glad for my bed. Despite being exhausted, sleep was difficult. My thoughts continued to drift to Plinth and what our handshake revealed.

  The myriad of colours that had spilled out during our contact filled my head. They danced along with the emotions and people who’d encountered the monster. Some visions were too much to endure, and I’d wake just in time before the darkness consumed me. Others were inescapable

  Not being able to find solace in a fitful slumber, I eventually found myself awake and focused on Chantelle. Anger filled me as I thought of her mother. Mrs. Parslow didn’t grieve for her daughter; she blamed her. Instead, her focus was on her precious son.

  Brushing off their dysfunctional relationship, I considered Chantelle more deeply. Why hasn’t she spoken to me herself? I felt as if she’d wanted to. I’d even felt her presence reaching for me. Why’s she being so elusive? I wondered.

  I sat bolt upright in bed, realising I’d known all along. “Ugh, Pedro!” My anger towards my ex-boyfriend and his bloody mother reignited. I let my feeling for Pedro cloud my responsibilities. Shame filled me. Jumping to my feet, I exclaimed, “Oh, dear God!”

  An image of a filth-covered Chantelle suddenly overtook me. Goosebumps broke out on my arms, and I went cold as my bedroom wall morphed into a vision of her pale, gaunt face. I grabbed my charging phone off the bedside cabinet. I knew Seb would still be asleep, but this was far too important. I dialled, impatient for him to answer. When he did, I blurted, “she’s alive!”

  “Cassie?” Seb asked in a groggy voice.

  “Did you hear me?” I asked, racing to where Chantelle’s scarf lay forgotten on my dresser. “She’s alive”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, and she’s aware of her surroundings.”

  “Shit,” he gasped. “How do you know you’re not picking up something old?”

  “Because I have something of hers, and we’re finally connecting.”

  “Okay. Right. Good.” There came muffled sounds from the other end of the line, and I knew Seb was moving around. “Um, I’ll be right over.”

  “Please, hurry.” My anxiety was growing with each passing minute. “And get back up. I know where she is.”

  Chapter 12

  Chantelle’s scarf crackled between my fingers. “Turn here,” I instructed Seb.

  My brother pulled onto a road lined with old houses. “This is where Plinth lives,” he stated. “I had a feeling we were coming here, but I didn’t want to interrupt.”

  “Then, shush.” I put my head back and closed my eyes, letting the fibres of the neckwear feed their energy through me. It wasn’t long before a vision materialised.

  Unkept and dirty, Chantelle was no longer the vibrant girl I’d seen in photographs. Her once luxurious hair was now a tangled mess, and her emotionless face housed blank eyes that barely blinked. Her emaciated body was bruised and battered. Alone, this desolate skeleton was dying.

  Hang on, I mentally projected to the hopeless soul. The horror of her situation broke my heart. We’re coming!

  My eyes snapped open. I reached for the tissues to wipe away the tears that streamed down my cheeks. Her pain was too much to bear.

  “Cassie?” Seb started to pull into a lay-by.

  “Don’t stop.”

  He looked askance at me. “Are you sure? It’s okay. We can take a break.”

  “No, we can’t.” I blew my nose. “It’s been too long. We don’t have time to waste.”

  Seb reached over and gave my hand a little squeeze. He’d seen me react like this before. Since it wasn’t unusual for my emotions to turn into tears, he understood. Gazing out of the windscreen, my brother acknowledged, “Yeah, you’re right. We have to find her.” He scoffed. “How the hell she’s lasted this long… Plinth must’ve provided her with access to some food and water or –”

  “Or she’d be dead by now,” I finished for him.

  Seb nodded. “We’ve had him behind bars for nearly a month. Regardless of what he left for her, it won’t last forever, and he’s not going back.”

  As our increased speed, I shut my eyes and waited for Chantelle to come to me again. The same hopelessness washed over me, making me flinch. I concentrated on her surroundings. What can I see?

  The noise of the engine faded, and darkness ascended. My mind’s eye roved over the dimly lit room as my fingers worked the fabric I held. As the vision adjusted, becoming clearer, I noticed a low voltage lightbulb hung from the ceiling. It was barely illuminated, though enough for me to see what I needed to.

  No windows adorned the room. Air recirculated from vents, but there was nothing fresh being pumped in. The sank space was moist with mildew, providing a scent of mould. The surfaces were covered in grime.

  Chantelle’s face was puffy and red from long bouts of crying. I could see her mouth moving silently as if praying. A dark grey hue encircled her, the aura of despair.

  That’ll turn completely black and fade if we don’t find her soon, I thought.

  The car came to a stop breaking my thoughts.

  Seb handed me more tissues from the glove box. “I’m sorry you have to do this, Cassie. I really am. I wish there was another way.”

  I wiped my eyes with the clump of screwed up tissue, then opened it again and blew my nose. “It’s all right. I’m the only one who can do this.”

  “Here.” Seb handed me a bottle of water, which he’d taken from the pocket in the door.

  I unscrewed the top and drank thirstily. As I did, I scanned our surroundings. We were at the back streets of Lowhampton beside a row of terraced houses. I disembarked, clasping the scarf as it guided my footsteps.

  “Here.” I pointed as my brother came up behind me. “This is Plinth’s house?”

  “It is.” He confirmed that the rundown, neglected residence on the end was indeed our destination. “I trust your gifts, but how can this be right? We’ve searched here – I’ve personally gone over it with a fine-toothed comb.”

  “I don’t know, Seb. All I know is she’s here… somewhere.” I shrugged and continued to stare at the building. It didn’t look in any kind of condition to be a home. “Did he actually live here?”

  “Yes, there’s a bed in the back room. The kitchen and bathroom; obviously, they’re shit tip, but…”

  I pulled a face not wanting to know.

  “I haven’t got the damn key with me.” Seb was annoyed with his realisation. “Take a look around outside. I’ll get someone to bring it. Anything you can pick up may save her life.”

  “What if she’s not here? What if I can’t find her?” I worried.

  “Just try, Cassie. You brought us here, use your gift. That’s all anyone expects from you.” He pulled out his mobile and turned away to make his call.

  I wrapped Chantelle’s scarf loosely around my neck, hoping to strengthen the connection between us. Lifting the crime scene ribbon, I proceeded towards the house. “Tell me where you are, Chantelle?” I whispered.

  Three stone steps led up to the front door. It was a dark green paint, now flecked away to reveal the original weathered wood, with a large rusty knocker and handle. The latter had an old-fashioned keyhole beneath it. The door had obviously been forced open and since repaired.

  I lifted my hand and slowly placed it on the wooden panel above the letterbox. The imprints from the people of the past rushed through me. They felt like a faint flutter and then, there was nothing. This door hadn’t been used for a long time, except for when the police searched here.

  Seb return
ed and I said, “I don’t think Plinth came and went through here. I take it there’s another entrance?”

  “Round the back,” he stated.

  As Seb led the way, I noticed the dark colour of the crumbling bricks, showing their age. The pointing had eroded around them. One day, this house would collapse if it wasn’t repaired. Thin and faded curtains were barely visible through dirt-smeared windowpanes.

  I followed my brother on the pathway that ran from the front to the side of the house, where it led to the back garden. Surprisingly, the grass here had been mowed not long ago, though the weeds had run rampant. Bushes ran along the perimeter and a few overgrown flower beds gave the impression of neglect. Someone had cared for it once, but that concern had passed.

  My shoes crunched on something, and I looked down. A fence that had once separated the back from the front laid on the ground hardly recognisable. Parts, including a gate, were still fastened to the wall of the house. The decayed remains were disintegrating into the earth.

  My eyes traced footprints that had beaten the grass into a muddy trail. I sensed Plinth here as well as the recent police activity. That bastard spent a lot of time here, I realised.

  Worn square flags ran along the back of the house, leading to an overgrown garden. Beside the rear door was an old coal house. It was as if this property belonged to another era. Like it hadn’t changed since the World Wars.

  The coal house drew me towards it. I tugged the entrance open, which appeared to be newer than the building itself. The doorway was so low, I was forced to stoop as I peered inside.

  “Empty,” said Seb, stopping me from going further. “Whatever he kept in there, nothing’s left.”

  Disregarding my brother, I listened to my instincts as they screamed at me. When I looked forward, a dark blue hue escaped like a waft of steam rising to the sky before dispersing. Plinth’s presence filled the area, and I sensed he’d been in here recently.