Visions of Hope

by Candace Murrow

  "I can't tell you any more than I'm told. At least for me, it's easier if I'm in the vicinity of the person. The energy comes through stronger."

  "Then come with me. Help me look for her."

  "I can't."

  "Is it your work? I'll pay you double for your time. You won't lose money."

  "No, it's not that."

  "Please, Libby."

  "It's not the money."

  "Then what?"

  "Ellen needs me."

  "She'll understand." He squeezed Libby's hand. "Please. I need you, too."

  "I can't, and it's not just Ellen."

  "What is it?"

  "I used to help the police."

  "I know that. That's how I got your card."

  "But it was too hard on me," she said. "You never know what condition...I mean, I've had cases where they've not been found or if they were, they weren't alive. It's too draining emotionally. I had to stop."

  "But you said my daughter is alive."

  "I sense she is, but when you go there, I can't guarantee anything."

  "You don't have to. You said once that you aren't always accurate. I understand that. Please come with me. I need closure. That's all I'm asking."

  Libby glanced at her appointment book. "I have other clients, and Ellen. I'll help you by phone as best I can. That's all I can do."

  Frustration was building because he didn't know how to convince her to come with him, but he settled his thoughts on Kelly and lifted the bear from Libby's hands. "I guess I'll leave in a day or two after I map out where I'm going."

  "When you get there, call me. I may be able to get impressions through you."

  "Are you sure you won't go with me?"

  "I really can't."

  Kipp paused in the doorway, hoping she'd change her mind, but she turned her attention to the papers on her desk. He let himself out and drove to the two-lane highway.

  The thrill he'd experienced at the possibility of finding Kelly was tempered by Libby's outright refusal to accompany him. He could be stubborn, but for whatever reasons Libby held back, she was stubborn, too.

  He continued down the highway over rain-soaked pavement, his chest bursting with the likelihood of seeing his daughter again. He called Charlie. In light of the new information Libby had given him, he counted on Charlie's perspective.

  Inside the police station Kipp waited with the desk sergeant for Charlie to come out of the secured area. He didn't have to wait long. On the way back to Charlie's office, in an area that smelled musty from desks afloat with paper, several police officers were huddled together, having a lively conversation.

  "What's all the commotion about?" Kipp said.

  "A teenager, booze, and a gun. You put it together."

  "Was anyone hurt?"

  "Just some pride. What can I do for you, pal?"

  "Maybe I shouldn't bother you."

  "I can take a minute." Charlie closed his door for privacy. "What's up?"

  With hardly a breath taken, Kipp relayed all the messages that had come through Libby. "Can you believe Kelly may be in Idaho? She could be this close to me. I knew there was a reason I moved west."

  Charlie beamed. "When are you going to leave?"

  "So, you think I should pursue this, considering the source?"

  Charlie slapped a hand on Kipp's shoulder. "You can't not do this."

  "I'm not exactly sure where to look first. I've got to figure that out. I'm not familiar with the state."

  Charlie left the room, came back with a map, and laid it out across his desk. Together they scanned the southeast section of Idaho.

  "Not too populated there," Charlie said. "If I were you, I'd start in the Falls area, ask around, branch out from there. I'll alert the police."

  "Libby said not to involve them."

  "Why not? They have resources."

  "I'm not sure. She said it was important I do this by myself, without the authorities."

  Charlie's eyes narrowed. "I don't know if that's a good idea."

  "So, now you think I shouldn't go?"

  "I didn't say that, but you might want to contact the FBI and clue them in to what's going on. They can help."

  "I know you're coming from a cop's point of view, but I have to follow Libby's instructions."

  Charlie whistled. "How the tide turns. I thought you didn't believe in this psychic crap."

  "I don't know if I do, but she led me to Kelly's toy bear. She knew what Kelly looked like. I can't deny the things she knows about me. Maybe I want to find my daughter so badly I'll believe anything, but I've got to try."

  "You don't have to convince me," Charlie said. "I'm the one who gave you her card in the first place. But I think you're making a mistake not contacting the authorities. Usually, these psychics give the police information and they let the police do the investigative work, not the family members, but if you're determined to go that route, I want you to promise me you'll call me if you need any help. I'll be on the next plane."

  "I appreciate that, but I can assure you, I won't do anything stupid. If I find out where she is, I'll get the FBI involved right away."

  "What about your appearance?"

  "What about it?"

  "Aren't you worried that people will recognize you from your TV days? They'll think you're doing a story."

  "Look at me. I wear glasses now, my hair is longer. I used to have a mustache. I don't look the same," he said, though he gave a fleeting thought to the autograph incident at the airport.

  "You look the same to me, mustache or no mustache, but I guess you could fool most people."

  "That's good enough for me."

  Charlie walked outside with Kipp into the sunshine that had broken through the clouds and shook his hand. "Be careful, buddy."

  When Kipp got to the bottom of the steps, Charlie called out to him. "I ran into Libby at a restaurant last week. I don't have to tell you what a class act she is. If I were you, I'd escort her right to the bedroom."

  Kipp continued walking without looking back, holding his middle finger in midair.

  Later, he made arrangements to leave for Idaho on Wednesday afternoon, giving him ample time to call his editor and to research via the Internet the southeastern part of the state.

  * * *

  CHAPTER 17

  Libby showered, but before turning in for the night, she peeked into Ellen's room, which she found dark and quiet and smelling of peaches from Ellen's shampoo. As she prepared to close the door, Ellen called for her to come inside. She followed the shaft of light from the hallway to Ellen's bed.

  "I hope I didn't wake you."

  Ellen switched on the lamp and scooted up against the headboard. "I was just lying here. I've been tossing and turning. Did Kipp leave?"

  "A while ago. Did you get yourself something to eat?"

  "I wasn't hungry."

  "Can I make you something? A snack?"

  "No, thanks."

  Libby sat and stroked Ellen's hand. "It will get better. I promise."

  Ellen shrugged. "So, what happened with Kipp? I know you can't tell me the details, but did he bat those beautiful emerald eyes at you? Make your heart skip just a little?"

  Libby squinted at Ellen. "You're incorrigible. Even in your misery, you find a way to tease."

  "You haven't answered me. Doesn't he get to you?"

  "He's a client."

  "Quit answering like a counselor and tell me how you really feel. What does Libby the woman think of him?"

  "Ellen..."

  "Libby..."

  "Oh, all right. I like him."

  "Is that all? What else?"

  "He seems sensitive and caring. He's attractive."

  "Attractive. Is that all you can say?"

  "He's very good looking."

  "He's a hunk. Admit it."

  "Ellen..."

  "Why are you fighting this?"

  "Fighting what?"

  "Your attraction to him. This guy is available, Libby. You s
hould be jumping in and swimming after him."

  "He wants me to go to Idaho with him," Libby said and immediately wished she hadn't.

  Ellen sat up straighter. "Why didn't you say so?"

  "He wants me to go for business reasons. Nothing more."

  "Business, shmizness. It could be more than that."

  "I told him I couldn't."

  "Somehow I knew that was coming."

  "I have commitments here. My clients. You."

  "Me?"

  "I promised I'd be here for you. And I will."

  Ellen let out a sigh. "Oh, Libby. I love you for that, but I'll be all right. Don't give up this opportunity to be with Kipp."

  "I wouldn't be with him that way. It's business."

  "I know what your kind of business is, and if Kipp wants you to go with him, he needs you, too."

  "Nope. You come first."

  "Libby..."

  Libby held her finger to Ellen's lips. "This subject is not open for discussion. I'm going to bed."

  Libby turned off the lamp, but before she made it across the room, Ellen said, "How'd you get so stubborn?"

  "Good night, Ellen." Libby closed the door and crossed the hall to her bedroom. Since the nights were still warm, she pulled back the quilt, crawled into bed, and nestled under one sheet.

  Kipp's sudden appearance in her life would have seemed extraordinary, but she knew from working with the energy, events always happened for a reason. More than likely, all it meant was she had to help him find his child. Anything other than that would have to play itself out. She certainly wouldn't encourage it, although if a relationship were meant to be, other than a business relationship, she wouldn't be able to stop that either.

  She hadn't realized how tired she was until she lay down. The last thing she saw before sliding into a deep sleep was Kipp's face.

  Deep into the night a quivering sensation spread throughout her body, feeling like the tremor of a train passing by. She woke, thinking earthquake. She grasped the mattress, but the bed was stock-still.

  A cold breeze swept through the room, fluttering the sheet. The hairs on Libby's skin bristled from the room's electrical charge. Chills ran up and down her spine. She strained to see in the dark.

  Rising from the corner of the room was the same glowing light she'd experienced before. Looking closer, she noticed the light shifting. This time a blue mist materialized inside, along with the shimmering form of an older woman, short and rounded with silvery hair.

  Libby swallowed hard and forced herself to speak. "Who are you?"

  From the mist, a faint voice answered, "Help them."

  "Who? Who do you want me to help?"

  The image began to fade with the words trailing after, "Help them."

  "Who?" Libby cried out.

  The woman disappeared into the blue mist and the glowing light evaporated as quickly as it had appeared.

  Seeking more information, Libby closed her eyes and deepened her breath. She pictured the old woman in the mist and silently asked her questions, then drifted into a sound sleep. The answers came in a dream.

  The next morning Libby, recalling the dream, lay in bed and put the pieces of the puzzle together. The woman in the mist was someone Kipp knew who had passed over, someone who cared about him and wanted Libby to help him find his child. But something else came through that disturbed her: in finding the child, an element of time was involved.

  She stayed in bed, pondering the situation, until the robins announced the morning light. On her way to the kitchen she grabbed a robe and sneaked into her office to retrieve her appointment book. She brewed a fresh pot of coffee, opened the kitchen curtains, and watched the birds flitting about the backyard. A rabbit scurried into the bushes. The sky was a pale blue with tinges of yellow around the edges.

  With her coffee cup nearby, she sat at the table and tried to calculate how many clients she'd have to reschedule but realized it depended on how long she'd be gone, and that bit of information was unknown. The feeling that came to her was it would take as long as it takes.

  She looked ahead a month and noticed she'd scheduled a two-day workshop in Minneapolis for a group of businessmen looking to improve their intuitive skills. That event had been booked three months in advance and would be difficult to cancel.

  She recalled the night before: the apparition, the dream, and the answers she was given. It sent shivers all through her body. She had no doubt at all that her instincts were correct. She had to go with Kipp.

  Ellen wandered into the room, yawning. "What are you doing up so early?"

  "I have to talk to you."

  Ellen poured a mug of coffee, sat beside Libby, and scrutinized her face. "This is serious."

  "I can't tell you why right now, but I have to go with him."

  "What changed your mind?"

  "I had the vision again, and this time a woman appeared. She told me to help him."

  "And you listen to a ghost before you listen to your old friend?"

  "Ellen..."

  "This is so unlike you, Libby. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're going, but normally you wouldn't up and leave without planning ahead. You said yourself you have clients."

  "I know what I told you, but now I'm feeling this strong, powerful urge to go with him, and I have to follow my intuition. But I'm worried about you. I don't like leaving you alone right now."

  "Don't give it a thought, kiddo. I'll be just fine."

  "I don't want you getting lonely and running back to Mel."

  Ellen reared back. "Are you kidding? I wouldn't walk back to him."

  "Are you sure?"

  "I've done a lot of thinking these last few days, and I'm through with him. I swear. So, go, already."

  "Okay, but I'll keep in touch. Hopefully, we won't be gone long. I have to call Kipp and the airlines. I'll have to call clients to reschedule or cancel."

  "Let me do that," Ellen said. "Let me give back for all you've done for me. I can be your official secretary while you're gone."

  "You'd do that for me?"

  "It'll give me something to do."

  "Thank you, Ellen. For now, reschedule my appointments two weeks out. If it doesn't take that long, I'll readjust things when I get back." Libby sipped her coffee. "What else will you do while I'm gone?"

  "Oh, let's see. The gym wouldn't be a bad idea."

  "You can use my membership. I'll leave my card for you. Just tell them you're trying it out." Libby got up and deposited her cup in the sink. "I better call Kipp."

  "Can you give me a little bitty hint about why you and Kipp are going to Idaho? I am your best friend."

  "If this wasn't confidential, Ellen, I would, you know that. But it will have to come from Kipp."

  Ellen walked over to Libby. "Whatever you're doing, I'll be rooting for you."

  Libby embraced Ellen, and for a long moment they held onto one another. Libby gave Ellen a peck on the cheek, then headed for her office.

  * * *

  Kipp grabbed his cell phone and punched in Libby's number, then clicked the off button. Wrestling with his need to convince her, he questioned what he could say that hadn't already been said. She'd made it perfectly clear the day before; she wouldn't go with him. But this was important. How could she turn her back on him? He knew her reasons, but it still hurt. He needed her help, and having her with him would strengthen his resolve. Hell, he wanted her with him, plain and simple.

  The ring of the phone startled him, as did the voice on the other end. "I was just thinking about you," he said.

  "I'm glad I caught you. I was afraid you'd left already."

  "I've got a few loose ends to tie up, then I'm gone."

  "I'm going with you," Libby said, pointblank, "if that's all right."

  He felt the tension in his chest ease. "It's more than all right. I was just going to call you. What changed your mind?"

  "I'll explain later. I assume you're driving."

  "I want my own car."

 
; "I can't leave until Thursday at the earliest. I called the airlines, and the only flight I could get was to Salt Lake City. That's three hours from the border."

  "Do you want me to wait for you? I could pick you up Thursday. We could drive together."

  "That would waste time. If you are going to drive, you need to leave as soon as possible."

  He paused, letting the words sink in. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

  "I've been getting strong feelings about the time involved. You'll have to trust me on this."

  "What is it, Libby?"

  "We can talk about it when I see you. My flight on Alaska Airlines arrives at four-thirty in the afternoon. Will that give you enough time to drive there?"

  "Plenty."

  "Good. I'll see you then."

  "Libby?"

  "Yes?"

  "Remember what I said about the money. I'll pay expenses, everything, even your airline ticket, plus any income you would lose by coming with me, so keep track."

  "We can figure all that out when we get back."

  "Did you tell anyone else the reason for our trip?"

  "If you mean Ellen, that's your call."

  "You can tell her, as long as she and Charlie are the only ones who know." He gave Libby Charlie's cell phone number. "If she has any problems while you're gone, I'm sure he'll be glad to help out."

  "That's thoughtful of you."

  "I know how hard it is for you to leave her right now."

  "Yes, it is, but she assures me she'll be okay. You have a long drive ahead of you. I better let you go."

  "Libby?"

  "Yes?"

  "Thank you." On completing the call, he wondered why she had changed her mind and if it had anything to do with the statement she made about the time involved. She said leaving soon was imperative. What did that mean? Thinking about that was more than he could handle at the moment. He had to stay positive, and the idea of making the journey with her helped ease his mind. Who knew for sure what the outcome would be? To have Libby along for support gave him an added boost. Besides, he liked her company.