Des followed my gaze and I felt him shut down. As the silence grew between us, he reluctantly said, “That’s Amaya, the human I fell in love with.”
“I’ve seen her,” I said absently.
“Impossible!” he roared.
With his outburst, I jumped up, my eyes shot to his and my hand automatically reached for the hilt of my sword. With sword drawn, I stared at him and slowly said, “I would not lie,” in a deadly voice.
“The last Commander made a point to tell me that she had been assassinated!” He seethed. “Besides, she would not look like that now. Nineteen years has passed.”
“I suppose, but I know I’ve seen her.” My eyes connected with the eyes of the picture and I realized that she was different, in subtle ways.”
“You need to leave!” Des demanded in a low tone.
I got to my feet and after nodding to him, I said, “Thank you for all the information you’ve shared.”
When I walked out the front door, I found Lukke waiting. Without a word, we mounted the Cefis and headed back toward the castle. I now had an idea of whom I needed to find, I just didn’t know how.
We arrived at the castle just in time for last meal, Lukke and I handed the reins of the Cefis to the stable hand. As we entered the great dining hall, we were greeted by a few of the females.
Tassha came over to me, grabbed my arm and tugged me toward a chair at the great table. I couldn’t help but smile at her. Unlike Nanya, Tassha wasn’t a warrior. She’d grown up with noble parents who owned a few of the local shops at the market. She always had perfectly styled black hair and brown eyes. Brown eyes were the most common for the Cusas, unlike my Turquoise ones. There were a few others with my eye color, but not many.
“Hi, Commander,” she purred after I took a seat.
“Tassha, I hope you and your family are well.” The servants filled the table with food and I filled my plate.
“We are all well,” she smiled. When I glanced up, I noticed Nanya staring at us with jealousy on her face. She wanted to be my mate but I wasn’t ready to make that decision. Too much was going on right now. “Commander,” she hesitated, looking around to make sure nobody overheard her, “Would you like some company tonight?”
Even though I rarely showed emotion, I couldn’t help letting the corner of my mouth twitch. “Maybe.” She smiled back at me, knowingly.
Chapter Nine
Amber
Waking up the next morning after a fitful night’s sleep, I stretched, trying to get the kinks out of my sore muscles. The events of last night came crashing down on me as the thoughts of the nearby neighbors bombarded my mind, making my head hurt. Where were you last night? You didn’t come home until 1 am. Then there was If I don’t leave now, I’m going to be late. I hope he doesn’t find out about Dave. They just kept coming and coming.
I made a mental list of everything I needed to do today. Go to the bank, get a car and purchase an IPod so I can drown out the thoughts of the neighbors. After I reluctantly got out of bed, I took a good look at the apartment. It had one bedroom, one small bathroom, a small-outdated kitchen and a living room with an old leather couch. The walls needed a coat of paint, but to me it was great. I didn’t care how old it was, it felt lived in, comfortable.
After I took a long hot shower, I heard a knock on the door. I quickly dressed and with my hair still in a towel. I answered the door and found Brian’s wife, Vanessa, standing there.
“Good morning, Amber. Would you like to come down to the house for breakfast?” She was nervous and I heard I hope she doesn’t think I’m intruding.
“Thank you. Let me take my hair down and I’ll be right there.” I hurried and brushed my teeth and then took off the towel and rubbed my hair as dry as I could. With my hair still damp, I headed downstairs.
Vanessa had bacon, eggs, toast and coffee ready. Coffee was the first thing I went for. After drinking a half a cup, she asked, “Is there anything you need to do today, somewhere I can take you?” Overwhelming warmth flooded my body. Brian and Vanessa were two genuinely caring people, especially to offer help and comfort to a stranger in a time of need.
I thought about her offer as I turned it over in my head. I knew she sincerely wanted to help, but it was unlike to me accept any. I finally gave in and said, “Thanks. I need to go to the bank and I need to get a car. Also, Brian never told me how much rent would be.”
“Now don’t you worry about that, dear.” She smiled and I couldn’t help but smile back,
“I insist. I have money so don’t worry about that. It will make me feel better if you let me pay.”
She stared at me and then finally relented. “Okay, how about $200 a month?”
“That’s very cheap Vanessa, especially for here.”
“Yes, but the apartment needs a lot of work and it’s a garage apartment.” You also remind me of my daughter.
I smiled and said, “Okay then, $200 a month. Are you sure?”
“I’m very sure. It’s just sitting there empty. My daughter used to stay there while she was in college. When she graduated she took a job four hours away from here.”
“Thank you.”
After having a delicious breakfast, I headed back to my apartment to get ready and to call Sarah. The police called Becky’s mom last night, but I owed it to Sarah. I pulled out my cell phone, swiped the screen and tapped her picture. It only rang once before she answered, “Amber, are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Sarah.” I sat on the bed and rubbed my tear-filled eyes. “Becky’s missing.”
“I know. Trina called me a few minutes ago and I was about to call you. I’m so sorry, Amber. Do you know what happened?”
“No, I don’t. She yelled for help but I couldn’t find her in time.” The tears rolled down my cheeks.
“Do you think it was one of those things---those creatures--- you told me about?”
“I don’t know. Detective Woodard said they’ve had an increased number of kidnappings recently. Look Sarah, I’m going to stay here for a few days, maybe longer. I have to look for Becky the only way I know how. I’ll be back soon to get some of my things.”
I heard her sigh and after a few moments she said, “I understand, Amber. I still worry about you, though.”
I couldn’t help the partial smile that lifted one side of my lips. “I know Sarah, but honestly, I’m safe. The detective offered to let me stay in an apartment above his garage. I never doubted his offer was sincere, you know?”
She chuckled but it held no humor. “I know what you’re saying. Even with your ability, promise me you’ll be safe.”
“I will. Take care Sarah and I’ll see you soon.”
Vanessa drove me to the bank and after I transferred everything into my name, I had my debit card, $1000 in cash and was on my way to the car dealership. I whispered a silent Thank you to my mom for taking care of me. She made sure I was financially secure.
I bought a used blue Volkswagen that reminded me of Becky and her car. After I paid Vanessa the $200 I owed for rent, I thanked her for the lift that morning. I drove the city streets listening for Becky’s voice but all I heard were random thoughts, fights, temper tantrums, threats, you name it and I heard it.
I continued driving the streets day after day. Before I knew it, two weeks had past, then three. It’s as if Becky had disappeared, along with my hope of finding her alive. I wasn’t that naïve; I knew the chances of her being alive were slim. I also didn’t want to think about what could be happening to her if she still lived. She’d be forever changed, like I am now.
I saw the demon creatures everywhere and they looked right past me. Zira’s words made sense now. I could understand what they said in their screechy voice. I knew they weren’t demons but I didn’t have a name for them yet…yet I would eventually. I saw a few of the warrior men and I could feel that everyone was searching for me, but thanks to my protection necklace, I would remain safe…I hoped.
Vanessa and Brian were wonderful an
d invited me down for dinner every night. I was helping Vanessa set the table one evening when Brian came home. He was solemn and quiet, not his normal self. I took one look at him and my face dropped. I heard him! How do I tell this girl that I think we found her friend? I can’t let Amber see her. He thought of the horrific way she was killed and how he had found her body. I lost it! I started screaming, “NO! NO! NO!” as I backed away from him, tears ran down my face.
“Amber,” he said as he slowly walked toward me.
I held my hand up to stop him. “No! It’s not her, it can’t be! It can’t be!” I screamed to the top of my lungs as my body slumped forward and I fell to my knees.
He wrapped his arms around me, trying to offer comfort but I didn’t want any part of it. I’m so sorry, Amber. I hoped that it wouldn’t be her in that abandoned warehouse. Sometimes I really hate this job.
“What abandoned warehouse? I want to see it!” I demanded before I realized what I’d done.
He froze and slowly asked, “How did you know we found her in an abandoned warehouse?” What is she not telling me?
“Do you know who did it?” I demanded as the tears continued to freely fall.
“We have a suspect.” He still eyed me as if I might be the enemy.
Wiping my nose with my sleeve I demanded, “I want to see this person!” Not happening. “I can help you. Please, trust me Brian,” my voice turned softer as I begged.
“How? How can you help me?” he asked and I smashed my lips together. History proved to me many times over what happens when I say too much. I knew to keep my secrets close. Reaching into my pocket, I grabbed the stone that had given me so much comfort these past weeks. I felt the warmth and tingling in my hand and when the sensation slinked up my arm, I let it go.
“Please, can I just see him?” I pleaded. I heard him debate with himself. This is a bad idea. She’s too emotionally involved. The Captain will have my head! “Please Brian! I have to do this!” I would’ve got down on my knees if I thought it would help. Instead, I waited and listened as he debated the subject in his own mind.
After standing there in silence for what seemed like forever, he finally relented, “You can see him, but I can’t let you in the room. I understand your need for closure, Amber. Just remember though, he’s just a suspect, that doesn’t mean he did it.”
I threw my arms around his neck and anxiously whispered as my heart beat erratically, “Thank you! Thank you, thank you,, thank you!”
We ate dinner in silence and later that night while lying in bed, I cried for my friend as I let our memories flood my mind.
The next day I stood outside of the interrogation room looking through a one-way mirror while Brian talked with the suspect. My gift was growing by leaps and bounds now that I’d turned eighteen.
A demon creature stood behind the suspect whispering in his ear and instead of fear, I felt hate burn through my veins. With his presence, I knew that Becky had died because of me. I had no doubt. I heard his every word as Brian questioned him. He answered one way but I heard the truth! He killed her! Yes, I killed the pretty girl. I enjoyed the screaming and the begging. I enjoy it with all the girls I kill. They’ll never find the bodies that I buried near the edge of the park. Stupid cops, they think they know everything.
He couldn’t understand why he hadn’t buried Becky with the rest of them, but I knew. The demon creature wanted me to know. The same moment I thought that, he looked up and caught my stare. When he cocked his head to the side while looking at me, I broke eye contact and looked back at the suspect. As far as he was concerned, I was just a normal person. Thanks Zira, I thought, for giving me the protection necklace.
Brian appeared moments later shaking his head. “I know he’s the one but he’s not giving us anything.” He sounded defeated.
Gathering my courage, I said, “He did it. He buried all the girls he murdered near the edge of the park.”
Brian looked at me with suspicion again, but right now I didn’t care. Now that I knew he did it, it didn’t matter how much I exposed myself. He needed to pay! “How do you know that?” Brian demanded.
“Just ask him and see what he says.” I kept my eyes on the middle-aged man with the two-day-old beard. His dirty brown hair was tangled and his eyes were crazy. Now that I was mad, I couldn’t hear the screech of the demon creature, but I could hear the whispering as he stood with his hand on the man’s shoulder. It’ll be fine; they’re too stupid to figure it out. I’m so much smarter than they are. The demon creature, or other, was his conscience, telling him that everything was okay. Asshole! Maybe I didn’t know who or what he was, but he was messing with the wrong species!
As Brian entered the interrogation room, I watched the suspect’s look change from cocky to afraid. How the hell does he know that? Does he know about all twenty-one of them or just a couple? What about the one I have right now. His mind wondered as I listened to everything! He thought about the girl he had tied up on a bed. I wanted to cry as I wondered if this had happened to Becky. NO! I chastised myself, turning my sadness into resolve.
As I listened to the suspect think of a young redheaded girl, a building flashed in my mind and I saw her location. Happiness spread throughout my body as I realized I had my mom’s gift. When I glanced back into the room, the demon creature was staring straight at me and it made me wonder if he knew I’d had a premonition. I averted my gaze and noticed Brian heading for the door.
“Amber, I need to speak with you in private.” Brian grabbed my arm, led me to an empty room and closed the door.
Sitting down in a metal chair, I watched Brian take a seat across from me. There was no table, no mirror in the room, only empty chairs. “Did he tell you the truth?”
“No, but I could tell I’d hit a nerve.” I nodded. “Amber, I need you to be honest with me. How did you know I found your friend in a warehouse and about where he buried the others?” He stared intently into my eyes. He and his wife had been so good to me but my time with them was over. The least I could do is get justice for Becky.
“I hear things.” I averted my eyes.
“What do you mean? I don’t understand?” We sat there silently and he said, “Come on Amber, you can tell me. I know you weren’t telling me everything that night in the alley. I’ve seen many bad things in my life and if we can get just one bad guy off the street, then everything I see or do is worth it. Help me,” he pleaded.
“I will. I know my time with you and Vanessa is up.” I gave him a sad smile. “Becky brought me to The Club for my eightieth birthday and they just let us right in. I normally avoid crowed places, big cities, so us coming here was a first. Some guy asked Becky to dance and that was the last time I saw her.” I collected my thoughts as I told him the truth. After today, I knew I’d never see him again. “I was on the dance floor when I heard her scream for help. She said, side door exit, so I shoved people out of my way trying to get to her. When I opened the door I didn’t see anything. That’s when I noticed there were two of them.” Tears filled my eyes and I hastily swiped them away. “I found her shoe and a puddle of blood. The rest you know.”
“How did you hear her scream? Why didn’t anyone else hear her? How did you know where he buried the bodies?” He clutched my hands in comfort and maybe…desperation.
“I told you, I hear things. I see things, too. Only, the things I hear are words that are never spoken aloud, only thought of. He killed twenty-one girls and buried them near the edge of the park. He has a young redheaded girl now. She’s tied to a bed in another abandoned warehouse and he can’t wait to get back to her. I saw the building and some words, Ann’s and then sewing factory. It’s old and faded and the warehouse is abandoned, but she’s there.”
I watched Brian’s face pale and I knew he didn’t really believe me, but still couldn’t understand how I knew so much. He suddenly stood, grabbed my hand and yanked me up… not hard… and said, “I know the place you’re talking about. Let’s go, we’ll talk more in th
e car.” We hurriedly left the room and as we walked through a busy room with several people sitting at desks, he said, “Larry, Dave, you’re with me. Let’s go. We have a lead on the missing girl.” The other two grabbed something from the desk and fell in line behind us. “You two follow me in your car,” he ordered.
Driving down the road with a solemn Brian at the wheel, I whispered, “I’m sorry, Brian.”
He startled, almost as if he’d forgotten I was with him. “Why are you sorry?” he asked, confused.
“Most people either think I’m lying or they don’t want to be around me. So, I’m sorry.”
“I’ll admit I don’t know if I believe you but I can’t explain how you knew those things either.” I watched him make turn after turn until we came to the industrial section that had many abandoned buildings. “This girl has been missing for three days and we’ve had the suspect in custody since yesterday.” I didn’t respond, unsure what to say. “Tell me everything you saw in the warehouse, Amber.”
“I got the feeling that it was huge but the room this girl is held in is smaller than a bedroom. He had her handcuffed to a metal head frame. She fought him. Her left eye was swollen and bruised. Um…let me think. This is the first time this has happened, so I’m not very good at it.”
“What do you mean?” He glanced my way.
“I’ve always heard thoughts but this is the first time I’ve actually seen something.” He nodded, even though he didn’t understand. “There are no windows. I saw pipes in the ceiling which doesn’t make any sense. That’s it, that’s all I saw.”
“Thanks. She’s probably being held in the basement, maybe something like a broiler room.”
The rest of the ride went by in silence; I was looking out the window as he watched the road. When we pulled up in front of a building, I saw the same image I saw earlier. This was definitely the right place. Brian threw the car in park when it came to a stop, looked at me and ordered, “Stay put.” I didn’t acknowledge him.
I Can Hear You Page 7
