“How are you supposed to do that? You’re not a detective!” Jeremy snorted, anger creasing his brow. “Can’t you come up with anything better?”
“Please, listen before you judge. This is very hard for me,” Paige implored them, reaching towards them with one hand.
Beth’s countenance softened. She glanced at Jeremy. “We should allow her to explain.”
He shrugged, but said nothing. He simply stared at a spot over Paige’s head. She took that as a consent for her to go on.
“I have done this kind of thing before. When I lived in London,” she continued hesitantly. She drew in a deep breath. “I consulted on cases that were very hard to solve because I could find clues and answers in ways no one else could.”
“What are you saying?” Beth asked, confusion evident in her features.
“I was born with a………gift,” Paige dropped her eyes. She couldn’t bear to see the contempt her mother had given her reflected on her friend’s faces. Her heart hammered in her chest. “I have always been able to feel and know things about people from a very young age. My grandmother told me it’s a gift that goes down our family line and my gift is particularly strong.”
“What the heck?” Jeremy blew out a deep breath. Shock and disbelief flowed through his words. He sounded stunned beyond belief.
“How come we’ve never heard about this before?” Beth demanded.
“It’s not something I tend to share with people,” Paige swallowed hard. “Since this whole mess with the Hindleford Killer, I have been having dreams. I dreamt of the second murder, and of Jean’s attack. I knew I was connected to the case somehow, but I didn’t know why. I was too late to help Jean. I missed the signs. I was worried about you, Beth. I thought you might be the reason I had that first dream. I didn’t realise it was Jean.”
“Oh, my God!” Beth exclaimed as a lightbulb went off in her head. “That’s why you called me at the salon the day before Jean died? You thought I would be the next victim? Why didn’t you warn me?” Horror poured out of her in waves.
Tears fell from Paige’s eyes. “I felt into you when we talked. Normally if I am close to someone, I will know if something bad is going to happen. I could feel you would be okay. I was determined to keep a close watch on you, make sure you were safe.”
“But you couldn’t know for sure,” Beth exclaimed, jumping out of her seat. She paced back and forth, her hands on her hips. “You had no real way of knowing!”
“I was very sure,” Paige insisted. “I wouldn’t have left you in danger. You mean far too much to me.”
Jeremy snapped his fingers. “Now things make sense. You’re the unexpected information that detective mentioned when he said Jean’s death was linked to the Hindleford killer. You gave him that?”
She nodded. “When I dreamed of Jean’s attack, I knew she knew him and that he was the Hindleford killer. I was able to give enough information regarding the case to convince Steele that I was on the level and he could trust what I told him.”
“I’m glad someone can!” Beth said bitterly. “How could you not tell us this? Why keep us in the dark? We’ve lived here long enough and become friends. Why didn’t you tell us about this whole other side of you?”
“Because experience has taught me that people can’t handle what I can do,” Paige explained, her voice breaking. Tears streamed down her face and she choked back a sob. “I was the reason my parents broke up. My own mother wants nothing to do with me because I’m not normal.” She raised her gaze to them, barely able to see them through the water cascading from her eyes. “I was so afraid you’d hate me. That you’d leave like she did.”
She broke down, dropping her head between her arms as she slumped over the table and sobbed her heart out. Suddenly she felt two pairs of arms surround her. Warmth flooded her being. An incredible sense of love and acceptance washed over her.
“For goodness sake, Paige,” came Jeremy’s warm voice. “Didn’t you believe me when I told you we are family? Real family doesn’t abandon you because you’re different. They embrace the uniqueness that you are and love you anyway.”
“Jeremy’s right,” Beth reluctantly added. “I’m not happy you didn’t speak to me about your concerns, but I understand.”
Paige gripped on to them both, struggling to hold back her emotions. A tissue was shoved into her hand. She wiped at her face and tried to calm down. “I’m so sorry, Beth. I should have told you. Please forgive me.”
Beth crouched down so she could see into Paige’s eyes. “I can’t pretend this hasn’t hurt, but deep down I know you wouldn’t have left me in danger. I do forgive you. But no more secrets, okay? If you feel something like this in future, you have to tell me.”
“I promise,” Paige held her fist to her heart, the tissue clutched inside. “If you can forgive me, I won’t lie to you again,” she told them faithfully. Her gaze darted between them. “What about my abilities? How do you feel about that? Is it something you can live with?”
Jeremy screwed up his face. “Not sure. I don’t know quite how I feel about you knowing all my deep dark secrets. I have a lot of skeletons in my closet, as you know.”
Paige rolled her eyes. “What skeletons? I’ve never met a guy so squeaky clean!”
“Great, even worse! You’ve now blown my mysterious air!” Jeremy complained, his eyes glinting with humour. “Keep it to yourselves at least. I have my reputation to uphold.”
“I hate to break it to you, but you never had any mysterious air,” Beth laughed, swatting his arm. “And don’t get me started on your actual reputation!”
“I’m a complete catch, I’ll have you know,” Jeremy huffed, puffing out his chest. “Women love me.”
“Of course we’re talking all the old dears here,” Beth stage whispered to Paige.
She laughed at their antics, then sobered up and gripped one of their hands in each of hers. She tightened her hold, staring from one to the other. “Thanks, guys. You have no idea what this means to me.”
“Yes, we do,” Beth smiled, clasping her other hand around their joined ones. “We all need to feel love and accepted. What you can do is unbelievable and I would like to know more.”
“I can’t imagine what you must have seen,” Jeremy said. She could feel his compassion seeping through her. “It must have been awful.”
She nodded. “It is the worst things you can imagine. I felt what the victims felt. I know what happened to them in details nobody else could ever know. It is one of the reasons I have to help the police solve this crime. They have to have justice for what was done to them and it can’t happen to anyone else.”
“If we can help in some way. If we can make it easier for you, just say the word,” Jeremy offered sincerely.
“Just knowing you accept me and I don’t have to hide from you is enough,” Paige smiled. “I’m probably not allowed to speak about the details of the case. Confidentiality in an ongoing case and all that.”
“Of course,” Beth smiled. “But we’re here if you need us.” She stood up and pulled her hands away from Paige. “Well, who’s up for some lunch?”
“Sure, as long as you’re not cooking it,” Jeremy laughed. “You’re the only person I know who can burn water!”
Beth huffed. Paige waved her hands at them both before another round of banter could breakout. “I’ll make lunch. Then maybe we can try out that new game I saw in the living room. I assume Jeremy brought it home with him.”
“Yep, should be really good.” Jeremy rose to his feet from his perched position on the table top. “I’ll go set it up, as long as you promise not to use mystic means to win.” He wiggled his fingers.
Paige laughed. “It doesn’t work that way.”
Beth touched her shoulder. “Seriously, this is amazing. I can’t wait to find out more about how you work as a psychic eye.” She snapped her fingers. “Hey, that’s a great name. You could have a killer side business, no pun intended, as a psychic eye! You know, like a priv
ate eye only better.”
Paige waved her hands in the air. “Oh, no. Once this case is over, that will be it for me. No more detective work. I’ll just go back to my nice, ordinary life. Running a café is as much excitement as I need.”
“I don’t know,” Jeremy tapped his chin. “Is that even possible? If you bring in a serial killer, won’t the police want your help on other cases?”
Paige shivered. “I hope not.” Then she shook her head. “No, after this case is closed, I will firmly tell them it was a one off.”
She rubbed her hands over her arms. A tingling prickled over her skin. Psychic eye indeed. What a crazy idea!
Chapter Eighteen
Paige hummed a silly little tune as she poured the brownie mix she’d just made into a large pan ready for baking. It was early morning and the café had yet to open. Mandy was working out front, setting treats Paige had already baked into the display case and readying the place for the first wave of early morning customers.
Paige picked up the tray and placed it in the oven, her heart lighter than it had been for days. Her housemates knew her secret and had accepted her. She hoped it would remain that way when they realised the extent of her gift. A small knot of worry formed in her chest, but she firmly pushed it away. She couldn’t live the whole of her life under her mother’s shadow. Just because that woman couldn’t love her, didn’t mean someone else wouldn’t. Of course, she wasn’t foolish enough to believe that would extend to romance. She was content enough to at least have friends who would share her life.
“Shall I open, Miss Saunders,” Mandy’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
She looked up from the task of cutting her now cooled almond frangipane bakes into even squares. A scream erupted from her lips and she jumped back, her mouth hanging open. For several moments, she couldn’t even suck air into her lungs. Her heart hammered in her chest, threatening to burst out from the shock.
“What’s wrong?” Mandy gasped, clutching at her chest.
Paige gaped at her, unable to form a word. Instead of Mandy’s sweet face, she saw a skull. Light blonde hair hung off the bony scalp in raggedy strands. Bits of flesh hung from her cheekbones. The permanent grin on her face chilled Paige inside and out. Goosebumps shivered down her whole body. She’d never seen anything like this before. What did it mean?
“Miss Saunders?” the skull asked. She sounded like she was about to cry.
Collecting herself as best she could, Paige averted her eyes. The last thing she wanted to do was frighten Mandy. “It’s fine. I’m just feeling faint. Everything has been a bit much lately. I need to sit down.”
“Do you want me to help?” Paige heard Mandy start to approach. She held up her hand desperate to stop her.
“No. I’ll be fine. Please open for me.”
“Are you sure?” Mandy asked hesitantly.
“Yes. I’m sure. Please.” Paige heard Mandy head back into the café. She breathed a sigh of relief.
Her head spun as she staggered to a stool sitting in the corner of the kitchen by the back door. She sank gratefully onto its wooden surface, running a hand over her forehead. Leaning forward, she unlocked the back door and opened it, breathing deeply from the cool early morning breeze that blew in through the crack.
She blew out a breath. What did this mean? She’d never experienced something like that before. Her mind scattered in all directions. Why had she seen a skull instead of Mandy’s face? Was it some kind of premonition? Did it mean something really bad was going to happen to the girl? It was as if her gift was telling her Mandy was going to die.
Her heart skipped in her chest. Mandy was blonde, young and fit. It had never occurred to Paige before, but the young girl was exactly the type the Hindleford killer targeted. Could Mandy be the next victim? Was that what her gift was showing her?
Since the girl lived in Oakwood Grove, Paige hadn’t thought of her as a potential victim, but the Hindleford killer must have been around town because of Jean. Had Mandy encountered him before? Why had her gift not shown her this earlier, if that were the case? What made this happen now?
She couldn’t seem to think straight. Fear clutched at her heart. She couldn’t let anything happen to Mandy. Shaking, she pulled her phone out from her apron pocket and placed a call to Steele. It rang for what felt like forever before he answered.
“Saunders, what’s up?”
“Something just happened. I’m not sure what it means.” Quickly and quietly she filled the detective in on what had just occurred. Paige kept her voice low, not wanting Mandy to hear her talking. She didn’t want the young woman to know what she’d seen. It would frighten and confuse her. After all, Mandy had no idea about Paige’s ability. Even if she did know, something like this would panic the girl.
Steele drew in a deep breath after she’d finished with her tale. “Has this ever happened to you before?”
“No,” Paige admitted. “All I can think is that my gift is warning me of what could happen. I think Mandy is in danger, but I don’t know how imminent that danger is or where it is coming from.”
Steele was silent for several moments. Paige could almost hear the cogs in his head turning. “It would stand to reason that since everything you’ve been experiencing lately is to do with the Hindleford killer, this latest vision or whatever you’d call it, must be to do with him too.”
She nodded, “I agree.”
“So Jean’s son must be aware of Mandy. Question is how?” Steele had an excellent point.
“I honestly don’t know,” Paige admitted. “What are we going to do?”
“I can try and put an officer on Mandy for protection, but I may have a hard time convincing the Chief to go with that. He isn’t exactly a believer.” Steele paused. “Can you question Mandy for me? There may be something she knows without even realising it.”
“I’m not sure what to ask or how to even ask it without spilling what I know and what I can do.” Paige rubbed at her arms, worry clouding her mind.
“Saunders, I’ve seen you manage to gather what you need from people without advertising what you can do. Get her talking, ask a few questions. There must be something that will lead us to Ryan.”
“Alright, I’ll try,” she agreed. “I’ll let you know if I get anything.” She ended the call.
Paige bit her lip, anxiety eating away at her. She drew in another deep breath, but it didn’t help with the gnawing pit in her stomach. She was afraid to see Mandy again, in case the girl still appeared as a corpse to her. Shaking her head, she brushed aside her concerns. She had to do this. It was for Mandy’s safety.
Rising to her feet, she made her way on shaking legs to the café front. Mandy had her back to her as she entered the store. She waited as Mandy served an early morning customer. How was she going to broach this topic without it sounding nuts? Her brain was blank.
Mandy turned and Paige was relieved to see the girl back to normal. Her body sagged against the wall. Mandy hurried over. “Are you feeling any better? You still look awful pale.”
Paige gripped the girl’s arm and smiled weakly. “It’s been a hell of a time recently,” she said softly. “I guess it was bound to catch up on me sooner or later.” She breathed deep and tried to focus on Mandy without tripping back into the disturbing vision.
Mandy held her elbow, as if trying to hold her up. “I know. Things have sure been tough lately.” She grimaced, her eyes on the floor. A flicker of emotion flowed over Paige. Something was bothering Mandy. A shadow flickered at the back of Paige’s mind. More specifically, someone was bothering Mandy. Could it be Ryan Henderson?
“Do you want me to get you a chair? I could make you a coffee,” Mandy offered, her brow wrinkled with concern.
Paige smiled. “I’m okay. What about you? I get the impression things have been really hard for you lately.” She sincerely hoped Mandy wouldn’t ask her what gave her that impression. She had no idea how to answer.
“You mean with my ex?” Mandy asked,
surprising Paige.
“Ex?” Paige frowned, then it clicked back into place. She suddenly remembered Mandy talking about an ex when Louisa’s had turned up at the café the other day. How could she have forgotten that? Could this be it? The break in the case they were looking for!
“Yes! You mentioned he was giving you a hard time.” Paige snapped her fingers. “What did you say his name was?”
“I don’t think I did.” Mandy frowned, her brow creasing as she thought back to what she’d previously said. “His name is Sam. Why?”
“Oh, no reason.” Paige’s heart sank. She’d so hoped Mandy’s ex would turn out to be Ryan. Not knowing how to get off this topic now she’d started on it, she kept going. “Has that got worse lately?”
Mandy sighed. “It’s not great. He’s been following me around and texting me. He’s even got a new friend of his to keep badgering me, constantly asking me why I won’t get back with Sam. It’s horrible.”
“A new friend?” Paige asked, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice. “What’s his name?”
Mandy shrugged, looking more confused than ever. “What does it matter? He’s a pest that I wish would get lost.”
A customer approached the counter and Mandy went to serve him. Paige ground her teeth. She was so close, but she’d have to question Mandy more carefully. She could tell the young girl was starting to think she was acting weird. She moved to Mandy’s side and made the coffee order to go. After the customer had paid and left, she turned back to Mandy.
“I’m sorry if I seem to be coming on a bit strong. I only ask because I am worried about you. If someone is bothering you, I was thinking you may need my help. I’m happy to come with you so you can make a report to the police.”
Mandy’s shoulders sagged a little as understanding entered her eyes. “It’s very kind of you, but Louisa does have a point. Sam hasn’t hurt me, so I don’t think the police will take much notice.”
The Hindleford Killer (The Psychic Eye Mysteries Book 1) Page 11
