Premonition (Detective Jade Monroe 4)

by C. M. Sutter

  There’s no way. This can’t be real. I’m dead center in Kate’s dream.

  My hands shook as I pulled my cell phone from my purse and took aim. To my right, against the brick wall and just below Kate’s bedroom windows, stood a blue Dumpster with graffiti on the side—it wasn’t there yesterday. Could that have been the noise I heard last night? Would the city workers actually deliver garbage bins at three in the morning? I looked from side to side and quickened my pace. The hair on the back of my neck stood up and bristled against the stab vest. I needed to get to my house and show Kate the pictures I took. This was definitely a sign.

  “Put the coffee on and make sure Kate is up,” I said to Amber as I drove toward my house.

  “Done and done. What’s wrong? You sound frazzled.”

  “I’m more than frazzled. It’s like I just entered the Twilight Zone.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

  I made sure nobody was following me and double-checked with the deputies at the motel. They said the truck was still parked outside, and they could hear movement in the next room.

  That was good enough for me. I clicked off and pulled Kate’s car into my driveway and parked. I punched the code and walked through the garage.

  My dad was pouring coffee as I entered the kitchen. Amber and Kate sat at the table.

  “What’s the matter?” Kate asked. Worry spread across her face when I sat down next to her.

  “Kate, you aren’t going to believe this.” I pulled out my cell phone and hit the gallery icon. “This mysteriously appeared in your alley.”

  My dad and Amber leaned over my shoulder and looked. Kate wrung her hands.

  “It’s happening. The blue Dumpster is in the alley right here in North Bend. The brick buildings are my building and the one next door.” Kate looked closer. “May I?”

  I handed her my phone, and she enlarged the picture by spreading her fingers across the screen.

  “Holy shit.”

  “What?”

  She turned the screen toward me. Mixed within the graffiti tags was the number 257.

  “It’s going to happen at 2:57 a.m. That time has been haunting me for weeks, and now it’s all coming together. That’s when and where they’re going to strike.”

  I ground my fists into my eyes. “I woke up at 2:57 this morning. It’s when I heard the noise, likely the sound of that Dumpster being put into place.”

  “You guys are creeping me out,” Amber said.

  “I have to go to the sheriff’s department and round everyone up. This is going down tonight. For now, Kate, your car can go in the garage. I’ll take my own.”

  Chapter 61

  I could barely drive the speed limit as I raced through town. I called Jack as I punched my car through the gears. He said he’d get everyone on board. He clicked off after saying he’d call Clark.

  I reached the sheriff’s department and parked in the closest spot to the building. I took the steps two by two and pulled the heavy glass doors open. Inside, I passed Jan and said hello as I entered the code at the bull pen door.

  Clayton, Billings, Jack, and the lieutenant were waiting. Clark said Horbeck and Jamison were on their way.

  A steaming cup of coffee sat on my desk, compliments of Jack.

  The bull pen door opened again, and Horbeck and Jamison walked through. They filled their cups and took seats at their desks.

  Clark stood. “Okay, Jade, go ahead and tell us what you have.”

  I thanked everyone for rushing in after the long hours they had all been working. I reiterated Kate’s psychic abilities and how her dreams were connected to this rash of killings across three states. I explained how she’d had a dream several weeks ago right after the dream of Deidra Nelson and said we all knew how that had turned out. The latter dream was vague, but it involved a blue Dumpster, graffiti, and brick buildings. I told them how something about the time 2:57 was important too.

  “Guys, this is really freaky, but last night I woke to a sound outside. I looked at the clock, and it was 2:57 a.m. This morning when I left the apartment and entered the alley, a blue Dumpster had been placed there overnight, and it had graffiti on the side that included the number 257. It sat in a darkened, narrow area with brick walls on either side—exactly like Kate’s dream. I swear, you can’t make shit like that up.”

  Jack whistled. Billings rubbed his forehead, and Horbeck raked his hands through his hair. Clark paced.

  “I took a picture of the Dumpster, went to my house, and showed it to Kate. She thinks they’ll strike at 2:57 a.m.”

  “How do we know it won’t be in the afternoon?” Jamison asked.

  “I guess just probability. Who would attack someone in broad daylight with people out on the streets? In the middle of the night, the downtown area is like a graveyard.”

  “True, but why would they wait until that late at night?” Billings asked.

  I smiled at Adam’s stupid question, and his face went red.

  “Okay, that was dumb. Sorry. They can’t strike unless you’re out there. Maybe you went to the bars and you were just getting home. That’s right at closing time.”

  “Exactly—now you get the picture. So what do you guys think? Is this some sort of psychic sign?”

  Jack spoke up. “You know we always doubted Kate, but since this ordeal began, I actually think she’s legit. She can’t help the hand she was dealt.”

  I nodded. “It could be a gift or a curse, as I’ve heard several people say. But for us, we’re going with the facts and taking it as truth. I’m going to lead them through the cat-and-mouse game today, but it all ends tonight.”

  Clark cracked his neck and let out a sigh. “I’ll set it up with Chief Sanders. He can go over everything with his officers. We’ll be the ones surrounding the alley since we have the stab vests. They can set up the outer perimeter through town. Thank God this is going down at night when the streets are empty. Jade, we’ll have you leave the apartment at ten o’clock and head to Lou’s Tap on the outskirts of town. There are plenty of places where officers can watch from that location. You’ll leave there at two forty-five, putting you back at the alley between 2:55 and three o’clock. We’ll have the alley surrounded from all sides.”

  “But, boss, we have to give Robert the opportunity to get close to me and pull out his knife.”

  “Don’t remind me. That alley is pretty dark at night, isn’t it?”

  “True, but there are plenty of spots where you guys can crouch down without being spotted. One yelp from me and he’ll be taken down in a second. My mic will be on, and I’ll be armed too.”

  “Okay, guys, keep in mind, there’s two of them.” Clark slapped his hands together. “Let’s get this day rolling. Monroe?”

  “Yes, boss?”

  “Put a heavy scarf over that stab vest collar. I want to make sure it’s plenty padded and standing up.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Chapter 62

  Robert

  They walked back into the motel room with their fast-food order after an entire day of following her around town.

  “Something is off,” Robert said.

  Tony took out his double cheeseburger and fries and handed the bag to Robert.

  “What does that mean?” He bit into his sandwich and swirled a fry in the pool of ketchup in his Styrofoam tray.

  “I can’t put my finger on it. I feel like we’re being played. Who wanders around outside all day long like that? It’s like she’s leading us around by our noses. I think they’re on to us.”

  “I think you’re getting paranoid, brother.”

  “I’m hanging back later. I want to see what happens after you drive away. Don’t you think it’s odd anyone would stay in this shit hole for more than one night?”

  “Sure, but we are.”

  “That’s because we have a job to do. Those guys next door always get back shortly after we do, no matter how many times we leave.”<
br />
  “Yeah, you have a point. What do you want to do?”

  “We’ll turn out all the lights, but you’ll leave by yourself. Call the room five minutes later, and I’ll let you know if that blue sedan leaves after you. I’ll call a cab and go into town alone. If anyone is actually following the truck, they’ll think we’re both in it. Lead them around on a wild goose chase while I take care of business. Take one of the walkie-talkies so I can tell you where to find me later.”

  “Sure, no problem.”

  They ate their food in silence as they watched the news. By nine fifteen, it was time to put the plan into motion. Robert had already ordered a cab to pick him up at nine thirty.

  “Let’s do this,” he said as he turned out the lights and watched Tony climb into the truck and pull away.

  Robert stared out the window from the darkened room. A few minutes later, the door opened and closed from the room next to theirs. Two men climbed into the blue sedan and sped away.

  Son of a bitch, I knew they were following us.

  He gathered his knife and the room key and waited for Tony’s call as he watched out the window for the cab. The room phone rang, and he answered it.

  “It’s Tony. I see headlights a half mile behind me.”

  “Yeah, it’s them. I think the call to their room worked. They were distracted just long enough not to notice that you got into the truck alone. They pulled out a few minutes after you. I don’t have time to screw around and enjoy her prolonged death. I’ll finish her off for good this time, and we’ll get the hell out of town. After I kill her, I’ll call you on the walkie-talkie. Make sure you have it on. My cab is here. Lead them somewhere out of town so they aren’t watching her apartment.”

  “Got it.”

  Robert climbed into the cab and told the driver he wanted to be dropped off at the footbridge behind Main Street.

  “That’s an odd request. You don’t have an address you want me to take you to?”

  “No, I like walking around town at night.”

  The driver shrugged. “Suit yourself—money is money.”

  Robert pushed back the sleeve on his jacket and checked the time—9:48. The driver pulled in behind the retail stores on the east side of the river. Robert handed him fifteen bucks and climbed out. He waited on the footbridge until the cab driver pulled away, then he continued in the shadows until he reached Main Street. He looked each way down the sidewalk—nearly empty. A couple walked in the other direction on the next block, and a few teenagers mingled with each other at the Settler’s Square. He was good to go. Robert jogged across the street and entered the alley. He ran to the other end and peeked around the corner—her car was still parked in spot number two. He slipped back into the darkness where he lay in wait next to a blue Dumpster.

  Chapter 63

  “Yes, I’m leaving now. Who has eyes on the truck?”

  Jack responded that the deputies from the motel were following from a distance. He said he was told the truck was still a mile out of town.

  “I need to wait at a pretty visible intersection so they’ll see the car and follow me.”

  “Yeah, sit at the entrance to Regner Park. We’ll let you know when they’re close. You can even pull out right in front of them.”

  I chuckled. “Yeah, they’re probably stupid enough to think that was a coincidence. Okay, I’ll have my mic and radio on. Talk to you in a bit.” I clicked off the call.

  I put my vest and holster on, then weaved the cord from the radio to my mic over my clothes and clipped the mic to my vest. I inserted the full magazine into my gun, tapped it against my palm, and racked the slide. A live round was ready to go, and I slid the pistol into my holster. With my coat on and my phone in the pocket, I walked out of the apartment with my purse and keys in hand.

  My mic came alive, and Horbeck was on the other end. “What’s up, Jade? Have you left yet?”

  I locked the apartment door and walked down the stairs. “I’m just leaving now.”

  “Okay, I guess we’re all going to station ourselves near Lou’s. Got your vest on?”

  “Yes, Dad.” I chuckled. “See you guys in a bit.”

  I clicked off and opened the outer door. A gust of wind blew in, and an instant shiver went up my spine. I turned the corner and entered the dimly lit alley. I stared at that Dumpster as I neared it. It gave me the creeps. I stepped up my pace as I passed it. His movement was so quick I didn’t know what hit me. He leaped at me fast and hard, knocking me to the ground. My purse flew, and my phone fell out of my pocket and spun along the alley wall. He pinned me to the ground facedown with his knee on my back.

  His breath reeked of cigarettes as he whispered in my ear. “Nice to see you again, Kate. It’s been far too long.”

  Robert tried to pull my head back so he could expose my neck to the knife in his hand. I threw my head back and butted him in the face as hard as I could. He lost his balance and stumbled. I had just enough time to scramble to my feet before he had me again. I tried to scream into my mic, but the scuffle had disengaged it from the radio. I was on my own.

  “You stupid bitch, you won’t be so lucky this time. You’re dying tonight.”

  His thick arm was around my neck, but I reached back and gouged his eyes, then stomped my heel into the toe of his shoe. That gave me just enough time to spin out of his choke hold and grab my gun. I backed up three feet and braced myself against the brick wall, using it for support. My service weapon’s laser sights were pointed at his face.

  “Don’t take another step or I swear to God, I’ll shoot your head off. I’m a cop, and I’m not planning to die tonight. Get on the ground and put your hands behind your back—now!”

  The corner of his lip curled into an evil grin, then he lunged at me. I pulled the trigger twice, and the ear-piercing sound bounced off the brick walls. Robert fell to the ground where he lay motionless. I kicked the knife away from his hand then ripped off my coat and found the cord to my mic and connected it. I yelled into it for someone to get to the alley at Kate’s apartment, then I slumped to the ground and waited.

  Sounds of sirens got closer, and tires squealed to a stop on Main Street. A safe, familiar voice yelled out my name—it was Jack.

  “I’m over here on the other side of the Dumpster. Somebody has to get Tony. Robert is dead.”

  Jack called over his radio for the deputies and officers that were following the truck to surround it and take the driver into custody. He knelt by my side. “Are you okay? Let me help you up and get you in some light.” Jack jerked his head to the right. “Guys, over here, we have a body. Cordon off this area and get some more people in. Come on, Jade. Let me take a look at you.”

  “My purse and phone are in the alley somewhere along with Kate’s keys.” I held my aching head as I sat on the building’s stoop.

  “Okay, don’t move.”

  Jack disappeared around the corner then returned a minute later. He held my head up to the light and looked carefully at my face.

  “You have abrasions and a bloody nose. Does it feel like it’s broken?”

  “No, I think everything is just scuffed up. Check the back of my head.”

  “For what?”

  “I head butted him pretty good.”

  Jack chuckled. “You’re something else, Monroe, and the back of your head looks okay. I feel a bump, though. I’m taking you to the hospital so they can check you over thoroughly.”

  I nodded.

  “Detective Steele?”

  Jack turned. “Yes, officer?”

  “We have the sergeant’s purse, phone, and keys.”

  The officer handed me my items, and I thanked him.

  Jack took my arm. “I’ll help you to the car. I think you should call home and tell them what’s going on.”

  “Okay, but can I use your phone? The screen on mine is shattered.”

  “Sure.”

  Jack handed me his phone, and I made the call. Amber said she would round up my dad and Kate. T
hey’d meet us at the hospital in a few minutes.

  Chapter 64

  The back of my hospital bed was raised, and the room was full of people.

  “You guys are fussing way too much. They’re only keeping me overnight for observation in case I have a concussion.”

  Clark piped up. “Well, thanks to you, one of the bad guys is off the street for good, and the other is in a jail cell. We’ll interrogate him tomorrow. Maybe he’ll feel remorseful and give up Jillian Wiley’s location.”

  I smirked. “Don’t count on it. There isn’t much we, Illinois, or Indiana can offer him. One hundred years in prison instead of two hundred?”

  “No matter what, we have him dead to rights. Apparently, his and Robert’s wallets contained the driver’s licenses of all their victims,” Jack said.

  Amber groaned her disgust. “Likely trophies—those freaks.”

  I agreed. “Do you guys mind if I have a word alone with Kate?”

  “No problem,” Clark said as he ushered the group to the door. “Come on, everyone. Let’s wait in the visitors’ lounge. Tom, you and I have a lot of catching up to do.”

  Jack was the last one out, and he turned back before closing the door. He gave me a wink and told me how proud he was of me. My eyes clouded with tears.

  “Come here and sit by me, Kate.”

  I watched Kate as she grabbed a chair from the end of the room and slid it over. She sat and reached for my hand.

  “How are you really doing, Jade?”

  “I’m okay, just a little banged up. Par for the course as a cop, you know. You sure you’re up for the challenge?”

  “Absolutely.” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

  “Your life is going to take on a whole new meaning now. You’re going to blossom with that weight off your chest. No more Robert or Tony Lynch to concern yourself with ever again. Hopefully the nightmares will taper off too. You don’t have to hide anymore, Kate, and I’d really love it if you’d stick around North Bend. This town could use your help.”