Into the Dark

by Rick Mofina

  She found nothing new.

  The stories reported the same facts. Police were searching for Amber Pratt, who’d recently been assaulted by her estranged husband, a “person of interest,” they were attempting to locate.

  Yet despite her fears connected with Amber, she could not brush away her concern for her marriage, especially after Julie had learned more about Robert’s life with Cynthia in Canada.

  They took Robert’s SUV to the diner.

  Claire sat in the passenger seat, holding her cell phone as if it were a lifeline while Robert, in an effort to melt some of the tension, told her about his brief visit to Iqaluit.

  “Seeing the aurora borealis in that eastern Arctic sky was stunning.”

  Claire didn’t respond.

  As if he recognized that she was preoccupied with her worries and only half listening to him, Robert let a few blocks pass in silence before raising an issue.

  “Do you have any idea why Julie was so cool to me last night?”

  “Excuse me?” Claire turned from the window to him.

  “Why was Julie so cold to me last night?”

  “She’s worried about Amber and everything.”

  Robert rubbed his chin.

  “Have you asked her to help, her being a P.I. and all?”

  “Yes, she’s checking a few things out for me.”

  Claire’s phone rang.

  “Speak of the devil,” Claire said. “Sorry, I’ll answer it and be quick.” She smiled to Robert.

  * * *

  “Hey, Julie.”

  “Any news?” Julie asked. Her voice was raised, indicating she was talking through her speakerphone in her car.

  Claire glanced at Robert. Thankfully a loud semi was passing and his attention was drawn to it.

  “No, nothing.” Claire tried to keep her voice soft. “Are you hearing anything?”

  “No. Look, Claire, I’m sorry things got weird with me last night.” Julie’s voice was coming through loud and clear, and she was talking fast. “The fact is we discovered more on Robert’s life in Alberta and we’re digging a little deeper to make sure we’re on the right track. But I know you got a lot on your mind right now, so let me worry about it.”

  Claire grew anxious. Maybe Robert could overhear her? She shot him a sideways glance, found some relief. The car slowly passing them was throbbing with loud music, annoying Robert, who seemed occupied with checking traffic in the mirrors. Claire’s attention shifted back to the call when Julie said her name again.

  “Claire? Are you with him now?”

  “That’s right, yes.”

  “Okay. I don’t want to talk about this on the phone.” Julie’s voice remained clear. “It’s best we talk face-to-face when I know more. I’ll call you maybe tonight or tomorrow.”

  “Great. Thanks, Julie.”

  Claire hung up and brushed aside her hair.

  “Everything all right?” Robert asked.

  “Yes, she’s just worried, like me.”

  Robert looked straight ahead into traffic and adjusted his grip on the wheel. The palms of his hands had moistened. The vein along his neck began pulsating and his breathing quickened.

  Every word of the conversation had leaked from Claire’s phone.

  He’d heard it all with crystal clarity.

  50

  San Marino, California

  Less than five minutes after Julie’s call, Claire and Robert were coming to the diner when Claire’s phone rang again.

  This time it was Alice.

  “Hi, Claire, are you on your way into the office now?”

  “I’ll be there in about an hour or so, what is it?”

  “A Detective Tanner and Detective Zurn from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department are here to talk to you.”

  “Did they find Amber?”

  “No.”

  “Did they say what it’s about? I wasn’t expecting them.”

  “No, but they say you should come in as soon as possible.”

  Claire told Robert about the call, they skipped breakfast and he turned the SUV around.

  “Detectives from L.A. County?” He repeated as he accelerated. “Maybe they’ve got a lead on Amber’s husband or something.”

  Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Claire’s office.

  Two men were waiting in reception. They stood as Alice introduced them to Claire and Robert. Zurn, the hard-looking one, wore a sports jacket over a polo shirt and khakis. Tanner had long ago unbuttoned his collar and loosened his tie, suggesting his morning had already been stressful.

  Shaking Tanner’s hand and meeting his eyes, Claire found a measure of sadness mixed with strong gentleness that she liked. Something about him felt reassuring.

  “Can we talk to you about Amber?” Tanner asked, turning to Robert. “Sorry, but privately. I’m sure you understand, Mr. Bowen.”

  “Certainly. I’ll be right out here if you need me for anything, Claire.”

  “I’ll make more coffee,” Alice said. “And you’re clear for appointments, Claire.”

  When the door to Claire’s office closed, Alice busied herself with the coffee, but her face telegraphed worry.

  “I’m so glad you’re back, Robert, to be here with her. It’s a comfort.” She patted his shoulder. “You’re such a good husband.”

  He gave her a smile and flipped through an old copy of Reader’s Digest, oblivious to the articles.

  Wheels turned as he made plans.

  Inside Claire’s office, Tanner and Zurn opened valises containing files on Amber’s case. Tanner led the interview.

  “We want you to know that police across the state, the FBI and several other agencies are working full tilt to find Amber,” he said.

  “Thank you.”

  “Now, we’ve spoken to Detective Belinski with Alhambra, Detective Cobb and Officer Freeman with San Marino P.D. We’ve reviewed your statements and all the reports. We just need a little more help.”

  “I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

  “We’re aware that patient confidentiality comes into play, but much of Amber’s case is a matter of public record, arising from Eric’s assaults.”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell us about Amber’s demeanor, her state of mind, in the time leading up to her disappearance.”

  “She was in torment.” Claire paused. “In previous sessions she’d told me that she’d sensed a presence in her house.”

  “A presence?”

  “Like someone was watching her, hiding in her house in Alhambra.”

  “Was this reported at the time?”

  “No, she had no evidence of anyone breaking into her house. I thought it was a psychological manifestation of the stress of ending her marriage to Eric. Still, I advised her to take precautions, to get her security system checked and make sure her emergency escape plan was ready.”

  “In hindsight do you think it could’ve been real?”

  “In hindsight? Yes.” Claire took a breath. “We were careful. After Eric’s attack I got Amber to move temporarily into a women’s shelter. Amber was battling to escape an abusive relationship with a man who was determined to keep her, to maintain control over her.”

  “How so?” Zurn made notes.

  Claire looked into her palms.

  “After the parking lot assault, Amber revealed to me that Eric had written to her begging her to reconcile, to go back to him. It followed the typical cycle pattern of an abuser. After an explosive incident he makes acts of contrition and urgent pleas for forgiveness. The man’s a textbook case.”

  “Was this contact violation reported?” Tanner asked.

  “No. I take responsibility for that. It was made known to me in confidence by a patient. She said Eric was going to file the letter with the court. Still, I should have reported the violation. I thought I was successful in counseling her to continue her work to rebuild her life without him. I told her that she was in danger from Eric.”

  “Did she agree?�
� Tanner asked.

  “Yes, that’s why she allowed the Alhambra police to do a security check on her home after the burglary here.”

  Tanner consulted his notes and went back to several points about Amber’s sessions before changing the subject.

  “Did Amber ever discuss places or locations Eric favored? This may help in locating him.”

  Claire shook her head.

  “I read your statement on the assault several times,” Tanner said. “Based on your firsthand experience with him, what more can you tell me about Eric’s behavior that day?”

  “I remember how his face burned with hate for Amber and for me.”

  “Do you believe he’s capable of harming other women?”

  Claire paused at the line of questioning.

  “I do,” she said. “Why?”

  Tanner shot Zurn a glance and hesitated before continuing.

  “Claire, we’ve reason to believe that Amber’s case is linked to several older ones and that Eric Larch may have been involved.”

  Her eyes widened slightly as she stared at the detectives. Claire swallowed hard as they allowed her time to comprehend what they’d told her. Tanner pulled a sheet of paper from a folder, containing the names, ages and addresses of the five cold case victims.

  “Are you familiar with the names of any of these women?”

  Alarm filled Claire’s face as she read the death list.

  “No.” She touched her fingers to the corners of her eyes. “Why?”

  “From the period 2003 to 2007 each of the women were murdered in the greater L.A. area. Their homicides have never been solved. Evidence recently discovered in one of the cases linked them to one killer.”

  “Wait. This is the case in the news, the killer who wrote to the press, the Dark Wind Killer case?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “New evidence has surfaced linking Amber’s disappearance to the person responsible for these others.”

  “Do you think Eric Larch is the killer?”

  “We want to find him and talk to him about Amber.”

  “My God, you must think Amber’s dead.”

  “We don’t have anything to confirm that. You were in her home and know there’s evidence pointing to foul play, but until we find her, we remain hopeful she’s alive.”

  “What about the burglary here? Do you think that’s how Eric obtained Claire’s home address?”

  Zurn shook his head.

  “Detective Cobb’s report and the forensic analysis suggest the attempt to gain access to your electronic files failed. No files were taken,” Zurn said. “Our theory is Larch could’ve used his sources in home security to find his wife’s address. Even though she was house-sitting, the name of the person to contact in case of an alarm would be on file for insurance purposes. Maybe Eric paid for the information?”

  Claire said nothing as a new concern surfaced.

  “Dorothy.”

  “Excuse me?” Tanner said.

  “One of my patients, Dorothy in East Pasadena, recently told me that she’d felt as if- Wait.” Claire typed rapidly into her keyboard to find her file. “Here, she told me that late at night she sensed that ‘there’s someone in my house-a man hiding in my house.’ But I reported her concern because it happened after the burglary.”

  “Yes, East Pasadena. We’ve been watching the residence out of Temple Station. Claire, it might be best as a precaution to provide us addresses for your patients. We’ll advise them to temporarily relocate if possible, or we can put patrols on their homes. We know there are confidentiality and ethical issues, but this is an unusual situation. Tell them it is a temporary precaution until we locate Eric Larch.”

  “Of course, I’ll call them and explain.”

  “Good. We’ll work with the appropriate P.D. where they live to ensure their safety. We also think that since Eric Larch threatened you, that you should consider postponing your sessions and relocating yourself.”

  Claire said nothing. Tanner continued.

  “We’ll assign units to your residence, just until we locate Larch.”

  “I understand.”

  “Things are going to get intense, Claire. There will be a news conference and press coverage today about Amber’s link to the five other murders. Do you have some place you could go? It might be best if you left L.A. during this time.”

  Claire’s thoughts blurred.

  “Yes, there are places I could go.” As she nodded, she used her fingertips to stop the tears rolling down her face. Tanner leaned forward and passed her a tissue from the box on her desk, something she usually did to comfort her patients.

  “You have to find Amber and arrest Eric,” she said.

  “We’ll find them.”

  Tanner stood and gave Claire his card with his office, cell and home numbers, then asked Claire for all of her contact information.

  “Whatever you decide to do, or wherever you decide to go, you keep in touch with me, okay?” he said.

  Claire regained her composure and nodded.

  “I’ll talk it over with my husband. He’s still out front.”

  “Okay, we’re done here.”

  As Claire and the detectives emerged from her office, Robert and Alice, seeing her reddened eyes and the crumpled tissue held to her lips, moved to comfort her.

  “They think Amber’s disappearance is connected to that case in the news, the Dark Wind Killer,” Claire said.

  “Dear Lord, no,” Alice murmured.

  “There will be a press conference later today,” Tanner said.

  “Robert’s been following the case in the news. He lived in L.A. during those years,” Claire said.

  Tanner and Zurn looked at Robert, appraising him for the first time.

  “You look familiar,” Zurn said to him. “You’re that guy, the pilot who rescued the family from a burning car on the freeway? It was all over the news. You’re a hero.”

  “Anybody would’ve done the same.”

  Tanner looked at him and for a moment felt a sudden tug of unease in a far corner of his memory. Then his phone rang. Before reaching for it, he said, “Mr. Bowen, your wife will tell you our concerns. We’ll be in touch.”

  51

  San Marino, California

  Claire was still reeling from what the detectives had told her.

  She kept twisting the cap of her pen while waiting for Martha Berman to return her call.

  Through the window she saw a marked San Marino patrol car roll into her lot to keep a vigil on her office, underscoring the gravity of her situation.

  Twenty minutes had passed since the detectives left and Claire sent Robert home. She was alone at her desk, battling her fears while staring at her patient list on her computer monitor. She had to take control of her situation but first she needed some advice.

  For one selfish instant, Claire glimpsed at a calendar note for her new appointment with Dr. LaRoy and was reminded of what he’d said about disrupting her regime and avoiding stress.

  I can’t think about any of that now. I just can’t.

  As she waited for Martha’s call, Claire reread the news clippings Tanner had given her and contended with the horror that was unfolding. Not only was Eric an abusive husband, police suspected he was the Dark Wind Killer.

  Five women murdered.

  And he is still out there.

  Images of the blood in Amber’s home and Eric’s enraged face rose in the back of Claire’s mind. Her knuckles whitened as she tightened her grip on her pen.

  Please let police find him. Please let Amber be safe.

  Claire’s desk phone rang. It was Alice transferring a call.

  “Dr. Berman, I’ll put her through.”

  The line clicked.

  “Hello, Claire, it’s Martha.”

  “Oh, thank goodness. I need to talk to you.”

  Claire explained events, telling Martha everything and seeking her advice.

  “I’m so sorry, Claire
, it’s a terrible situation,” Martha said. “But you shouldn’t feel guilty. None of it is your fault. You’ll get through this, but you need to take several steps.”

  Claire took a breath and let it out slowly, grateful for her older friend’s steady, calm voice as she guided her.

  “First, call your insurer. I know malpractice is a sad part of our business, but tell them what police are directing you to do. Get it on record.”

  Claire made notes.

  “Then when you call your patients, advise them of what’s taken place, how you’re working with police to be sure everyone is safe during this time and that there’s going to be an interruption of therapy. Be certain you explain that this stems from the violent and unpredictable behavior of the abusive spouse of one patient and that the spouse is suspected of other serious crimes.”

  “But it’s going to have such a negative impact on their states of mind. They’re already vulnerable.”

  “I agree and I’ll come back to that, but Claire, the alternative is worse. Should you not tell them and they learn about it later, they’ll never trust you again. That would cause irreparable damage. When you talk to them, you must continually assure them that you’re following police direction and you agree that it is for their safety and well-being.”

  “But some are going to have problems. It could reopen abandonment issues at a time they may perceive as threatening,” Claire said.

  “Absolutely, and it could go beyond that, so you have to be prepared. Your patients have a great deal of emotional dependency invested in you. There’s every chance they’ll feel frightened, frustrated, resentful and angry when you interrupt therapy, especially under these circumstances. Some may see it as so damaging and countertherapeutic that they may quit you. This could have a negative impact on your practice.”

  “I understand, but I’m more concerned for my patients.”

  “I know you are, and you should be. So start having those conversations with them now. Set up emergency calls, a clinic referral for them. For your exceptional cases, arrange to have short telephone sessions with them.”

  “I’m thinking now that I won’t be leaving my house, or leave town,” Claire admitted.