Night Waves
Page 7
Her tense muscles didn’t relax until she prayed for guidance and for Serena’s safe return. Snuggling deep under the covers, she didn’t try to fight sleep. Although it was barely seven o’clock, she soon drifted off into a dreamless oblivion.
What seemed like minutes later, her cell phone rang.
She flipped it open without looking at the caller ID. “Hello?” Her voice sounded low and raspy.
“Did I wake you?”
She bolted upright. “Sheriff?” Hearing his clear, deep voice caused an unexpected wave of goose bumps to travel up her arms. Not the creepy kind of goose bumps. But the good kind. The kind that made her nerve endings feel alive. An odd sensation considering she was still mad, even if his earlier words did have a ring of truth.
“Yeah. It’s me. Sorry to call so late.”
Cali automatically glanced at the bedside clock before she wiggled back under the covers and cleared her throat. “Is it ten-thirty already?” The darkness outside the window agreed with the time on the clock. “I must’ve fallen asleep.”
“I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know I’m holding a press conference tomorrow afternoon regarding the abductions. It’ll be on the local channels. You’ll have some of the answers you’ve been waiting for.”
Her heart pounded and she came fully awake. “So you do have more information?”
“A little. But not enough.”
“Can you tell me now?”
Sheriff Justice hesitated and blew out a breath. “No.”
“Why?” She had a feeling she already knew the answer. “Is it because I’m a reporter? You don’t trust I’ll keep it to myself?”
“We aren’t the only two people involved in this. Too much is at stake. You’ll have to wait until everyone else hears about it tomorrow.”
Cali felt a tinge of disappointment. “What can you tell the public tomorrow you can’t tell me now?”
He sighed. “Cali…”
Her newfound humility returned and she said, “Never mind. Forget I even asked. Sometimes I forget I’m not in my hometown, and you have no reason to trust me. You have no reason to treat me different from any other stranger on the street.”
His voice softened, “I was out of line earlier today on the beach. I’m sorry.”
Although she wanted to remain angry, the sincerity in his voice weakened her resolve. There hadn’t been many men in her life willing to apologize without being forced into it, and she appreciated his offer.
Cali ran a hand through her tangled hair. “I’m sorry, too.”
He lowered his voice close to a whisper, “And for the record, I don’t think of you as a stranger.” He disconnected, leaving her alone with his intimate words echoing in the lonely, old motel room.
Night Waves
Night Waves
Chapter Nine
Nick spent the entire morning preparing statements for the press and preparing for the many possible scenarios he may have to face in result of them. Going public with the information regarding Serena’s disappearance, in connection with the other two abductions, was sure to create a feast for the reporters and at the least, major concern among the inhabitants of Coral Isle. It was also likely he would be dealing with more than a few panicked citizens. After all, Coral Isle was known for its beautiful beaches and family oriented attractions, not for its criminal activities.
As Nick prepared to leave his office, he said a quick prayer. Lord, please help me get through to the women that may be his next targets. Please lead us to Serena, and keep her safe.
Serena.
When had he begun to think of the missing woman by her first name? Was it the first time Cali entered his office, pleading for him to find her friend? Or, was it sometime after, as he learned more about Serena? He had read the notes Cali dropped off at the station yesterday. Nick didn’t know if any of the information could be used to help find her, but it did show him the person behind the name.
Taking out his brief notes, he wrote the words ‘make it personal.’ He wanted everyone listening to be concerned not only about their own safety, but to care about finding Serena. What better way to inspire people to help find Serena, than to make them care. An idea sparked, and he reached for his cell phone.
A brisk knock sounded, interrupting his racing thoughts. He opened it to find Deputy Owen with an excited look on his face, and his weight shifting from one foot to the next.
“They’re all waiting for you, Sheriff. You should see the crowd. It’s the biggest turnout I’ve ever seen for one of our press conferences. All of the major news channels are here. And guess what? There are a couple of guys from CNN out there. Can you believe it?” He smiled like a little boy on Christmas morning.
Irritation rocketed through Nick. “This isn’t something to be happy about Owen,” he snapped. “I spoke to Mayor Wilson an hour ago. And I have to return a phone call to the Governor. Apparently he’s concerned about having a serial rapist on the loose in his state, and you should be, too.”
Owen’s face turned serious as he cleared his throat and answered, “Yes sir.”
Exhilaration remained gleaming in the deputy’s eyes, and it took all of Nick’s patience not to throttle the man. He glanced at the cell phone resting in his hand. “It won’t hurt them to wait for another minute or two. I have to make a phone call. I’ll be out when I’m done.”
“But sir…”
Nick shut the door on the deputy’s wide eyes. He ran a hand down his face. CNN? He felt the throb of a new headache beginning at the base of his neck as he dialed Cali’s number.
His anticipation grew with each passing ring. After the fifth one, her recorded voice came over the line. “Leave me a message. ”
He flipped the phone closed. It was probably too late anyway. He let out a long, slow breath. Lord, I need your help now more than ever.
Bracing himself for the onslaught of questions and flashing cameras, he grabbed his notes and headed outside into the blinding sun and warm afternoon temperatures. The reporters had set up their microphones in the middle of the parking lot. Surprised they had left enough room for anyone to park and maneuver around the crowd, Nick wondered if it was Deputy Owen’s bright idea to set them up there, but kept the thought to himself.
He caught sight of Helen, standing off to the side. He motioned her toward him. “Take pictures of the crowd. The man we’re looking for may decide to show up, looking like a concerned citizen.”
“Gotcha.” Helen disappeared inside the office to grab the camera.
He scanned the crowd, searching for anyone who looked as though they didn’t belong. Numerous men and women stood around, most wearing some variety of press identification. A few curious tourists lingered in the back of the crowd, but none looked overly suspicious.
A surge of adrenaline swept through Nick when he spotted Cali across the parking lot, leaning against the hood of her silver-blue car. It may not be too late after all. Nick had not expected her to be there. He assumed she planned to watch the press conference on TV from her motel room. He should have known better.
Cali’s hair was pulled back; a few loose tendrils framed her face. She held her arms crossed over the blue sundress she wore, and her eyes were hidden behind her fashionable sunglasses. She looked uncomfortable as she crossed her ankles first one way, then the next. Or maybe she was nervous. He couldn’t blame her. He was nervous too.
Nick knew the moment Cali looked at him. He couldn’t see her eyes through the dark lenses, but her lips curved into a hesitant smile. He wanted to smile back, to give her reassurance, but the reporters had run out of patience.
“How many women are missing? Do you have any suspects yet? Are you equipped to handle situations like this?” The questions bombarded him, some blending into the others. Forced to turn his focus away from Cali, he held his hands out to quiet the press.
“Thank you all for coming.” He waited until they settled down before continuing, “I’ve called this press conference to
enlist your help in the search for Serena Taylor. She is a twenty-seven-year-old woman who was reported missing from Coral Isle by a close friend on Sunday of this week, a day after she was supposed to have arrived back in her hometown of Brookstone, North Carolina. Ms. Taylor…Serena…is known to be responsible, and it is highly unlikely she went somewhere on her own without notifying her family or friends.”
As Nick spoke, his nerves abated and he fell into his usual, authoritative and professional tone. “She’s Caucasian, has dark-brown hair, and is five-foot-six-inches tall, weighing approximately one hundred-forty pounds. Witnesses have reported seeing her leave her oceanfront rental cottage alone late Friday evening wearing a yellow tank top and black Capri pants. She is thought to have been heading out to the beach for an evening walk.”
As he spoke, he continually scanned the crowd. Helen stood off to the side, snapping photos from various angles. He was not surprised to see Deputy Owen standing to his left and a few steps behind him, directly in view of the CNN camera. Deputy Castle paced in the distance, keeping far away from the spotlight.
Nick’s gaze returned to Cali. He had given Serena’s description and the basic details. Now it was time to make it personal. He wished he had time to ask Cali if it was OK with her. To prepare her. But, considering the reporters began murmuring and asking questions again, he knew his time had run out.
“Before I give further details, I’d like to ask Serena’s close friend, Cali Stevens, to come forward and speak to you about who Serena is, and implore your assistance in finding her.” He stepped to the side and held his hand out for Cali. Shock streaked across her face. But, with little hesitation, she straightened from her position on her car and walked toward Nick. Everyone turned to face her, but she kept her focus on him.
As she neared, Nick stepped forward, pressed his hand to her lower back, and leaned close. “I’m sorry for putting you on the spot. I wanted to ask you first but…”
“It’s OK.” Cali removed her sunglasses and met his eyes. “Thank you Sheriff. This means a lot to me.” She spoke so low against the murmuring crowd that he barely made out the sincere words.
Stepping into the middle of the chaos, Cali turned to face the crowd. Nick wanted to follow her. He wanted to keep his hand on her lower back to reassure her, but from the way she stood straight and addressed the press, he knew she could stand on her own. He stood back, watching as his admiration grew.
“Good afternoon. My name is Cali Stevens, and I’m a close friend of Serena. I’ve known her for many years. I could tell you many things about her. I could tell you what you want to hear to make you sympathize with her. I could tell you she’s a loving wife and mother. But she isn’t. I could tell you she has a large family, with dozens of people waiting for her safe return. But she doesn’t.” Cali paused and took a deep breath. “The truth is she’s single. She was an only child, and her parents both passed away by the time she was sixteen. My family took her in. Serena’s like a sister to me. She’s had a hard life, and in spite of everything she’s been through, she’s the first person to help someone in need. She’s the most unselfish, caring person I know. She’s also strong. She’s a survivor. Serena, if you can hear me, don’t give up. Fight back and fight hard. And for the coward who took her…”
Nick took her arm and firmly pulled her aside. “Thank you Ms. Stevens. Ms. H., will you see she returns safely to her car?”
Helen nodded. Judging by the scowl on Cali’s face, she didn’t care for being dismissed so easily. But, when Helen reached her side, Cali’s features softened, and she turned and walked away without a fight.
Nick kept his gaze trained on Cali and Helen, waiting until they had walked a good distance away before saying, “Serena is the third woman on Coral Isle to be abducted by a serial rapist.”
Cali stopped and swung around so fast she stumbled. Helen took her arm and steadied her, keeping her from falling. Nick assumed this was the first time she had heard the victims had been sexually assaulted. She slowly slid on her sunglasses, covering the tears welling in her eyes.
“Sheriff?” Deputy Owen brought his focus back to the hungry reporters.
He cleared his throat and drew his gaze from Cali. “We have reason to believe the abductor used GHB, commonly known as the date rape drug, to incapacitate his victims. GHB is odorless, colorless and besides a slightly salty taste, is virtually undetectable. Perpetrators often mix the drug with soda or alcoholic beverages, making it extremely difficult for the victim to discover the drug before it’s too late.
“I want to assure the residents and visitors on Coral Isle we’re doing everything possible to find Serena, and to bring the criminal who abducted her to justice. And until we do, I’m asking every woman to be extremely cautious. Under no circumstances should you accept an open drink from anyone. It is also imperative you do not go anywhere alone. Close and lock your doors and windows, and stay alert to your surroundings at all times.”
One of the reporters interrupted. “Sheriff Justice, what are you specifically doing to find the abductor?”
He acknowledged the reporter with a nod. “Although I cannot release any specific details of the investigation, I can tell you we have sent information developed from our investigation to the FBI. They will provide us with a criminal profile and check out any other offenses that appear to be related. I can also tell you we have obtained DNA samples of the offender from each of the first two victims. The DNA is being checked against the national database of convicted felons.”
Voices erupted all around. Reporters clamored to get their questions answered above all the others. The resulting chaos made it impossible for Nick to answer even one more of the questions. Not that he had any more answers to give them anyway.
“That’s all we have to tell you for now. We’ll be posting any new information we can release on our website. A picture of Serena is already posted on the web. Please take a moment and look at it. If anyone has seen her or has any information regarding this case, contact our office.”
He stepped away from the microphones before the reporters had a chance to swarm around him. He automatically looked for Cali, wanting to make sure she was all right. But, she had already climbed into her car. He glimpsed her pale face as she drove away, and recognized the devastation written across her features.
As a tide of remorse washed over him, he wondered if he should have warned her of the possibility of what may be happening to Serena. It may have softened the blow if he had told her last night over the phone. Then again, maybe it wouldn’t have.
With renewed determination, he turned and stepped into his building, intent on tracking and putting away the predator who had dared pick Coral Isle as his hunting ground.
Night Waves
Night Waves
Chapter Ten
Serena is the third woman on Coral Isle to be abducted by a serial rapist. Close and lock your doors and windows. Don’t go anywhere alone. Cali shivered as she remembered the words of warning Sheriff Justice gave to the women on Coral Isle.
Fear and anxiety built inside her, and the small, musty motel room didn’t help. Her pulse raced. Her breathing became labored. She had to get out before claustrophobia descended, which would cause a full-blown panic attack.
She grabbed her room key and stepped outside. The warm, humid air did nothing to help her catch her breath, but the openness of being outside held the panic at bay.
“Ms. Stevens.”
Cali jumped and twisted in one swift motion.
A man lounging on the bench seat in front of her room rose and stepped toward her. Her heartbeat intensified, and she took a hesitant step back. “Yes?”
He stopped. “Pardon my intrusion, ma’am. I didn’t mean to startle you,” the man said in a cautious tone. “My name’s Lex Harrison. I’m a reporter for the Coral Isle Observer.”
Cali steadied her breathing, and studied the press identification the middle-aged man held out. A strand of his long, thinning brown hair fel
l across his eyes, and he tucked it behind his ear. His teeth, too large for his mouth, shined as he smiled, and his bulbous nose crinkled as he studied her beneath dark lenses.
“You followed me.”
His teeth disappeared into his mouth, but his lips remained curled. “Just looking for the truth. As a fellow reporter, I’m sure you understand.”
“I don’t have any information for you.” She turned, heading for the beach.
Lex Harrison followed. “I have a proposition for you.” He fell into step beside her.
“What are you talking about?”
“The sheriff seems to be a likeable guy, right?”
She stiffened and stopped walking. “What are you suggesting?”