Текст книги "Dark reckoning"

Автор книги: J. E. Taylor

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Текущая страница: 6 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

Jennifer blushed.

He turned away. “Not that I wouldn’t mind,” he said, too low for her to hear.

“Are you always this reckless?”

“In my job, yes, in my private life, no.” He looked back at her. “Until yesterday.”

“Somehow, that doesn’t make me feel any better.”

He disappeared into the house and when he came out, he had the garbage bag in his left hand and his gun, cuffs and keys in the other. He threw the bag in the trunk and shuffled the gun to his right hand, slipping into the car.

Jennifer gasped. “Why do you have that?”

Steve laughed. “Don’t worry, the safety’s on.” He put in the holster attached to the bottom of the seat. He purposely didn’t answer her question.

“Why do you have that?” she repeated, recoiling a little in the seat.

“Jennifer, I’m a cop,” he reminded her as he dropped the cuffs into the glove box and locked it. He started the car, meeting her gaze. The terror in her eyes gave him pause and he turned the car off. Reaching under the seat, he pulled the gun out and walked around to the passenger side of the car. He motioned for her to get out, opening the door for her. “Come on.” He took her hand and brought her into the woods near where he’d parked. They walked a few hundred feet to a small cleared area. Targets stood at the far side of the clearing, flanked by multiple bales of hay. “My grandfather’s shooting range,” he said and stopped at a metal cabinet opening it and taking out a pair of earplugs, sliding them to Jennifer and taking a second pair for himself. He smiled and showed her how to put them in her ears and then moved her in front of him. “You are getting a private shooting lesson from one of the FBI’s best.”

“I don’t want to,” Jennifer said, shrinking back into him.

“If we’re really going down this path together, you’ve gotta learn to be comfortable around guns,” he said, and showed her the gun. “This knob here on the barrel is the safety.” He pointed. “It’s on right now, so if you pull the trigger, nothing happens.” He demonstrated by pointing the gun at the targets and squeezing the trigger. Nothing happened. “Never point a gun toward yourself, even with the safety on, all right?” He flipped the safety off.

Jennifer nodded. Her hands still grasped the sides of his thighs behind her. She trembled, staring at the gun as if it were a king cobra ready to sink its fangs in the soft flesh of her hand.

“Stand in ready position.” He instructed and she looked back confused. “Karate stance,” he replied.

Jennifer shifted her weight, bringing her right foot back slightly so she stood at a slight angle to the target.

Steve reached down and grabbed her left hand with his, bringing it up to hold the butt of the gun. “Now bring your other hand up here,” he said, keeping his left hand, under hers.

Jennifer hesitantly brought her hand up and put it over his.

“Now, take the gun and just hold it to feel the weight.” He slowly removed his hand as she took the gun. “It’s going to be loud even with the earplugs,” he said after a moment. “And the gun is going to kick back toward you.” He slid his hand back over hers. “Think you can hit that target?” He aimed the gun toward the target.

“I don’t know.” Jennifer stopped shaking. Something about the way he ran his hand over hers and his voice talking softly in her ear aroused her and she forgot to be afraid.

“Okay, it’s time to put your finger on the trigger,” he said. “Gently squeeze.”

She did as he instructed. The resounding thunder filled the clearing and the spent 9mm cartridge discharged to their right. She jumped and the gun recoiled, kicking back enough for Steve to steady it in her hands. The bullet went high and right, hitting nothing but branches. He took it out of her hands with a smile. “That wasn’t too bad.” He flipped the safety on. He turned her gently and kissed her. “Don’t try this at home,” he chuckled. With one arm around her waist, he aimed the gun, flipped off the safety, shot twice in rapid succession and brought the gun back down in seconds, smiling at her wide eyes.

She watched him flip the safety on again and turned her head toward the target. A small hole graced the center of the bull’s eye and a ray of sunshine shone through. It hadn’t been there moments before. “You hit that dead on.”

“I’m one of the best.” He escorted her back to the car. “Feel a little safer now?” He glanced at her as he slid the gun under the seat and started the car.

Jennifer smiled. The arrogance and self-assurance he displayed on the shooting range stirred something deep within her. It also brought the point home that he was a federal officer, something that, despite the previous evening’s interrogation, had not really hit home until she saw the gun.

“This clip holds eight rounds,” he explained. “I’ll have to remember there are only five now,” he said to himself.

“This isn’t a game, is it?” she commented.

“No, it isn’t.” He sighed. “And if I’m wrong about you, I’m a dead man.” He shrugged and then raised his eyebrows. “But after the last two days, I guess I can die happy because I’ve already had a small taste of heaven.” He smiled without looking at her.

“You’re not wrong about me, Steve.” She put her hand on his.

Steve nodded and glanced at the floor by her feet. The notebook was still there. “Open that please.” He pointed his chin at the notebook. Jennifer leaned over and grabbed it, flipping it open at the center.

She is mine, he must die.

“It changed,” she said, almost tossing the notebook away.

Steve glanced at the bloody words and took a deep breath. “Close it.”

She did, tossing it back to the floor.

Steve glanced at the discarded notebook and then back at the road. His brow furrowed. He glanced at Jennifer and then back at the road as he pulled into the student center parking lot and slid into the spot next to her car, pulling the keys out of the ignition. Leaning back in the seat, he ran his hands over his face. “Hand me the notebook.”

Jennifer picked it up between her thumb and forefinger like a dirty tissue and held it out for him. She gripped the door with her other hand and watched as he opened it again. The words stared back at them.

“Who must die?” he asked like he was trying to solve the riddle in his mind.

You.

Jennifer gasped.

The words hadn’t changed and Steve looked over at Jennifer.

She was pale, her wide green eyes frightened as they looked from the page to him.

“What does it say?”

Her chin began to tremble as the tears spilled over. “You,” she whispered. “It says You.”

Steve closed the notebook. “I ain’t dying,” he said harshly, tossing the notebook behind her seat. “Neither are you. Not till we’re old and gray and our grandchildren are grown with kids of their own.” He grabbed the garbage from the trunk and crossed to the dumpster, tossing it inside. He stopped and took her in with his eyes. Nothing is going to hurt you. Not as long as I’m breathing. He promised himself.

Approaching her, he took her face in his hands. “I know it’s only been three days, but I’m in love with you.” He kissed her. “No matter what that says. We will both have long and happy lives. I promise.”

Jennifer’s chin began to quiver and her eyes filled with tears. “Don’t make me promises you might not be able to keep.” She put her head against his chest.

He went to say he would, but he just kissed the top of her head instead. She was right—in the line of work he was in, he couldn’t make those kinds of promises. “I promise I’ll be careful,” he finally said and felt her nod into his chest. He glanced at his watch. “I don’t know about you, but I haven’t had anything substantial to eat since yesterday afternoon. Do you want to grab a bite at the pub?”

“Why don’t we go back to my apartment?” Jennifer wiped her face. She fished through her pocketbook for her car keys. “I really don’t want to be around a bunch of people right now.”

“I can’t, babe. I’ve got to grab something quick and head back to the frat house.” He touched her face. “And we both know if I go back to the apartment, it won’t be quick.” Taking her hand, he said, “Come on.” He tilted his head toward the building.

“Steve,” she whined as he pulled her along each step, melting her resolve.

“You have to eat,” he said, making a valid argument and her stomach responded with a loud rumbling that made him raise his eyebrows. “See?”

“Okay,” she caved.

They went in and sat down. The pub wasn’t crowded and the waitress came right over to take their order. They each got a bacon cheeseburger, fries and soda.

Steve scanned the nearly empty room, sizing up each person who came within his line of sight in a matter of seconds. No one in the room posed a threat and he returned his gaze to Jennifer.

“Do you do that everywhere you go?” Jennifer asked, observing his mental scan of the room.

“Yes,” he answered, his focus falling back on her.

Jennifer shook her head and laughed. “It’s a little unnerving at times.”

He smiled. “I guess we’re even.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your visions or glimpses or whatever you call them unnerve me.” He took a sip of water. “Did you ever have any other visions like you had about that girl?”

Jennifer thought about the question before answering. “I’ve had some nightmares. Always people I don’t recognize, but the dark figure is the same. I always woke up before….” She trailed off.

“Before what?”

“Before it killed them,” she answered and sipped her water. “At least I assume it killed them.” Steve leaned back in the chair, debating on asking the next question.

“What?” she asked, as if she could see the internal fight in his eyes.

“If I showed you pictures of the missing people, do you think you’d recognize them?” The look on her face made him regret asking the question.

“I don’t know.”

“Can you pinpoint when you had the visions?” he asked and held up his finger. The waitress put the plates on the table and headed off.

Jennifer looked down at her food. “I had three yesterday. One that happened two years ago, one that happened a month ago and one that hasn’t happened yet.”

“You have to eat,” Steve said when she pushed her plate back.

“I’m not hungry.”

“Yeah, you are,” he contradicted. “Try it, you’ll see.” He finished his burger and started on the fries.

Jennifer sent him a skeptical look but picked up the cheeseburger and took a bite. She glanced up at him in surprise as the hunger took hold in earnest. She inhaled the burger and began picking at her fries.

“Tell me about the nightmare yesterday.” He dipped a fry in ketchup and plopped it into his mouth.

“No.” Jennifer pushed her plate away and picked up her soda.

“Ignoring it won’t make it go away.”

When she raised her eyes, he unconsciously moved back in his seat. They were almost glowing they were so green. “You were hurt and bleeding and calling for me. It had you when I ran back into the clearing and it laughed.”

He dropped the french fry back onto his plate as his appetite vanished. “Describe the clearing.”

Jennifer looked around and then back at him. “It was dark and I was being cut up by the brush as I ran away. It was even worse going back, but I made it. The clearing was as ugly and desolate as Paradise Cove is beautiful and lush.” She was quiet. “Mirror image, dark versus light.”

Steve signaled for the waitress to bring the bill and left the money on the table. He had heard enough for one day.

Jennifer was quiet as they walked to the cars.

“What’s on your mind?” Steve asked, seeing the crease between her eyes.

“Nothing really.”

“Seriously,” he prodded.

Jennifer leaned against the driver’s side door of her car. Steve watched her cheeks turn crimson in amusement. “What?”

Jennifer rolled her eyes. “Today,” she began, and looked at her hands. “Had you ever done that before?” She glanced at him sideways.

“I’ve taught quite a few people how to shoot,” he answered. A smile played on his lips.

“That’s not what I’m asking.” She grinned and then suppressed it again.

He raised his eyebrows, questioning her silently.

“The, um, interrogation?” Her entire face was crimson now.

Steve laughed. “No. I’ve never used the handcuffs for…for pleasure.” He grinned and shifted on his feet, feeling a hint of rose color creeping into his cheeks as well. “And I’ve never so thoroughly interrogated anyone.” He glanced around the parking lot. “Have you had the pleasure of that kind of inspection before?” His eyes sparkled as he asked the question.

“No, never,” she said. “Tom wasn’t as creative as you are.”

He smiled in response. He kept forgetting how inexperienced she really was. “I have to go,” he replied, and stepped toward her. “And this conversation isn’t making it any easier.” He leaned down and kissed her gently. “I’ll see you tonight?”

“I’ll swing by on my way back to the apartment.” She unlocked her door. Steve opened it for her.

“Bye, babe.” He closed the door and watched her pull out, the smile on his face fading.

He reached into the car and pulled out the notebook, heading toward the library. He had Indian folklore to look into. There were plenty of books on Abinaqui Indian tribes, but damn few about their folklore. After exhausting every book on the shelf, he took a seat at the computer, logging in with his student ID, and plugged in the tribe name. He scanned the results, stopping on an interesting passage. When he double clicked, the story filled the screen and he read it, digesting, and reading it again.

Palawion, the ruler of the tribe, died near Mirror Lake. But that wasn’t what interested Steve. The Indian chief was a magician, and a powerful one at that. The story eluded to black magic and conjuring of spirits. After his death, any white man broaching the area either disappeared, or was found rambling and bleeding, swearing a monster in the woods attacked them. A monster summoned by Palawion with his last dying breath.

He leaned back in the seat, rubbing his eyes, and glanced at the notebook, flipping it open. The bloody words still graced the page and he grunted, logging off.

Steve headed toward the law building in the hopes of finding his boss. He was no longer sure a human being caused the disappearances.

Chapter 14

Steve walked into the small academic office and closed the door, turning toward his boss.

“What the hell happened to you?” Special Agent Jack Murphy asked, removing his glasses as he rose to his feet. His salt and pepper hair was cut in a close cropped military style screaming Fed, yet when paired with the corduroy patched jacket, it added a scholarly air, allowing him to blend with the rest of the pretentious professor crowd.

Steve’s hand shot up to the side of his face and he winced. Crap, I forgot all about my eye. “Someone got the drop on me. Don’t worry—it had nothing to do with the job,” he said, quickly neutralizing the concern flashing in Murphy’s eyes. He sat in the chair and opened the notebook in the middle. The bloody words leapt out at him. “Murph, can you see anything on this page?” He held the notebook up.

Murphy looked from the blank page to Steve’s face. “Is this a joke?”

“No. Is this page blank?”

“Yes, what’s your issue?”

Steve closed the notebook and leaned back in the chair, shaking his head. “I’m not sure that the fraternity is the origin of our problem.”

“What do you think is?” He leaned forward.

Steve cocked his head to the side. “I’m not sure.” He kept eye contact with Murphy. “That girl was torn to pieces, Murph.”

“I know. I was there.”

“I still can’t fathom a person doing that.” He glanced at the notebook again. “What if it isn’t human?” he asked, meeting Murphy’s eyes.

“We ruled that out. There were no animal tracks, no sign of droppings, and none of the victims found had signs of being eaten. Animals don’t kill for sport. Only men do.”

Steve tilted his head. “That’s what I keep going back to. The freshest kill we found was Amy, yet there was no sign of being foraged by animals. They put her death something like two days before we found her. These forests are full of scavengers. Why didn’t they touch her?” He leaned forward. “Or any of the others that were found?”

Murphy leaned back, his eyebrows scrunched together.

Steve took a deep breath, venturing ahead with his train of thought. “What if it isn’t human…and isn’t an animal?”

“What else is there?”

Steve shrugged. “Nothing that I would have considered before today.”

Murphy leaned forward and took a closer look at Steve. “What the hell are you mumbling about?”

Steve opened the notebook again and stared at the words. “You see a blank page. I see blood red words in the center of each and every page. It makes no sense. I’m not the only one who can see it either; otherwise I would be checking myself into the psych ward.” He flipped the notebook closed and tapped it absently with his fingers. “I’m not sure what we’re dealing with.”

Murphy sunk back slowly. “Maybe you should take some time off.”

Steve glared at him. “I’m not crazy,” he growled low.

“I never said you were,” Murphy answered. “But you haven’t had a break since Peg died.”

“I’m fine.” He stood and began pacing. “But between a girl with visions and a notebook that bleeds words, I’m not so sure what is behind the disappearances.”

Murphy’s eyebrows rose and he pushed back in the chair. “Visions?”

“Yes.” Steve stopped pacing. He saw the doubt in Murphy’s eyes but he didn’t explain further. Instead, he waited for the flurry of questions.

“Visions of what?”

“She described in detail what Amy was wearing that day.”

“And you didn’t haul her ass in?” Murphy’s eyes widened and little blotchy splotches of burgundy broke out on his cheeks.

“You said she was in New York at the time of Amy’s death,” Steve said, and started pacing again. “Believe me; I grilled her before I called you.”

“She knows who you are?” Murphy shot to his feet, flew around the side of the desk, and stepped into Steve’s pacing path. The color in Murphy’s cheeks spread to cover his entire face in an explosive plum.

Oh Shit. Steve stopped and shoved his hands in his pocket. He looked sheepishly through his bangs at Murphy and nodded. The color transitioned from plum to red and Steve swore Murphy’s head was going to explode from the pressure.

“Where is she now?”

“On her way back to her apartment.”

“Please tell me she isn’t a student at Brooksfield,” he growled.

Steve shrugged and smiled a little. “She won’t say anything, trust me.”

“You slept with her?”

Steve couldn’t help but smile. “Well?” he cringed and gulped the sudden dryness from his mouth.

“Please tell me she is at least of age,” Murphy barked. Steve nodded. “I want her brought in right now,” he ordered.

“Can’t do that,” Steve replied. “Her roommate is the fraternity president’s girlfriend.”

“Are you out of your fucking mind?” Murphy grabbed Steve by the shirt.

“She won’t say anything,” Steve said.

“And why not?”

“Because I’m dating her.” Steve kept eye contact, calmly meeting Murphy’s angry glare.

Murphy slowly let go. “You what?”

“We’re dating.”

Murphy blinked rapidly and sank onto the desk, the color abating a little from his face. “How long?”

“How long what?”

“How long have you been involved with someone related to this case?”

Steve’s face suddenly grew hot and he turned away, mumbling, “Three days.”

“Did you just say three days?”

He turned back and Murphy’s jaw was clenched so tight Steve could see the tendons jumping in his neck and the veins throbbing at his temple. “I grew up with her but I hadn’t seen her for ten years until three days ago. I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect her to be so goddamn beautiful that I’d have a hard time breathing around her. I didn’t expect to see her and I certainly didn’t expect to sleep with her, but it happened okay?” The words tumbled out in a flurry trying to mitigate the explosion he knew was coming.

“Is she the other person who can see the words?” Murphy asked as one eyebrow rose in suspicion.

“Yes but…”

Murphy grabbed him by the arm and pushed him toward the back of the office. “Drug test—now!” he barked. “And until I get the results, you are not to see her, or I’ll have your badge.”

“Bullshit! I’ll gladly do the drug test, but I won’t stop seeing her. That would completely fuck up my cover and Bill Tyler will go ballistic on me again.” He pointed at his eye. “I got this because he defended her honor.”

“Drug test.” Murphy pointed toward the bathroom. “Under the sink.”

Steve found the containers and complied. He walked out a few minutes later and handed Murphy the sealed container full of urine. “Bill is your chief suspect. Do you want me close to him or not?” Steve watched Murphy slide the container into an envelope and put it in his bottom drawer. “If I’m with her, I’m with them. Jen has no idea Bill is on our radar.”

“Let me see if I get this straight,” Murphy started, “first you get yourself into the fraternity of the chief suspect, second you start dating the roommate of his girlfriend.” He paused. “That was the perfect cover.” He shook his head and paced, the anger radiating off him. “But you didn’t stop there. You put your identity at risk by blowing your cover with the girl. An entire summer of undercover work fucked up in just three days because you couldn’t keep your dick in your pants.” He stopped and glared at Steve.

Steve shrugged. “She’s not going to say anything.”

“I don’t give a flying fuck what you believe. Bring her in!” The glass on the door rattled under the volume and timber of his bellow.

Steve shook his head.

“I should take your badge right now. I’m ordering you to bring her in.”

“I can’t do that,” Steve said, knowing the ramifications for disobeying an order. “I need her and she won’t say a thing.”

“How can you be so sure?” The octaves lowered a fraction and so did the crimson shine in Murphy’s cheeks.

“Intuition,” Steve shot back. “You know damn well I don’t trust anyone off the bat. I knew this girl growing up. We were close.”

“You said you hadn’t seen her in ten years. A lot can change in ten years.” Murphy mirrored Steve’s exact words the day before.

“I know. I all but outright accused her of killing that girl last night. I didn’t take her word for it. I checked out the facts before I backed off. I risked losing the best thing that ever walked into my life because of this fucking job.” He turned his back on Murphy, his fists in tight balls, and he inhaled a deep breath, gaining control and unclenching his hands.

Silence settled on the room. “I know it’s crazy but I’m in love with her, and she’s right smack in the middle of this thing.” He faced Murphy.

“You can’t be objective anymore,” Murphy said.

“Yes I can, just don’t ask me to bring her in. She isn’t drugging me, Murph, and neither is anyone else. Maybe her visions or whatever they are can help us catch the son of a bitch faster.”

“This goes against the book, Williams.”

“I know, sir.”

Murphy looked out the window and eased down on the edge of the desk, crossing his arms. “I knew your grandfather, you know.” He brought his gaze back to Steve. “He was the best field agent the FBI ever had and up until today you were following a close second.” He gripped the desk. “God damn it, Williams!”

Steve shifted under the angry stare and his heart leapt into his throat. He’s going to fire me. Shit. Instead of pleading his case, he remained quiet and held the stare.

Strained silence filled the room and neither man spoke for the length of ten heartbeats.

Murphy inhaled, and his tight lips parted. “I’m going to go out on a limb here, but I want to meet her. Have her in the pub tomorrow at noon.”

“She has class tomorrow at noon. Can we do it Friday instead?”

Murphy glared at Steve, his lips turning into a thin white line. “I’ve got to be out of my fucking mind. Fine, but if you’re not there with her on Friday, I’m bringing you both in. Now get out of my office.”

“Thank you, sir.” Steve picked up the notebook and left before Murphy could change his mind.

He headed back to his car, glancing at the clock on the dashboard as he slid into the driver’s seat. He had close to five hours before he would see her again. He started the car and headed to the frat house.

Bill sat on the steps, his face formed in an angry scowl. He nodded acknowledgement when Steve approached.

“You hurt her and I’ll rip you to pieces,” he said, and stormed into the house, leaving Steve stunned on the front stoop.

He looked up at the Beta Theta Pi flags flying over the entry of the frat house. The eyes of the red dragons watched and waited for their next victim. Steve shivered as their glance passed over him with a ripple from the wind. He shook his head. At least it isn’t the skull and cross bones like Phi Kappa Sigma down the block.

He headed inside.

Chapter 15

Jennifer walked into the apartment smiling.

“You didn’t have to pull that on us, Jen,” Tracy called from out on the balcony.

“Yes I did,” Jennifer answered. “Do you realize how many bad dates you and Billy have set me up on since Tom died?”

Tracy crossed into the living room and flopped on the couch. “They weren’t all bad.”

Jennifer rolled her eyes at her roommate and nodded. “Uh, yes they were.” She tossed her notepad on the coffee table and headed to the refrigerator for a soda. “You want one?” She turned toward Tracy.

“Sure.” Tracy continued sulking on the couch.

“All they were interested in was getting into bed with me, nothing else.” Jennifer handed Tracy the can of soda.

“Like Steve was any different.”

“Okay, I’ll admit he did want to sleep with me, but that’s not all he wants, and that’s where he differs from everyone else you have subjected me to.”

Tracy tilted her head a little. “Did you sleep with him?”

Jennifer blushed. “That’s none of your business,” she said, a grin surfacing and disappearing just as fast.

“Oh my God!” Tracy shot to her feet. “You did!”

“I’m not going there with you Tracy,” Jennifer said, but the barely-suppressed smirk confirmed it.

Tracy grinned. “How was he?”

Jennifer blushed. She wanted to tell Tracy it was none of her business, but just smiled instead.

“That good?” Tracy sat and put her feet on the coffee table, crossing her arms, studying Jennifer.

Jennifer laughed. “Yeah, that good.”

“What made you say yes?” She knew Jennifer had only been with Tom until now.

“Let’s just say Steve can be very persuasive.” Jen blushed. “And he is one fine-looking man.”

Tracy nodded, a little envious of her roommate. Bill was good-looking, but he wasn’t in the same ‘stop and stare’ realm as Steve. “Even with the black eye.”

“Especially with the black eye. For some reason, that just makes him more…,” Jennifer trailed off searching for the exact word.

“Sexy.”

Jennifer laughed and nodded. “You have the hots for my boyfriend?”

Tracy raised her eyebrows. “No, not really. He’s just sweet eye candy.”

Jennifer giggled. “Don’t tell him that. It’ll just go to his head.”

Tracy smiled at Jennifer. “So we finally found the right one for you.”

Jennifer’s smile faded. “As much as I hate to admit it, yes. He is the one.”

Tracy’s mouth dropped. “How can you be so sure he’s the one?” She wasn’t even sure if Bill was her one, and they’d been dating for years.

“I just know,” Jen replied. “I can see forever with him.” She took a sip of her drink. “Didn’t you know with Billy?”

Tracy shrugged. “I’m not sure he is the one. I love him to death, but forever? I just don’t know about that.”

“When did you come to that conclusion?”

Tracy shrugged. “I don’t know, this summer I guess.” She stood and walked on to the balcony. Jennifer followed, taking the spot next to her at the railing. “He doesn’t want to leave New Hampshire,” she continued. “This isn’t what I want.” She surveyed the view of Mirror Lake and the surrounding mountains. “It’s wonderful for school or visiting during the summer, but living up here would drive me batty.” She glanced at Jennifer. “I want New York or L.A., just like you do.”

Jennifer nodded absently. “I wouldn’t mind spending the summers on the lake,” she said, more to herself than to Tracy.

Tracy slowly turned to her roommate. “You couldn’t wait to get out of here last spring. What changed?”

Jennifer shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s peaceful up here and there are beautiful places around the lake.”

“You went there,” Tracy gasped.

“Went where?”

“Paradise Cove.”

“What if I did?”

Tracy felt the hair on the back of her neck tingle in the light breeze. She looked out at the lake and back at Jennifer. “What did it show you?”

“Cut the crap, Tracy. There isn’t anything to the legend you told me about.”

Tracy stepped back. Her eyes darted between the lake and Jennifer. “Do you understand what you’ve done?” Panic flowed into her voice.

“Come on,” Jennifer said.

“Do you?” Tracy screamed and ran into the apartment, down the hall and threw herself onto the bed in her room.

Jennifer went after her and stood in the doorway. “Tracy, the legend doesn’t exist.”

“Yes it does, Jen. I’ve seen it.” She raised her makeup smeared face from the crook of her arm and met Jennifer’s gaze.

“Sweetie, it’s not real.” Jennifer ventured in the room. “You can’t see the future in a reflection on the water.”

“Yet you can see it in your visions?” Tracy sniffled.

Jennifer shook her head. “Not really,” she said, dismissing the gnawing at the edge of her mind.

“That’s not true, Jen, and you know it,” Tracy snapped. “It’s gonna want you.” She let out a sob. “And it’s all my fault.”

Jennifer skin broke out in goose bumps. “It’s not your fault,” she said and walked over to Tracy, taking a seat next to her on the soft bed. “Nothing is going to happen.”

Tracy wished she could believe her friend, but she already felt the cold hands around her heart and could only deny the powerful commands for so long before giving in or going crazy herself. She sat up, wiped her eyes, and just nodded.

Jennifer put her arm around Tracy’s shoulders. “I promise everything will be just fine.”

Tracy sniffled and stood without meeting Jennifer’s gaze. She headed into the bathroom to wash her face.

Thirsty and wanting to wash the peculiar metallic taste from her mouth, Jennifer headed into the living room and scrounged under the bar for a soda. “Want some?” she asked, holding up a can when Tracy walked in.

Tracy nodded, still subdued.