Read Online Haunting Refrain by Ellis Vidler - Free Book Online Page B

saw only that poor child's body and the water.” Stopping to unhook the catch on her bracelet from the weave of her long scarf, she continued. “Did you say Jocassee ? That's a long way from here.”
    “Yes, it complicates the police investigation. Whose jurisdiction,” he said. “Kate, are you sure there wasn't anything else?”
    “No . . . no. Just the dark water and her—Kelly—standing there. It was cold in the water.”   She stood and crossed to the window, closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against the cool glass. “Whoever killed her is still out there.”
    “You poor dear.”   A hennaed curl drooped over Venice ’s left eye. She tucked it back into place and studied Kate critically. “Your aura has turned dark red. It's the stress from all this. You aren't used to it. I am going home to meditate, and I suggest you do the same.”
    “In a little while, Venice . I need to finish up some work here.”   Kate looked over her shoulder and smiled, then crossed the room to press a quick kiss to Venice 's cheek.
    “Very well. See that she goes home soon, John.”
    John sat on the desk and turned to Kate as Venice left. “Do you really have to finish now?   I’d like to talk about this some more.”
    “Yes, I really have to finish. This is what I do for a living, remember?   And I don't want to talk about visions or Kelly Landrum any more today.”
    “How about tonight, then?   I could take you to dinner.”
    “No, I have several appointments this afternoon, and I've got a lot of work to catch up on. Look, if you really want to talk, I guess I could meet you at the Black Forest after dinner, long enough for coffee.”
    “Right, a meeting.”   He wasn't sure whether to be disappointed or relieved. “This time, though, don't bring Venice . Is seven too early?”
    “That's fine. I'll see you there.”   She leaned over to write the time on her desk calendar. “But first we have to set some ground rules for what does and doesn't go into the newspaper. You'll have to tell me when you're being a reporter. I don't want to worry that every word I say will be plastered all over tomorrow's front page.”
    “Okay, we'll talk about ground rules.”
    “Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.” She began making notes in her appointment book to demonstrate. “Wait—one question. Who is the prophet of the mountains?”
    “He’s some hermit type who shows up about once a year, comes to save the sinners and warn us about the end of the world. And while he’s at it, he accepts contributions. He calls himself Ezekiel, after the prophet. Why?”
    “I saw him earlier this morning. He looked straight at me and said something about being a dreamer of dreams. It was a little disconcerting.”
    “I don’t know much about him, but I can find out. I think he’s more of a nuisance than anything. Where was he?”
    “Oh, just out on the street.” She shuffled some papers. “Thanks for the information. I have to get back to work now.”
    “Now I have a question, and then I'll go.”
    Kate raised an eyebrow.
    “How does Venice get here? I know she lives over on Abingdon, but she got here before I did.” He had a sudden urge to see Kate smile. “And her broom wasn't in the parking lot.”
    She rolled her eyes, but she did smile. “I'll never tell.”
    After he left, she crossed to the big window that faced the street and lowered the blinds, blocking the sun. The shade was halfway down when she noticed a rusty gray Buick parked under a tree on the other side of the street. She couldn't see the figure slumped in the driver's seat very well, but she was sure the car was the same one she had seen again this morning near her house. At least it wasn’t a truck, and no one was waving a staff in her face. She turned back to her work and forgot the car and the prophet.
    * * *
    Venice called just as Kate closed the darkroom door, ready for lunch. “Hello, my dear. Martin and I are going to dinner tonight