Page 10 of Saving Meadow

“What do you remember about him?” Gonzales asked.

“Nothing. I have a hazy memory of being stabbed, but the only part of that night or the attack I can clearly remember is the pain.”

“The sound of the voice?” Nick asked.

“Not really. I still dream about it, but each time the voice is different. The words are always the same – but the voice changes. Sometimes I see more of the knife as it comes toward my face. Little details change, but the words never do.”

Nick nudged the bottle of water and gave me a small, sad smile. He felt sorry for me, just like everyone else did. He’d be polite to me; I don’t think he had it in him to look at me outright with the disgust I was sure he felt when he saw my face. Everyone did.

“What happened? Did he hurt someone again?” Neither of them had clearly explained.

“We’re not sure it’s the same person, and it’s an ongoing investigation. I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you anything about it. Would you be willing to come down to the BAU and speak to Dr. Mandy Brown? Maybe hypnosis would help bring some of the memories to the forefront,” Gonzales offered.

“What makes you think I want to remember?” I snapped.

“You’re right. You’ve been through enough. Sorry to have bothered you. I’m going to leave you my card. If you think of anything or if you need something, don’t hesitate to call,” Nick offered and placed a business card on the table before he stood. Gonzales followed even though he looked like he wanted to push the issue.

“Hey, Nick?” I called as they made their way to the door.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for the water.”

With a nod, they were gone.

Jesus, why was I such a freak? I didn’t have to snap and bite their heads off. They were only doing their jobs. I pulled out my phone and sent Veronica Venus a message.

Me: You know… South Dakota sounds real nice right about now. Could I buy a piece of land next to yours and we can hole up like a bunch of hermits and order our food online to be delivered?

Her reply came quickly; they always did. After her attack, she started working from home.

VV21: Why? Who upset you? That bitch Beth again? When are you going to tell her to shove it up her ass?

That made me laugh. Veronica Venus knew all about my troubles with Beth and her rude comments.

Me: No. She’s fine. Two detectives with the FBI just left. They had questions about my attacker. They think he attacked someone else.

VV21: WHAT? Why do they think that?

Me: IDK. They wouldn’t say. It’s an ongoing investigation. What if he comes after me again?

VV21: Meadow, don’t go there. You’re safe. Live your life. Maybe they’ll catch him.

Me: Yeah, maybe. Back to work. I’ll message you later.

Veronica Venus sent back a bunch of smiley faces, kisses, and a couple of cat faces.

Crazy woman. I don’t know what’d I do without her.

7

Two steps ahead

Another one.

Always two fucking steps ahead.

“Kelley Morris, twenty-nine. Stab to the stomach, face bludgeoned with a blunt object.” Joel added the new picture to the board.