Page 19 of Her Last Whisper
When Katie reached the front door, Amanda’s quiet voice stopped her before she turned the knob.
“He said that I wouldneverbe without him. That he would come for me. And I know that he will eventually kill me. I’m getting everything together to leave California and move to Idaho, where I have a cousin that has agreed to help me, and take me in until I get back on my feet. I’m changing my name.”
“I know there’s no reason for you to believe me, but I will catch him. So for now, please stay around people like your friend Emily here. Don’t go out at night. Don’t go anywhere alone. I will contact the patrol sergeant who oversees this area and ask him to have officers drive by here on a regular basis.” She paused. “Take care of yourself. I’ll be in touch.”
Eleven
Wednesday 1830 hours
Katie hurried to the entrance of the 1893 Gideon Historic Building. The three-story brick building had been an old hotel and boarding house in the late 1800s and through the 1920s and contrasted with the rest of the downtown block of modern offices. She stepped up on to the creaky porch and entered the main area, admiring the ornate staircase in the center, and taking in the original light sconces and crown molding as she walked across the antique hardwood floors.
Although it was difficult to completely shut out her Amanda Payton investigation, she wanted to enjoy a couple of hours with her uncle. It had been their tradition for many years—as long as she could remember—to spend one afternoon every month roaming around various art exhibitions. They’d been lucky to get tickets for this special black-and-white photography exhibit sponsored by several top film and local entertainment companies.
As her eyes adjusted to the low lighting in the gallery, the soothing classical music playing in the background made Katie relax for the first time in days. She didn’t immediately search for her uncle, but rather, allowed herself to become captivated by the outdoor scenes depicted in the photos. The series was titledStepping Outsideand showed many landscapes, buildings, random people, and close-ups of various objects found outside. Her instant favorite was an image of an old porch, which was slightly skewed giving it an otherworldly view. The building had been halfway restored and you could see the old and new; the dilapidated wood and peeling paint in stark contrast to the new boards with shiny nails.
Katie stepped back a little and studied the photograph from afar.
“Fascinating, isn’t it?” said her uncle as he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“It really is, depending on which way you look at it.”
“I’ve read an article about a couple of these photographers and how they get their inspiration. It’s a great exhibit. Unfortunately, they’re only here for a couple of days.”
“I’m glad we didn’t miss it.”
“You okay?” he asked.
“You know the rules. No shoptalk until I’ve seen everything and have a hamburger and chocolate shake in front of me.”
“Of course,” said the sheriff. “C’mon, let’s start over here.” He guided Katie to the far end and they began to work their way around the gallery.
“Okay, spill,”said the sheriff sitting across from his niece at their favorite diner.
“That didn’t take you very long,” said Katie chuckling.
“How was your first week?”
“You read my report, didn’t you?”
“Of course, but I’m asking you.”
“You know, Uncle Wayne, there’s a thin line between asking and interrogating,” she said lightheartedly as the server dropped off a chocolate shake for her and a root beer float for her uncle. She savored the ice-cold drink for a moment before she began, waving a spoonful of whipped cream around to punctuate her point. “I’m beginning to see why no one wants to investigate cold cases.”
“What makes you say that?” he asked.
“There’s many directions you can go. The big question is where exactly to start.”
“Now you see why they arecoldcases.”
“This case bothers me though.”
“Which one?” he asked.
“Amanda Payton’s abduction. There’s something unusual about it,” she said trying to overcome her ice cream headache.
“Do you think she’s telling the truth or trying to cover something up?” The sheriff watched her closely, only taking his eyes off her to quickly glance around the room to make sure no one was listening.
Katie leaned back, taking a break from her ice cream. She was amazed that her uncle was so on top of these old cases. “I’m in agreement with Deputy Windham. I think she’s absolutely telling the truth.”
