Page 64 of Her Last Whisper

Damn.

Katie must’ve spooked her.

Readying herself, she knew that her prime directive was to find out more information from Jane Doe, to see if there was actual linkage between her and Amanda’s homicide. As much as she wanted to follow up on this mysterious phone number and message, she had to keep her top priority on Amanda.

The new psychiatric hospital was much different than the last place due to the exceptionally well-tended landscaping and the style of the building. It appeared more like an upscale condominium or vacation spot, except for the chain-link fencing with barbwire along one entire side.

Before Katie exited her vehicle, she quickly ate a protein bar and drank some water. Her stomach had been rumbling, so she needed something to tide her over before she got back home.

Readying herself, she got out of her vehicle and headed to the main entrance. Tucked in her briefcase was a beautiful book about growing and cultivating roses, which she was going to give to Jane Doe.

She couldn’t help but remember the message that waited for her when she left the previous psychiatric hospital. Would that person leave another note? Could they have been following her today without her knowing? Katie didn’t think so—she was cautious and watched her mirrors in case anyone was following or showing up in more than one place.

Before she reached the door, she was hit with the most wonderful aroma of blooming flowers: honeysuckle and orange blossoms. The smell of a garden lifted her mood as she pulled open the door and approached the main desk. The setup was different from the last mental health facility—casual and friendly with bright artwork on the walls.

Katie stood at the main desk and announced herself, “Hi, I’m Detective Katie Scott and I called about visiting a new patient here—Jane Doe.” She flashed her badge.

The young receptionist, with extremely long nails, tapped quickly over the keyboard. “I’m sorry, Detective, but no one called you?”

“No, called me for what?”

“Jane Doe isn’t receiving any visitors today.”

“When did this happen?”

The receptionist clicked on another screen and said, “I’m not seeing that information. It just says that there are to be no visitors for her today—and until otherwise noted.”

Katie was disappointed and even a bit aggravated. “Was it ordered by Dr. Trent Smith?”

She shook her head, “No, I don’t see that name.”

“And you can’t give me any more information than that,” Katie said.

“I’m afraid not, Detective. I’m very sorry you drove here for nothing.” She forced a professional smile.

“Can I leave this book for her?”

“I’m sorry, no, hospital policy.”

Katie was going to say something else, but realized it was futile. “Thank you.”

Hurrying to her car, she looked to see if another note had been neatly folded and stuck in her window frame, but there wasn’t one.

Why were they not allowing Jane Doe to see any visitors?

What had changed?

I’m not giving up on you, Jane…

Thirty-Seven

Wednesday 1645 hours

He watched her as she lay motionless on the bed, straining to listen. For what, he didn’t exactly know. It wouldn’t help her escape. No one was within earshot. No one would hear her pathetic screams. She could cry out all she wanted, but no one was going to rescue her.

His interest in her grew weary. She wouldn’t tell him what he wanted to hear, but she was special. There was something deep inside her that she really needed to express—tell someone—but she wouldn’t divulge any of it. She held strong. He could see from the way she squirmed that she thought she could still escape. That was a mistake he’d made before, but he wasn’t ever going to make it again.

As he left the house, he saw the fire again—flames inching out the windows. Smoke everywhere.