Grave whispers have led me to where I never wanted to go. Now what I see - I will never forget

I still get remnants of that headache just thinking about it. I’m glad we were able to bring Charity peace, but my heart aches for what she suffered. ~Alexa Martin

Grave Whispers

Part Four

The early evening brought hues of reds as the daylight turned into night. Houses stood out along the street. Each house decorated with some variant of Halloween decorations. Kids were seen in groups all dressed up.

Princesses walked next to ninjas, vampires, and witches. The beam of flashlights danced along the darkening sidewalks. Parents’ of the younger ones trailed behind the excited children.

A knock sounded at the door. Alexa lifted a large bowl filled with chocolate onto her hip. She opened the door expecting calls of trick or treat. The surprise registered on her face when Officer Morgan’s smiling face met her own.

“If I say trick or treat do I get a piece?” Morgan asked. His words filled with a teasing lilt.

“Nope, you aren’t wearing a costume.” Alexa giggled, stepping back to allow him entrance.

“Sure I did. I came dressed as a handsome date.” He pressed down his silk tie. Alexa laughed harder as she picked up her clutch-purse and black wrap.

“Well then, help yourself.” Alexa’s eyes twinkled. Morgan removed a Snickers from the bowl, unwrapping it instantly. He’d loved the candy bar since he was a kid. The way the caramel and chocolate worked together.

“Thank you.” Morgan spoke around the mouthful of candy. Alexa shook her head, grabbing the set of keys off the coffee table.

“Didn’t your mama ever teach you not to eat candy before dinner, much less not to talk with your mouth full?” She began turning off all the lights, except a small lamp by the door.

“Yes, Ma’am, but even she’d tell you I’m as hard headed as they come.” Morgan chuckled lightly.

“I would never have guessed, Officer Morgan.” Alexa grinned, following him out of the door. She turned back to lock the front door making sure her aunt’s house was secure.

“Please, it’s just Jason. I left Officer Morgan at home with my badge.” His grin brought out his dimples. Alexa smiled in return, unable to help herself. She realized then this was the first time she had actually heard his first name.

“Where are we going for this celebration dinner?” Alexa tucked the keys into her purse. Jason placed his hand on her lower back, escorting her toward the black SUV in the driveway.

“I’m taking you to one of the best restaurants in town.” Jason smiled helping her into the passenger side, before climbing behind the wheel. Alexa felt her skin tingle where his hand had been. The fiber of her dress didn’t even provide much barricade from the heat that was Officer Jason Morgan.

“So – from the excitement in your voice earlier, I’m going with you all got all the evidence you needed.” Alexa turned slightly in her seat to watch his face. The way the business and streetlights played across his angular features kept her mesmerized. Heat rolled through her body as she finally took the time to really look at the man she’d been working with for the week. Even if she was determined to keep away from men, she could appreciate that this man was a fine specimen to look at.

“You’re staring at me.” Jason lightly teased. He could almost feel the heat that flushed up to her cheeks. The rustling of fabric let him know she’d moved, her eyes no longer on his face. A part of him ached at the sudden change.

“Did you all get the evidence?” Alexa repeated more guarded now. She clung to her clutch trying to get a grip on her emotions.

“Yes, thanks to you. After they dug up the bodies, there was enough evidence under her nails to point at the thugs. The thugs turned over, giving us Braxton. The gun he was carrying at the time matched the ballistics on the bullet. It all came together far neater and tidier than other cases I’ve had. I really don’t think they planned on getting caught, or they would have covered their tracks better.” Jason stated, turning off the main road that ran the length of the town.

“I don’t think so either. What happened to the baby?” Alexa darted a glance back over at Jason.

“He now lives with Charity’s parents. They are looking at adopting him.” Jason smiled softly. Alexa nodded her approval. She watched as Jason parked the car, coming over to her side to help her out. A quick movement ensured the material of her dress was where it needed to be. She smiled at Jason. He held doors open for her, escorting her with a gentle hand on her lower back. It shocked Alexa that men still did that, having been years since any other man had even asked her out.

The restaurant lit by romantic candles, strings of soft white light lay in plants around the eating area. They followed the host back to a table in the corner. Jason held her chair for her, before taking his own.

“Wow, this place is gorgeous.” Alexa looked around. Her eyes twinkled more with the environment. They talked over anything and everything while enjoying the delicious food and white wine.

“Let’s have a toast.” Jason raised his wine glass. Alexa lifted hers to meet his.

“To ultimately finding a love worth dying for.” She smiled, lightly tapping their glasses together. In that moment Jason saw hope, dreams, but more importantly passion residing in her emerald green eyes.

If you missed any parts you can find them here:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Thank you all for joining me on the blog run. I hope you enjoyed the first case file of Alexa Martin’s.

Happy Halloween, Blessed Samhain, one and all!

Cries from beyond the grave whispering in my ear. Can I help them find restitution? Who could do something so vile?

I hope you’re enjoying the story. It’s quickly coming to an end, only two more installments. ~Alexa Martin © 2012 Misty Harvey

Grave Whispers

Part Three

The smell was horrendous, a combination between used gym socks and moldy fall leaves. It was all trickling into Alexa’s subconscious. Her arms flailed about to be rid of the scent. The blackness fading into the background as her eyelids lifted.

“Well, welcome back, Sleeping Beauty.” Officer Morgan spoke. His voice matched the sneer on his face.

“That is disgusting. Get it away from my nose.” She growled between clenched teeth. A shift of her head sent white light stabbing behind her eyes. A groan escaping her lips.

“You took a nasty spill down the hill, hitting your head.” Officer Morgan’s face softened at her obvious pain. He leaned farther over her body to examine that his original conclusion had been correct. Her pupils weren’t dilated, but she would definitely have one excruciating headache to deal with.

“You’re in my space.” Alexa placed her hands on his chest trying to push him away. The bulky jacket did nothing to disguise his hard muscles below, sending a heat creeping through her body.

“I’m just making sure that rock you landed on didn’t do more damage than I thought.” Officer Morgan ignored her shoving. He continued to wave a finger in front of her eyes. Their movement followed along closely.

“Yet, I can feel evidence that says otherwise pressing into my hip. This is no time to let your hormones grow out of control.” She shoved harder sending him falling onto his back. Her movements were jerky, but she managed to stand up. It just took her a few minutes to get the forest to stop heaving and hoeing in front of her eyes.

Strong hands reached out to steady her shoulders. Her body rocked as if she stood on the bow of a boat. The quick movements and piercing pain behind her eye left her weak. She gave into the nauseating feeling and leaned back.

Glad to have such a strong man behind her, she rested, keeping her eyes closed to the images. Alexa sucked in deep breaths trying to overcome the sickness. His cologne was more pungent at such a close distance. The heat boiled harder inside of her. She fought harder to get control so she could move to a safe distance from him.

“That wasn’t what you thought it was.” Officer Morgan’s heated breath tickled the wisps of hair on her forehead. “What you felt was my gun.”

“Your gun?”  The words were a slight whisper. Concern welled up inside of Morgan.

“Yes, I keep it in a holster on my hip.” Morgan stated. “Obviously you have a thing for portraying your feelings onto others.” A smirk curved his lips. He knew if anything were going to goad her out of this damsel in distress thing, it would be that statement. No longer could he stand there and hold such a pixie without his true feelings becoming more obvious.

He could feel the need to protect her consuming his thoughts. The last thing he needed was some injured crazy woman in his life. She would get in his way of becoming the next chief, and those were plans he didn’t plan on sacrificing for anyone.

“Portraying my feelings?” Alexa bellowed. Her whole body had gone rigid in seconds. She whirled around on him, shoving her long finger into his chest. “Portraying my feelings? I don’t know who or what you think you are, but God’s gift to women isn’t it.” Her lips curled back from her teeth.

“Some psychic you are if you don’t know who I am.” The smirk deepened, bringing out the dimples embedded in his cheeks. A sense of fire lit behind her vivid green eyes.

“You…you…” Alexa threw up her hands in frustration. She rotated around on her heel, letting her anger fuel her actions. Alexa looked around the forest. She closed her mind to everything, opening something inside of her, ready to work again.

“Are you picking up anything?” Morgan asked, choosing to examine the hill they fell down. The flaming pixie at work was a little too alluring and tempting for him. He tested the ground, pressing his booted foot into the soil, only to have it slide back down once his weight was on it.

“I’m trying to work over here.” Alexa huffed. She worried her bottom lip. The air was still, any trace of Charity that had passed through here wasn’t coming easily to her. She took a few steps forward, placing her hand on a tree. Her body jerked as images pulled her along.

The three of them were there, covered in mud. Scratches and torn clothes bore to the world as they were catching their breaths. Both teenagers looked back at the hill. Their eyes reflected horror and panic. The male turned Charity around and egged her to keep running. Soon they were darting through the forest once again.

Alexa was hot on their trail, the image bringing about a sense of urgency. She slid in the leaves, bumping into a tree as the images halted and turned around. Behind them sat a sheer drop. They had come to the end of the line. The only option left to face what had been chasing them.

She could see Charity shaking her head, her mouth moving quickly, words of begging broken through the chattering of her teeth. Her hands clutched tighter to the tiny bundle in her arms. Their heads jerked around as three men stepped into the small clearing.

They had automatically fallen into a v-shape. The male at the head looking darker than anyone Alexa had ever seen. Something seemed oddly familiar about the male in charge. She turned back to the small family. Charity now cowered behind the man with her.

It wasn’t so much Charity that drew her attention, but the male in front of her. The same dark look stared across the expanse. Alexa turned her head back and forth. The image was suddenly very clear. The father of Charity’s baby was an identical twin. As if someone had turned on the volume button, suddenly sound filled Alexa’s head. She was now a silent spectator at what she believed was Charity’s last moments.

“You shouldn’t have run.” The twin hissed. A gun glinted in his right hand. “We warned you, Kip. If you two had just given the child up. We could have made this so much easier. You could have finished school and taken over father’s business, but no you quit. You wanted the child more.” The anger tainted every word. His eyes grew darker.

“It’s not like that, Braxton. You and I both know that. I had to quit school. I needed to find a job, besides I never wanted to run the business.” He kept his body as a protective wall in front of Charity and the baby.

“See and that is our problem.” Braxton growled. “You know once you are born into this family, you never leave. You take your spot in the mob business, and you never question it.”

“I’m not like that.” Kip watched his twin closely. “I don’t want to be a killer.”

“Kill or be killed.” The sound of the gunshot rang in Alexa’s ears. She gripped at her head, collapsing to the ground. Alexa placed more focus into what she was seeing, needing to see the story out.

“What do you want us to do with her, Boss?” One of the thugs nodded to Charity. The group moved up to her, both thugs holding her back as Braxton took the baby.

“Finish her off and dispose of the bodies.” Braxton stated, holding the baby in his left arm. “I have other things to finish up, and it’s not too early to teach this one the proper way to be a Guetera.” His image faded into the line of trees, so Alexa put her focus into the thugs. She didn’t want to watch any more, but knew the key to finding their bodies lay in this last scene.

If you’re just joining us, you can find the other parts here:

Part One

Part Two

Grave Whispers Part 2

Welcome back my faithful readers. We ended last week with that uncomfortable car ride. I had always heard police were uptight, but Officer Morgan takes the cake. Here is the next piece to the puzzle. Please enjoy ~Alexa Martin © 2012 Misty Harvey

Grave Whispers

Part Two

By Misty Harvey

The house was a dilapidated structure on the riverbed. It looked abandoned. Morgan had reassured her that the missing girl had lived here with her boyfriend for a few weeks. She’d ran away from home after a fight with her father.

“The boyfriend has already passed the alibi check.” Morgan stated. The look on Alexa’s face said it all. She truly doubted how he could have passed an alibi check. This house would have been a great place for the murder to occur. It was hundreds of miles from the town. The river surrounded by miles of forest on either side. The house looked like the perfect hideout. It would be completely undetected from the gravel road or any hikers.

“It looks…unoccupied.” Alexa sighed. She slid out of the car, pulling her white t-shirt down over the waist of her jeans. The air was cool and crisp in the fall weather. Fallen leaves coated the ground at their feet. The brilliant hues of reds, oranges, and yellows were almost photo perfect. It appeared as if no one had treaded there since the falling of leaves had begun.

“We’re free to examine this place as much as you need. The boyfriend is staying with his parents. His father preferred to have him at home while the investigation continued.” Morgan tucked his hands into the pockets of his slacks and leaned against the hood of the car. He was watching Alexa closely.

“His father is a shark. If you want to hire the best attorney, you hire Joshua Hebrew.” Alexa nodded curtly. The dry leaves crunched under her feet. Each step brought her closer to the shack. She squinted, her eyes looking out into the trees. Her gaze taking in the moss covered tree trunks. Broken branches and fallen trees lay scattered on the forest bed.

“What are you looking for?” Morgan questioned. Alexa shrugged.

“Admiring the area.” She bent down, removing the black leather-driving glove. Her long fingers snaked through the leaves to touch the dirt below.

“Shouldn’t you be doing your hoodoo voodoo crap to help us find the girl? I didn’t bring you out here to site see.” Morgan grumbled. He wished he was back in the office doing real police work.

“You make it very difficult to concentrate.” Alexa looked back at him over her shoulder. “Now pipe down.” She closed her eyes, focusing back on the land around them. Her eyes flew open, but were vacant. The images playing in her head holding her attention.

Morgan stood up abruptly when Alexa did. He stepped closer trying to make as little sound as possible. The look of concentration on Alexa’s face told him she wouldn’t appreciate being interrupted again. He followed her movements as she clambered her way toward the house.

Alexa wiped the dirt off onto her jeans. She maneuvered the broken wooden steps onto the front porch. The second glove came off with a gentle yank, placing them into the pocket of her jacket. Images flowed like a film reel. Details slowly coming into focus the more concentration Alexa put into them. Somehow, she slowed them down so she could pay attention to them as it drew closer to the time of the girl’s disappearance.

A girl sat on the front porch tears streaming down her face. She looked up as the gravel shifted under wheels on a car. Her hands were quick to remove the tears from her cheek. A forced smile tilted her thin lips. The young male exited the car rushing over to her. He was checking her over, the concern written all over his face. The embrace was genuine as he held the missing girl.

Alexa shook her head to clear the images. She turned to ask Morgan a question, startling when he was right behind her. His large hands were on her shoulders.

“Are you alright?” Morgan asked. His brow was furrowed, and his lips drawn tight.

“Yes.” Alexa stepped back out of his hands. Morgan looked the slight woman over for some sign of reassurance. He reached into the inside pocket of his uniform coat. His large hand came away with a travel pack of tissues. Morgan handed Alexa a tissue. His intense brown eyes took in her every move.

“You were shaking and crying. I tried to talk to you, but you didn’t respond.” Morgan’s voice was deeper than before.

“Sorry, what I saw…” Alexa wiped at her eyes and cheeks with the tissue. “What I felt…” She shook her head again. “She was upset and scared. It all sort of cuts off after that.” Her face tightened, giving away a puzzled expression.

“Cuts off? What does that mean?” Morgan asked, growing more confused. Alexa sighed, shrugging.

“I don’t think they stayed here after that day. I think whatever upset her…they may have ran, stayed somewhere else.” Alexa’s nose wrinkled up. She tilted her head up to look into Morgan’s eyes. “She was really upset – frightened. I felt it all like it was happening to me.”

“Does that happen often?” Morgan tucked his hands back into his slacks. He received another shrug.

“Depends on how intense the feelings are or how focused I am on it.” Alexa took a step. She wanted to escape the overwhelming feelings attached to that scene. Her legs wobbled. Morgan steadied her, by holding onto her elbows.

“Do you need to sit for a moment?”

“I’ll be alright in a minute.” Alexa sighed. She allowed Morgan to help her to the vehicle. Once she sat in the passenger side, her mind was able to concentrate on other things. Her gaze ran over the surrounding forest. There between two trees stood a woman. She was watching them intently.

The trees rushed by her, the wind nipping at her heels. Alexa’s feet crunched through the fallen leaves as low branches scratched at her exposed skin. She didn’t remember climbing out of the car, but there she was running after the girl. The girl was clutching something close to her chest as a man ran next to her. They stopped to look back in the direction they just came. Both of their faces told of the fright.

Alexa tried to stop in time, but the ground was slick from the rain earlier in the day. Her legs and arms flailed about right before she slid through the couple she’d been running after. A squeak ripping through the air as her body tumbled down a deep embankment. She bumped and rolled, as the hill grew steeper. The moments it took to reach the bottom seemed to last a lifetime.

Her tense body hit the bottom of the hill with a final thud. Her muscles relaxed as she slid into unconsciousness. The rock beneath her head slowly traced with a line of blood. The larger body landed briefly on top of hers before rolling next to her. Morgan groaned before he joined her in the blackness of their unconscious.

If you missed the first part, you can find it here:

Grave Whispers Part One

Grave Whispers

Thank you all for joining me. Remember this short story is completely a first draft. I would like to thank Cathy and the other Storytime Trysts for allowing me to join them for this fantastic Octoberfest run. Please enjoy. © 2012 Misty Harvey

Welcome, my name is Alexa Martin. This is a recollection of the first time I worked with the police on a case. I hope you enjoy the journey.  ~Alexa Martin

Case # 01

Grave Whispers

Part One

By Misty Harvey

The police station was a buzz of activity. Every officer and detective was working that day. They had a tip line in place as five volunteers began taking calls. It was the biggest case that Landow County had ever seen.

The whole community had rallied together for search parties, support, and volunteers for the tip line. Everyone was in shock and awe over the disappearance of a new teenage mother.

She’d been on the cheerleading squad, class president, and an avid volunteer at the hospital. Her life had been picture perfect. That was the main problem; the cops couldn’t find any real reason why a week before Halloween Charity had turned up missing.

Every alibi was checking out, and time was running out. The chances of finding her alive were growing slimmer by the hour. Hope was dwindling in the family and community.

Officer James Morgan paced the small confines of the chief’s office. His body was stiff with frustration. The dark circles under his eyes a sure sign it had been days since he’d actually slept. He threw up his arms.

“We are running out of options, Morgan.” Chief Winters stated.

“The tip line is going off every few seconds. Surely there is something there that will lead us to this girl.” Morgan turned to face his boss.

“We have officers checking out everyone of them, but so far they have turned up empty.” The Chief ran his hand over his own sleepless face. “The family has requested we use her service.”

“This is insane.” Morgan tucked his fingertips into his pockets to keep from punching something.

“I’m not any more thrilled about it than you are, but they are growing increasingly frustrated at our lack of leads. I’m sorry, Morgan, my hands are tied on this one.” The Chief bowed his head back over the stack of papers. It was obviously a sign of dismissal if Morgan had ever seen one.

“So that is it then? I have to cater to some crackpot while trying to do real police work. This supposed psychic better just stay out of my way.” Morgan turned on his heel and slammed out of the office. The shaking glass in the frames brought about the eyes of every person occupying the station. He glared back at them, until everyone turned back to their work.

Morgan shoved his fists into his pockets turning toward his own office. The buzz of chatter around him became a dull throb as he closed the door behind him. He went to move for his desk halting in his steps.

A petite woman sat in the chair across from him. She slowly turned toward him, her wild red curls falling along her back. Large green eyes watched him, and the color reminded him of rolling Ireland hills. The speckling of freckles along the bridge of her nose and cheekbones drew his attention farther into the green depths.

“Officer Morgan, I assume.” The tiny creature stood up, setting her purse down in the chair she had just occupied.

“That depends on who is asking.” Morgan saw her extend her hand. The woman gave him a slight smile, a twinkle dancing in her eye. If he were to describe this woman later to his drinking friends, he’d call her a pixie.

“I’m Alexa Martin. I inquired about you at the desk, but they let me into your office. I hope you’re not terribly upset.” Her voice danced along like some sort of siren’s call. Morgan shook his head once sharply to bring his thoughts back into focus.

“I’m sorry, the name doesn’t ring a bell.” He held out his hand, her fragile one dwarfed in his. He shook it politely making sure not to dislodge her shoulder.

“Maybe not by name, but I assure you, you have heard of me.” Her smile took on a more mischievous look. Morgan raised an eyebrow at Alexa waiting for her to continue.

“Oh?” He gently released her hand.

“I’m the psychic you had so many loving words to say about.” Alexa nodded toward the connecting wall between offices. Morgan felt his skin heat just under the collar of his dress shirt.

“Yes, I will not apologize for my non-belief in what you do, but I shall try to refrain from further commenting.” Morgan moved to his desk, leaning on the corner. He waved his hand at the chair for her to sit once again. Alexa gracefully poised her frame on the edge of the seat.

“I can help.” Alexa tucked her purse back into her lap.

“Okay, and what is it that you do exactly? Use cards, look into crystal balls…?” He trailed off, crossing his arms over his chest. Alexa’s smile lit the room, a genuine show of her amusement by the conversation.

“Not quite. I’m a touch sensitive, and a medium.” Alexa saw the confusion on his face. “I can usually tell you about a person by touching something that belonged to them.”

“Oh goody.” Morgan grumbled. “So how do you intent to help for the search of the missing girl?”

“I’ll need to go to where she was last seen or where she lives.” Alexa stood up, pulling the purse strap over her arm. “I’m ready to begin.”

“So you expect me to chaperone you around town so you can touch everything?” Morgan pushed himself to a stand. “Look, I appreciate you coming forward and offering your assistance, but I assure you that the police have this covered.” He tried to dismiss her.

“Officer Morgan, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. It is your choice.” Alexa crossed her arms over her chest. Her lips pursed together in a hard line. Morgan looked at the door, stood, and pulled out the keys to his undercover car.

“Ladies first.” Morgan held his arm out to the door, indicating that he’d follow. He waited only moments for her to have her back to him, before grumbling to himself. The office came to a silence as Morgan walked behind Alexa out of the station. He could almost imagine the deafening rumble they would all be in wondering about the new woman.

Morgan led her to the black sedan, unlocking the doors before climbing behind the wheel. If she thought he was going to open her door for her, she had another thing coming. He was the one stuck with the crackpot, not the other way around. The cold smile he gave her once she climbed in was sure to let her know how unhappy he was. He turned over the engine and began the long drive on the winding roads.