Haunting Whispers by V. K. Powell Read Free Book Online

facts, remain objective. Once she had some answers, maybe she could have a personal life.
    As she walked back to her office, Audrey reviewed the dream she’d had and tried to make sense of it. Some of the pieces fit her recent attack and others were like bits of a nightmare. Maybe her mind was simply filling in blanks.
    Her research about amnesia indicated that the memories of her earlier assault were probably still intact, blocked by her defense mechanisms. It also pointed toward partial or complete memory recovery. But it had been so long. Why could she still not remember? She could recite snippets of information provided by others but few of her own recollections. Perhaps she wasn’t suffering from amnesia at all but blocking the dreadful memories. It seemed a cosmic joke. She was so extremely intuitive about other people and situations and so oblivious about herself.
    Maybe the data she gathered from crime analysis would be a starting point. Solving her stun-gun attack might open other doors in her memory and her life. But how could she keep Rae Butler out of her business while she pursued leads? Audrey Everhart fought her own battles and she wasn’t changing—no matter how attractive and compelling the rescuer.
     
    *
     
    After Janet moved out, Rae transformed the vacant sleeping quarters in her condo into a multi-functional space that served as an office, dart room, and alternate gathering space. Tonight she put Stephanie’s favorite beer on ice, set Deb’s Southern Comfort on a side table, and spread Ronni’s preferred cheese and peanut snacks on a platter. Her friends weren’t big drinkers, but they liked to sip and munch while they talked.
    She’d met these three women through their public-service jobs with city-county government over the past five years. They’d become friends and weathered many personal and professional storms. When one of them needed a pep talk, a reality check, or a quick kick in the pants, the others rallied round.
    Her oldest friend, Deb, arrived first, as usual. She liked a few minutes of private time with Rae before the others came. Without a good cover or diversion, Deb would see right through Rae’s celebration ruse.
    “God, I’m glad you called. I haven’t had a day off in two weeks. The entire communications division is going to hell in a hand basket.” Deb gave Rae a full body hug and waggled her pelvis against her in jest. She epitomized the Southern belle, voluptuous body and a drawl that made most men weak. Deb considered the effect a bonus in supervising the men in her unit and an annoyance otherwise, since she dated only women. “I love what you’ve done with the place. Nice spot for your dartboard. Stab anybody lately?”
    “I’m considering it. How about a quick game before the others get here?” Deb looked at her with suspicion. She’d made a tactical error.
    “Okay, what’s going on?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “The last time you asked me to play darts was before you told me Janet was cheating on you. And if I recall, I broke two of your precious spinner thingies and destroyed the wall. You’ve got that woman-trouble look. Who is she?”
    Rae needed at least one beer before she broached the subject of Audrey Everhart. Fortunately, the other two members of the quartet arrived before she was forced to answer Deb’s question.
    Stephanie, a robust butch with basic brown hair and brown eyes, worked as a firefighter. Her partner, Ronni, a gorgeously androgynous EMT, sported wavy black hair and dark-gray eyes. They were an unusual couple, but their relationship had lasted three years so far and showed no signs of trouble. They acted like teenagers in heat.
    “What took you two so damn long? Stop for a quickie? I’m dying for a Southern Comfort.” Deb gave each woman a hug and impatiently tonged ice into her glass.
    “Nah, I took care of her while she drove,” Steph answered. “Pass me a beer, Deb.”
    “Do we always have to start with sex?” Rae