Shadows Within (The Dark Mind Trilogy Book 2) Read online

  Cole's head hung in unwilling acceptance. “I'm never going to let it take over me again. I want to learn about it only so I never have to deal with it again.”

  “I won't fight you on this now but it has power, that whether you want to accept it or not, you will need to utilize. The most important part is to be able to allow them to control your body while keeping a piece of your consciousness intact. If you don't learn to control them properly, they may take control of your body and your mind without any way for you to get it back. It may sound scary but with my teaching it will never happen. Don't worry. We'll start tomorrow. Good night.” She stood and planted a kiss on Cole's forehead. “Love you.”

  “Night.” Cole remained in his seat for a few minutes after his mom left, trying to grasp her words. How could he ever recover from killing his psychologist, who was never anything but kind and caring? What kind of dark secrets did his mom keep from the world? Who were the people she killed? Why did she have to do it? At the same time he that he desperately wanted the answers, he wasn't sure he would ever have the nerve to ask. He also wasn't sure he wanted to know the answers. He already couldn't look at his mother the way he used to, but how much worse would it get if he knew all her secrets? At the very least, he told himself as he returned to the library to go to sleep, it comforted him a little knowing his mother more than shared his burden and she seemed to get through it all right. Maybe one day he would sleep through the night. Not soon, though, he knew. Not soon enough.

  “Why are you always so tired lately?” John asked at lunch the next day.

  “I don't know. Must have insomnia,” Cole said with a yawn. The one thing that had improved in his life was his relationship with Amy's friend Martin and his friends. They had begun to talk casually every day at lunch and Cole was actually starting to enjoy their company. He had finally learned all their names and regularly found a place in their conversations.

  “You been keeping him up all night?” Martin said to Amy with a wink.

  Cole blushed as he concentrated on his sandwich.

  “Good one.” Amy rolled her eyes. “So does anyone wanna do anything fun for the last week of school?”

  “Actually, I meant to bring that up yesterday, but something distracted me,” Martin said, casting a sly glance at Cole. “I'm going to have kind of an end of year sleepover party for anyone who wants to come.”

  “Sleepover party? Isn't that for girls?” Amy said with a smirk.

  “Well, if you think you're going to do anyone's hair, then please don't come,” Martin said. “My parents won't be there for most of the night so it'll be kickass. This Friday night.”

  “House party with no parents?” Ryan said. “I'm in.”

  Cole looked to Amy and was surprised to find her staring at him, eyes shining.

  “You think we can go?” she said.

  “Um, probably. We'll ask later.” He wasn't sure why but there was a strange tightness in his muscles and a hope that something would prevent them from going.

  Without anymore more tests, the teachers were going over subjects that they considered fun or that interested them. Even Mrs. Taylor, usually so work-oriented, was using the last week of history class to teach film, a hobby of hers. It was probably Cole's favorite history classes he had ever had. As a huge understatement, he was thankful to be finished with history for the year. It had never been his strong suit and he had managed to get through the final exams with grades that were high enough to keep Mrs. Taylor off his case.

  After the final bell, Cole raced outside to his mom's waiting car.

  “Hey Cole, Amy,” Meredith said through the open window.

  Confused, Cole turned around to see Amy directly behind him. “Whoa, you snuck up on me.”

  “Yeah, I'm good like that,” Amy said as they climbed into the car.

  “We're going to visit Mr. and Mrs. Williams today,” Meredith said to him. “Wanna tag along?”

  Cole caught the look Amy gave him from the backseat. “Yeah, I'll come,” he said, facing forward and pulling on his seat belt.

  “Great. I was hoping you'd say that. They're waiting for us right now.”

  “So, is school as much of a joke for you as it is for me?” Amy said as they drove.

  “Well, yeah,” Cole said. “I mean it's the end of the year and all our standardized testing is over. I don't know why we even still have to go.”

  “So taxpayers feel like they're getting their money's worth,” Meredith said jokingly.

  “Well, they're just wasting their money,” Cole said. “It would be better for everyone if we could end early.”

  “Parents need as short a summer as possible,” Meredith said. “Imagine if kids were home with nothing to do for even longer. The horrors.”

  “Thanks mom,” Cole said, laughing.

  “Well, most parents. God knows I would have no problem with you being around every day.”

  They pulled up in front of the Williams house, a fair-sized green house with white shutters and a flowery front lawn. Mr. and Mrs. Williams opened the door to greet them as they strode up the path.

  “So nice to see you all!” Mrs. Williams exclaimed with a big smile on her face. She was dressed in white slacks and a blue shirt and her shoulder-length black hair was trimmed into short bangs in front. “Come on in.”

  All but Cole exchanged greetings as Mrs. Williams ushered them in through the front door.

  “Sit, sit, please,” Mrs. Williams said, gesturing to the many seats in the living room. “What can I get you all to drink? A snack maybe?”

  “No, thanks,” Amy and Meredith said.

  “No, no I insist,” Mrs. Williams said. “Orange juice, Sprite, water, ginger ale? What'll it be?”

  “Um, I'll have ginger ale, thanks,” Amy said.

  “Water for me, thanks,” Meredith said.

  Mrs. Williams turned to Cole expectantly.

  “Sprite,” he said at last.

  “Be back in a jiffy,” Mrs. Williams said.

  Cole caught Amy's eye with a look that said, Are you kidding me? Amy returned it with a smile and a shrug.

  While they waited, Cole absorbed the room, taking in the old-fashioned cream-colored billowy curtains, the multicolored Persian rug, the cream plush couches. It was nice, Cole admitted, but it certainly was tailored for old people. Mrs. Williams looked to be only in her forties, but her style suggested otherwise.

  “Hello, everyone, welcome.”

  Cole shifted his gaze towards the voice of Mr. Williams. From a single glance, one would immediately get the sense of his intelligent, reserved demeanor. He was balding, but his remaining gray hair was neatly combed over his small, circular glasses. He was wearing a plaid sweater vest on top of a blue button-down and gray slacks. Something about his presence instilled in Cole a sense of confidence and respect.

  “You must be Cole,” Mr. Williams said, peering through his thick frames and holding out his hand.

  Cole jumped to his feet and shook the offered hand. “Yes, nice to meet you,” he said.

  “Amy,” Mr. Williams said with a nod in her direction. His voice was soft, serene. “Nice to see you. And Meredith. A pleasure.”

  Meredith shook his hand. “So nice to meet you. It was very generous of you to offer your home to Amy. We couldn't be more grateful. It's rare that someone is looking to take in a teenager.”

  Mr. Williams nodded slightly. “Yes, well, my wife and I have always wanted children but at this point in our lives, we were not up to the task of starting with a baby. And Amy impressed us from the moment we met.”

  “She's a darling,” Meredith said. “We are sad to see her go but I'm sure she'll make a bright new spot in your home.”

  “Most certainly.”

  Mrs. Williams returned, carrying the three drinks on a small serving plate. “Your drinks, nice and cold,” she said, handing them out. When she was finished, she took a seat. “So let's get to know each other better. Cole, are you looking forward to the summ
er?”

  “Of course,” Cole said. “Everyone does.”

  “So true,” Mrs. Williams said cheerily, but he noticed Mr. Williams did not appreciate his answer quite as much. “Meredith, I was so sorry to hear about your house. Will you be able to move back in eventually?”

  “Yes, actually,” Meredith said. “The estimates are more hopeful than we heard at first. Much of it is covered by insurance and they say the damage is extensive but not irreparable. They approximate we can move back in in four months.”

  “That's wonderful, under the circumstances, of course. I wish you the best, and anything we can do to help just let us know. Do you have any questions for me?”

  Mrs. Williams' chatter comprised the bulk of the rest of the conversation. Mr. Williams said little, but listened intently to every word that was said. Cole was having a difficult time accepting Mrs. Williams, but the longer he sat there, the more he was convinced that Amy had to move on with her life. He had to let her go, and better here than most places. If she were enthusiastic about them so be it, since that was what really mattered. At length, they wrapped up, as Meredith needed to get home to prepare dinner. They said their goodbyes and left.

  When they were safely out of earshot, Cole said, “I guess they're all right by me.”

  Amy stopped and gave him a tight hug. “Thanks, Cole.” She tried to hide it, but Cole could see the appreciation in the sidelong glances she kept throwing him that day.

  Shortly after dinner, the doorbell rang. From the library, Cole and Amy put their conversation on hold so they could listen while Beth answered the door.

  “Can I help you?” they heard her say.

  “Hello, my name is Leonard Roberts,” a man said. “I'm a private investigator. May I come in? I have a few questions.”

  3

  Cole froze, feeling a lump in his throat. His mother had warned this moment was coming. She had prepared him for it, but now that it had come he wasn't so sure he could follow her instructions. What if I mess up and say something that doesn't add up? What if it sounds as rehearsed as it is? I don't know if I can do this.

  “Do you think they have more questions about... that night?” Amy said. “Are they really going to beat us over the head about it? I think we told them everything we could.”

  Yes, it's about that night but not the part you're thinking of. “Who knows? Let's just stay in here and maybe we won't have to talk to him.” Please.

  “Agreed,” Amy said. “So, what were we talking about?”

  “Um, the Williams?” He was doing his best to ignore the sound of footsteps and voices as his aunt and the investigator walked through the house.

  Amy laughed. “Of course. How could I forget that?”

  “Maybe you're not as thrilled about them as you think?”

  “Cole.” Amy crossed her arms, no longer joking. She opened her mouth to reprimand him when there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” she said.

  Aunt Beth poked her head through the door. “Kids? There's someone who wants to talk to you. Can you come into the living room for a minute?”

  Amy sighed and followed but Cole hung back, too afraid to move. When Amy realized he wasn't behind her, she turned back. “Is it that painful to talk about it?”

  Cole shrugged it off. “Nah, I'm fine.”

  Leonard Roberts was not the same person who had questioned them about the incident with Travis and his mother. It was this fact that told Cole what this visit was really about. The worst part was, Cole's mother was out applying for jobs, and would not be there for support.

  Leonard Roberts had taken a seat on the couch and was flipping through a notepad when they entered. He was a heavyset man in an old-fashioned detective hat and coat, with gray stubble on this chin, a small nose and active, gray eyes. Were it not for the fact that he was terrified, Cole would have laughed at the man's appearance. As it was, though, the look of him made Cole even more apprehensive.

  Aunt Beth passed right through the living room to the kitchen. As Cole and Amy took a seat, Leonard Roberts closed his notepad and looked up at them. “Ah, you must be Cole and Amy,” he said, his face remaining stern. “I hope you don't mind if I ask you a few questions. It's nothing to worry about, son.”

  Cole fought a wave a panic that threatened to take control. Do I really look that nervous? Why can't I control my own stupid face? “'m fine,” he mumbled.

  “Don't you know everything you could possibly know already,” Amy said, expressing nothing short of boredom.

  “I believe you are referring to the shooting incident. No that book is closed. I am here for an entirely different matter, a brand new case in fact.”

  Amy leaned forward, her boredom changing to confusion and anxiety. “What do you mean? Nothing has... Wait, is this about Dr. Stern?”

  “Very astute young lady,” Leonard Roberts said, showing a hint of a smile. “I was hired by a Miss Isabelle Stern in regard to her missing aunt. What do you know about Dr. Rita Stern's whereabouts recently?”

  “Well ever since... that night she just up and disappeared. Mrs. Sicarius said she couldn't get a hold of her.”

  “Yes, now, you see,” he said, scribbling in his notepad, “that's just the thing. She has disappeared. No one has heard from her. And since you were some of the last people to see her, I figured you may know something.”

  “Um, no, I guess I just assumed she'd gone away or something,” Amy said. “I hope she's okay.”

  No longer able to contain his curiosity and wanting to guide the conversation, Cole spoke up. “What did you find out so far?” Leonard Roberts swept his eyes up and down Cole, and he immediately regretted speaking. Was that too obvious? He can't possibly know anything, can he?

  Leonard Roberts cleared his throat. “Not much. We inspected her house and it looked like some of her things were missing, as if she had hurriedly packed for a vacation.”

  “Then isn't it likely that she did? Take a vacation?” Amy said, stealing the practiced words right out of Cole's mouth, relieving Cole that he did not have to say them.

  “Possibly,” Leonard Roberts said, furrowing his brow. “But she told no one. She didn't cancel her appointments, none of her family have heard from her. It's odd. Odd enough that they called me.”

  “I wouldn't be surprised,” Cole said, the words he'd recited a dozen times rolling off his tongue with unexpected ease. “I mean, that night was really scary. She probably just had to get away.” He silently applauded his mother's choice of the words “really scary” to make him sound more like an innocent little child.

  “I would like to believe that,” Leonard Roberts said, “but until I find her, I have a job to do. Was there anything at all that she said to you that could hint at where she might have gone or what might have happened? Was she nervous about anything? Did she mention anything unusual?”

  Cole tipped his head upwards, as if deep in thought.

  “I can't think of anything weird,” Amy said. “I mean she was shaken but that's normal considering what happened.”

  “Actually,” Cole started, drawing Mr. Robert's sudden interest, “she did say she was afraid of the consequences. You know, for hitting someone with her car.”

  Amy gave him a strange look but remained silent.

  “Is that so?” Leonard Roberts said, scribbling again. “Anything else?”

  Cole and Amy shook their heads and Leonard Roberts got to his feet as Aunt Beth returned from the kitchen.

  “Everything going okay in here?” Aunt Beth said, drying her hands on her pants.

  “Yes, we had just finished up,” Leonard Roberts said. “Thank you for your time. And if you think of anything else, give me a call.” He handed Beth his card and let himself out.

  “I always said that doctor was a nutcase,” Aunt Beth muttered to herself, stuffing the card in her pocket, and returned to the kitchen.

  Amy and Cole withdrew to the library. “Do you seriously think Dr. Stern would be running from the law? She did no
thing wrong.”

  “I doubt it,” Cole said, “but he asked if she had said anything. She did say that.”

  “This is just so weird.” She flopped into a chair and stared out the window. “Will craziness ever stop following me?”

  Cole came up behind her, laying his hands on her shoulders. “Maybe it's not you it follows.”

  Amy tilted her head back to look up at Cole. “I was just saying that out of exasperation. Don't get all superstitious on me.”

  Cole moved away from the chair to lean against the wall and closed his eyes. “You know as well as I that it's not superstition.”

  “It is now. The game is over, isn't it?”

  “Yeah, that's true. I guess since I've been living with it for so long, I forget sometimes.” He forced a weak smile.

  “Whatever, I'm sure Dr. Stern is fine.”

  “Yep.” The sickening lump in his throat had returned. “Hey, so the Williams are the ones you think?”

  Amy smiled. “So does that mean you still approve of them?”

  “Yeah, I guess so.” The sound of the front door drew their attentions. “Oh, that must be Mom!”

  He ran out to greet her, Amy at his heels. Meredith was removing her shoes when they entered, looking weary but unusually happy.

  “Hi, Mrs. Sicarius,” Amy said.

  “Hi, kids. Have a good day?” she said, slightly out of breath.

  Aunt Beth entered behind them. “You just missed him. A Leonard Roberts came here today. The one you talked to on the phone. Asked the kids a few questions.”

  “Today?!” She glanced at Cole in alarm, but his calm expression relieved her own. “He said he wouldn't be coming til tomorrow. I take it went okay?”

  “Why wouldn't it?” Amy said, confused.

  “Yeah, it was no problem,” Cole said.

  “All right, I'm going to have a quick dinner, and then, Cole, I want to speak to you,” Meredith said. “Right now I'm starving.” She hurried into the kitchen.