Pay Attention

Prologue

The sirens stopped in mid wail, leaving behind an eerie silence. Muted flashes of red and blue continued to flicker like strobe lights across the dozen or so vehicles strewn across the road. They were parked pell-mell in the brush where a group of search and rescue workers milled solemnly around the scene under a canopy of dark, billowing clouds.

Arnold Baker dug the toe of his work boot into the damp soil and shoved his hands into the pockets of his battered sheep skin coat. Raising an arm, he signaled to the tall, slightly bowed figure crawling from behind the wheel, watching and waiting patiently while the newcomer picked his way over the uneven ground.

Arnie. The coroner bobbed his head by way of greeting and the two fell into step as they walked together to the mutilated body.

It looks like maybe we found that missin’ hiker we been lookin’ for, Baker speculated.

Any clue what happened to him?

Looks like he probably fell from the ridge up here. The short, barrel-chested sheriff dipped his balding head toward the edge of the overhang that ended a few feet away. Baker peered up at the coroner from under bushy gray brows and added, S and R had a time pullin’ him up from the bottom of the ravine. He was wedged in pretty tight down there and the critters’ve had a go at him, so you just might have a rough go figurin’ out exactly what killed him.

If I didn’t know you better Sheriff, I’d say that sounded like a challenge, Sam Kaufman said light heartedly as he slapped the sheriff on the back. Sam was tall and gaunt, slightly stooped from a life of bending over to avoid knocking his head on every other door frame. The contrast in their appearance and difference in education made the two men an unlikely pair, but early on they had discovered a mutual love of books and the pleasures of fishing that led to a solid friendship. Kneeling down together over the body, they studied the decomposing form. Most of the skin and muscle of the extremities had been torn away, leaving the bones jutting and exposed. Ragged pieces of what appeared to be a faded flannel work shirt were stuck here and there to denim jeans and a tough leather hiking boot still clung to one foot. As with the rest of the body, the boot was almost completely covered with dirt and twigs.

Well, it looks like the wildlife sure has had a hay day, Sam said doubtfully, his brow furrowed as he concentrated on the pathetic form before him. I suppose this poor guy could be your hiker, but I’d say from the looks of it that he’s been dead for more than a few days. Of course, I can’t really say anything for sure until after the autopsy.

Sheriff Baker shrugged and nodded in a maybe-maybe not sort of agreement while he chewed down the end of the toothpick he’d been swilling between his teeth. Waited for his old friend to take in the details of the gruesome cadaver. It wasn’t long before his patience was rewarded with Kaufman’s shocked exclamation.

Jesus H. Christ, Arnie! What in blue blazes happened to his head?

Well now, that’s a good question Sam, but I only know one kind a’ animal that skins the hair off its supper ‘fore he sits down to eat.

*****

Chapter 1

As was typical, Glenn Makula ended up being the last one out of the office at the end of a really long day. More and more they were all becoming long days. Hell, it had been a really long week for that matter, and he planned to go home on this particular Friday evening to a good nights’ sleep.

Glenn could hear Lily’s voice in his head, reminding him that if he didn’t slow down, one of these first times he was going to crash and then he wouldn’t be any good to her or his patients. He smiled and told himself he would make it up to her this weekend with a tour of the valley’s vineyards and a whole day of wine tasting.

Checking to make sure that everything was turned off and the alarm was set before he twisted the key, he gave one last tug on the door. Ducking his head against the misting rain, he made his way down the stairs off the back porch of the old Victorian where he had set up his practice almost two years ago, and started toward the black Jaguar parked just a few feet away. A slight movement caught his attention and, just as he looked up, Joseph Binyon came lumbering around the corner of the house.

What the hell is he doing here? Glenn mumbled under his breath, talking to no one in particular. He had an instinctive dislike for the big ogre and he was always on edge whenever he was forced to meet the man’s cold gaze. He started to open the car door, hoping he could drive away and pretend he hadn’t noticed him, but by then Joseph was in the parking lot. He was obviously agitated, waving and babbling something about the kids needing him right away.

However annoyed or edgy Glenn might be with the father, he would never ignore the needs of the kids and he immediately forgot about trying to pretend he hadn’t noticed him there. It never occurred to Glenn that Joseph’s behavior was completely out of character, his first and only concern being for the kids. All he could hear was the sense of urgency in the other man’s tone and the almost panic stricken expression on his face.

Where are they? Glenn asked and then, without waiting for an answer, added in disgust, I’ll follow you, but we might need an ambulance this time. I don’t care what your convictions are!

Pressing the button to unlock the door, he yanked it open in a fit of temper and was leaning in to throw his medical bag in the backseat when a sudden, overwhelming jolt hit him hard between the shoulder blades. Gasping at the blow, he fell face first across the console. It was as if an electrical shock had robbed him of the ability to move his arms or legs and he struggled as someone folded him like a rag doll into the car. He was beginning to lose consciousness, but still tried to twist away and instead, came face to face with his attacker.

A much younger version of Joseph was leaning over him, shoving him roughly down on the floor.

Carl, you little prick! Glenn snarled the words and was horrified when all that came out was a drunken mumble. Drool rolled out of the side of his mouth and down his chin before he lost consciousness.

What little reality there was came to Glenn like snatches of scenes from a movie, flickering in and out of focus. Partially awake now, he felt himself being jostled around on the floor board of a car. His car. He recognized the feel of the engine slowing and accelerating each time it took another winding turn.

Body rocking with the motion of the vehicle, Glenn fought to regain his senses, but the effort only made him more disoriented until suddenly, he turned his head and vomited on the rough carpet chafing the side of his face. He blacked out for a few minutes and when he came to again, everything was even more unclear. Fragments of voices and wispy impressions flitted here and there through his mind, and then everything slowly faded to black.

*****

Chapter 2

The wind screamed through the night and the rain slashed down, flooding everything in its hostile path. Odd but familiar items floated past as she grabbed for the arm of the sofa, struggling to maintain her balance. The cow patterned lamp shade from her bedroom, several beloved stuffed animals. Even the colorful dream catcher her uncle Chad had given her for her birthday.

Now she was in the bathroom. What a strange place to be in a dream, she thought. On her lap was a black leather case like the one her mom sometimes took with her to work. Working the two small silver locks, though she didn’t have any idea what the combination was, they suddenly popped open, like magic, and she was able to lift the top. She had never seen so much money!

Looking up from the toilet lid where she was seated – and why was she sitting there?- she found herself being scrutinized by the shadowy image of – herself?

No, the girl who stood staring at her was different somehow. She was sad and afraid, the dark circles beneath her eyes betraying her secret despair.

Who are you? She asked, but the young girl just shook her head slowly as if to say, 'you would not want to know.'

The girl looked back over her shoulder, beckoning, reaching her arm out to curl long fingers toward her several times.

She stared back at the girl, puzzled by the eerie encounter, but couldn't bring herself to accept the invitation.

He'll kill you, you know, the girl said quietly. He'll make me kill you.

Claire Tidewell woke feeling confused and a little out of sorts. Then she recalled the dream. Sitting up in bed, her eyes frantically searched the room. It was exactly as she had left it last night. Clothes scattered across the floor, back pack dropped unceremoniously at the foot of the bed, and a packed suitcase standing by the door. Yup, her room was perfectly intact. But most importantly, there was no dim reflection of herself standing by her bed, ready to do her in.

Excitement quickly took over and she bounded out of bed, ready to hit the road. They were going north for the weekend and she couldn’t wait to see the family.

*****

Early Saturday morning, Maeve Tidewell was behind the wheel, headed to the northern part of the state to visit her family for the holiday weekend. Well, if you could really call Halloween a holiday. Madonna blared from the hi-def speakers of the two year old 240SX. The girls sang along, giddy with excitement, bouncing in the back seat where they had both been banned to after the predictable argument over who would get to sit in the front. Maeve figured they must not really mind, since the ongoing dispute inevitably ended with them being banished to the rear where they would have to sit together.

Maeve was used to handling disagreements. Her work with Environmental Impact Relief, a small non-profit concerned with protecting the planet’s natural resources, often required her to call on what few diplomatic skills she had to resolve conflicts between their efforts and the mining community.

Probably she had the kids to thank for the experience she'd gained while trying to resolve their arguments in a civilized manner. That and her pompous director, Walter, who was continually letting Maeve know that her performance was sub-par on some level. Never able to tell her what that level was precisely, he would play with some words, just wanting to make sure she knew how superior he was.

Thank God she had her kids, and her sense of humor, otherwise she'd tell him right where to stuff his superiority and she'd be looking for a job. As if raising two kids on her own wasn't enough of a challenge on the minor salary she earned.

Those very kids were singing to the Beach Boys now, laughing and cracking jokes at each other and making faces at her in the rear view mirror. Maeve laughed out loud when Claire filled her mouth from her water bottle and gargled the words to Wipe Out in perfect tune with the music.

Maeve was still laughing when she picked up her cell phone from the seat next to her. Ola, she said, not bothering to check the caller ID.

Hey my sister, where ya at?

About halfway there. What’s up? Lory wasn’t only Maeve’s younger sister, she was also one of her best friends, and she was excited to see her again.

Nothin’ much. Mom and I were just discussing the all-important lunch plans and we wondered where you wanted to eat when you get here.

Well, let’s see. Unless things have changed a lot up there in the last few months I guess we probably have about two choices.

Lory gave a short laugh, said Call us when you get close and we’ll meet you at the restaurant in the mall. See you in a few, and hung up.

Was that Grandma? Torei, Maeve’s oldest daughter, asked from behind Maeve’s head.

No, it was Aunt Lory. She wanted to know if I’d dumped you off on the side of the road yet.

Ha! Keep dreaming mom, Torei chided back.

Hey Mom, did I tell you about the dream I had last night? Claire had just turned thirteen, and she was a complete joy, most of the time. Maeve’s younger daughter was constantly challenging her parenting skills with her never ending sarcasm and quick wit. Being a single mother wasn’t turning out to be all that bad. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t always perfect, but it was close. Besides, it was better than the alternative, which would mean having to deal with their boob head of a so-called father every day. Maeve counted her blessings that he had moved on to greener pastures.

And that wasn't fair, she chided herself. She couldn't blame Bob for being true to himself and following his dream – which was apparently to be the next Doc Severinsen – but it hurt knowing that he chose his music over her.

Oh, what, did you dream you were a genius or something? Torei shot the comment at her sister, always trying to match wits with Claire. But being the older of the two by sixteen months, she was much more serious and responsible, with a talent for writing and a nearly infallible memory that never ceased to amaze Maeve.

Maeve shook her head and wondered how they could be so different, and yet so much alike. They were the best of friends, even though they liked to throw verbal barbs at each other.

No dork, I dreamed that our house was flooded by a monster storm and we had to move out for a while. And then there was this girl, who looked exactly like me? She said this excitedly, as if waiting for everyone to urge her on, but didn’t wait for their response. And I was sitting on the toilet with a briefcase full of money and she was going to kill me so she could have it!

Torei snorted a laugh and pointed out, How embarrassing. What if you died on the toilet with your pants down? And don’t call me a dork!

Whatever. I got away from her, I don’t know how so don’t ask, but the dream was really weird and real, Claire finished, shaking her head as if she were mystified by the whole thing. And I don’t know what happened to the briefcase full of money either.

And so went the conversation for the next hour and a half until they reached the sage brush covered hills of the little mining town where Maeve and her newly formed family had lived after her mother remarried. She didn’t get to see her mother and sister as often as she would like, and the kids always had a good time when they visited. They adored their grandfather and he adored them, so she humored them all and made the tedious drive through the Colorado mountains as often as possible.

Maeve joined in on the silly chatter, but the light hearted feeling had faded. She couldn’t shake the strange tingling in her body that had started with Claire’s words. She tried to chock it up to the fact that she had never liked living in this remote wilderness, and still didn’t care for it even now. Or maybe it was the sharp wind buffeting the windshield and seeping through the doors that chilled her and had her reaching forward to turn up the heat in the car.

Maeve looked over the landscape as she got nearer to town and noted some new houses strung out like a jagged cattle line through the sparse hills. She had to hand it to the community, it just kept trying to grow no matter how little industry came and went in the passing years.

When she pulled up to the mall, the girls scrambled to get out of the car and jostled each other in an awkward race to see who could get inside the shopping center first.

Wait up! Maeve called out as she jogged along after them in the frigid wind, tucking her head down into the collar of her jacket to keep her neck warm. The mall had only one restaurant. It had started out years ago serving Mexican food, then changed to a burger and barbecue joint, and when that failed some new owners came in with a Chinese buffet that didn’t last long, and now it was back to Mexican again. Maeve laughed to herself, thinking it was funny that you could go to the same restaurant every month and get something different to eat just about every time.

Grandma! The girls called out in unison as they rushed in to get their hugs.

Hey, share the love, Lory complained as she stood up and grabbed Torei for a hug of her own. Maeve noticed right away that her sister had let her hair grow to her shoulders and wore the thick, strawberry blonde waves in a loose, casual style. Maeve coveted that hair. Lucky Torei had been blessed with the same gorgeous locks.

Your hair looks awesome, Maeve said, giving her mother and sister a heartfelt squeeze before stepping away from the table. First stop for me is the bathroom, Maeve said, tossing a wave over her shoulder as she sauntered back toward the kitchen. Order me an iced tea, okay?

On her way back to the table, Maeve had to side step a server coming through the hall. The woman carried a large tray laden with empty margarita glasses and a gooey sodden mess that might have been what was left of a mountain of Nachos. Yum. Maeve looked up to see a tall, heavily built man lumbering through the front of the restaurant to seat himself in a back corner. There wasn’t anything particularly interesting about him except the sheer mass of his body, and the air of malice that surrounded him as he purposefully pushed his way through the clutter of tables and serving trays. Maeve shuddered in an instinctive response and hurried back to her family.

The plan is, Lory informed them after they had all stuffed themselves on heartburn inducing cuisine, to shop ‘til we drop this afternoon and then go to the haunted house tonight. You guys can bob for apples and pull taffy and then if you want to you can enter the costume contest.

Not after last year! Claire said.Remember that girl that was dressed like a mother pig? She sewed all those nipples on her costume and had little baby pigs hanging all over them. We didn’t stand a chance.

Maeve smiled and looked up toward the back of the room where her gaze fell on the coldly staring eyes of the man she had noticed earlier. He was looking directly at her, or so it seemed, and suddenly he was somehow familiar. Before she could pull her gaze away, he stood and moved his considerable bulk past the other tables and out the door.

Maeve lowered her gaze to stare at her plate and tried to put the moment out of her mind. She told herself she was just, as usual, being over sensitive to other people’s attitudes and that she needed to stop taking things so personally. Pasting a smile back on her face, she mentally joined the group again just as their server came by with the check. Lory made a grab for it, but Maeve slipped it right out from under her hand and passed it off to the server with her credit card before Lory could even get the traditional argument started.

*****

Several hours later they were watching the other kids’ parade before the judges while Claire and Torei joked back and forth about the creativity, or lack thereof, of some of the costumes. They threw in the towel when a man and woman climbed onto the makeshift stage holding an enchanting infant dressed like a hot dog, complete with ketchup and mustard, his little face peering from between the padded bun.

Maeve had been enjoying the conversation and the atmosphere, but as the evening wore on she began to feel uneasy, as if hidden eyes were staring at her from the crush of people. She scanned the crowd in search of a familiar face, thinking that it was probably just the spooky haunted house atmosphere and the fact that it was Halloween, but she couldn’t ignore the unsettling feeling of being watched. Get a grip on yourself, she thought, but the feeling persisted.

Maeve slowly turned her head and studied every corner of the large open warehouse, trying to place the source of her discomfort. Her gaze landed on a tall, heavy set man dressed in a typical store bought horror mask that looked like something from the Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Dressed in insulated coveralls that stretched tightly across his chest and wide expanse of stomach, his legs were like tree trunks, the hem of his pants ending a good inch above the tops of his ankle high work boots. His head was turned directly