When the Dead Speak

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

"So, you have a renegade cop," Carl commented. He struggled with his tie as he stood in front of the mirror in his suite.

Jake watched Carl mentally gauge the knot of the tie as if making sure it was symmetrical. "Let's just say we have a cop with an overactive curiosity and a bizarre, to use our medical examiner's term, mystic power." Jake explained the visions Sam had described seeing when she touched the remains of Hap Wilson, his pin, and Preston's pin.

Swiping a brush through his hair, Carl stared at Jake's reflection in the mirror. "You ARE kidding, I hope."

Jake shrugged. "Benny's sold on her. According to newspaper reports, she has solved some pretty tough cases. And you know how the media likes to blow things out of proportion."

Turning from the mirror, Carl said, "And what's your take on Sergeant Casey?"

Jake followed Carl to the living room. "She's stubborn, has a hard-on about politicians, isn't too thrilled about Captain Murphy, or me for that matter, has a housekeeper who talks to spirits, a gardener who talks to animals, and she herself hears voices that tell her who the bad guys are. Enough said?"

Carl smiled. "And you wanted to leave the Bureau to find more exciting work." He picked up the autopsy report on Hap Wilson and sat on the couch across from Jake.

Jake handed him a packet. "You'll find this interesting. We obtained information on Task Force Kelly. Lieutenant Colonel Joe Kelly, the creator of the Task Force, had dispatched his men to Mushima Valley on August 9, 1951. Frank is going to speak with him this morning. He's about eighty years old. Lives with his daughter in Phoenix."

Carl thumbed through the pages. "Jake, these are Pentagon files."

"Let's just say Sergeant Casey has extraordinary resources, and I think our creative artist is going to make another trip to Preston's."

"For what purpose?" Carl asked.

"Probably take a picture of the pin. I think we all would like to have the comparison confirmed." Jake pulled the carafe of coffee toward him and filled his cup.

"Want me to order you some breakfast?"

"No, thanks. Coffee is fine." Jake drank half and refilled his cup. "Why don't you make a house call to Preston's?"

"Oh, no. I don't even want Preston to know I'm in town. I have our St. Louis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Springfield bureaus to visit. That will keep me busy while you do what you do best."

Jake peered at Carl over the rim of his cup. "Ever hear of the term, lightning strike?"

Carl put his cup down a little too quickly, spilling remnants into the saucer. "Where did you hear that?"

Jake explained what Sam had heard when she touched Hap's body and the pin. "I know it sounds like something from X-Files. And if I could find an explanation for what she sees and hears, I would be the first to tell you." He studied Carl's pensive look. "Carl, do you know what lightning strike means?"

"I'm not sure yet, but I'll check it out."

Jake no sooner left then Carl pulled out a phone from his briefcase and dialed. When his call was answered, he said, "This is Director Underer. I need to speak with the President."