Page 26 of Claws and Feathers

They’d had one promising lead that didn’t pan out. They’d re-interviewed the employees at Kristoff’s and had found a discrepancy. A middle-aged man who drove a gray sedan had been let go the week prior to Abby’s abduction. The man’s name was Kelly Weiland, and Officer Holmes had mistakenly passed over the name, thinking it was a woman. Mr. Weiland had been in Canada the night of the attack, so he was promptly eliminated. The discovery had only made Holmes feel like a giant asshole and had compelled Cooper to take his anger out on a six-pack of beers that evening.

He was about to respond to James when the phone rang. He picked it up quickly. “Crow’s Peak Police Department. McAllister speaking.” He grumbled. “Hi, Dad.”

Earl McAllister was begging him to come in and help train the new bartender he’d hired on.

Cooper wondered ifhell nowas too subtle.

“I need you, son. Katie told me your shift is up at four today. I only need a few hours of your time,” Earl pleaded.

His eyes narrowed as he plotted revenge against his sister.Way to have my back, sis.“Dad, I’m swamped at work. This case is killing me.”

“Are you the only officer in your department?”

“You know I’m not. That’s not the point.” Cooper pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why can’t you or Henry do the training?”

“There’s a live band playing tonight. We’re going to be packed. I need an extra pair of hands, Coop.”

Cooper tried to think of the last time he’d said no to his father, but he couldn’t. It simply wasn’t something he did. While their relationship had become strained after his mother died, Cooper’s loyalty had never waned.

Earl seemed to have already sensed Cooper’s reluctant agreement by the resounding silence. “I appreciate it, son. See you at seven.”

James offered a look of sympathy as Cooper hung up the phone. “Want some company? I could go for a cold one tonight.”

Cooper could go for a shot of Patrón, a day off, and a twelve-hour nap.

But he’d settle for some company.

Abby tapped both feet in unison against the plush carpet of Maya Lowry’s office. It was her fourth session with the psychiatrist. It was the fourth time she’d revisited those horrific two weeks of her life. Every other day, those memories stayed buried deep. Abby only dusted them off and gave them life when she was sitting on Maya’s aqua loveseat. It was the only time she allowed herself to go to that dark and painful place.

Maya was looking especially lovely in a coral jumpsuit with oversized, golden hoop earrings and shiny, pink nails. Abby couldn’t help but feel like a homeless bum whenever she was in the woman’s presence. Maya’s eyes and teeth, and even her bronzed skin seemed to sparkle. It was a sparkle-fest.

Abby twisted her long, drab hair over one shoulder as she studied the woman across from her. Maya’s foot bobbed, her leg crossed over her opposite knee. She looked through her notes before her eyes raised to Abby.

“How are you today, Abby? You look well.”

“I’ve been feeling better,” Abby admitted. It was the truth. “I’m still having nightmares, but the days are getting a little easier. A little less… heavy.”

Maya tilted her head to the side. “Tell me about your nightmares.”

Abby closed her eyes as vivid images played across her mind like a frightening movie she’d just watched. Ugly, horrible images. She’d been having night terrors for years – mostly about her parents. Recently, they’d involved The Man and his angry eyes. The dreams always felt so real. Abby would wake up panting and soaking wet, unable to tell if she was damp from sweat or tears. She swallowed back the fearful lump in her throat. “Last night he was in my room. He was sitting in the corner of the bedroom and all I could see were the embers of his cigarette butt.” Abby sucked in a quivering breath as she fisted the fabric of her sundress. “He didn’t speak to me, but that only made it worse. He was just sitting there, watching. Waiting.”

“Do you have trouble falling asleep?” Maya wondered, jotting down notes.

She shrugged. “Sometimes. I usually fall asleep okay, but I can never stay asleep. I wake up every few hours after a nightmare.”

Maya nodded slowly. “I’m going to prescribe you Trazadone. It should help with the PTSD-related nightmares.”

Abby remained silent. She didn’t want medication. She didn’t want to be drugged.

“Tell me what’s been helping you get through the days. What keeps you distracted? What makes you smile?” Maya continued.

Abby closed her eyes again, allowing the darkness to fade. “Photography. It feels great picking my camera back up again. Also… I put an offer in on a house. I’m excited to make it my own.” Abby smiled at the new adventures that awaited her.

“I’m so happy for you,” Maya said kindly. “What else?”

Abby’s smile broadened as her thoughts drifted to Cooper. “I know it’s weird, but Cooper and I have become closer. He’s so kind and caring and…”

“Hot?”

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