At Second Sight: Not Forgotten Book 2

By Bonnie Taylor

At Second Sight brings paranormal romance, mystery, and mythology together in a way that will terrorize your senses!

The young psychic

Thomas Lynch is called upon to assist in the search for a missing New Hampshire college girl.

In an instant, Thomas learns that there is more to this case than meets the eye! Something terrifying lurks in the marshes of Bear Willow and it’s taken the life of Katie Simmons.

The no nonsense law man

Detective Jack Bronson has never believed in anything that can’t be logically explained but this case is a mystery and more bodies are piling up!

When conventional tactics fail, can he open himself up to paranormal possibilities and face the darkness from his past?

A love that crosses the barrier between the living and the dead

Thomas falls for the ghost of Katie Simmons but is it a love that came too late?

The Highgate Paranormal Research Society returns in this stand out paranormal crime drama from the Not Forgotten Series that brings you...

•Murder and intrigue
•Ghosts and psychics
•Proof that monsters are real

“You won't regret picking up this book. It's filled with mystery, intrigue and a touch of the paranormal. Trust me on this one!”

“Awesome book! Kept me enthralled until the last page!!!”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bonnie Taylor
• Release date: Mar 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476341361

Bonnie Taylor

About the AuthorBonnie Taylor is the author of the Not Forgotten paranormal seriesBonnie resides in central Louisiana with her three children, five dogs, a cat, and a parrot who frequently pulls the keys off her keyboard, (talk about an intense critic!)Bonnie writes about subjects that she is passionate about. As an avid horror/paranormal fan and having experienced unexplained phenomena first hand, Bonnie has done extensive research on the subject and has made a personal connection with several noted psychics and paranormal investigators.

Book preview

At Second Sight

©2011 Bonnie J Taylor Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Introduction

December 1, 1991 was the joyous day of my birth. When my parents found out they were pregnant, my mother hoped I was a girl. When they found out that I was a boy, my father hoped I would be a football player. Sadly, they got me instead. Thomas looked down moving his straw in a circular motion causing the ice to clink against the glass.

You shouldn’t say things like that. I’m sure your parents are very proud of you. You’re the smartest person I know. Who wouldn’t want to have a genius for a son? Kerry reached across the table and patted Thomas’ hand.

Her touch brought him back to reality, People who aren’t geniuses, that’s who. People like my parents. Now, do we even want to add the fact that I’m a psychic to the list of reasons these people can’t relate to me? Bad enough I spent my childhood talking to thin air, then I got to high school and my father; ex-high school quarter back father, had to watch me get my ass kicked by the football team and be taunted and teased because I was skinny, dorky, and smart. He tried to help. He sent me to karate classes but once I met my Sensei, I was more interested in studying Asian culture than learning to be Chuck Norris. It’s time for me to face the facts. These people will never understand me and that’s why they didn’t call today.

Kerry shook her head and sighed, Well, I’m sorry your parents didn’t call you but this is your birthday and I’m here to celebrate with you because I like you. Look! Just in time, David is here. He likes you too you know. You’re like a son to him and he spent the entire day traveling here to see you on your birthday. She stood up from the table and waved to catch David Dean’s attention. He smiled and made his way to the table.

Thomas stood to meet the embrace of his mentor, How was your trip, boss? He asked as David patted him on the back.

It was long and hectic, but forget about that. This is not about me. Happy birthday kid, I’ve missed you.

Thomas waited for David to sit before he returned to his chair. It had always been this way. There was no one in the world that meant more to him than David Dean and no one he respected more.

The waitress had been watching from a distance. They were her last table of the night and she had been impatiently waiting for them to order for over an hour. She watched as they made small talk and eventually picked up their menus. When the last menu was closed, she pounced like a puma asking, Are you ready to order? She took great care to leave the intended finally out of the sentence.

David and Kerry placed their orders and the waitress pivoted slightly toward Thomas. He was gazing deeply at her and waited for her to look up from her order pad so he could make eye contact. The look on his face was disturbing to her and she shifted her weight to her left leg and placed her pen hand on her hip.

Do you know what you want, sir? She asked with a harsher tone.

Before I ordered I wanted to apologize to you. I know you’ve been very patient with us while we waited for our friend to arrive and I know you want to go home and shower before you meet your friends at the bar. You hate smelling like this place. That’s why you used your own money to buy extra uniforms so you could have a fresh set every day without having to go to the laundromat all the time. We’ll eat quickly and find somewhere else to hang out so you can go about your business. Now, the answer is yes. I am ready to order. I would like the green salad with Italian dressing on the side, the New York Strip; medium well, and a loaded baked potato. I would also like a refill on my Pepsi. He looked down at her hand, still propped on her hip and said, Are you planning to write that down?

She was staring at him in utter disbelief as she lifted the pen to the paper. Despite her shaking hands she wrote quickly so as not to have her eyes off him for long. Okay, I have it. I’ll have your drinks to you shortly. She turned and practically leaped from the table. The puma had been transformed into a deer in the headlights.

Bet you fifty bucks someone else brings your drink, David. Thomas snorted, quite pleased with himself.

Suckers bet. She’ll have someone else bring our food too if she can manage it. Why do you find the need to scare the shit out of people? I mean really, Thomas. Kerry said in her best disapproving tone.

I might not be able to break boards with my bare hands or throw the winning pass but every once in a while I enjoy reminding myself what true powers are. Is there any harm in it? She’s gonna have two or seven drinks tonight and tell the whole bar about the freaky guy at her last table. What’s the big deal? Thomas waved his hand as if to blow the whole thing off.

David smiled as the bartender arrived with his drink. It’s his birthday, Kerry. Let him have his fun. He then turned his attention back to Thomas. So, how have things been going here? I know it was hard for you to leave school to take this case. Are you making any progress?

Not yet, unfortunately. To be honest, it doesn’t surprise me at all that this girl is still missing. The police chief here retired about a week before she was abducted and his replacement is green. He couldn’t lead the way out of a card board box never mind lead a missing person investigation. Everything about this case was sloppy. I wouldn’t be surprised if they missed evidence and I know they didn’t interview everyone who could have been important in this case. They finally decided to turn the case over to a competent detective but you have to wonder if they waited too long. Tomorrow, I’m going to meet the parents and check out her house. Do you guys want to come? Thomas was excited by the idea of them coming. For once, they could see him in charge.

If you want us to, I know I would like to come with you. Kerry? David hoped she would agree. He knew it would mean a lot to Thomas.

If the police department is okay with it, sure. You’re the reason we’re here. It’s all about you Thomas. She replied.

Thomas was quick to disagree, No, it’s all about the missing girl.

Chapter One

The morning began like so many before it. Thomas rolled from his hotel bed fairly certain that David and Kerry were already dressed and seated in the nearest diner having breakfast. As he rubbed the remnants of sleep from his eyes he realized that though some things never change, others inevitably do. David had been the leader of this trio since the beginning but today, he was merely an observer. This was Thomas’ day. He was consulting with the Queensbrook police department regarding the disappearance of Katherine (Katie) Simmons. With that thought, he ran his fingers through his hair and put on his glasses. He felt a momentary sickness rise from the pit of his stomach and then slide back down. If he screwed up in front of the police department it could affect his growing reputation but screwing up in front of the only people who really knew him was something far more frightening.

Once showered and dressed Thomas made his way across the hotel parking lot to the restaurant on the far side. The bell on the door announced his arrival and David looked up from his eggs. The restaurant was almost empty this morning as was the parking lot. This town didn’t seem to get much weekday traffic. Thomas was very aware of Kerry’s eyes on him as he approached the table. She was summing up his wardrobe selection for the day. Khaki pants, button front shirt, and striped tie. It was the most professional appearance he could muster given his lack of both funds and fashion sense.

Good morning. How did you sleep? David asked more to break the awkward silence than to know the answer.

Fine, I slept just fine. You know me; late to bed and late to rise I guess. Thomas took a seat and motioned to the waitress for coffee.

Kerry piped up, I developed a theory about that you know. I think that perhaps your brain is so big, it takes longer than other brains to shut down for the day. You know, purging corrupted files, checking for encryption errors, filing data. Then, of course, it would take longer to boot it back up in the morning.

David chuckled more at the perplexed look on Thomas’ face than at the witty analogy but Thomas was not amused.

That makes no sense. The brain doesn’t shut down at night. Do you know how many processes the brain needs to control while you’re sleeping? Why would you even think of something like that? You are still going to college, right? Thomas rolled his eyes in disgust.

Calm down! I was joking. Of course I know that your brain doesn’t shut down when you go to sleep. Don’t treat me like an idiot. I’m not the one with a complete incapacity to comprehend satire. The anger faded to laughter before the words fell off her lips. Thomas was smirking; proud of his ability to get her all worked up. That was the true nature of their relationship. They were like siblings who continually drove each other to the brink of sanity even though their love for each other took precedence over their feelings for anyone else in the world.

Is the family expecting us at a particular time, Thomas? David asked in the hope of moving the conversation to something less sarcastic.

Thomas looked down at his watch, We have about thirty minutes and it takes twenty to get there so we’d better hustle. He grabbed his coffee and slurped loudly while waving frantically at the waitress so he could get another cup to go. Perhaps it did take him longer to reboot in the morning and caffeine was the catalyst.

They took Thomas’ rental since he was the most familiar with the city and drove in silence until Thomas began laying out the game plan just moments before they arrived at the house. This was odd and interesting territory for him but he was happy to have his team along to see him in action.

I’m going to introduce you guys by name but if they ask what you do it’s probably best to be vague. We haven’t determined whether or not this girl is alive and the family will be unlikely to react well to paranormal investigators. The police department didn’t sanction this visit by David and Kerry so Thomas didn’t want to make any waves.

I will simply be Doctor David Dean and Kerry will be my assistant. If they ask, we will advise them that we’re your associates and that we are only here to help you in the event you require any assistance. I am a qualified psychotherapist, you remember, among other things. David smiled.

Ok, that may work. Just remember to be vague. Kerry, I would love it if you could take notes while I interview the parents and maybe even join me on the walk through of the house. You are far more observant than I am. I haven’t figured out what David should be doing but he’s the social butterfly of the group so I’m sure he’ll think of something. Thomas was of the opinion that David was far more personable than the police psychiatrist that spoke with the family. His being there may just bring them some comfort.

They pulled up to the curb in front of the house and Thomas turned off the engine. He looked around for a moment. The air was still and the street was deserted. He could almost see a younger version of Katie coming out of the house followed by her younger sister Meghan. He visualized them in little pink bicycle helmets and puffy fall jackets. They were excited and talking rapidly to each other as they ran to the garage to pull out their bikes. The overall sense of it was that this house was a happy place and he expected more of these residual memory visions to come to him while he was here. There was no malice here at all. He turned sideways in his seat so that he could see Kerry and David.

So, here is what we know so far. Katie goes to school locally and lives here at home. She disappeared on a Monday. She left this house at 7:00 am headed for an early physics class. She told her mother that she needed gas the night before and the police confirmed that she used her debit card at a gas station 6 miles from here. She was notorious for showing up at her morning classes with a grande latte in hand so the police checked and confirmed that she also used her debit card at the Starbucks just off the campus. The Starbucks clerk was the last person to confirm seeing her. She never made it to class. She and her car are still missing. He did his best to practice using the present tense. The family needed to know that he hadn’t ruled out the possibility of finding their daughter alive.

Mr. Simmons met the group at the door and