Find Me: Kate Morr Mystery Series, #3

By D.F. Edwards

Find me Kate! A vision or someone keeps calling to Kate to find them. Who is it? Kate Morr is young, beautiful and gifted with visionary powers. Kate uses her visions to solve difficult mysteries and crimes, but her abilities make her a target of local and international villains. Kate is Bewildered by a vision that calls out to her for help but she can't see who it is. The same day billionaire Miles Thorton frantically reports his wife missing. Kate believes the vision and the missing heiress is connected. To confound matters Kate learns of a secret scientific experiment that has released a virus that produces extraordinary abilities. Kate's vision's escalate and suddenly two securities guards are viciously murdered. The police are baffled and rely on Kate for guidance. Kate turns to David Taylor a handsome, former military mercenary gun for hire. Kate and David have been friends in the past but Davids "rascal" side always has an eye out to make a dollar. Can Kate believe the visions, can David be trusted, or will she run out of time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.F. Edwards
• Release date: Feb 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524239602

Book preview

Chapter 1

There is only one thing faster than the speed of light, and that is the speed of thought, infinitely faster with no limitations, not hindered by mass or gravity.  One could reason that if thought could be harnessed as an energy source, we would be able to ride its back to any place, any time, and any universe.

My visions are thoughts, and I travel within those thoughts, Kate was contemplating while waiting patiently for the simulation to begin.

Jonathan why did you lie to me about David, what were you hiding?

Kate I do my job, you should do yours, Jonathan’s voice crackled through the microphone.

I do my job Jonathan; I just don’t like being lied to, or being left out of the loop, you know Jonathan I’m going to see what’s really going on eventually anyway, why hide it? Jonathan was quiet.

Okay Jonathan here’s something you can’t ignore. My telepathy powers are increasing every day. Yes, I can hear what you think! I know you hate that, me listening in on your brain.

Stop Kate, we have work to do, Jonathan sputtered over the microphone.

Oh, a little touchy today are we, Kate laughed back.

Kate took a deep breath as she settled back into the custom made seat inside the billion dollar simulator that was designed for only one purpose, to explore her visionary abilities.

Kate’s father, Graham Morr, who was one of the founders of Symcor had always told her that the human brain was a muscle and it needed to be stimulated to grow.

My brain must be growing because my abilities are developing more and more. I’m kind of like a giant lab rat that crazy professor Jonathon down there is experimenting on.

Kate couldn’t always control when the visions would come.  In the simulator various types of electric impulses were used to seed her brain and produce pictures or visions that could be seen on the high tech equipment in Jonathon’s office.

Jonathon, I’m going to fall asleep in here if we don’t get going, Kate yelled over the microphone.

Just one second Kate.

"Jonathon will we be finished by noon, or is this going to be one of those all day experiments?’’

Jonathon was silent.

Kate was about to say something else when she felt the familiar tingling in her head and the low vibrations of the simulator beginning to run.

Ok, Kate we’re a go in one- two-three, input.

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We’re running out of time, we’re running out of time Rachael. There was an air of anger in his voice as he stared out the window. Turning toward the small mirror hanging on the wall he could see her reflection in it.

Such big eyes you have and so sad looking. Don’t be sad, he said as he sat down on the chair. I’m going to leave you for a little while and you need to rest. It’s almost a shame, he said as he stood up and went around to the back of the chair. Your hair is beautiful. I would have liked caressing it in my hand, as he picked up a pair of scissors from the table.

One must do what one must do.

In one quick motion he gathered her long hair in one hand and deftly cut it free of her head with the other hand. She was moaning and sniffling, trying to struggle to no avail. He ignored her as he popped open a large yellow envelope. Folding the hair neatly he placed it inside the envelope.

One more thing, we must not forget. He picked up a piece of copy paper that had the words FIND ME KATE typed in big bold letters.

In you go, he smiled as he slid the paper into the envelope with the hair. Tucking the envelope under his arm he lifted the woman’s chin and smiled at her.

It’s simply about time Rachael. It begins, it ends.

Reaching behind the chair he pushed the button on the timer the digital timer instantly began to count down from 36 hours.

Now we will adjust your IV drips which will keep you fed and hydrated until you’re strong and I’m strong.

He was feeling rather pleased with himself as he surveyed the room. He had thought of everything, and he was precisely on time.

Sweet dreams, he said softly as the drugs in the IVs entered her bloodstream.

Chapter 2

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Glenn (not Glenny) Previnza, not Glenny because that’s what his mother called him when she was babying him. Glenn Prevenza was no baby. At 6 feet 2, 245 pounds he was a force to be reckoned with. Chief Prevenza was born to be a cop. Four generations of cops in the family meant if you were a Prevenza you are expected to enter the police force.

Glenn had gone to the police Academy right out of high school even though he had been offered a full scholarship to play football at Notre Dame. He never regretted it. When he put that uniform on for the first time he knew he was an officer of the law.

Fast-forward 25 years Chief Prevenza ran a tight ship and often took law enforcement as a personal mission.

Hey chief that newspaper lady is here to see you, young detective Ryan Bayne shouted as he poked his head into Chief Prevenza’s office.

What does she want? He barked back.

I don’t know, that’s above my rank, Bayne retorted.

Okay wise guy might as well bring her in.

That won’t be necessary young man, as Bev Simpson pushed Bayne aside and shut the door behind her.

Always good to see you Glenny, Bev said with a big warm smile as she leaned across the desk and gave the chief a big kiss on the fore head.

Flustered and his face turning red the chief was rubbing the lipstick off his head as he glared at Bev.

Don’t call me Glenny, only my mother can call me that!

Bev set down in the chair laughing.

I know, but it’s okay because your mother loves me.

The chief snorted, he knew she was right. His mother loved Bev and was always trying to match them up.

Bev Simpson was the owner and CEO of the Newton daily news. She had been thrust into that position 10 years ago when her husband Jared Simpson had fallen victim to a car accident that claimed his life. Jared Simpson had grown up in the newspaper business and the paper did well under his leadership. After his death Bev was faced with the decision to either sell the paper or try to run it. She couldn’t bear to sell what Jared had worked his whole life for, so she took the reins and never looked back.

What Bev lacked in expertise she made up for in humor, wit, and just all around moxie. She was a classy lady as the chief would say. Bev was easy to look at too. She was 5’8" with dark brown hair that matched her dark brown eyes. She had a wide genuine smile that she used freely. At 47 years old father time had been easy on her. Her skin was smooth with just a hint of fine lines around her eyes.

The Chiefs mom would wag her finger and say that Bev Simpson is a good person.

So Bev what brings you here today, or should I say what do you want?

Bev lit up that big smile.

Just two little things Glenn, oh and lunch at Jerry’s Café would be really nice, as she kept smiling.

Glenn had to smile. Bev with you it is never just two little things. Lunch however does sound good.

Great, let’s go, Bev said as she tucked her arm under the Chiefs. With a tug and flair Bev pulled the chief out the door and loudly announced, I’m taking the chief out so man the shop boys.

Bayne almost shouted out a smart remark but kept it to himself.

The chief can be a hard nut but he turns to butter when she is around. Not that I’m ever going to say that to the chiefs face, Bayne smiled to himself as the phone rang,

right on time, hello, Detective Bayne. 

Chapter 3

Kate had just finished eating lunch in the Symcor cafeteria when her text notification went off on her phone. It was Mr. Chedrick,

my office, right away.

Kate sighed and headed for the elevator. When she got there the maintenance men were working on the elevator and a sign was taped to it.

Please use South Hall elevator or stairs.

Temporarily out of service.

Well I guess a little exercise won’t hurt me, Kate mumbled to herself as she swung open the stairwell door. Suddenly everything went black.

It was the tick – tick – tick sound that penetrated her unconsciousness as she tried to open her eyes. Kate’s eyes felt like lead, and everything was blurry. Squinting hard Kate tried to rub her eyes. She couldn’t move her arms. She tried to yell but nothing came out. Looking around the dimly lit room, her eyes finally focused on a small window with a half drawn shade. She could hear a train rumbling close by. Out of the darkness a soft voice said,

Kate you are the only one that can help her. Find her Kate; find her soon before its time.

Kate realized she was still standing in the stairwell. The voice still echoed in her ear, find her Kate find her soon before it’s time.

Find who? Kate thought as she practically ran up the steps. Composing herself she stood in front of the eye scanner and the door to Mr. Chedrick’s office slid open. Kate looked around but Brenda; Mr. Chedrick’s secretary was nowhere to be found. Suddenly over the phone intercom Mr. Chedrick’s voice boomed,

Kate come on in, I gave Brenda the afternoon off.

Kate chuckled as she glanced up at the video camera in the corner, the all seeing eye.

Kate there’s someone I would like you to meet, Chedrick motioned toward the couch. Kate turned to see an extremely well-dressed man in his late 50s, short gray hair and polished leather shoes. Kate thought to herself now that’s money, and I really like the shoes.

Hello Kate, let me introduce myself, I am... Kate finished it for him, Miles Thorton, the Miles Thorton."

Miles smiled as he warmly shook Kate’s hand. Yes, that is who I am.

Kate was a little awestruck. Miles Thorton was the biggest name in the whole scientific community. His company Thorton industries was by far the largest research and development company in the world. They lead the way in biological and neurological research.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kate finally managed to get out. Miles smiled and looked at Kate with kind and warm eyes.

Kate I remember you as just a little girl running around here and visiting my home quite often. My you have grown into quite the beautiful woman. I see a lot of your father in you. Your father and I were very good friends.

Just then Mr. Thorton’s cell phone rang.

Please excuse me for one minute.

Hello, yes, that’s impossible. What do you mean she hasn’t come home? Stay right there I am on my way.

William, Kate that was an urgent call from our housekeeper. She is worried something has happened to my wife. Apparently she missed her hair appointment this morning and she can’t be reached. I’ve got to go.

By all means, can we be of any help?

No, no it’s probably nothing, you know women how they can get carried away shopping. Miles Thorton turned and left in a hurry. The look on his face said that he was deeply concerned.

Well Kate that puts a damper on this meeting.

What exactly does Miles Thorton want? Kate asked.

He didn’t go into detail but it has something to do with a brain transmitting virus that Thorton industries have developed.

A virus, what does he want with me or Symcor? Kate blurted out.

I’m not sure Kate. I guess we will have to wait until he gets back with us.

Okay well I’m headed down to Jerry’s Café to have some lunch, would you care to join me uncle Ched?

No, actually my wife is shopping downtown and I’m going to meet her somewhere when she calls. I hope it’s soon, I am kind of hungry.

Okay, let me know when Mr. Thorton gets back with you.

I will Kate, I will.

Chapter 4

Kate drove the couple miles into downtown Newton. Newton was bustling at noon time. The city had grown by leaps and bounds in the last 15 years, largely due to high tech companies like Symcor, Thorton industries, and robotic manufacturing plants.

If they could just get a little more parking around here, Kate groaned, as she circled the block. Finally a car pulled out and Kate grabbed the spot.

Only a block away not bad today, Kate smiled and breathed deeply of the