Replicated Murder: A Medium with a Heart, #2

By Erica Whelton

Joanna is at it again, investigating a murder or in this case murders, in the second book of the Medium with a Heart series.

The town of Creekview is reeling from a series of gruesome murders. As the number of victims rises, with few clues and no suspects, detectives turn to Joanna, the Medium with a Heart, to help solve the case. Joanna feels ill-equipped, but could she refuse the sexy detective's plea? As she digs into the case, bizarre things begin happening. The usually trusting Joanna begins to suspect she is the next victim, and almost anyone could be the Playhouse Killer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sunseri Design Publishing
• Release date: Aug 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781956069051

Book preview

Chapter One

~ Stalker ~

My heart quickened as I walked past her house, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. I'd already walked by three times with no luck. If I didn't see her soon, I'd have to move along before a nosy neighbor saw me and called the cops.

The cops were the last people I wanted to see. A few questions, a little digging, and I would be in serious trouble, despite how careful I'd been with things. I had too much to hide and everything to lose.

I sighed heavily and decided to head home. It was a few blocks back to my car and then a ten-minute drive.

I looked back one last time in hopes of getting a quick look. Just one glimpse; however, instead of her, I saw a car pull in the driveway.

"Oh, crap, glad I decided to move on." I thought as Detectives Walden and Hartley emerged from the car.

While they wouldn't know me, I knew them and knew it was time to be on my way. I continued towards my car trying to keep my pace casual so as not to call unnecessary attention to myself.

I would come back another day. Until then, I would have to find someone else to fill my desire for her.

~ Joanna ~

I cradled Oakley in my arms as she cooed happily. We had bonded quickly over the past two and a half months since I adopted her. Her mother, Cate, had kidnapped me while I was investigating a murder case of a local pharmaceutical executive named Jeremy Landon. Turns out Cate was the murderer and had kidnapped me when I realized what she'd done.

During my abduction, she went into labor and abruptly switched gears from killer to scared, lonely single mother. She asked me to be her labor coach and after to adopt her daughter as she knew she'd be sent to prison for life for murdering three people.

We knew each other causally but became fast friends during her brief stay in the hospital. She was taken into custody, and I took Oakley home with temporary custody until we could finalize the adoption.

You have a sad backstory, little one, but together we'll have a bright future.

Oakley rewarded me with her sweet, toothless grin. This was her newest skill, and it melted my heart each time she flashed me a smile. She was the cutest little doll.

I can't believe for a minute; I didn't think I wanted this, I said.

She replied with more baby babble.

Yeah, me too. I pretended she said she loved me.

I checked the time. It was close to time for her afternoon nap, and the Detectives would be here soon.

I walked to the office, so I could look out the front window. No car in the driveway, there was only a guy walking by. He paused slightly in front of my house and looked towards it like he was looking for something. I hadn't seen him before. Maybe new to the neighborhood.

Oakley squirmed in my arms. She was starting to get tired.

Okay, sweet girl, let's get you in a fresh diaper and in bed for your nap.

Movement outside caught my eye. It was the Detectives.

Sorry, you'll have to wait, at least until I let them in. I rubbed her back as I walked towards the door to let them in.

Good afternoon, Detectives,

Afternoon. Clint greeted.

Hi, Joanna and sweet Ms. Oakley. Terry wagged his finger at her.

She stared back with wide blue eyes before flashing one of her baby grins at him.

Please, come in. I need to get her changed and down for a nap, but y'all can have a seat in the living room. Feel free to help yourselves to a drink if you'd like.

They followed me into the living room. From there, I took a right towards Oakley's room, and they went left towards the kitchen. I could hear them getting into the fridge and whispering while I changed the baby.

Sleep sweet, baby girl. I laid her down. She was a good baby and would talk a bit before settling for her nap. How did I get so lucky?

I'd heard nightmare stories of babies that didn't' sleep well. In fact, one of those was my youngest nephew. My sister, Audrey said had Dylan been born first, she wouldn't have had any other children.

I checked that her baby monitor was on before quietly leaving her room, shutting the door behind so any conversation from the living room wouldn't disturb her. I then joined the Detectives.

Thank you for meeting with us. Sorry about the timing. Clint said, nodding towards Oakley's room. We were hoping with your success in solving the Landon Labs case, you could help us with another one.

I'm not sure how. That was mostly luck. Plus, I don't want to change my whole business. I'm a medium, not a detective.

I know, but that's exactly who we need right now, Clint said.

Have you been contacted by any ... spirits that have mentioned being killed by a serial killer? Terry asked.

No, not yet anyway.

They shared a disappointed look.

Okay, thanks, Clint said.

I'm willing to try, though. I just don't want to put myself back in danger, like with Jeremy.

Clint shifted in his chair. We don't want to get you involved too deeply or put you in danger, but we keep hitting a brick wall so before this guy kills again, we want to try any source we can. We don't know who else to ask at this point.

Agreed. We definitely don't want to put you in danger again, especially now with Oakley in the picture, but if we can use you as a consultant, we think it would be helpful. Terry added.

I looked around the room at the many spirits that were here. During the daytime, my house was always full of them. Some were here hoping that I could contact their loved ones. Others were here early waiting for a scheduled appointment with their loved one. Thankfully, they cleared out at the end of my workday, so I had privacy. That was rule number one with me, privacy.

None of them stepped forward, so I looked back at the detectives.

Without having contact with at least one victim, I don't know that I can help you, but again, I'll try. I thought for a moment. Are you able to give me any information on the victims? It might help me get started.

We can tell you some, the things that have been shared in the news. We can't give you confidential details. Terry said.

I nodded that I understood.

They gave me as much information as they could about each victim. Everything from names, some of the family members, and about how they died, much of which I'm sure I could find online with a bit of research, and as Terry said, it had been in the news.

They didn't want to tell me much about their deaths, but I pushed for the details. Drugged, tied up, and tortured until they died.

Yikes, that's awful. So cruel, but it helps me understand what I'm getting myself into. I took some notes to help me with my research later. I'll see if I can get one of them to meet with me, somehow.

I had no idea how to call them. It wasn't like the dead had cell phones or email. I'd tried in the past to meditate and focus on the person to get them to materialize, and while I'd gotten the person to appear, I think it was more of a coincidence than me actually summoning them.

I scanned the room again as the dead people started chatting among themselves, trying to figure out if any of them knew the victims. It was a lot of voices all talking at once, and I couldn't fully focus on any one conversation. But maybe that would be the key to finding the victims, getting this ghost network on my side.

We really appreciate your time. Terry stood while Clint remained seated, staring at me. Terry tapped him on the shoulder and nodded towards the door. We'll get out of your way.

Yes, thank you for your time, Clint said.

I walked them out. Clint hesitated at the door as if he wanted to say something else, but instead nodded and followed Terry out.

I locked up behind them, and checked the time, about an hour until the baby would be up. I had time to research the victims. I lived for researching.

Firing up my computer, I started with the first victim finding numerous news articles about her. First, she had been reported missing and found a week later. Killed in the most gruesome way. I shuddered as I read about her.

I searched for the next victim and the next. They all looked roughly the same. Dark hair, dark eyes. Between 5' 2 and 5'4 tall, a few extra pounds on them, and all in their mid-20s to early 30s.

The hair on the back of my neck stood up. All the victims looked a lot like me, at least basic features, not enough that we would be mistaken for twins, but enough to set my nerves on edge.

When Clint and Terry had given the description, it hadn't clicked. Actually, I vaguely remember them mentioning it several months ago when these murders started, but seeing the faces, triggered my anxiety. It was likely a coincidence, but I couldn't quite shake the paranoia.

I flipped through each of their pictures again staring at each face.

Wow, this is a bit eerie.

The silence of the house was interrupted by my daughter's faint whining as she started waking from her nap. She'd be ready for a change and a bottle. I pushed back from the computer.

I pushed the door to her room open, Hey, baby, did you have a nice nap?

When my husband, Ted, had died several years ago, the hope of having children had gone with him, especially as I had to dig myself out of debt from his secret life. Then the chance to adopt Oakley was presented to me, in the most unbelievable way, I jumped on it, and now I couldn't imagine my life without her.

It was still new, but she fit into my life perfectly and filled a void I didn't even know existed. She was such a joy.

I got her changed and fed then carried her to my office to do some more research on the victims. Next up was to see if there was any connection between them, other than the physical appearance.

Ashley worked at a small law office, Lindsey was a vet tech, and Laura and Emma worked at retail shops, but not the same one. Brittney was a waitress, and Jalynn worked at a daycare. Finally, Bethany was a teacher. None seemed connected. I didn't know much, but I knew that often serial killings weren't random, and typically there was a connection of some sort. What it was with these women, I had to figure out.

After an hour or so, I couldn't look at the computer any longer, and it was time for me to make myself some dinner.

I can't figure this out. Oakley squirmed in my lap. Yeah, I know. I didn't expect to figure it out in one night, but I hoped to find some clue, at least.

She smiled in reply.

A girl of few words. I like that.

As I stood from the computer, a new face stepped into the room. I always had at least a few spirits hanging around, so it rarely surprised me anymore.

Excuse me. You're Joanna, yes? the ghost said.

I am, and you are? I recognized her from my online researches. Lindsey, right?

That's right. I heard from some of the others you were asking about me.

Yes, I was. The Detectives that are investigating your death, I'm sorry, by the way, She shrugged. They were asking if I had contact with you. I said no, but I would try.

I wish I could be of help. I honestly don't remember much as he grabbed me from behind. I never saw him. He injected something into me. The world started spinning, and that's all I remember until I woke sometime later. No idea for how long, but when I came to, I was tied and blindfolded. What I do remember is him ranting a lot while he tortured me.

Ranting?

Yeah, he kept saying things like 'She never notices me.' and 'Why doesn't she care?' Weird stuff like that. I didn't understand what he was talking about, and thankfully I was heavily drugged, so I don't remember much else. She spoke calmly with no hint of anger or fear. I'd think either response would be more appropriate than her calm one, Once he started cutting me, I passed out, and that was it.

You seem almost at peace with this.

I was upset at first, but it's strange how being dead shines a new light on things. I can't do anything about dying, so why stay upset? Plus, it was months ago, so I've had time to get used to it, She smiled. But if I can help find the killer, I'm happy and willing to do that.

I nodded. I don't know how I would react if I was dead. When Cate had a gun to my head, I didn't like that. Had she succeeded; I can't imagine I would be accepting of it.

Do you happen to know any of this guy's other victims? I asked.

I'm not sure since I don't know who killed me. Only what I heard from the cops on the case. When they found my body, my spirit was still in the room. They said they thought we were killed by the same person, the 'Playhouse Killer' as the media is calling him, but even they weren't sure at the time.

That's true. I thought for a moment. If she couldn't give me any information we didn't already know, she wasn't going to be much help to me. Well, thanks for coming. If you remember anything else or meet any of the others, please let me know.

She smiled before turning to leave. That was the oddest conversation I've had in a while. It didn't give me much additional information, but at least I knew she hadn't suffered. I wondered if the other victims had been so lucky.

Chapter Two

~Joanna~

That night we had a huge storm blow through. Thankfully, Oakley slept through it. Unfortunately, a tree fell on my patio and took out the pergola and half of my deck.

What a mess, I mumbled to myself as I examined the damage.

I walked around to the front yard to see what damage was out there. My oak tree had only lost a few small branches, and some trash had blown in from somewhere. Not as bad as the backyard, which was a relief.

I looked up and down the street to see how my neighbors' houses fared. A few of my neighbors had started to inspect their own homes. Some had only minimal damage in the front, but the neighbors three houses down and across had a tree through the roof.

The entire street was littered with storm debris, and it looked like a war zone. Everyone seemed as stunned as I felt.

While I stood there trying to decide my next move, a handyman's van pulled up at the curb. I had seen him stop a few houses down to talk to the neighbors there first. Painted on the side was Donovan's Handyman and Yard Services.

Hello, ma'am. I'm driving around to see if anyone needs help with storm damage. His eyes scanned my front yard, Did you have much more?

Yes, I did. A tree took out my back patio, and you can see the debris out here. I gestured towards the front yard. Are you Donovan? I nodded towards the name on the van.

Yes, that's me. He smiled proudly and climbed out of the van to shake my hand. Do you already have someone working on it, or do you need an estimate?

I hesitated for a moment. This seemed too easy, but it sure would save me a lot of time in trying to find someone on my own. I didn't even know how to start looking for someone to do this work. What was the harm in having him check it out for me?

I looked him over as he stood there waiting for my decision. Thinning auburn hair with touches of gray in it. He was stocky and short. Maybe five-nine. Muscles showed under his short-sleeved shirt which lead me to believe he was strong and worked his arms, even if the rest of him looked a bit out of shape. His face was worn with age, but not too old. Perhaps in his late forties, early fifties. His smile was warm and friendly.

Yes, I'd love for you to take a look and give me a quote.

Great. He grabbed a tool bag from the front seat and followed me to the backyard. Wow, you sure did get some damage. Okay, let's see.

He examined the structure, then started measuring and writing in a small notebook. I stood back, feeling helpless. My beautiful yard was trashed.

While not a showpiece, I took care of my yard and had worked hard to keep it maintained. I had imagined that as Oakley gets older, I'd set up a play set under this tree which would give the perfect amount of shade. We'd also have tea parties or dance parties on the deck.

Now those visions of the future had changed. The deck at least could be replaced. The tree would take years to be big enough to fill my dream.

Okay, so you're looking at about two-thousand for the whole job. That includes taking out the tree, repairing the pergola, and repairing the deck.

That wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Oh, wow. When can you start?

I could start immediately. He put his tape measure away. I have one other house, but they asked me to start later today, so I have time now.

Really? That would be great. This was easy. Maybe too easy. Should I have vetted him? Asked for references?

I'll start clearing the tree and storm debris today, then I'll go grab lumber and start the repairs, probably tomorrow. He looked around the yard.

Do you need a deposit or anything?

No, ma'am. I'll collect full payment at the end of the job.

Perfect. I nodded, Thanks. I'll let you get to it.

I went back into the house to check on the baby; even though I was holding the baby monitor, I still stuck my head into her room. She was down for her morning nap, and, luckily, continued sleeping even when