Free Night Waves by Wendy Davy Page A

you as a stranger.” He disconnected, leaving her alone with his intimate words echoing in the lonely, old motel room.
    Night Waves

Night Waves
    Chapter Nine
    Nick spent the entire morning preparing statements for the press and preparing for the many possible scenarios he may have to face in result of them. Going public with the information regarding Serena’s disappearance, in connection with the other two abductions, was sure to create a feast for the reporters and at the least, major concern among the inhabitants of Coral Isle. It was also likely he would be dealing with more than a few panicked citizens. After all, Coral Isle was known for its beautiful beaches and family oriented attractions, not for its criminal activities.
    As Nick prepared to leave his office, he said a quick prayer. Lord, please help me get through to the women that may be his next targets. Please lead us to Serena, and keep her safe.
    Serena.
    When had he begun to think of the missing woman by her first name? Was it the first time Cali entered his office, pleading for him to find her friend? Or, was it sometime after, as he learned more about Serena? He had read the notes Cali dropped off at the station yesterday. Nick didn’t know if any of the information could be used to help find her, but it did show him the person behind the name.
    Taking out his brief notes, he wrote the words ‘make it personal.’ He wanted everyone listening to be concerned not only about their own safety, but to care about finding Serena. What better way to inspire people to help find Serena, than to make them care. An idea sparked, and he reached for his cell phone.
    A brisk knock sounded, interrupting his racing thoughts. He opened it to find Deputy Owen with an excited look on his face, and his weight shifting from one foot to the next.
    “They’re all waiting for you, Sheriff. You should see the crowd. It’s the biggest turnout I’ve ever seen for one of our press conferences. All of the major news channels are here. And guess what? There are a couple of guys from CNN out there. Can you believe it?” He smiled like a little boy on Christmas morning.
    Irritation rocketed through Nick. “This isn’t something to be happy about Owen,” he snapped. “I spoke to Mayor Wilson an hour ago. And I have to return a phone call to the Governor. Apparently he’s concerned about having a serial rapist on the loose in his state, and you should be, too.”
    Owen’s face turned serious as he cleared his throat and answered, “Yes sir.”
    Exhilaration remained gleaming in the deputy’s eyes, and it took all of Nick’s patience not to throttle the man. He glanced at the cell phone resting in his hand. “It won’t hurt them to wait for another minute or two. I have to make a phone call. I’ll be out when I’m done.”
    “But sir…”
    Nick shut the door on the deputy’s wide eyes. He ran a hand down his face. CNN? He felt the throb of a new headache beginning at the base of his neck as he dialed Cali’s number.
    His anticipation grew with each passing ring. After the fifth one, her recorded voice came over the line. “Leave me a
message.
”
    He flipped the phone closed. It was probably too late anyway. He let out a long, slow breath. Lord, I need your help now more than ever.
    Bracing himself for the onslaught of questions and flashing cameras, he grabbed his notes and headed outside into the blinding sun and warm afternoon temperatures. The reporters had set up their microphones in the middle of the parking lot. Surprised they had left enough room for anyone to park and maneuver around the crowd, Nick wondered if it was Deputy Owen’s bright idea to set them up there, but kept the thought to himself.
    He caught sight of Helen, standing off to the side. He motioned her toward him. “Take pictures of the crowd. The man we’re looking for may decide to show up, looking like a concerned citizen.”
    “Gotcha.” Helen disappeared inside the office to grab