Free STORM LOG-0505: A Gripping, Supernatural Crime Thriller (The First Detective Deans Novel) by James D Mortain Page A

Amy.’
    ‘Yes, of course. Poor Amy.’ She waved towards the sofa. ‘Her family must be beside themselves. Yes, of course, I’ll help you all I can.’
    ‘Thank you. When did you last see Amy?’
    ‘Would you excuse me a moment while I get the diary from outside? I know it was sometime within the last few weeks but I’m not sure when exactly.’
    ‘Of course.’
    As Denise left, Deans studied the room.
    She returned carrying a desk diary and started to flick through the pages.
    ‘Tuesday, three weeks ago,’ she said. ‘That’s right; we had a quick thirty-minute session.’
    ‘What exactly would you do with Amy?’
    ‘Well, just talk really. Amy has a very sensitive soul and the potential to develop the gift. We mostly discuss her thesis. And how she can harness the gift to enrich her life. She’s an excellent student and a pleasure to be around.’
    ‘The gift?’ Deans mirrored.
    Denise smiled. ‘How long do you have, Detective? Your fifteen minutes wouldn’t begin to scratch the surface even if I tried to explain.’
    Deans liked Denise. He felt comfortable in her presence. Not at all how he thought she would be.
    ‘Would it be possible to have a list of the dates and times you met with Amy please? It might be beneficial for me to piece together her movements over a period of time,’ he said.
    ‘Of course. I can’t let you have the book for client confidentiality reasons, but I can jot down the relevant details for you, if that would be okay?’
    ‘Thank you.’
    ‘I’ve only been seeing Amy for a few months, so it shouldn’t take long.’
    Denise swivelled in her chair and started to write on a sheet of headed paper. Deans politely waited. A provocative question kept rebounding inside his head. Would it be rude of him to ask? He did not know. He leant forward, about to speak, then stopped just short of the words coming out.
    ‘Something you want to ask?’ Denise said without turning around to face him. She was good.
    Deans paused before speaking. He did have one vitally private question to ask, but at the same time, he did not want to hear the answer. Instead, his query sounded amateurish.
    ‘So, do you read people’s future and stuff?’
    Denise chuckled. ‘You’re thinking of a clairvoyant. I’m not necessarily a clairvoyant, so I suppose I do “stuff” as you put it. But there is so much more to it.’ She turned back to face him. ‘Perhaps if you have a couple of hours free sometime you could experience some stuff for yourself?’
    Deans leaned back. ‘Oh, I’m afraid I’m not local. My patch is in Somerset.’ He noticed Denise had a quizzical expression. ‘Amy’s reported missing from Bath.’
    Denise shook her head. ‘It’s such a shock. What a dreadful, dreadful shock.’
    She held out a sheet of paper, which Deans took with thanks.
    ‘It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Detective. I’m pleased Amy is in good hands.’
    Deans wafted the compliment aside. ‘Thank you for your help. It was very nice to meet you too.’ He removed a business card from his wallet and handed it to Denise. ‘Would you call me if you hear anything from Amy?’
    ‘Without question,’ she said and placed the business card onto her treatment couch.
    Deans led the way back to the shop entrance. Ash was still behind the counter. Deans exchanged a handshake with Denise, nodded to Ash and went on his way to his next task.
     
    A ten-minute stroll later, he found the police station at a picturesque setting overlooking the old town bridge and estuary. The entrance was locked and the front office in darkness. A laminated notice to the public was stuck to the inside of the glass informing them of front office closures and restrictions to opening hours, effective from nine months ago. Cost cutting , Deans thought. The same thing had happened in Bath.
    A uniformed officer emerged from the side of the building, and Deans jogged over to her before she stepped into a marked vehicle.
    ‘Hi,’ Deans said,