Season of Strangers Read Online Free

“This is Officer—” she read the nameplate over his badge “—Ferguson. He says they’ve checked things out but they didn’t find anyone. You’d think the guy would have left footprints or something, but I guess he didn’t. Anyway, I guess he’s gone.”
    â€œYou’re related to Ms. Ferris?” the policeman asked.
    â€œI’m her sister. I’m Julie Ferris.”
    â€œCould I speak to you a moment? In private?”
    Julie glanced at her slightly disheveled sister, noticing the pallor of her skin and the tic that had surfaced beneath one dark brown eye. “Yes, Officer, of course.” They made their way into the cozy little kitchen, dodging potted plants and ducking behind the red beaded curtain that clattered in their wake.
    â€œYou weren’t able to catch the man?” Julie asked worriedly.
    â€œThere was no man, Ms. Ferris. Are you aware this is the fifth 911 call we’ve received from your sister in the past two weeks?”
    â€œNo…I…I had no idea. She mentioned that she’d called once before, but I didn’t know there had been others.”
    â€œThe dispatch says each call’s the same. Your sister’s frightened voice coming over the phone claiming someone is trying to break into the house.”
    â€œMaybe someone is trying to get in and you’re just not here quickly enough to catch him.”
    â€œProwlers leave traces, Ms. Ferris. Footprints, loosened window screens, tire tracks—something. There’s nothing of that sort here. I hate to have to ask this, but has your sister had any kind of psychiatric problems?”
    A tightness pinched in Julie’s chest. “She’s been to counseling. Her childhood was extremely difficult. She had occasional bouts of depression, but she’s never seen a psychiatrist. Are you implying my sister may be suffering from some sort of mental disorder?”
    â€œI’m not implying anything. I’m simply telling you that no one is trying to break into this apartment. It seems to me your sister may need psychiatric help a lot more than police assistance.”
    Julie mulled that over. Laura had been acting strangely. “I’ll speak to her, Officer. It was my fault she called you again tonight. I didn’t realize she had done it four times before.”
    â€œNo problem. Besides, it’s always better to play it safe. At any rate, good luck with your sister.”
    â€œThank you.” They returned to the living room. The policeman said his goodbyes to Laura, and Julie sat down beside her on the sofa.
    â€œFeeling better?”
    â€œYes…much better. I’m glad you came.”
    Julie reached over and clasped Laura’s hand, gave it a comforting squeeze. “The officer says this is the fifth time you’ve called the police.”
    Laura straightened a little on the sofa, began to fidget with the cord of her blue velour robe. “I-I didn’t realize I had called them so much.”
    â€œWant to tell me about the other times?”
    Laura sagged back against the sofa, resting her head against the top, catching her long blond hair beneath her shoulders. “I thought I heard something, that’s all. I thought someone was trying to break in.”
    â€œYou heard noises, something that frightened you?”
    â€œNot noises exactly, more like just a feeling. It was terrifying, Julie. I’m sure someone was out there. I didn’t know what else to do.”
    For a moment Julie said nothing. “You always said you liked living alone. You never used to be afraid.”
    â€œI know. It’s just that lately…I don’t know what it is…I just feel scared all the time.”
    Julie rubbed her temple, praying the slight nag of pain wasn’t the start of another headache. “You haven’t been frightened like that since we were children. When did all of this start?”
    â€œI