Night Waves by Wendy Davy

reassure her, but from the way she stood straight and addressed the press, he knew she could stand on her own. He stood back, watching as his admiration grew.
    “Good afternoon. My name is Cali Stevens, and I’m a close friend of Serena. I’ve known her for many years. I could tell you many things about her. I could tell you what you want to hear to make you sympathize with her. I could tell you she’s a loving wife and mother. But she isn’t. I could tell you she has a large family, with dozens of people waiting for her safe return. But she doesn’t.” Cali paused and took a deep breath. “The truth is she’s single. She was an only child, and her parents both passed away by the time she was sixteen. My family took her in. Serena’s like a sister to me. She’s had a hard life, and in spite of everything she’s been through, she’s the first person to help someone in need. She’s the most unselfish, caring person I know. She’s also strong. She’s a survivor. Serena, if you can hear me, don’t give up. Fight back and fight hard. And for the coward who took her…”
    Nick took her arm and firmly pulled her aside. “Thank you Ms. Stevens. Ms. H., will you see she returns safely to her car?”
    Helen nodded. Judging by the scowl on Cali’s face, she didn’t care for being dismissed so easily. But, when Helen reached her side, Cali’s features softened, and she turned and walked away without a fight.
    Nick kept his gaze trained on Cali and Helen, waiting until they had walked a good distance away before saying, “Serena is the third woman on Coral Isle to be abducted by a serial rapist.”
    Cali stopped and swung around so fast she stumbled. Helen took her arm and steadied her, keeping her from falling. Nick assumed this was the first time she had heard the victims had been sexually assaulted. She slowly slid on her sunglasses, covering the tears welling in her eyes.
    “Sheriff?” Deputy Owen brought his focus back to the hungry reporters.
    He cleared his throat and drew his gaze from Cali. “We have reason to believe the abductor used GHB, commonly known as the date rape drug, to incapacitate his victims. GHB is odorless, colorless and besides a slightly salty taste, is virtually undetectable. Perpetrators often mix the drug with soda or alcoholic beverages, making it extremely difficult for the victim to discover the drug before it’s too late.
    “I want to assure the residents and visitors on Coral Isle we’re doing everything possible to find Serena, and to bring the criminal who abducted her to justice. And until we do, I’m asking every woman to be extremely cautious. Under no circumstances should you accept an open drink from anyone. It is also imperative you do not go anywhere alone. Close and lock your doors and windows, and stay alert to your surroundings at all times.”
    One of the reporters interrupted. “Sheriff Justice, what are you specifically doing to find the abductor?”
    He acknowledged the reporter with a nod. “Although I cannot release any specific details of the investigation, I can tell you we have sent information developed from our investigation to the FBI. They will provide us with a criminal profile and check out any other offenses that appear to be related. I can also tell you we have obtained DNA samples of the offender from each of the first two victims. The DNA is being checked against the national database of convicted felons.”
    Voices erupted all around. Reporters clamored to get their questions answered above all the others. The resulting chaos made it impossible for Nick to answer even one more of the questions. Not that he had any more answers to give them anyway.
    “That’s all we have to tell you for now. We’ll be posting any new information we can release on our website. A picture of Serena is already posted on the web. Please take a moment and look at it. If anyone has seen her or has any information regarding this case, contact our office.”
    He