Hello, Darkness Read Online Free PDF Page B

and Carson through the labyrinth of dark corridors. “There’s a recording of the call in the studio.”
    The unremarkable exterior of the building hadn’t prepared them for the electronic sophistication of the studio. They gazed about them with curiosity and awe. She brought them back on track by introducing Stan. Their acknowledgments were clipped. No one shook hands.Paris used the mouse on the Vox Pro computer to play Valentino’s recorded call.
    No one spoke while they listened. Officer Griggs stared at the ceiling,Carson at the floor. When it ended, Griggs raised his head and cleared his throat, seemingly embarrassed by Valentino’s crude language. “Do you get calls like this often, Ms. Gibson?”
    “Weird and kooky sometimes. Heavy breathers and dirty propositions, but nothing like what you’ve just heard. Never anything threatening. Valentino has called before. He tells me about a wonderful new girlfriend, or a recent breakup that left him heartbroken. He’s never said anything like this. Never anything even close to this.”
    “You think it’s the same guy?”
    They all turned to Stan, who had ventured the idea.
    He continued, “Somebody else could have borrowed the name Valentino because they’ve heard him on your show and know that he’s a regular caller.”
    “I guess it’s possible,”Paris said slowly. “I’m almost positive that Valentino’s voice is disguised. It never sounds quite natural.”
    “That’s not a common name either,” Griggs said. “Do you think it’s legit?”
    “I have no way of knowing that. Sometimes a caller is reluctant to give even a first name, preferring to remain totally anonymous.”
    “Do you have a way of tracing calls?”
    “Ordinary caller ID. One of our engineers added software to the Vox Pro that would give us a readout of the number, if it was available. Each call is also date and time stamped.”
    She brought up the information on the computer screen. There was no name, but a local telephone number, whichCarson jotted down.
    “This is a good start,” he said.
    “Maybe,” Griggs said. “Considering what he called to say, why would he use a traceable number?”
    Parisread between the lines. “You think it was a hoax?”
    Neither of the policemen answered her directly.Carson said, “I’ll call the number, see if anyone answers.”
    He used his cell phone, and after listening through numerous rings concluded that no one was going to pick up. “No voice mail either. Better call it in.” He punched in digits, then while he was giving Valentino’s number to whomever was on the other end, Griggs told her and Stan that the number would be traced.
    “But my guess is that it was a guy using a name he’d heard on your program and just trying to get a reaction out of you.”
    “Like the sickos who make obscene phone calls,” Stan said.
    Griggs bobbed his cropped head. “Exactly like that. I bet we find a lonely drunk or a group of bored kids trying to have some fun by talking dirty, something like that.”
    “I hope you’re right.”Paris hugged herself and rubbed her arms for warmth. “I can’t believe someone would do this as a joke, but I certainly prefer a joke to the alternative.”
    Carsondisconnected. “They’re on it. Shouldn’t take long.”
    “You’ll let me know what they find out?”
    “Sure thing, Ms. Gibson.”
    Stan offered to follow her home, but it was a halfhearted offer and he seemed relieved when she declined. He bade them good night and left.
    “How can we contact you when we know something?” Griggs asked as they wended their way through the building, toward the entrance.
    She gave him her home telephone number, emphasizing that it was unlisted. “Of course, Ms. Gibson.”
    It surprised the two policemen that she was the one to lock up the building for the night. “Are you here alone every night?”Carson asked as they walked her to her car.
    “Except for Stan.”
    “What does he do and how long has he worked