Excerpt: DreamLand

Instead of indulging the other man, for he obviously wants some sort of confrontation, Charlie picks up the phone. Leaning back in his chair, he places his feet casually upon the surface of the desk. Ignoring the other man. He dials his brother’s number and sets about cleaning his nails as the phone rings, an obvious dismissal. As someone picks up on the other line, Charlie eyes McAlister as he stalks away. Instead of his brothers low timbre, he is greeted by Alessandra’s smooth voice. Eyebrows raised, Charlie greets her congenially. Her response is less than friendly.
“And you’re calling because?” She sounds more tired than annoyed. Startled by her words, he pauses for a long moment before answering.
“I got assigned your sisters case, and I wanted to speak with you.” A marginal lie, Charlie had been aiming for his brother, but hearing her, he thinks maybe she might provide something useful.
“About?” A Clipped, short response from her.
“Your sister, before she died.” He idly toys with a stray pen as he waits for her to answer.
“Like… if she was behaving funny?” tentative and soft this time.
“Exactly.” He leans forward, almost excited. The fact that she made the leap from talking about her sister to unusual behavior must mean-
“Well… there was this one time…” Her voice is soft, as if she’s afraid of being overheard.
“Yes?” He tries not to sound too eager.
“It was after she had gotten her cast off… and she had been crying, was upset. She had been fighting with mom about trying to pick up dancing again…” Alessandra takes a deep, shuddering breath, as if to steady herself.
“She asked if it was possible to get a dream back.” Alessandra gives a hollow little laugh and Charlie can almost see the tears. He doesn’t know what to say to that, and lets the silence lengthen.