THE KEYSTROKE KILLER
TRANSCENDENCE: PART I
DR. MELISSA CAUDLE
COPYRIGHT 2018
NEW ORLEANS, LA
The Keystroke Killer: Transcendence
Copyright© 2018
Dr. Melissa Caudle
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental other than the names of the cities or historical figures used to provide location reference points to enhance the story, plot or character development and theme of this fictional work. This book is intended for mature audiences only due to the violence, language, sex descriptions and nudity portrayed.
Publisher: Open Door Publishing Company, New Orleans, LA
Final Proof Editor: Elisha Grace Dracoulis
Line Editor: Kathy Kittock
Copy Editor: Roxana Coumans
Developmental Editors: Robby Cook Stroud, Roger Molina III, Genevieve Karnes
Focus Group Members: Tina Rubin, Kelly Caudle, Susan Thibodeaux, Dr. Carol Michaels, Doreen Tray, Liz Ashe Havrilla, Monica Stellars, Aimee Ashe, Jeffrey Jordan, Kyle Johnson, James Karnes, Erin Cadiere, Jamie Dwyer and Helen V. Ray
Cover and Back Jacket: Created by Rebecca @ RebeccaCovers
Author Photographer: Robby Cook Stroud
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. Contact author at drmelcaudle@gmail.com or www.drmelcaudle.com.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Caudle, Melissa.
The Keystroke Killer / Dr. Melissa Caudle
p. cm.
ISBN-13: 978-1718872561
ISBN-10:1718872569
Thriller–Science Fiction 2. Psychological Science Fiction Drama
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BOOKS IN KSK SAGA
BY DR. MELISSA CAUDLE
The Keystroke Killer: Part I–Transcendence
The Keystroke Killer: Part II–Reborn
The Keystroke Killer: Part III–Preeminence
The Keystroke Killer: Part IV–Opacity
The Keystroke Killer: Part V–The Fourth Dimension
The Keystroke Killer: Part VI–New Realm
Copyright Protected 2018–All Rights Reserved
Be sure to join The Keystroke Killer Fan Site on Facebook and subscribe to my newsletter at www.drmelcaudle.com for updates on new book releases, special discounts and a chance to win merchandise including an autograph copy of The Keystroke Killer: Parts II-VI.
www.drmelcaudle.com
DrMelCaudle@thekeystrokekiller.com
Represented by LACA NOLA Talent
Agent: Robby Cook Stroud–Robby.LACANOLA@gmail.com
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Printed in the United States of America
Excerpt Teaser
A sneer crossed Matthew’s lips; he didn’t take Milo’s jeering bait. He placed the envelope onto the table out of Milo’s reach, flexed his fingers, folded his hands and slowly placed them on the table. Matthew sat upright. “What I can show you should scare the piss out of you. It’s from Nathan Hammer.”
“You piqued my curiosity.” Milo tried to slam his bound hands on the table.
A lump formed in Matthew’s throat as he secured the envelope between his thumb and index finger. He lowered it one inch from Milo’s shackled hands. “I’m not interested in what does or doesn’t pique your interest.” Matthew provoked Milo by fanning the envelope.
The chair scrapped across the floor as Matthew rose. “Maybe next time you’ll show me respect and play my show and tell game as you emphatically called it.” He strode to the door.
Milo sneered as he chomped his teeth to taunt him.
Matthew used his knuckles and tapped the door protruding his middle finger. “Up yours.”
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Unamused and unaffected by Matthew’s blatant gesture, Milo leered toward Matthew. “Watch your back. That’s, if you can.”
“Meaning?”
“You couldn’t watch your sister’s. Now could you?”
Matthew turned to Milo as his eyes trickled the calculated insolence of his stare. “You’re not allowed to talk about my sister.” He spewed spit with each angered word.
“You should have seen her face when I slit her throat.” Milo gloated him further. “Oh, excuse me. You did.” His tone in Joker fashion more befitting a character in Batman seemed to bounce in the room against the walls. “Such a thing of beauty to feel as her body jerked going limp before her last breath. Big brother couldn’t save little sister.” Milo smirked and tilted his head to the side. “I remember her sweet perfume and the silkiness of her hair.” A grin of wry amusement dashed across his lips.
Matthew bolted toward Milo, grabbed the villain’s head and slammed it against the table. Blood oozed from Milo’s nose. He pressed Milo’s bloody face relentlessly on the table as if he had the strength of a Western lowland gorilla from the jungles of Africa. “You son of a bitch!”
Milo strained to avert Matthew’s glare. His yellow stained teeth bloody.
“Where did my sister go?”
Milo’s blank stare enraged an already violent Matthew.
“How did you make her vanish?” Matthew slammed Milo’s head against the table over and over.
“Lost control big brother? I think so.”
“You son of a bitch.”
“That’s the only name you have left in your arsenal? Low on vocabulary for a Tulane graduate.”
Matthew slammed Milo’s head three more times against the already bloody surface. “How’s this for vocabulary? You’re demonic.”
Three guards rushed into the room and restrained Matthew.
Milo licked the blood from his lips and sat up. “Tastes like your sister’s.”
To break free, Matthew thrashed in their arms to escape from the three-man hold.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2058
CHAPTER 1: The Day of Reckoning
CHAPTER 2: Convenient Truth
CHAPTER 3: There’s No Place Like Home
CHAPTER 4: The Charm Bracelet
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2058
CHAPTER 5: Here Come the Thompsons
CHAPTER 6: The Invisible Foe
CHAPTER 7: Tongue in Cheek
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2058
CHAPTER 8: Space Oddity
CHAPTER 9: Is This for Real?
CHAPTER 10: Office Politics
CHAPTER 11: The House of Torture
CHAPTER 12: Friday Night Lights
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2058
CHAPTER 13: Let the Games Begin
CHAPTER 14: It’s All in the DNA
CHAPTER 15: Roxy Lady
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2058
CHAPTER 16: The Great Escape
CHAPTER 17: You’ve Got D-Mail
CHAPTER 18: Highest Bidder
CHAPTER 19: Search Parameters
MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2058
CHAPTER 20: Special K
CHAPTER 21: Near Death Experiences
TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2058
CHAPTER 22: EpSos.de
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2058
CHAPTER 23: Through the Barrel of a Gun
CHAPTER 24: Suspicious Lies
CHAPTER 25: Stranger Things
CHAPTER 26: My Dad is a Serial Killer
SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2058
CHAPTER 27: Bombers and Rapists and Serial Killers, Oh My
CHAPTER 28: The Easter Bonnet Parade
CHAPTER 29: The Body in the Bag
CHAPTER 30: I Spy
CHAPTER 31: The House of the Rising Sun
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2058
CHAPTER 32: The Truth is Out There
CHAPTER 33: Party Like It’s 1999
CHAPTER 34: Reaching the Fourth Dimension
CHAPTER 35: Fortune Cookies
CHAPTER 36: On the Couch
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2058
CHAPTER 37: Suspect Pool
CHAPTER 38: Is Anybody Listening?
CHAPTER 39: Daddy Dearest
CHAPTER 40: Git Along Little Ponies
CHAPTER 41: Farewell to Anna Conda
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2058
CHAPTER 42: It’s All About the Serial Killer
CHAPTER 43: Where in the World is Roth?
CHAPTER 44: Somebody is Watching
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2058
CHAPTER 45: Knock, Knock
CHAPTER 46: Fast and Furious
CHAPTER 47: The Keystroke Killer
CHAPTER 48: Three’s Company
CHAPTER 49: Wicked Games
CHAPTER 50: I’m Right Here
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2058
CHAPTER 51: Transcendence
CHAPTER 52: Nemesis
CHAPTER 53: Apartment 116
CHAPTER 54: This is Not a Drill
CHAPTER 55: We Will Not Succumb to Terrorists
CHAPTER 56: The Voice in the Pond
CHAPTER 1: Reborn
NEVER STOP RUNNING EXCERPT
A.D.A.M. EXCERPT
EXCERPT FROM A.D.A.M.
CHAPTER TWO – TRUTH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
FOR MY FAMILY.
“Always trust your mind’s eye.” Dr. Melissa Caudle
My immediate family is my mother, husband, daughters, sons-in-laws, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews who have played a part to make this dream come true.
I love all of you and cherish our fun times together at my home for holiday gatherings, swim parties, Mother’s Day, our numerous beach vacations, cruises, tennis and feeding the ducks at our favorite park. And, of course the crazy concerts and festivals we attended together.
However, my grandchildren cannot read any of The Keystroke Killer saga books until they turn eighteen because of the subject matter rating I gave. It is for mature audiences. I mean it. I have reserved an autographed copy from the first print for each to receive on their eighteenth birthday.
dedication
Stephen Hawking
English Theoretical Physicist
January 8, 1942–March 14-2018
“We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn’t want to meet.” Stephen Hawking
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To my mother, Helen Virginia Ray, for your unconditional support, forever love and input to KSK. Ooh la la for the advice on the sex scenes. I love you forever and in another dimension.
To Mike Caudle, my spouse and best friend, you allow me to write into the wee hours of the morning and night, cook ninety-nine percent of all our meals, keep our home running like it should amidst the chaos of me writing KSK and for the shoulder rubs.
To Erin, Kelly and Jamie, my daughters, you respect me as your mother and friend, you support me, believe in me and encourage me to write and live my life to the fullest.
To my daughters’ husbands, Jon, Jay and Drew, I thank you for your unconditional love and acceptance of me, just the way I am. I’m proud to call you my sons-in-laws; but mostly my friends.
To my wonderful six grandsons, listed oldest to youngest: Jaydan, Aidan, Stamatis, Eli, Roger, Jax and Aryc; and to my princess and only granddaughter, Blythe, for loving me and giving me many happy crazy times. Seriously.
To Robby Cook Stroud, my sister and partner in all things KSK. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to convert the screenplays into a book series.
To Janis Caylen Ray, my sister, for believing in me in this endeavor. It means a great deal.
To Tina Rubin, my best friend, for all the wine it took for me to write this and your feedback while sitting at my side. And, you hold the record of being the first person, other than myself, to read this novel. Well, kinda. LOL.
To Rockin Dopsie Jr., for telling me about Roxy and for the best Zydeco music in the world to keep my heart racing while I wrote. “Somebody scream!” You are my Zydeco King.
To the actors who auditioned in 2013 for the television pilot script, The Keystroke Killer. You inspired me as you made the words in the script come alive. Your portrayal of these characters brought them to life. And, thank you for your fierce loyalty you have given me over the years. And, yes, I mean years. I love all of you for that and respect you more for your talent and dedication to the craft.
To the Facebook members of THE KEYSTROKE KILLER FAN SITE, I am honored you joined me on this journey no matter where it may lead. “Thank you” doesn’t seem enough as I see the site grow.
To Gypsy Elise, a dear friend, and a very gifted musician. Thank you for your original songs. I have placed the names of some of your songs throughout KSK. Your original music is a true inspiration as I listen to your albums and write. I hope everyone who reads this book will Google you (AKA D-Search) and become a fan.
To the late Stephen Hawking, a theoretical physicist, for your knowledge and expertise in M-Theory, fourth dimension, time travel and parallel universes. I’m grateful for our conversations about the Universe and your impact by taking the time to discuss and explain the realities of what most consider science fiction. See you on the other side or come back through the fourth dimension and keep our conversations ongoing. I mean it too.
To my editing team who comprised many talented individuals from four different countries. I can’t say enough about your talents. Kathy Kittok (USA), I am so glad you have been a part of my life for over eighteen years. First, as my secretary, and now as my friend and line editor. Genevieve Karnes (USA), thank you for your honest remarks, guidance and knowledge. Roxana Coumans (France), thank you for that copy edit run a third of the way through the book. Elisia Grace Dracoulis (Australia), thank you for your brilliant touch, expertise and your absolute perfection in editing the final draft. You have been a life-savor for me. Also, to two creative people who wrote the short and long synopsis for the back jacket and for the website – Michelle Areaux (USA) and Russell Burgess (United Kingdom).
Now for my marketing team from four different countries. Rebecca (Ukraine), you couldn’t have captured my cover of this book’s vision any better. Thank you, Kealan Trey Schmidt (New Zealand), for your editing the many wonderful trailers. To Shaina Javed (Pakistan) for the fabulous flipbook promotional. To Dhanushka Prasad (Sri Lanka) from Artstudio, thank you for your vision of the marketing tools you created which reflected my personality and style.
And, last, but not in the tiniest bit least, to my wonderful focus group. On the next page, is your formal recognition. Your dedication, your time and your feedback are beyond anything I ever deserved. Thank you for being greatest KSK fans in the universe and for being a part of this journey.
This novel directly results from infusion from all over the world. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes the world to launch a novel.
FOCUS GROUP
SPECIAL THANKS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2058
CHAPTER 1
The Day of Reckoning
Sunrise
The golden sun peaked from the dark cloudless sky above the city that care forgot. Five fighter jets flew in a disciplined duck formation usually seen at an air show. Less than three feet apart, the synchronize advance provided the aerodynamic advantage as they approached the city known for Mardi Gras and the birthplace of jazz. One inch off the maneuver would be disastrous.
Hipshot, the right wingman spotted the Greater New Orleans Bridg
e and the murky brown Mississippi River below. “We’re making our approach.”
“Roger that.” Skeeter, the attractive second lieutenant to his left wing flashed a grin of male satisfaction.
“Doesn’t look like the bridge is backed up.”
The striking commander, James Dylan Taylor, tapped his microphone attached to his pilot’s helmet. “Cut the chatter.” He flew over the Crescent City hundreds of times and needed no reminder of his location and didn’t want to listen to a morning traffic report. His expression covered by his pilot’s helmet.
The fly-by non-approved flight over the Mississippi River Bridge to commemorate the death of Livia Lynn Raymond, daughter of the New Orleans Police Commissioner, zoomed close to Mach one. As the air squadron flew over, an old green Ford Taurus driven by Matthew Raymond, Jr. merged into the flow of the morning commute headed west below. As he drove, he listened to the song New Orleans by Stevie Nicks.