The night was strangely quiet and still, the lack of a breeze smothering the air with a heavy feeling. No static noise even without the cotton. No disembodied voices making me do things I didn't want to.

As I strode toward the cemetery gates, my steps stuttered and a bitter taste soured my mouth. Yellow crime scene tape had been looped between the metal bars, and a heavy-duty lock hung from the latch.

Cold sweat rolled down my back as I set my duffel bag down, my limbs ...