Deadly Chase - Chapter 12

Miriam held her breath, waiting for his kiss. Wanting it despite everything telling her that this was crazy.

But then the crackle of her radio shattered the moment and Lily barked and jumped to life at the sound that said they had to get to work.

“Officer Reyes. Chief Walters needs you and DEA Agent Peterson back at the station,” the night dispatcher advised.

“Roger that. We’re on our way.”

Peering at Alex, she said, “I’m sorry.”

With a wry smile, he said, “I’m only sorry we didn’t get to finish.”

She wanted to say “later” but bit it back. It wouldn’t make sense to do anything later because it wasn’t anything they could finish. They weren’t naive fifteen-year-olds anymore. They were grown adults with responsibilities and the hurts of the past. Hurts still alive today.

They hurried to the station where Officer Diaz sat with Chief Walters.

“We think we have a hit on your red Jeep.” Dillon handed her a printout from the DMV.

She reviewed the materials and nodded. “The owner’s address is not far from the Salmon River. The vehicle was headed in that direction. The owner also has a gun license.”

“So does most of the county, but we thought you might want to check it out anyway. I can come as backup if you want,” Dillon said.

“That would be great,” Alex replied and in no time, they were in two separate cruisers and heading toward the suspect’s home.

It didn’t take more than fifteen minutes or so to reach the large cabin on the banks of the Salmon River. It was a beautiful home with a large playground off to one side. Kids toys littered the lawn and when they neared the door, the playful laughter of children leaked from inside.

But if Alex’s history had taught Miriam anything, it was that anyone could be a drug dealer.

With Lily tucked tight to her side, she knocked on the door and a thirty-something man answered. “Can I help you?” he said, a puzzled look on his face at the badges Alex and she flashed in his face. Dillon had stayed by the cruiser, ready to act if the situation went south.

“Is that your Jeep?” she asked and gestured to the vehicle sitting in the driveway.

He nodded. “It is.”

“You own a weapon?”

The man nodded. “I do. A Mossberg twelve-gauge shotgun. I use it for skeet-shooting.”

“Honey, who is it?” someone called from behind him.

“It’s the police,” he said, and a woman rushed forward.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, and Miriam’s gut told her that they had the wrong suspect.

“Can you confirm your whereabouts at approximately two p.m. today?” Alex asked.

“We were both at work. We’re teachers at the elementary school,” the man said and rattled off the name of the school principal.

“Thank you. We’re sorry to have bothered you,” she said and as they walked down the steps, she waved at Dillon to advise he could go.

“A dead end for sure,” Alex said as the happy sounds of laughter drifted out of the home once again.

“For sure. Hopefully we’ll be able to find another red Jeep owner who fits our profile.”

Once they were in the vehicle, Lily harnessed in the back, Miriam drove along the road beside the Salmon River. The silver light of the full moon glistened on the waters of the river. It was a beautiful sight, but suddenly the sound of a revving engine yanked her attention to her rearview mirror.

A white pickup barreled toward them from behind.

“Hold on,” she said and sped up to avoid the other vehicle, but if anything, the pickup truck increased its speed. “10-78. Officer needs assistance on Salmon River Road,” she radioed as she tried to outrace the vehicle gaining on them.

Alex turned to peer at the truck, but as he did so, it rammed into their back bumper, slamming them forward. Lily started barking at the sudden movement.

Miriam battled to keep control of the wheel as the pickup repeatedly rammed them. The wheel jerked in her hand and the nose of her car turned toward the river. She fought to right it, the muscles of her arms straining. Another shove from the larger vehicle sent the cruiser reeling out of control and it flew off the road and down towards the river.