Chapter 14 – Chris
“Let’s head straight to the Braggart ranch,” I tell Ricky. My gut tells me he started the fire in Jennie’s office. On the way there, I realize I forgot to grab the sling, but that’s too bad. There’s no time to go back for it. My shoulder will just have to keep aching like a bitch.
When we arrive at the Braggarts’ place, Ricky pulls up to the circular drive in front of the house. We get out of the cruiser and approach the front door. He knocks while I peer through the front windows trying to get a bead on Dave’s location, assuming he’s even here. But I don’t see anyone.
The housekeeper, Marguerite, comes to the door. When she sees us standing here, her eyes widen. “Yes? Can I help you?”
“Is Dave here?” I ask.
“No, sir. He left early this morning, and he hasn’t been back. I don’t know where he is.”
I need to search this house to be sure he’s not here. I can’t take the housekeeper’s word for it. I also need to look for evidence of arson, both in this house and in his vehicle.
“Looks like I need a search warrant,” I tell Ricky. “Let’s head back to the station. We need to put out an APB on Braggart. He’s got to be around here somewhere. I want all eyes looking for him.”
On my way back to the car, I call Jennie to let her know Braggart’s not at home. That means I have no idea where he is, and I want to give her a heads-up.
When she answers my call, I say, “He’s not at home, Jennie. We’ll keep looking. In the meanwhile—”
“Chris, he’s—!” Whatever she was going to say is cut off, and all I can hear is her muffled voice.
“Jennie!” I cry as I run to the cruiser.
“Hello, Sheriff.” It’s a familiar male voice, arrogant and lazy. “I imagine you’re looking for me right about now.”
My chest tightens as panic floods me. That son of a bitch! “Braggart, I swear to God, if you hurt—”
But the line goes dead.
Ricky’s already seated in the driver’s seat. I slide into the front passenger seat, and we tear off back to Jennie’s. On the way, I get on the radio and call for back-up to meet us there.