Chapter 35
THIRTY-FIVE
Katie took Cisco to the veterinary office to make sure he was okay—and he was, one hundred percent. She also took him to a dog wash, even though she was still covered in dry mud herself. Chris went home and was taken off shift until the next day.
Katie was on her way home with a much rested and nice-smelling dog. She had to tell McGaven what had happened, but at least there was a silver lining with the strange fasteners Chris had found. She reported that everyone was fine and she was so grateful that Chris had been with them.
As Katie entered her driveway she realized there wasn’t a patrol vehicle parked in the usual place at the front of her property.
It didn’t bother her. Maybe because she was exhausted and every muscle in her body hurt each time she moved.
She spent the next hour cleaning everything and making sure her gear was still in working order, then finally she stood under a hot, steamy shower trying to put the day behind her.
To have been that close to losing Cisco or him getting hurt made her emotions slightly off balance.
It was still early, but she put on her pajamas and wrapped a blanket around her. She had her laptop and wanted to examine the photo of the strange metal fastener. Cisco was relaxed and no more than two inches from her.
Katie’s cell phone rang.
“Detective Scott.”
“I was over in Parkersville, so I didn’t hear about what happened till now. Are you okay?” said Sheriff Scott.
“Yes, we’re fine. I took Cisco to the vet just to make sure.”
“Good to hear. What about you?” he said.
“I’m fine, don’t worry.”
Katie could hear him take a breath. “I know how awful it would have been for you nearly losing Cisco. I want you to take another day if needed. Okay?”
“I really don’t need to take more time off. We’re finally beginning to make some progress on this appendages case.”
“Just remember, whatever you need.”
Katie smiled. “Thank you.”
“Love you.”
“I love you too.”
Katie felt better knowing she had support, not only for her work but her well-being. She sent Chris a text message to check in on him and to thank him once more for being her backup.
Cisco seemed to be hanging out with Midnight; they were in their own worlds. Katie watched Cisco and admired his beautiful coat and his strength—but he was gentle with the cat.
She opened her laptop and began searching for details about the metal fastener or tool-like pieces they had found to see if she could find anything similar. It appeared to be specialized, which would narrow down who would use them and where they would be purchased.
As Katie searched, she found fasteners, washers, and corner pieces—but nothing as particular as what they’d taken into evidence. She was growing tired and decided to lie down and rest her eyes for just a moment…
Katie walked down a familiar street where there were flowers and lawns.
There were houses burning and the smoke became thick, swirling in big black plumes.
She was going somewhere, but she had forgotten where.
Why couldn’t she remember? What was she missing?
She was having a difficult time breathing. Where was fire and rescue?
She stared at the buildings, which weren’t residential homes anymore, but rather identical manufactured homes. One of them had what looked like graffiti sprayed across the front in big letters. She kept trying to read what it said. Finally, she deciphered it.
Katie knows…
Knows what? She stopped. The street was becoming blacker and the smoke was as thick as a wall and closing in fast.
Katie felt someone touch her arm and she turned. Suddenly, she saw Ames in front of her, smiling, but in a sinister way. His eyes looked like fire.
“You know what you need to do.”
Katie woke with a start. Her heart racing. Her chest heavy. She couldn’t get that image out of her mind.
“Hey, you okay?” said the most wonderful voice.
John came over and sat next to her, holding her tight.
“I didn’t hear you come in,” she said. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“You didn’t expect me to ignore the fact that you almost lost Cisco today.”
Katie fought back tears. It wasn’t about Cisco, really, but about the cases. They were haunting her.
“Hey,” said John gently. “You’re not okay.”
Katie was shivering, not because of the cold, but because she felt as if something icy was creeping up behind her and there was nothing she could do about it. “This case is making me self-doubt, and then Cisco…” She remained calm, trying to keep her self-control.
John hugged her and kissed her until her shaking eased. “I’m worried about you.”
“I’ll be fine. Maybe not now, but I will be.” She brushed her fingers along his handsome face. “Thank you for being here.”
“We have each other’s backs.”
Katie smiled. “We have been through a lot.”
“I’m right here and I will always be.”
They snuggled up and sat in silence, knowing they were one team and would be there for each other. She knew that what happened today scared him also, but he would be her rock.
The body parts, the feeling of someone watching and making Katie part of the focus, and the not knowing made the investigation seem more ominous.
The unrelenting chaos was coming faster and there was no way to entirely prepare or stop it—she had to be ready.