Chapter 41
FORTY-ONE
Chris boldly moved closer, flattening himself against the side of the house to get a better vantage of Tyler and what he was doing. Just then the man turned slowly to look at the window, as if he felt like he was being watched.
Chris ducked quickly, hoping he wasn’t seen. He grimaced as he silently berated himself for being too bold and possibly getting caught.
He waited another minute before he slowly rose and looked inside again.
Tyler was gone. He wasn’t in the bedroom. He wasn’t in the living room.
Chris didn’t want to risk being seen at the front of the property, so he cautiously moved to the backyard to go around the house to the front. Keeping his eyes straight and listening for any type of noise, he slowed at the back corner of the house. There was no sign of Tyler.
Chris got that familiar feeling that there was something behind him and when he started to turn he was hit on the head and blacked out.
Chris opened his eyes to find he was lying on the edge of the patio, his cheek pressed against something soft. A searing pain at the back of his head made him raise his arm and touch the painful area. Looking at the palm of his hand, there was blood.
“Ugh,” he moaned. He took another moment to catch his breath and strength before he sat up. His gun was still in place, which was a good sign. Gathering his wits and thoughts, he stood, dizzy for a moment, steadying his balance. Everything came into focus once again and his pulse calmed.
Chris guardedly checked the house and front yard. Tyler’s car was gone. Shelby’s front door was open as if he’d left in a hurry. The deputy was angry at himself for being made.
Chris decided to call for back up and an ambulance.
He pulled his phone and dialed 911. “This is Deputy Christopher Anderson, badge number 3944. I’ve been struck on the head, location 1616 Merry Lane.
” He sat on the front porch, waiting. He dreaded making the call to the detectives about his failure.