Chapter 43
FORTY-THREE
Katie and McGaven drove directly to Shelby’s house to meet up with Chris to get firsthand information. The detectives didn’t talk much. Each was reliving the evening and mulling over the investigation.
McGaven had some sweats and a hoodie for Katie to change into. She didn’t have other shoes, so she put on two pairs of socks until she could get home.
They drove up to the small house, where three police cruisers and paramedics were parked. The officers were securing the house and yard. Two paramedics were loading their emergency vehicle.
They saw Chris sitting on the porch step. The situation was calm, but it was clear from his slumped posture that he was defeated.
Katie wondered how Tyler got the jump on Chris. Most importantly, why did Tyler do it? What was his motivation? It was now looking like Shelby’s boyfriend was definitely a person of interest. How much of what he told the detectives wasn’t true?
“Hey,” said McGaven to Chris. “You okay?”
“Yeah, they said it wasn’t an emergency. But they want me to get checked out at the hospital,” he said with a flat tone.
“What do you think?” said McGaven, sitting down next to the deputy.
“I’m fine. If there’s no concussion, I’ll live.”
“What happened?” Katie said.
Chris told the detectives step-by-step what had transpired and how he had followed Tyler as he searched the house. He showed them the photos he took with his phone then said, “I really screwed up.”
“What? No, you didn’t. You did your job,” said McGaven.
“We didn’t think Tyler would be someone capable of this. It escaped our radar. We should be the ones apologizing because you didn’t have all the information,” said Katie.
“But still…”
“You uncovered information that we didn’t know,” she said. “That’s a good job.”
Chris studied both the detectives, then glanced down at Katie’s sock-clad feet. “I think he was searching for photos.” Then he stared at Katie. “What happened to you guys?”
“It’s quite the story. The highlights: we think we found the killer and now we know what he looks like,” said McGaven.
“Really? That’s great.”
“Yes and no. We lost him during a chase.”
“What about video footage at the hotel?”
“We’re working on that and will return to the hotel to view it after we’re done here.”
Katie was already tracking back to what had happened with Chris. She went to the side of the house and looked in the windows and then around to the backyard. Why would Tyler attack Chris? What was he looking for?
Katie walked into the house, where two officers were searching. “Anything?”
“Not yet,” said one officer.
“I’m going to have crime scene come in. Keep the integrity of the scene.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Katie joined McGaven and Chris again.
“I can’t believe you jumped from the seventh floor,” said Chris.
Katie said, “I think he’s exaggerating a bit.”
“We’ll find out soon enough,” said McGaven.
Chris stood up. “What can I do to help?”
“You need to go home and rest. We’ll get in touch,” she said.
“You did awesome.” McGaven tried to give support.
The operation around them was still in full force. McGaven called out for crime scene and a BOLO—be on the lookout—for Tyler Brandt. Then they walked back to the truck.
“Give me a ride home. I can quickly change,” Katie said.
“Sure.”
“I want to see that footage. I think it will tell us a lot about our suspect.”