“What makes you say that?” said McGaven.
“It’s a gut feeling. You had to have been there, seeing his reactions and movements. What he said. I’ve seen people like this before. He has to be military. Maybe even law enforcement.”
“We need to identify this guy,” said John.
“I have something better,” said Katie. She carefully removed her gun and cell phone. “He touched these and we can probably get prints. Good enough?” She smiled.
“Yes,” said McGaven. “Good going, partner.”
“It’ll most definitely work,” said John. “If he was military or police, his prints will be in the system.”
Just then a white SUV pulled into the area.
“Looks like the sheriff is here,” said McGaven.
EIGHTEEN
Wednesday 0115 hours
Katie and Cisco sat on the couch at the farmhouse watching everyone hover around them. Her uncle, McGaven, and John busied themselves trying to wait on her and asking every few minutes if she was okay.
“Really, I’m fine. I’m not hurt,” she said. “He just wanted to share information but not be a part of it.”
“We’re talking about someone taking a police officer against their will,” said the sheriff. He was stern and kept his gaze on his niece.
“I have to agree with the sheriff,” said McGaven.
“You would,” she said. “It’s after one in the morning. I need sleep and so do all of you.”
“I’ve decided that during this case you are not to go anywhere alone,” said the sheriff.
“I don’t think?—”
“It’s not a request coming from your uncle. It’s an order coming from your boss until we know what and who we’re dealing with. Do you understand?”
Katie knew better than to argue. This was not a discussion. “Fine. Now all of you can go home and sleep. Cisco and I need our beauty rest.”
Reluctantly, Sheriff Scott and McGaven finally left. John pulled Katie up from the couch and hugged her tightly. She could feel his concern in the way he held her; not wanting to let go.
“I’m okay.”
“I know, but when I couldn’t find you all these thoughts went through my mind. It’s our military experience, things we’ve seen here, and the fact that you always seem to jump into trouble if someone needs help,” he said.
“I will always make it back to you,” she said, cradling his face.
As strange as the day has been, it felt right being in John’s arms safe and without eerie crime scene locations and strangers who kept their life hidden away from society. She was realizing she had been falling for John and now her emotions didn’t want to be without him. It was as if they had known each other most of their lives, but everything seemed so new too.
“Do you want me to stay?” he said.
She nodded. “Yes.”
NINETEEN
Wednesday 0745 hours
Katie rushed to work. She had slept past her alarm and scrambled to get ready. John had fixed a quick breakfast sandwich for them before he left, knowing she probably wouldn’t get lunch. Even though Katie had indeed been tired after her eventful night, it had been difficult to get Buck out of her mind. There was definitely more to his story and she had a feeling that she would see him again.
Someone like me can tell when another has had the experience of seeing horror. I detect that in you.
