Page 75 of Breathe Me In

“What time is it?”

“Time for you to answer your damn phone. It’s been ringing all afternoon.” I waved off his comment and headed for my old bedroom.

My shower felt great, and after I changed, I saw I had a million missed calls from work. I grabbed the bag of food off the counter and yelled goodbye to Ronnie.

I stepped out into the cold night air and flipped up the collar on my jacket as I opened the car door. Just as the engine started, my phone rang, and I tapped the screen. “Stone,” I barked.

“Hi, Detective, it’s Officer Smith. I know you said anything to do with the nightclub case, to call, so that’s what I’m doing.”

“Okay, Adam, and . . . ?” I pulled out of the driveway and turned onto the main road.

“You know that Ram that we’re pretty sure drove Ms. Jaminson off the road?”

“Yes, you mean the Ram with the light bar?” I just wanted confirmation.

“Yes, I’ve been following it now, sir, for the last few minutes.” That perked my mood up. “I’m in my own car, so I don’t think he’d make any connection to who I am, but before he does—”

“Where are you?” I interrupted as I pressed hard on the accelerator.

“I just left town, heading south.”

“I’m coming toward you. Stay on him. I’ll call it in, then I’ll call you back.”

“Copy that.”

I turned onto the highway that led back to town as I dialed Cap’s number. There was no answer, so I left a message. Then I tried Kennedy. He answered quickly, “Hey, what’s up?”

I felt a rush of excitement. “Smith’s found Timothy Ford’s truck, and he’s following him.”

“No way!” I heard him grab his keys from the bowl by his door. “Where do you need me?”

“He’s heading south out of town, and I’m heading in. I plan to cut him off, but we could use some backup. Who knows what he might have on him.”

“I’m on the way. Did you call Cap?”

“Yeah, no answer.”

“Cap just texted. He’s on the way.” Kennedy hung up, and I called Smith back.

“Adam, you still on him?”

“Yes, sir, though he’s slowed a few times. It’s late, and I think he might be wondering who I am.”

I hit the wheel. The guy might be smart, but this was what we did. “Go around him, but keep him in view. If he turns, slows, anything, tell me.”

“Yes, sir.” I heard the blinker and his engine as it accelerated. “The windows are tinted, so I can’t see inside.”

“That’s okay. I should be getting close. Just keep going.” I pressed harder on the gas and was tempted to use my light bar, but the last thing I wanted was to spook him. Finally, in the distance, I could see headlights approaching. “Can you see headlights?”

“I do.”

“Flash your lights so I know it’s you.” He did, and I knew I had the right vehicle. “Good. Now here’s what’s gonna happen. I’m going to let you both pass me, then I’ll swing around and come up behind him. If he switches lanes, you do the same, and we’ll block him in. Kennedy’s on his way, and Cap’s aware of the situation. And, Adam . . .”

“Yes, sir?”

“Any time you feel things aren’t safe, you pull over. You hear me?”

He let out a long breath. “Copy that, sir.”