Читать книгу True Blue K-9 Unit Christmas - Laura Scott - Страница 15

TWO

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“Stop the ambulance!” Pete didn’t wait for Kim to respond but opened the back of the rig and jumped out. Since the vehicle had still been moving, he tripped, fell, but tucked and rolled, somersaulting to his feet. “Faith! Are you okay?”

“Get down!” Faith’s terse shout was reassuring, although he ignored her directive. Years of helping people in distress had him heading toward her in a crouched run. He reached her side in moments, noticing she had her body draped over the dog.

“Come on, let’s get back inside the ambulance,” he urged.

“Are you crazy? You should have stayed inside.”

“Too late.” He glanced around but had no clue which direction the shots had come from. “Come on, let’s move.”

She muttered something but there wasn’t time to argue. He could see that traffic was moving around the ambulance even as Kim tried to back it toward them.

There were lots of cars around, but he knew the shot could have come from anywhere. More likely the shooter was long gone, but he understood Faith’s caution.

“Let’s go, then.” She was on her feet, tugging at his arm. Together with Ricci, they made a mad dash for the ambulance.

Pete made sure Faith got in first, then Ricci, before jumping in behind them.

Kim hit the gas and swerved into traffic, causing a myriad of horns to blow in protest. “You’re nuts, Pete, you know that? You almost got yourself killed.”

“She’s right,” Faith added. “You shouldn’t have left the safety of the ambulance. I’m a cop, and so is Ricci. We can take care of ourselves.”

He’d never jumped into the line of fire before and couldn’t quite explain why he had this time, other than he couldn’t bear the thought of Faith being shot while he sat doing nothing.

“Mikey needs you,” Faith continued.

“I know,” he finally said in his own defense. “The same way Jane needs you.”

She didn’t seem to have a response to that but pulled out her phone to notify Zimmerman about the recent events. After explaining about the gunfire, Faith glanced at Pete and added into the phone, “There’s something else you should know, Detective.” There was a pause, then she continued, “A few weeks ago, Ricci and I tracked a man who’d taken his son from his mother while in the middle of a custody dispute. We caught him, but he wasn’t very happy with me, and outright threatened to get even. His name is Trevor Wilson and it could be that this attack on Logan might be related to that case. I’m not sure why he’d go after Logan, but the possibility of a connection shouldn’t be ignored.”

Another moment of silence as Zimmerman said something, before Faith responded, “Thanks.”

Pete lifted a brow as she tucked her phone into her pocket. “You believe this is all related to some guy named Trevor Wilson seeking revenge?”

“I have no idea. It doesn’t seem likely Wilson would stab Logan, but taking shots at me? That fits.” She lifted a shoulder. “I’m just trying to think of all possible angles.”

“Makes sense,” Pete agreed.

They fell silent for a moment as Kim put distance between them and the crime scene. “Zimmerman wasn’t thrilled that I used Ricci to find Logan’s scent. Wait until he finds out the K-9 unit is assisting him with the case.”

“He’ll get over it.” Pete peered through the window. The heavy snow was replaced with light flakes that sprinkled the night. He knew that meant the temperature was dropping. The roads would grow icy soon, and he felt the need to get to the day-care center to pick up Mikey as soon as possible.

“Yeah, he will. At least he told me I didn’t need to come in to give my statement, deciding our conversation was good enough.”

“When we get back to the paramedic station, I’ll give you a ride to pick up Jane at the day care if you like.” He had given up his firefighting position to take the full-time paramedic trainer position, mostly because working normal eight-hour shifts was better for Mikey. It was one of the many changes he’d made since losing his wife, Malina, seven months ago.

She shook her head. “I need to get my police-issued SUV. I can’t leave it sitting there all night.”

“Isn’t it part of the crime scene now?” he countered.

“Only if it was hit by one of the bullets. Besides, it’s not unheard of to give cops tickets. I don’t want to cause any trouble after asking my chief for a favor.”

“Well, you can’t go back there alone,” he pointed out. “Or take Jane.”

The mention of her daughter in that scenario made her wince. She blew out a breath. “Okay, fine. I’ll figure something out.” She glanced up at him. “Makes you wonder how long the shooter was out there.”

“Yeah. Although your ex-husband was stabbed with a knife, so why use a gun now?”

“Good question.” Faith’s expression turned thoughtful.

Pete wasn’t a cop, but he wanted to offer to protect her anyway. Which was stupid since he didn’t even own a firearm, and Faith was a police officer who was comfortable carrying a gun. He gave himself a mental shake. No reason to get emotionally involved with a woman. He hadn’t been a single parent for very long, and was finally settling into a rhythm. And his marriage to Malina had been rocky for several months prior to her death. He discovered he hadn’t known his wife as well as he’d thought. She’d kept secrets that had put their son’s life, and others, in danger.

He had no intention of heading down that path again.

Kim pulled into the space reserved for ambulances and shut down the engine. When they were all outside, Pete turned toward Faith. “Still want a lift to the day care?”

She hesitated, then nodded. “I won’t have a crate for Ricci, but I don’t think you’ll be driving very fast in this weather, so it should be safe enough.”

“I just hope we get there in time.” Pete didn’t like being late to pick up his son. He always felt as if the day-care workers were frowning on him for neglecting Mikey. As if he were failing at being a single father.

“Me, too.”

Pete followed Kim inside, knowing that they had to restock before he could leave. Fortunately, his partner waved him off.

“I’ll do it. Go pick up your son.”

“Thanks, Kim. I owe you one.”

She didn’t answer, and he knew she hadn’t forgiven him for jumping out of the ambulance to go after Faith and her K-9. Kim was younger than he was by several years. She was good, after all he’d trained her, and he couldn’t blame her for not wanting to be placed in danger.

He punched out and then went back outside to find his SUV. It was covered in snow, but Faith joined him in brushing it off.

Five minutes later they were inside the car, heat blasting from the vents. Ricci was in the back, sniffing out his new environment.

“Do you think he recognizes Mikey’s scent?” Pete asked as he pulled out into traffic.

“Yeah.” Faith sent him a sidelong glance. “From what I hear, our kids play together all day.”

He nodded, since that’s what one of the day-care teachers had told him, as well. “So, uh, do you live nearby?”

“I have a small two-bedroom home that I inherited from my parents. I was going to try to sell, but that was when the market wasn’t very good. So I ended up staying. I like it here.”

“Me, too. And I understand making sacrifices. I changed my career and my hours for my son.” He shrugged. “Whatever is best for our kids, right?”

“Right.” Her tone lacked conviction and he knew she was worried about being the target of gunfire. “Maybe I will take a few days off,” she added, almost as if she were talking to herself. “I can’t work the weekend since Logan won’t be watching Jane. Not to mention she’ll need me after losing her father.”

“Counseling worked for me and Mikey,” he offered. Once, he wouldn’t have even considered going to see a psychologist, but after Malina’s passing and nearly losing his son during a kidnapping attempt, which thankfully only lasted a few hours, Pete had reconsidered his priorities.

Faith looked surprised. “I—You’re probably right about that, thanks. Will you share the name of who you went to see?”

“Of course.”

“I’m glad I have my church group for support, too,” Faith continued. “It’s bad enough to lose someone to an illness, but knowing Logan was stabbed and left for dead... I just can’t understand. Why? Who would do that to him? Wilson was mad at me, but he’d have no reason to go after Logan.”

Pete slowly shook his head, keeping his eyes on the snow-covered road. They were barely going fifteen miles per hour and would be late if the traffic didn’t lighten up soon. “I hate to ask, but is it possible your ex was involved in something criminal?”

“No. Logan was an accountant and made a good salary. Why would he risk it for something like that?” She paused, then added, “He got engaged recently. Could be that Claire dragged him into something. But even that seems far-fetched. He had his wallet and his driver’s license but no cash. Maybe a robbery, or a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Except for the gunfire back there,” he pointed out.

“Yeah.”

Pete thought about how his own wife had inexplicably turned to drugs, which in turn had led to her death. He knew what it was like to live with the fact that your spouse had been murdered.

He hoped, for Faith’s sake, she was right about Logan. The way he’d spoken of danger, and the gunfire that had echoed at the scene of the crime, didn’t play as being a random act.

Not that it was his mystery to solve. Yet when they finally reached the day care, and both of their kids came running over to greet them, he knew deep down it wouldn’t be easy to let it go.


“Mommy! You rode with Mikey’s daddy?” Jane’s eyes were wide in surprise, and Faith knew her daughter was far too perceptive for her own good.

“I sure did.” Faith did her best to smile, but inside she couldn’t bear knowing the light in her daughter’s eyes would disappear when she learned her daddy was gone. Especially less than a week before Christmas. The bright Christmas lights on the artificial tree in the corner of the room mocked her. It was covered in ornaments made by the day-care kids and she could see her daughter’s sparkly angel prominently displayed near the top of the tree. “Mikey’s daddy will drive us home, too.”

“Yay!” Mikey and Jane cried in unison, then fell into uncontrolled giggles. Faith decided she’d wait until later to tell her daughter about her father. Okay, there wasn’t a good time to hear that devastating news, but for now, she wanted Jane to enjoy the thrill of riding home with her best friend.

“Can we borrow a car seat?” Pete asked the day-care worker. “I’ll bring it back in the morning.”

“Sure.” Peggy led the way back to the supply closet. “This is exactly why we keep extras on hand.”

“Thanks.” He took the car seat and turned to Faith. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

“Can Mikey have supper at our house?” Jane asked, as they each dressed their respective kid in snow pants, boots, jackets, hats and mittens. “Please, Mommy?”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Faith risked a quick glance at Pete, who was doing an admirable job getting Mikey bundled up for the cold. “It’s late. Maybe another time, hmm?”

“Daddy, can Jane—” Mikey started, but Pete cut him off.

“No, son. Didn’t you hear Mrs. Johnson? She said maybe another day.”

The kids looked forlorn, but then seemed excited to be out in the snow.

“Let’s make snowballs!” Mikey said as he scooped up some snow in his tiny hands.

“Okay.” Jane bent down to get snow of her own.

“Don’t throw it,” Faith warned, as they waited for Pete to get the borrowed car seat secured.

Too late. Twin mini snowballs hit her at the same time. The kids continued giggling as they quickly scooped up more snow.

“That’s enough,” Pete said as he stepped away from the car.

Twin snowballs hit him, too, and he looked so exasperated, Faith had to smile. She hauled Jane into her arms before she could get any more snow and placed her in the car seat. Pete did the same with Mikey.

“We wanna have a snowball fight when we get home,” Mikey announced.

“Yeah.” Jane bobbed her head in agreement.

“We should have known they’d be double the trouble,” Faith muttered under her breath as Pete slid behind the wheel.

“Makes you appreciate what the day-care teachers have to put up with all day, doesn’t it?” He flashed a grin, and she was struck once again by how handsome he was.

Which was crazy, because she wasn’t interested in a relationship. Their kids were friends for now, but she knew that would likely change over time. As soon as one of them decided the opposite gender was icky.

“Which way?” Pete asked, as he waited for the light to turn green.

“Left.” She pulled her scattered thoughts together with an effort. It was impossible to imagine Logan being involved in anything criminal. He’d hated the fact that she put herself in danger on a daily basis in her quest to protect and serve. It had been one of the many issues in their marriage.

That and discovering he’d been unfaithful.

No, this had to be related to one of her cases. Trevor Wilson had threatened to seek revenge against her. Was it possible he’d found Logan and tried to get personal information from her ex? As a cop, her personal information was confidential. Was that why he’d gone after Logan rather than at her?

Different scenarios filtered through her mind as she gave Pete directions to her home. She was fortunate to have the house she’d inherited from her parents.

It was home now, and she liked that there was a small backyard for Ricci and Jane. And she was grateful she didn’t have to be in a noisy apartment building.

Her lights were on timers, so she never had to bring Jane home to a dark house. Normally she was glad for that, but today, just like back at the day care, the Christmas tree visible through the living room window looked too bright and cheery in the wake of Logan’s death.

“Almost home,” she said to Jane.

A shadow moving past the window caught Faith’s attention. She rubbed at the fog covering the inside of the window to see better. Had it been her imagination? Her mind playing tricks after the horrifying events of the day?

“What is it?” Pete asked, picking up on her change in mood.

“Probably nothing.” Her voice lacked conviction. “Do me a favor and stay in the car for a minute. I’ll be right back.”

“Wait.” Pete stopped her with his hand. “Don’t go alone.”

“I’ll take Ricci. Not only is he a good search-and-rescue dog, but he’s incredibly protective, as well.” She pushed open her door. “Stay here with the kids.”

Without giving him a chance to argue, she closed the door and went around to the back to let Ricci out. She didn’t put him on a leash in case she needed him to help chase a perp.

She stood in the driveway for a moment, using her flashlight to illuminate the snow-covered postage-stamp-sized front yard. There were clear footprints in the snow, but more than one set, so she couldn’t say for sure that they weren’t the result of neighborhood kids taking a shortcut. Especially since a pair of footprints crossed the next yard to the north, as well.

Playing her light along the front window in the area where she’d caught a glimpse of the shadow, Faith looked for anything out of the ordinary. At first she didn’t see anything, but then noticed a disturbance on the snow-covered edge of the windowsill.

“Come, Ricci.” She put one hand on her weapon as she moved closer to the house she’d once shared with Logan. Ricci’s ears were perked forward, his nose quivering as he took in the scents around them.

Stepping into the footprint marks that were already in the snow, she moved closer to the windowsill. Up close, the disturbance was even more noticeable. It appeared to her as if someone had placed their gloved hand there while leaning closer to see inside.

Kids? Maybe.

She panned the flashlight to the ground below, but again, there were too many messy boot prints to differentiate between the ones made by kids or the one made by the shadow.

Stepping from one set of footprints to the next, she went around the corner to the side window, one that also looked into the living room. Here, too, was the same indentation in the snowy edge of the windowsill. In almost exactly the same spot as the other one.

There was only one set of boot prints in the ground here, but they weren’t very clear. They were large and misshapen, as if the person who’d made them had slipped in the wet snow.

Regardless, it was obvious to Faith that the intruder had leaned forward to see inside the house at both windows, using a hand on the windowsill to brace himself.

A chill that had nothing to do with the weather snaked down her back. Faith suspected that the intruder believed the lights being on meant that she was home but had quickly moved out of sight when Pete had pulled into the driveway.

She finished looking around with her flashlight but didn’t find anything else remotely suspicious. No doubt the perp was long gone.

Yet just knowing that someone had been there looking through the windows put her nerves on edge. What if her theory about Trevor Wilson was right? If there was any chance Wilson had killed her ex to get personal information, like her home address, then she couldn’t stay here. She absolutely could not risk her daughter’s life.

Decision made, she darted toward the garage, knowing she needed to get some dog food. She quickly grabbed an old ice-cream container full of kibble, then turned and headed back to Pete’s waiting SUV with Ricci at her side.

“What is it?” Pete asked through his open driver’s-side window as she approached.

“Change of plan,” she said with a tight smile. “I think we should let the kids have dinner together, if you don’t mind a couple of houseguests.”

Pete didn’t hesitate. “Great idea. We’ll order pizza.”

“Sounds good.” Faith opened the rear hatch for Ricci, then came around to climb into the passenger seat, setting the dog food on the floor.

Maybe she was being ridiculous, allowing the events of the afternoon to get to her. She’d been on the force for four years; she shouldn’t let a shadow or a window-peeker scare her off.

Yet at the moment, ensuring her daughter’s safety was more important than worrying about her tough-guy cop image.

Hopefully by morning, she’d know more about what happened to Logan and if his death was linked to one of her cases.

True Blue K-9 Unit Christmas

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