that’s what it looked like.”
“This is my house, Nick.”
“I’d better check the area. Stay put.”
“You keep saying that.”
“And you keep ignoring me.”
This time she listened and let him do his job. With Annie at his heels, he walked around the left side of her home, then the right, which was next to the home that Staff Sergeant Felicity James shared with her husband, Master Sergeant Westley James. Felicity was still a target of the serial killer, but at least she had her husband to keep an eye out for her. Westley was part of the investigative team looking for Sullivan. A team Heidi really wanted to be a part of.
Nick returned with a frown.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I’m not sure. I thought I saw some footprints in the grassy area along your back fence, but I didn’t see anyone.”
“I see. That’s a bit concerning, but it could be from anyone walking back there, using it as a shortcut.”
“I suppose. Could be.”
“Okay, well, I’m ready to call it a night,” she said.
“I don’t blame you. I’ll wait here and make sure you get inside safely, then I’ll head back to the training center. I don’t think Annie and I can do much of anything else, but I’ll see if OSI wants us to.”
“I’ve given my statement, so they know where to find me if they have any more questions for me.”
“Perfect.”
He stood there a moment longer, looking down at her as though hesitant to leave. “Are you going to be all right?” he asked.
“I think so. Why?”
He glanced around one more time. “I don’t like that we wound up here while we were following him. He disappeared too easily. Too quickly. If what you say is true, that guy got a good look at you.”
“If it’s true? Really?” She sighed. “I’ll be fine, Nick. Good night.”
A scuff of a foot just ahead and around the side of her house stopped her.
Nick turned toward the noise. “What was that?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Probably nothing.” Maybe. Without thinking, she slipped her hand into his.
He squeezed her fingers, then released them. “Stay behind me.”
Not quite ready to argue with him, she followed his order as he and Annie led the way. They walked down the sidewalk in front of Heidi’s home and were almost to the end of the small property when she saw the shadow skirting around the side of her house. “Hey! Can I help you?” she called.
The shadow took off.
Nick and Annie followed. The fleeing person wove in and out, between the houses, down alleys. Heidi fell back slightly as she realized there was no way she could keep up with Nick’s long stride.
She didn’t realize he’d stopped until she was almost next to him. Nick had the guy close to being boxed in a corner with no escape. There were buildings on either side of him and an open parking lot too far away from him to flee. He must have realized it the same time she did.
Because he spun and lifted his arm.
“He’s got a gun!”
The words were barely out of her mouth before something heavy slammed into her, and she hit the pavement.
Nick rolled off Heidi and leaped to his feet. He placed himself in front of her as he faced the armed man, disgusted that he’d had no time to pull his own gun—and it was too late to do so now with their attacker’s finger on the trigger. “Drop the weapon,” Nick ordered.
“Not a chance.” The low voice trembled, but Nick couldn’t tell if it was from fear or sheer determination not to be caught. The low ball cap and hoodie kept the man’s features well hidden. “I’m getting out of here. And if you set that dog on me, she’ll take the first bullet. Understand?” He slid sideways, toward the street.
“What are you doing here?” Heidi asked. “Did you blow up the training center?”
But the man wasn’t interested in answering, just escaping past Nick. And as long as the man held a gun on him and Heidi, Nick wasn’t moving. Also, with the threat against Annie, it was clear the man knew how dogs and their handlers worked. Nick wouldn’t knowingly send Annie after him only to have the guy keep good on his threat to shoot her.
Two more steps brought the man to the edge of Heidi’s house. He darted past Nick and Annie, his feet pounding on the sidewalk as he headed toward the parking lot. Nick pulled Heidi to her feet. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I think that’s the same guy I saw run from the training center. I couldn’t see his face thanks to the hat and hoodie, but it looks like the same one my guy was wearing.”
“Stay here. I’m going after him.” He left Heidi as he turned and took up the chase once more. He followed on the man’s heels. They would soon be at the fence on the other side of the lot and the guy would have nowhere to go.
But he was also armed.
Nick reported his whereabouts into the radio on his shoulder, requesting backup as he pounded the asphalt in pursuit. Heidi stayed behind him, yelling details to the Military Police dispatch.
Was this guy the bomber? Had he been hanging around to watch the chaos his explosion had caused? To gloat? Or was this someone else altogether?
Determined to catch him, Nick pushed himself harder. Annie stayed right with him, lunging at the end of the leash.
The guy disappeared around the building that backed up to the fence.
Nick followed, rounded the building...
And the guy was gone.
Nick skidded to a stop, slightly winded, but he would have gone a little farther if he could have seen who he was chasing. A piece of cloth on a bush caught his attention. He noted it, his eyes darting, looking for any sign someone might have a gun trained on him, while chills danced up his spine.
Footsteps sounded behind him. He whirled, weapon ready. Only to come face-to-face with Heidi. She flinched and he lowered his gun. “Sorry.” Nick spun back to the area where he’d lost the suspect. Annie whined and shifted. “What is it, girl?”
Annie looked up at him, her soft, sad eyes asking permission. He glanced at Heidi. “Keep your eyes and ears open, will you? Let me know if anything catches your attention.”
She nodded.
Nick
