Page 73 of Race to Save Her

“I… I… don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry, Gav,” she said, using every ounce of strength left to keep from completely breaking down.

“C’mon, let’s go get you some dry clothes,” he said, guiding her to the elevators to get back to the truck.

“I have to⁠—”

“I retrieved your gun and purse,” he said, showing her his pockets.

Katie stopped and really looked at McGaven. He was her best friend and partner who had always had her back, even through some extremely dangerous situations. He was so special. Maybe it was time for him to join the detective division so he wouldn’t have to be exposed to her recklessness.

McGaven’s phone buzzed with an incoming text. He took a moment to read it then sighed.

“What is it?” she said.

“It’s Chris.”

Katie looked worried.

“He was ambushed by Tyler, who knocked him out.”

“Is he okay?”

“Yes. He’s at Shelby’s house with the paramedics.”

“Let’s go,” she said.

“You need to⁠—”

“Forget what I need right now. Let’s go.”

FORTY-THREE

Friday 2110 hours

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.