Free Witness Pursuit by Hope White Page A

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SIX
    C assie had never heard anything so ear-piercingly loud, yet the eerie silence that followed was even creepier.
    She felt guilty about clinging to Nate like a little kid, and knew she should let go. Yet he’d been the one to reach for her. It wasn’t like she’d jumped into his comforting arms that held her snugly against his chest. The pressure of their embrace dissolved the ball of fear lodged in her throat.
    Then she realized Nate couldn’t investigate what was going on outside with Cassie stuck to him like Velcro.
    Releasing him, she stepped back. “I’m okay.”
    â€œYou’re sure?”
    â€œYes, go ahead. Do your thing.”
    He called it in. “This is Chief Walsh. There’s been an explosion on Main Street. I can’t tell what it is or from where it originated. Send a patrol car and I’ll meet him in front of the Sweet Rose Teashop.” He pocketed his phone and looked deep into Cassie’s eyes. “I need you to stay here and lock the door behind me. Don’t let anyone in but me, got it?”
    â€œOf course,” she said with false confidence. He must have read fear in her eyes because he didn’t move.
    â€œGo, go.” She led him to the door and securely locked it once he left.
    She stood there for a good minute, pressing her forehead against the aged wood, praying that Nate wouldn’t be harmed and he’d return quickly.
    â€œUh,” she moaned, going back to the sofa and grabbing her cup. Five minutes, she wanted five peaceful minutes to ground herself from the craziness.
    Then she realized she had felt grounded the moment Nate pulled her into his arms. Wow, that was a first. She’d dated a few guys, sure, but she’d never felt calmed by any of them. Considering the current situation—being stalked and threatened—it was quite remarkable that she could feel grounded from a simple hug.
    â€œOf course he makes you feel safe. He’s the police chief,” she said.
    As the minutes ticked by, she grew more anxious about what was happening outside, wondering if Nate was okay. She padded to the living room window and peered down to the street. A cruiser with flashing lights was parked in front of her building, but there was no sign of Nate or the other officer.
    â€œWhere are you?” she whispered.
    A sudden movement caught her eye. On the corner, she noticed a man standing under a streetlamp, lighting a cigarette.
    And he was staring up at her.
    She snapped back from the window, her heart racing. Now she was overreacting about everything. She wasn’t in danger. Shovel Man was in custody. The guy outside was probably out for a walk and happened to pause at the corner to light a cigarette.
    As she was about to peek outside again, someone knocked on her apartment door. She gasped. How did they get into her building?
    She slowly crossed the room and eyed the peephole. The hallway was empty. Taking a few steps away from the door, she whipped out her phone to text Nate.
    â€œCassie, open up!” her sister called.
    Cassie eyed the peephole again. Bree stood there holding Dasher in her arms. Cassie flung open the door.
    â€œHow did you get in my building?”
    â€œKey, remember?” Bree waved her key chain. “You going to let me in?”
    Cassie motioned her inside.
    â€œMom wanted me to check on you,” Bree said, carrying the dog in one hand and a take-out bag in the other. “She told me to bring food.”
    â€œHey, Dasher.” Cassie grabbed him for a quick hug.
    â€œMom told me what happened. You seriously locked her in the pantry?”
    â€œIt seemed like a good idea at the time.” Cassie shrugged. “Thanks for bringing Dasher, and dinner.”
    â€œI figured you could use the company.”
    â€œI had company until a few minutes ago. Didn’t you see the police car out front?”
    â€œI parked in back.”
    â€œChief Walsh was