The boot trail eventually led them to a road about a mile from the house. The road was smooth and showed no signs for tire tracks. If they had a vehicle waiting here, there was no way to know what kind it was, or even how long it had been here.
“Let’s head back,” she ordered. Somewhere in the blackness of the woods a tree branch snapped. The sound echoed throughout the quietness. Instantly both of them realized they weren’t alone. “Douse the lights,” Sheriff Delsmann hissed. Sheriff Delsmann and the deputy killed the lights and crouched down behind the snow embankment. They waited in complete silence. The only light was from the moon directly above them. Once her eyes were adjusted to the darkness, Sheriff Delsmann could make out the silhouettes of the trees intermixed with the moonlight. At first she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her, but Sheriff Delsmann swore one of the trees was moving.
A few yards away, a shadowy figure strode confidently from the woods and onto the road. Sheriff Delsmann and the deputy crouched down further as the shadow looked in their direction. Neither Sheriff Delsmann nor the deputy moved. Apparently satisfied, the shadowy figure started walking down the road.
“We need to get this guy,” Sheriff Delsmann whispered.
“But we don’t have backup,” the deputy protested.
“We’re both armed,” Sheriff Delsmann said. “Plus we have the element of surprise.”
“Yes M’mam,” the deputy answered.
“We go on three,” Sheriff Delsmann said clicking off the safety of her weapon. The deputy did the same. “One, two, three,” Sheriff Delsmann counted. Slowly, cautiously, they rose to their feet and took off after the shadowy figure.
Sheriff Delsmann and the deputy must have had fortune smile on them and now they were just a few yards away from their suspected killer.
“Now,” Sheriff Delsmann commanded. They immediately lit up the suspect with their flashlights and pointed weapons at them. The person had a loaded crossbow held in place with a sling over and around their back. They were dressed all in black. A hood covered their entire head so the sheriff and her deputy couldn’t see their identity.
“Sheriffs department,” Sheriff Delsmann barked. “Put your hands where we can see them. Do it now!”
The shadowy figure stood, not moving at all.
“Put your weapon on the ground and step away!” the deputy shouted. “We will shoot if you don’t comply.”
Again, the shadowy figure did not move.
“What the hell is this?” Sheriff Delsmann looked at the deputy.
The Shadowy figure whipped around and with blinding speed sent his deadly reply. The deputy was the first to hit the icy road bed as the throwing stars viciously buried themselves in his chest. Sheriff Delsmann turned and ducked but still two others shredded her parka and dug deep into her back. Sheriff Delsmann shrieked from the burning pain. She turned around, faced the suspect, and somehow managed to fire off several shots. She watched mortified as the bullets struck but the shadowy figure remained standing.
“What the hell are you,” Sheriff Delsmann stood defiantly. She pointed her weapon and fired three more times. The shadowy figure stumbled this time and dropped onto the road. Sheriff Delsmann checked on her deputy. He was okay, but badly injured.
“We have a deputy injured,” Sheriff Delsmann called on her radio. “We also have a suspect down. Send a couple of squads now.” She reloaded her weapon and looked over at the suspect; who was gone!
“Where are you?” Sheriff Delsmann whirled in all directions with her weapon ready to fire. Her wild-eyed search turned up nothing.
“Over here,” a voice finally said.
Sheriff Delsmann spun in the direction of the voice. She pointed her weapon, but it was too late. The arrow drove itself with unrelenting desire into Sheriff Delsmann. She flew several feet backwards landing softly now in the pillowy snow. Sheriff Delsmann could hear a death rhythm in her ears. The pressure in her chest was crushing and she couldn’t breath.
“Next time we meet you die.” The shadowy figure announced, turned and walked away.
Sheriff Delsmann tried to reach for her shoulder mike, but the pain was unbearable. All she could do was watch in silence as the person faded into the darkness. Talia breathed slowly and closed her eyes.
Chapter 2
Andrew came into the four season room trying to balance the tray with beer, snacks, and cell phone. He put the tray and cell phone down by the edge of the indoor hot tub. It was really nice to have an indoor hot tub since they remodeled the four season room this past summer. It sure was a lot better than freezing your butt off going outside in the snow and cold if you wanted to take a dip in the hot tub.
Andrew tossed his robe and towel on one of the wicker chairs. The soothing waters of the hot tub really felt good as Andrew slipped into it. He opened an ice cold brew and took a long, slow swig. It hit the spot perfectly. Andrew grabbed his phone when it started buzzing. It was a text message from Megan.
“Conference is okay,” Andrew read aloud the text.
“I felt the baby moving during dinner.”
“Miss you and the baby terribly. When you coming home?” Andrew texted back. He took another drink waiting for Megan’s reply. His phone buzzed.
“One week. Miss you too. What are you doing?”
“I’m in the hot tub with a beer, but no one to share with.” Andrew typed. He pressed the send key. Andrew opened the bag of chips and had just put some in his mouth when his phone buzzed again.
“LOL,” Andrew read Megan’s text. “Better be alone or you’re in big trouble.”
“No worries. Better get some sleep. Text me tomorrow.” Andrew replied. He hit the send button.
“Luv you. Later.” Megan texted him back.
Andrew closed his phone and set it down. Andrew grabbed some more chips. As he was chewing away, his phone buzzed.
“Doesn’t she ever sleep,” Andrew laughed. He flipped open his phone. It was Maggie and Sam.
“What’s up?” Andrew answered the call. He listened to his aunt. “I’m just sitting in the hot tub drinking beer and trying to relax,” Andrew replied. He paused and then said, “How’s the weather in Arizona? Is Sam bored yet?” Andrew laughed at his Aunt’s reply that Sam was indeed bored, but was enjoying the nice weather. Andrew listened some more. “No I’m not working on any case right now,” Andrew said. “I’m just trying to get some rest that’s all, nothing more.” He finished off his beer. “Yes, Megan’s in Chicago for a national newspaper conference.” Andrew told her. “The baby is doing fine.” Andrew opened another beer. “Yes, I’ll have Megan call you when she gets home,” Andrew promised his aunt. “I love you too,” Andrew answered before closing his phone. He didn’t want anymore interruptions, so Andrew powered off his cell phone. Andrew tossed his phone on one of the wicker chairs. He put the beer down and reclined back against the cushioned edge of the hot tub. Andrew inhaled and exhaled deeply as he let the soothing waters take over. Finally, there was peace and quiet.
Andrew heard the doorbell announce the arrival of a visitor and his quiet time vanished completely. Andrew grudgingly rose out of the hot tub and grabbed his robe. According to the clock on the wall it was almost eight thirty. Who would be so bold as to disturb his quiet time? The office was locked up for the night and none of his clients knew his home address. So who could it be?
Andrew left the four season room and walked through the foyer to the front door. He already felt chilled and drew his robe closed even tighter. Andrew opened the front door.