Page 79 of Cold Silence
Convinced to tell him how she felt as soon as she saw him again, she continued across the room with a lighter step. Her phone flashed on the table. A text from Julie.
You won’t believe what I discovered about the theft. Can you come to the office so I can show something to you?
Yes,she replied without giving it more consideration. She could only vacuum so long and she still wanted to get away from her own thoughts. But Travis should know there was some news on the theft. She started to call him.
Her doorbell rang. Could it be Travis?
She rushed to the door and looked out the peephole. Her heart fell.
Only Detective Purcell.
She pulled the door open. “Detective. How can I help you?”
“I was hoping to get an official statement from you regarding Warren White.” He smiled.
“I’m just on my way out.” She explained about the new lead.
“Sounds like it relates to the theft, and I should come with you.”
She would rather go alone, but if she argued, he would insist.
“You’re welcome to come along. Let me make a quick call, and then I’m ready to go.” She dialed Travis and got his voicemail. She told him where she was going with Purcell and to join her if he got the message in time.
She dropped her phone into her purse and got out her keys. “I’ll drive. The security booth is unmanned on weekend nights, and the barcode that opens the gate is mounted on my dash.”
“I…well…okay.” He looked uncomfortable with leaving his vehicle behind, but he radioed in their plan and then joined her in her car.
Excitement over the lead had her chatting nervously about the weather as she drove, and she nearly missed her first turn. She hooked a quick right, and Purcell eyed her, but she ignored him and placed her focus squarely on the road.
A car suddenly pulled from the curb in front of her, forcing her to hit the brakes.
“That guy would get a ticket if I was in my vehicle,” Purcell mumbled.
The car slowed more and a large SUV pulled out behind them and raced toward her bumper.
Purcell swiveled to look behind them. His expression shifted from surprise to grim understanding. “It’s a trap. They’re gonna squeeze us until we’re forced to stop.” He drew his gun. “Try to go around the car.”
Her hands shook, but she held it together to swerve to the side. Both cars reacted quickly, keeping her sandwiched between them. The SUV’s powerful engine roared, and the vehicle slammed into her bumper.
The car in front jerked to a stop, and she stomped on the brakes. The tires screeched and the car skidded. Slid sideways. Barreling closer to the car in front.
She pumped harder on the brakes. They couldn’t stop. She braced herself. Her vehicle slammed into the car. The crash deafening. Her airbag deployed, slapping her in the face and knocking the breath out of her. Purcell’s bag inflated too. She fought with hers, punching the fabric to try to deflate it. He shoved his out of his way.
“Stay here.” He eased out of the car. Staying low, he slid along the side of her vehicle, heading for the rear.
A gunshot rang out.
What in the world?
She was a sitting duck. Panic hit her. She fumbled to release her seat belt and dived for the passenger’s seat to glance out the open door at Purcell. He’d dropped to the ground, his hand pressed on something.
“Are you okay?” she screamed.
He didn’t move. Reply.
No. No. No. Was he hit?
She had to check on him. She slipped out. Caught sight of a man bolting from the front vehicle.
