Page 74 of Race to Save Her

“But still…”

“You uncovered information that we didn’t know,” she said. “That’s a good job.”

Chris studied both the detectives, then glanced down at Katie’s sock-clad feet. “I think he was searching for photos.” Then he stared at Katie. “What happened to you guys?”

“It’s quite the story. The highlights: we think we found the killer and now we know what he looks like,” said McGaven.

“Really? That’s great.”

“Yes and no. We lost him during a chase.”

“What about video footage at the hotel?”

“We’re working on that and will return to the hotel to view it after we’re done here.”

Katie was already tracking back to what had happened with Chris. She went to the side of the house and looked in the windows and then around to the backyard. Why would Tyler attack Chris? What was he looking for?

Katie walked into the house, where two officers were searching. “Anything?”

“Not yet,” said one officer.

“I’m going to have crime scene come in. Keep the integrity of the scene.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Katie joined McGaven and Chris again.

“I can’t believe you jumped from the seventh floor,” said Chris.

Katie said, “I think he’s exaggerating a bit.”

“We’ll find out soon enough,” said McGaven.

Chris stood up. “What can I do to help?”

“You need to go home and rest. We’ll get in touch,” she said.

“You did awesome.” McGaven tried to give support.

The operation around them was still in full force. McGaven called out for crime scene and a BOLO—be on the lookout—for Tyler Brandt. Then they walked back to the truck.

“Give me a ride home. I can quickly change,” Katie said.

“Sure.”

“I want to see that footage. I think it will tell us a lot about our suspect.”

FORTY-FOUR

Saturday 0110 hours

Katie changed quickly once she was home. The only thing on her mind was finding the man she’d chased down a seventh-floor hotel hallway and followed by jumping into the pool.

Katie was about to leave to join McGaven when she caught her reflection in the mirror. She put her hair back in a ponytail and stopped. Her image was different. Her anxious energy was evident, almost pulsating throughout her body. Her face and eyes looked weary and overworked. She didn’t like what this case was doing to her. Taking a few long breaths, Katie tried to dial herself down a couple of degrees. This wasn’t who she was. Rather, she was becoming what the killer wanted her to be.

Cisco whined, wanting to go with her, but he couldn’t this time. She grabbed her keys, gun, and badge and headed out.

Katie drove as fast as she could within speed and safety considerations. Once again, she found a space for her Jeep in the parking garage. Then she almost sprinted into the hotel to find the security office. She quickly followed the signs until she reached the hallway with the security office at its end.