Page 40 of Cassidy

“Must be the new guys,” Cassidy murmured. He wasn’t sure what she meant but couldn’t ask as she stepped forward. “MPD Tactical Officer Sommer.”

“Detectives Olsen and Rippon,” the taller of the two men said. “What happened?”

“Our tech expert Gabe Melrose has been assaulted and targeted by gunfire several times over the past twenty-four hours,” Cassidy said. “We came here to stay off the radar. Unfortunately, the gunman found us.”

Detective Rippon turned to face him. “Why are you being targeted?”

“I’m not sure. I’m still trying to figure it out.” He didn’t want to explain his memory loss. “I think it has to do with some sort of programming code. I wish I could tell you more, but I haven’t figured it out yet.”

The detectives exchanged an incredulous look. “Seriously? That’s all you have?”

“Yes, or we wouldn’t be staying in a motel trying to avoid being shot at.” Cassidy waved her hand at the broken windows. “As you can see, that didn’t work out so well for us.”

“Why do I feel like you’re holding back?” Detective Olsen asked. “We might be new detectives in Brookland, but we’re well aware of how Rhy Finnegan tends to swoop in and steal cases that belong to us.”

“Hey, does anyone want to see the video?” Gary asked, interrupting what Gabe sensed was a bitter argument.

“Yes, I do.” Gabe turned to see Cass nod in agreement. “And I’d like a copy of it as well.”

“We need that too,” Detective Rippon said.

“Figured you would, I’ll make copies for both departments.” Gary turned and led the way inside. Gabe and Cassidy crowded on one side of Gary, while the two detectives took the other.

The video quality wasn’t bad, and Gabe wondered if he’d had any input into what Gary had purchased. His stomach tightened when he saw the dark figure dressed in black moving quietly through the trees, gun in hand.

“I told you he was wearing a ski mask,” Gary said apologetically, as if he should have been able to do more with his cameras. “But you can see that he takes several shots, ducks behind the tree when Cassidy returns fire, fires another series of shots, then disappears from view.”

“Can you zoom in to see his clothing better?” Detective Rippon asked.

“Sure.” Gary zoomed in. “Just looks like basic black jeans, black leather jacket, black gloves, and black ski mask.”

“Not helpful,” Cassidy said with a sigh.

“Nope.” Detective Olsen glared at Cassidy. “Are you sure you don’t know who this guy is or why he’s after your tech expert?”

“If I did, I’d find him and arrest him.” Cassidy’s blue eyes flashed with anger. “I want him and his cohorts caught as much as you do.”

“What makes you think this guy has accomplices?” Rippon asked suspiciously.

“Just a hunch.” Cassidy held up her hands. “I don’t know what we’re dealing with, other than he keeps finding us.”

“Where would you like me to send the video?” Gary asked, interrupting again. “I have Gabe’s contact information, but I need yours.” He gestured toward the two detectives.

Gabe stepped back, giving Cassidy room to move out of the small office. She reached for her phone.

“Wait.” He put a hand on her arm. “Not sure we should be making calls from here.”

“We’re not staying, and we need a ride.” She glanced over her shoulder at the two detectives. “I doubt they’re willing to drop us off at the car rental agency.”

He grimaced. “Is it always territorial like that?”

“We used to be on better terms with the Brookland PD because Rhy lives a few blocks from here. But after last month, things have been tense.”

He wanted to ask what happened last month, but Cassidy’s phone rang. “It’s Rhy,” she said, before answering. “Hey, Rhy, we’re fine, but the shooter got away.”

Gabe scanned the area. listening as she filled their boss in on the recent events.

“Okay, thanks, Rhy.” She lowered the phone. “Roscoe is on his way to pick us up. The scene at the mall has been secured, the shooter is dead on scene, and the five victims are being rushed to Trinity Medical Center. No officers were hurt.”

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