Page 34 of Seeking Evil

“We’re a go on the warrant.”

The deputy nodded and waited for Patrick to pull out in the lead.

That tingling of adrenaline coursed through Zeke’s blood. He felt it every time they were on a hunt for a killer. This time, it intensified ten times. This time was personal. Sierra’s pretty face appeared in his mind’s eye. I’m coming, babe. Hang on.

All three vehicles stopped in front of the house. Zeke got out as soon as the vehicle was in Park.

Jack and Hannah came over to him.

“You think it’s this doctor?” Hannah clearly shared Zeke’s doubts.

“I don’t know. Part of me hopes so. The other doesn’t quite believe it.”

“The warrant is for the house and any structures outside. There’s a garage and a barn. Let’s check them all. Take your time. We can’t afford to miss anything.”

And if they were wrong?

Hannah looped her arm through his. “Stay focused. Sierra needs us focused.”

He struggled to let go of his doubts. “I will.”

“Sheriff’s office,” Patrick called out. “We have a warrant. We’re coming in.”

Nothing but silence followed.

Patrick tried the door. It opened in his hand. He glanced back at the team. “We need to clear the place first. Wait here.” Patrick nodded to Deputy Drake. The two entered the residence.

It didn’t take long before Patrick and his deputy returned. “He’s not here.”

Disappointing, to say the least. Zeke and Hannah stepped through the door into the log home that was breathtaking.

“Impressive,” Hannah whispered. “Where do you need us, Sheriff?”

“I’ve got downstairs. Hannah, why don’t you start upstairs with Jack? Cooper, you and Zeke look through the barn and garage.”

Zeke nodded to his partner. “You got it, Sheriff.” He and Cooper stepped outside and headed for the garage since that was closest.

Cooper tried the side door. “Unlocked.” Cooper looked over his shoulder before reaching for the light switch. He blew out a low whistle. “Man, this is nice.”

Zeke followed. A vintage corvette was parked inside next to a Lexus SUV. “Do we have any idea what the doctor drives?” He asked as he searched both vehicles thoroughly.

“Nope. I’ll find out.” Cooper shot off a text. “He’s obviously not home.”

A prickle of unease shot through Zeke. “Find out what Irv drives.”

Cooper looked at him curiously before sending a message. “I can’t see a handyman driving a Lexus.”

Zeke couldn’t either. He started looking around the immaculate garage and saw something that turned his blood to ice. “I have a strap.” The colors looked exactly like the one they’d found on the road. Had he been wrong? Was the kindly doctor everyone trusted a cold-blooded killer?

Chapter Thirteen

Aloud crash resounded from the room next door. Dawn!

“What happened? Are you okay?” Sierra called out. Seconds ticked by without an answer. “Dawn!”

“I’m okay. The chair turned over. I’m going to try to reach the brick.”

Thank You, God. Help me reach the tray.