Page 50 of So Savage

“That’s why he was the first victim,” Faith said.“And also why there was more time between him and the second victim.This started as a simple revenge, and when that didn’t make him feel better, he escalated.”

She was excited now.She knew she was jumping to a lot of conclusions, but this one felt right.The seed of doubt she felt with the others was nowhere to be found now.“Let’s go get him.Do we have an address?”

“I’m punching it into the GPS right now.”

“Boo-yah.”She got to her feet.“Come on, Turk.Let’s go catch a bad guy.”

Turk barked enthusiastically, Faith’s excitement inspiring him.The three of them left the office at a jog, eager to finally put this to bed.

The sun set just as they got into Marcus’s cruiser.Faith’s excitement was tempered by a shiver.

They had to hurry.When night fell, the hunter they were chasing would stalk his prey once more.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Faith was taut with anticipation when she exited Marcus’s truck and approached Peter Kane’s residence.There was nothing particularly remarkable about the house.It was a single-story ranch of average size with a modest yard hidden by a wood-plank fence.The lights were off, and the garage was closed, but that didn’t necessarily mean he wasn’t home.

Turk reacted to the house almost immediately when they approached, growling and pawing at the gate.“Easy, boy,” Faith said.“Let’s take this slow.Marcus, can we get officers to the back of the house?”

Marcus looked back at the six officers who had joined them on the raid."Garland, Eli, with us.The rest of you to the back.Check for a dog before you enter, and be prepared even if you don't see one.Dollars to donuts, he has a dog."

The officers nodded and rushed to their position.Marcus peered over the fence and said, “I don’t see a dog in the front yard.Knock on the front door and see if you get an answer, Faith.Garland, Eli, stay here and watch for anyone escaping through the window.”

The two uniforms nodded acknowledgment, and Faith walked up to the door, Turk at her side.He bared his teeth and flattened his ears when they stepped onto the front porch.

“Easy, boy,” Faith said again.“Wait for my command.”

She knocked firmly, keeping her hand on her gun.“Peter Kane!Police!Come out slowly with your hands where we can see them!”

There was no response.Not that Faith was especially surprised.Whether he was here or not, he wasn’t likely to answer to the police at his door.

She tried again.“Peter Kane!This is Special Agent Faith Bold of the FBI in partnership with the Duluth Police Department!Come to the door!Now!”

No answer.She gave Turk a look and nodded.Turk stepped back and coiled up, ready to explode into action at the first sign of danger.

Once more, Faith knocked.“Peter Kane, if you don’t come out now, we will be coming in!Do you understand me?”

“Nothing.”

“No response at the door,” she told Marcus.“Let’s go in.”

“Roger,” Marcus replied.“Tranh, Garcia, you’re going in through the back.Martin, Walters, you’re watching back windows.”

He trotted up the steps next to her and gestured for her to backup.She complied, drawing her weapon to cover Marcus when he broke the door down.

“Tranh, are you in position to breach?”Marcus asked over the radio.

“Affirmative,” Tranh replied.

“Okay.On three.One.Two.Three!”

He lifted his leg and grunted with effort as he kicked, splitting the door in half and sending both pieces flying inward.Turk shot ahead with a snarl, tail corkscrewing as he sprinted into the house.Faith and Marcus were a split second behind, guns and flashlights drawn.

The interior of the house was as typical as the outside.Modest furniture, some years old.A TV far too large for the size of the living room.Being a man's house, the décor was sparse to nonexistent, and what was there didn't make any sense.

Most importantly, it was empty.Tranh and Garcia came in from the kitchen and announced, “Kitchen’s clear.Backyard too.”

“No dog?”

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