Page 20 of Special Agent Murphy

Chapter Thirteen

As she turned onto his street, the Senator’s house perched higher than the others nearby and showed beautifully. His home was the type every American dreams of owning, yet very few do. The colonial style with white columns on the front gave the porch a spacious look, which presented the appearance of a large estate.

As she slowed down to pull into the circular driveway, she noticed a car parked a few feet further up the road with a full view of the Senator’s house and entrance.

Because she was on alert for anything unusual, seeing a person behind the wheel on a perfectly nice day, no rain or reason why anyone should stay in their vehicle, she continued around the block so she could pull up behind it.

Being paranoid about anything out of the ordinary, she wasn’t going to let this get past her. Considering his daughter had been kidnapped the night before, having someone maybe watching the Senator’s house could mean nothing, or it might be problematic.

Before she exited her car, she tried to read the license plate so she could phone it in, but the numbers were fuzzy, probably mucked up from the recent rain. She’d need to get closer to read them. Instead, she pulled out her phone to take a picture.

Unexpectedly, a force backed into her car and the impact whiplashed her head, making the phone fly from her hand.

A screech of the tires could be heard as the car ahead of her sped away.What!!

Twisting the key, she threw the car into drive, slammed her foot on the gas and whipped the wheel to follow the vanishing car. A sickening crunch kyboshed those plans.

Instead, she glanced up to see a really pissed off Murphy exit his SUV, check the scrape on his front passenger bumper, and then approach. The gritted teeth and clenched hands an indication that his mood might not be the best.

Her instinct to roll up the window and pretend she was a very small child fled as soon as it appeared. Instead, she waited, breath abated, her knees tight together. I’ll need to find a restroom real quick.

“Lady, you are the worst menace in this city. They ought to paint hazard signs all over your car to let the rest of us poor schmucks know you’re on the road.”

“God, I’m sorry, Murphy. There was a car parked here with someone sitting inside. I kinda thought it was strange, so I pulled in behind. I wanted to take a picture of the license plate. I couldn’t read it. I wanted to call it in, but they backed into my car. Smashed it really. Before I knew it, they’d raced off.”

Lifting a trembling hand to her neck, she added, “I think I got a slight whiplash.” Not seeing any sympathy, she admitted, “I’d decided to follow him. Just as I pulled out, you appeared out of nowhere and….”

“Shit, lady. Take five. Your face is red. You gonna pass out?”

“No. But, I-I need a restroom.”

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph, you shouldn’t be let out without a handler.”

Kayti got a sudden urge to giggle, another of her silly habits when under stress. Instead, she reached over on the floor for her phone. “I hope I got the license number before he bashed my car.” Her hand shook so badly, she couldn’t work the phone.

“He… it was a he?

“Yes. I didn’t see anyone else. And I never got a good look at him either.”

“Right. So he backed into you?” Murphy stepped forward to see the damage which freed her from being imprisoned inside. She quickly stepped out; her phone still clutched in her hand.

He came back to her and said, “It’s not as bad as the one you have on the other bumper.” He watched her struggle with her phone. “Here give me that thing. What’s your code?”

“Eleven forty-seven. It was an old post office box number when I was a kid so I can remember it easily.”

“Good to know.” He scanned her face, obviously paying attention to her leaning against the car for support. “You going to be okay? Maybe you need to go home and rest up for a few weeks?”

She heard the hopeful note in his voice and knew it was her sign to pull herself together. “It’s just that a girl doesn’t often get into two accidents within a matter of minutes and deal with it like water off a duck’s back.

“Maybe not normal girls, but you’re in a bracket all your own.”

This time she did giggle, then stopped as he stared her down. He checked her phone, but the latest photo showed a small slice of the sky and the roof of the car. Glancing over his shoulder, she felt frustration over the missed opportunity. Doggonit, she needed to get her act together. He must think her a real number.

Trying to explain, her tone stronger, “I’m a bit shook up, but I’ll be fine. Get your car out of my way, and I’ll pull into the driveway.”

“Helluva good idea. Will you do me a favor? Wait until I’ve driven in and parked.”

Ha! Not funny.

Kayti pulled into the circular driveway behind him and let out a sigh of relief. Why other cars seemed to continually bash into her vehicle still didn’t make sense. She followed the road rules, drove slow and careful. But it never failed that some asshole in a hurry either stopped too late or turned without paying attention. She only hoped that was the case earlier, and she hadn’t let a suspect flee.

Leaving her black sports model with numerous scrapes and dents everywhere, she walked up the steps and waited for Murphy before ringing the bell. Glancing to the side where the attached garage had three entrances, she saw two other police vehicles parked. Good, the others were here to protect the Senator.

When Murphy stepped up behind her, she stiffened her shoulders. No more bullshit. She was a good agent, had aced her classes, came out on top of others in competition, and her colleagues had a healthy respect for her accomplishments… and her abilities. No way, this crusty son of a bitch was going to make her feel less capable.

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