Chapter 4 - The Chase in the Dark
The heavy thud of Marcus slamming into the side of the cruiser echoed down the quiet street. Officer Davis stumbled, catching himself on the hood before drawing his radio.
“Dispatch, 10-33, I have a foot pursuit heading south on Maple, suspect is an athletic white male in a grey t-shirt and dark jeans,” Davis barked into the radio, breaking into a sprint down the alleyway.
Claire stood frozen for a second, her hand still gripping the black boxing glove. The chaotic flashing of the cruiser lights illuminated the empty sidewalk where Marcus had stood just moments before.
“Mommy?” Sophie asked, her voice cracking with fear as she looked up. “Is he coming back?”
“No, baby. Not tonight,” Claire said, kneeling down to look her daughter directly in the eyes. “Listen to me, Sophie. We need to go inside right now. Mr. Palmer is going to watch you for a few minutes while I talk to the police.”
Mr. Palmer, an elderly man in a plaid shirt, slowly opened his front door across the yard, having witnessed the entire exchange. He nodded solemnly, stepping out onto his porch with a warm woolen blanket in his hands.
“Bring her over here, Claire. I’ve got her,” Mr. Palmer called out gently.
Claire handed the black boxing glove to Mr. Palmer, along with her car keys. As she walked Sophie up the steps, her phone buzzed violently in her pocket. She pulled it out.
The screen displayed an unknown number and a single text message: You think Davis can protect you? I left something on your kitchen counter.
Claire’s blood ran cold. She handed Sophie over to Mr. Palmer, telling her to stay inside the lit living room, and turned back toward her own front door. The lock was turned, but the heavy oak door stood slightly ajar.
May you like
She pushed it open slowly, stepping into the dark entryway.
---
