bits of wood across the concrete stairs. The killer had no compunction about firing a weapon inside a neighborhood. Thank goodness Addison’s house was at the end of the street, away from everyone else.
Jason’s heart thundered, but the hand holding his weapon was steady. “Six o’clock.”
“I see him.” Nathan burst out of the house. More gunfire followed.
Jason didn’t wait. He sprang from his position and raced across the wide expanse of the pitch-black yard. Every step, he half expected to feel the impact of a bullet slamming into him. It didn’t happen. He burst past the tree line in time to hear the shooter running away.
Jason gave chase.
Nineteen
Addison grabbed each side of her sweater and wrapped it around her midsection. Police officers tramped through her yard. There were more in the woods behind her house, their flashlight beams reflecting through the trees. Somewhere overhead an owl hooted. “I haven’t seen or spoken to my father-in-law in over seven years.”
Chief Walters glowered at the bullet holes in her porch pillar. “Well, he certainly seems to hate you enough to want you dead. All of this is over your husband?”
“Ex-husband. And yes, Wendall blames me for his son’s death.”
Movement from the tree line caught her attention. Jason stepped into the yard, moving toward the porch on sure strides. His combat boots were splattered with mud and a wayward leaf clung to his sweater. How close had he come to dying tonight?
Addison’s chest tightened. She’d been hiding in the closet when the sound of gunshots rang out. The ten minutes following had been the worst of her life. She never wanted to go through anything like that again.
Trevor also stepped out of the woods. He followed Jason across the yard to the porch. The radio on his hip squawked, and he adjusted the volume.
“Anything?” Chief Walters asked, once the men were close enough.
“We located some bullet casings.” Trevor stopped at the base of the porch stairs. “The shooter had a rifle. He got off a couple of extra shots at Jason in the woods before escaping. I’ll have some officers canvass the area at first light. In the dark, it’s too difficult.”
Jason joined Addison on the porch. She reached for him instinctively, wrapping an arm around his waist. The fabric of his sweater was soft under her palm and the heat of his body drew her closer.
He reciprocated her touch. His hand was heavy on her hip. Solid. It made her feel feminine and delicate. Jason tucked her closer to his side before turning to the chief. “When the shooter fled, he left tire tracks on the dirt road.”
“Good. I’ll have the technicians make impressions of those tonight.” The wind ruffled his thinning hair, revealing a bald spot. The chief smoothed a hand over the runaway strands. “Can you describe the vehicle he was driving?”
“An SUV of some kind. Dark colored. I can’t swear it was the same SUV that passed outside Addison’s house in the days prior to the break-in, but it’s similar.”
“What about the shooter?”
“Could be anyone.” Frustration layered Jason’s tone. “Average height and weight. He’s in good shape but a terrible shot. He’s also familiar with the woods behind Addison’s house. He knew exactly how to navigate them. My guess is he used the same dirt road to escape on the night of the break-in.”
“Probably right.” Chief Walters frowned. “The park is supposed to lock their gates at night, but they’re lackadaisical about it. I’ll talk to them in the morning. In the meantime, Addison, it would be a good idea for you to get out of town for a while.”
“Trevor told me the same thing this afternoon, but I have obligations that can’t be pushed aside. Besides, if my father-in-law is behind this, he’ll follow me wherever I go.”
The chief paused and then nodded. “All right then. I’ll have patrol officers do more rounds outside your house. I’ve got more men searching for Wendall and the SUV. Chances are, he’s hiding out somewhere here in town or close by.”
“Chief, I have a friend who works with the Texas Rangers,” Jason said. “You’ve spoken to him already. Ranger Grady West. I’m sure he’d be happy to lend a hand.”
Chief Walters pursed his lips. “Appreciate the offer, but we’ve got this handled.”
“With all due respect, sir, this is the second attack on Addison within a twenty-four hour period. This guy is escalating, and fast. I’m not trying to tell you how to do your job—”
“Then don’t.” He rocked back on his