I fumbled for my camera then snapped several pictures. I used the car as my anchor to steady my arms and aimed my lens at the houses across and away from the scene. At the moment, no one was chasing the red-haired girl.
A radio crackled. “All clear inside.”
I focused my lens back on the scene, watching the cops scatter in and around the house. I debated what my next move would be. I didn’t know if I should walk up to the media group and get the scoop or go in search of the redhead, who could probably give me details of what had happened, rather than waiting around for the canned speech the police would give reporters.
After I stowed my camera, I watched Miladin shove the rotund perp into a police cruiser. It wasn’t Cory, and I didn’t recognize the guy.
The lady in the robe hurried away as did the rest of the onlookers. I stayed put to examine more of the scene, hoping that I would see cops escorting other gang members, like Cory, out of the house. Instead, I spotted Ted, and he did a double take when he saw me.
He crooked his finger at me but didn’t appear happy, probably because he’d all but ordered me to go home when I’d spoken to him on the phone.
If I ignored him, I would only irritate him, and then he would send the cavalry for me. I wandered his way.
His mustache twitched, his gaze never wavering from me until his radio crackled. “Go.”
“Sir, you need to come inside,” a voice said through the radio.
“Be right there,” Ted responded.
I fidgeted with my thin scarf then put on my reporter’s hat. “Detective Hughes, was this standoff tonight with the Black Knights?”
“Cut the crap, Mags. I told you to go home.” His words were laden with frustration.
I rolled my eyes, catching a glimpse of Rick standing near the house and talking on his phone. “I’m a reporter. As much as you don’t like me getting involved in stories that could be dangerous, too bad. That’s my job. Why would you think I would listen to you anyway?”
His tense shoulders lowered. “You got a point. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
I pouted. “I love you too, Dad,” I said with equal parts snark and affection. “So, are the Black Knights involved? You caught one gang member. Any others inside?”
He pursed his lips. “The only story you should uncover is who your parents are. Have you given more thought to what we talked about the other day?”
Hell to the no.I wasn’t looking for my parents. They’d had the nerve to abandon me when I was a baby, so screw them. Although a tiny part of me wanted to know why more than anything. Ted had offered several times to help me since he had the resources to do so.
“You’ll regret not knowing where you came from, Mags. Family is important. Maybe your parents did what they did to save you.”
Whatever.That wasn’t the topic at the moment. “Looking for my parents isn’t going to keep my editor happy.” That was the truth. “Besides, you’re my family. You cared for me. You took me off the streets.”
He grinned like a proud father, when his radio sparked to life. “Ted,” Rick said.
I flicked my gaze to where Rick was standing, but he wasn’t there. Too bad. I would’ve liked to have tried to coax him into giving me something.
“I’m on my way,” Ted said into his radio. “Oh, Mags, I’ve instructed Rick not to give you any more intel. So don’t ask.” Then he crossed the pavement to the two-story brick home.
I could have argued until the sun came up, but I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere. Ted was a hardened individual and staunch in his decisions, especially when it came to protecting those he loved. Not to mention, he couldn’t and wouldn’t divulge facts of any investigation. Otherwise cases could be ruined and thrown out of court.
The news reporters were finishing up their late-night segments. I thought about saying hi to Deidre, but she was busy talking into the camera.
The crowd had scattered.
The helicopter was gone.
I was speed walking toward my car, looking down driveways and over fences, in the off chance I would spot the redhead. When I reached an intersection, I glanced in both directions. A streetlight illuminated the roadway, but not all that well. In the blink of an eye, I spied someone in the shadows at the edge of a house across the street.
I jogged in that direction, looking around me, making sure I didn’t have any creepers on my tail. I always carried a knife, which was in my messenger bag. When I made it to the driveway, a cat screeched as though someone had kicked the poor thing.
I stopped. “I know you’re back there.” I kept my voice soft in the off chance it was the redhead. “I’m not a cop. I promise. I saw you run from the house, and I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
The petite form came into view, scared, bruised, bleeding, and frightened.
