Shadows of the Night

Six

Nathan

I drove Sabrina back to my place. I didn't want to risk the chance of him following her home.

She fell asleep on the way home. Poor thing was wasted. It was probably a good thing I was there, to keep her safe, and not just from Keith.

I climb out of the vehicle and walk around to the passenger side. After I open her door, I unbuckle her seatbelt and cradle her into my arms.

She's light as a feather.

I carry her inside and lay her down on my bed, just as my phone rings.

"You called?" Wilson answers.

"Yes." I reply while quietly walking out of the room. Once I'm far enough, I explain, "I just don't think Bryan is our guy. I think he's being set up."

He's silent for a moment, then, says, "We have more evidence on this guy than anyone else. We finally have a lead on this guy, we're not going to pass up on it."

"Yeah, but don't you think this was too easy? I mean, we've been chasing this guy forever and all of a sudden he leaves behind DNA? I'm pretty sure he's smarter than that." I explain.

Wilson sighs. "I agree, but we don't know for sure yet. Maybe he was trying to get caught. Maybe he was tired of running. Either way, I need you out there tonight. If this is our guy, we can't pass up a good opportunity."

I exhale as I consider it for a moment.

Maybe he's right. Maybe this guy, Bryan, finally got bored playing all of these games. I mean, that would make sense. And it would also make sense on why he would be doing a risky drug deal right afterward too.

I glance back into my room where Sabrina sleeps peacefully, curled up into fetal position on her side.

I was hoping to get out of this deal tonight. I'd really hate to leave her alone here and risk the chance of Keith finding her when I can't be here to protect her.

As I walk back over to her, I quietly ask, "Alright. But I need a favor in return if I'm going to put myself in this risky position." I place a blanket over her gently.

"For sure. Anything for my best agent." Wilson agrees.

. . .

Waiting in my car, the alley before me is empty. Only one street lamp illuminates a section of the street, exposing the wet pavement and a blue dumpster beside it. In the distant, police sirens can be heard. A light drizzle begins to fall, speckling my windshield one by one.

"You got eyes, Grayson?" Wilson chimes in on the radio.

"Yes. He should be here any minute." I reply.

Shortly after, a black Honda Civic pulls up. A man walks out from the otherside of the dumpster.

"He's here. I'm going in." I buzz Wilson.

As I climb out of the vehicle, I can hear Wilson commanding me not to go in without back up.

I ignore him and creep towards the guy while pulling out my gun from my side.

As I get closer, I point the gun at Bryan and holler, "FBI! Hands in the air now!"

Bryan quickly pulls out a hand gun and begins shooting at me.

The black vehicle speeds off in the opposite direction, tires screeching as it disappears down the street.

I quickly run back towards my vehicle and hide behind the open door.