Undercover

Chapter 22

Emma's P.O.V

"Remember, I need Rider alive!", I whispered and looked around at everyone to watch them nod in understanding.

We were all bundled up inside a van which was parked a couple of blocks away from Rider's house, discussing our strategy for the final time.

I glanced over at the house. It looked the same as before. Curtains were drawn closed and the windows were tightly shut. Basically, the house looked abandoned.

I nodded at my crew and got down from the van alone. I was dressed casually so that no one suspects me. Any stranger who notices me would see a young woman with her head bent low, busy typing furiously on her phone.

I walked a couple of steps past Rider's house and stopped casually as I continued typing on my phone. After a minute or two, I looked up and observed whether someone was watching me. Fortunately, since Rider's house was not located at one of those main streets, not many people were around as it was a week day morning.

I pocketed my phone as I looked around one last time. Fortunately, the coast was clear. I jumped behind a nearby bush and headed slowly towards the house with a camera detector held securely within the palm of my hand.

On my way towards the porch I pointed the device around the bushes and posts and fortunately I ended up detecting none. I then went towards the front appearing like a visitor and rang the bell. I heard no motion from inside.

Taking use of the advantage, I started pacing on the front porch, waving my object hand in air, secretly detecting for hidden cameras. I whistled as I proceeded my investigation to appear less suspicious.

To my joy, the device didn't vibrate at the front porch too.

No hidden cameras?

Now that was not what I was expecting.

If they had a basement down there, they would have definitely had something to monitor the exterior.

I got a nagging feeling that I was missing something important here. I furrowed my eyebrows as I rang the bell again and again.

I heard shuffling from inside, then a loud crash.

"Guys, barge in after a minute", I whispered into the mouthpiece.

The door swung open and then appeared a drunk Matthew. His hair was a mess. He had dark rings around his eyes and his eyes looked dull and lifeless. He looked paler and unhealthier than before.

I stared at him dumbfounded.

What? I didn't expect him to appear like an almost dead zombie!

"What do you want?", he grunted.

"Eh-", was the only response my mouth managed to utter.

He raised a questioning eyebrow at me.

Stupid mouth! Shut up will you!!

"We are hear to search your house", I quickly composed myself and said in a calm passive voice.

"What? Why?", he asked, utterly confused.

"I'll tell you once we are done searching. Will you let us? We are running out of time.", I told him as I tapped my feet impatiently.

He shifted on his feet uneasily.

"I don't have a choice, do I?", he asked, eyeing me nervously.

I sighed.

"No you don't"

He stepped aside as we entered the house. The crew came just as I was about to enter, as planned.