Chapter 16

He ran almost three miles before he slowed down to walk for several minutes, then stepped off the belt, and turned the machine off. On his way to the desk, he wiped his face with the end of his shirt, then checked his phone. Still no response from James.

He took a few gulps from the water bottle, then turned off the light and walked down the hall. As he stepped into the dining room, he held the bottle against his cheek and fanned his shirt.

Headlights swept across the room.

“Shit,” Chris said, filling with dread.

Several car doors slammed shut.

Chris let out a deep breath, hoping James wasn’t going to be too angry, then placed the water bottle on the coffee table as he walked to the door. When he opened it, he found James standing there, dressed in a suit and a stern expression while two uniformed cops stood behind him.

“We have a warrant to search your house,” James said. “I have to ask you to step outside.”

Chris chuckled, then said, “Seriously?”