Arriving at Maxwell Secures earlier than anticipated after a high-stress job, Dane Johnston felt a sense of accomplishment that everything went well. No injuries or deaths were always a bonus in his book. Followed by his best friend of nearly ten years, they did everything together since meeting in basic training for the Marines. Cooper Sheppard was as solid as they come. Dane knew he could depend on him for anything and to always have his back.
Walking into the building and being greeted by a smiling Keeley was one of the best things about his job nowadays. She brightened things up and was always happy to see them. She was like a little sister to them both, “Hey, little girl, what’s shaking?” he asked her with a smile.
“Hi, guys, there’s a new job. Nathaniel and Tyler are waiting for you in their office,” she said looking up briefly from the file she was putting together; he assumed for this new job, and gave him a smile.
“Seriously? We just got back from one?” Coop grouched.
Finally giving them her full attention, she gave them her best rendition of puppy dog eyes and pouted at them. “Shit, alright girl, we’re on it.” Coop relented making Dane chuckle and Keeley smile brilliantly. They made their way to their bosses’ office, with Coop grumbling the whole time about demanding bosses and manipulating girls. Giving a quick rap on the door, they walked in to see Nate and Ty looking very grim about something.
Concerned, Dane asked, “Everything alright? Lil bit said we’ve got a new case?”
“Have a seat,” Nate said solemnly while putting a folder down. Sitting, they waited. “A young woman came in yesterday about a stalker. From all indications, it’s been going on longer than she thinks, which is two years, but we think it’s been closer to four,” Nate said shocking him and handing them each a folder. Not looking just yet, Dane and Coop waited for him to continue. “She’s been on the run for nearly two years since he broke into her house, ripped her underwear to shreds and left pig’s blood everywhere,” Nate said disgustedly. Dane could tell he’d left something out.
“What are you not telling us, Nate?” Coop asked, echoing Dane’s thoughts.
Chuckling at their perception, he told them probably the most horrifying thing of all. “When she walked into her room, she hyperventilated from the shock of it all and passed out, but before she did, she saw him.” Pausing with a dark look on his face, Nate said, “He fucking jacked off to it and came all over her face and chest. That was her last memory of what happened before she woke up in the hospital. Her mom had come over late that evening because Emily was supposed to have gone over to her house for dinner but got held up in a meeting for work. The police think she brought this shit on herself. She’s never been in any kind of trouble before, though. Never had any boyfriends, hardly any friends. The girl is an introvert.” Still shocked at what the sick bastard did to her, it took Dane’s mind a moment to catch up on all the details Nate was giving them. Finally blurting out, “This job’s ours.” Looking to Coop to make sure he was on board, they locked eyes and Dane could see the rage simmering in Coop’s that matched his own.
Looking back to Nate and Ty to see them smiling at his response, Dane shook his head before getting up and walking out, stopping in the doorway when Ty spoke. “We’ve been called away for a job, so you guys are in charge, too.” Nodding their heads, Dane and Coop walked out and to their own office to read everything.
~~~~~~
Cooper Sheppard couldn’t believe the things he’d read in Emily Baxter’s stalking case. From the police reports, it sounded like this guy was off his hinges psycho and the police, they believed it was all in her head. Pulling up to Emily’s house with Dane in the passenger’s seat, he shut the truck off and took a look around before getting out. She didn’t live in the worst neighborhood in Austin, but also not the best either. “What do you think? Think he’s watching her now?” he asked Dane, feeling rage course through him at just the thought of it.
Stopping half way up the sidewalk leading to her front door they both took another look around, making note of cars parked in driveways, people walking up and down the streets, dogs barking in yards. Satisfied with their perusal they continued the walk to Emily’s front door. Knocking on it loudly, they waited a minute before hearing noise coming from inside. “She’s not trying to hide herself it seems.” Coop mused. Hearing a clatter and a muted “motherfucker” come from inside had them both chuckling.