Sanibel Wind by David Crosby

Author:David Crosby [Crosby, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Deputy Rivera and the tactical team beached the boat on Sanibel Island a short distance from the Grime’s house. They intended to rescue Dennis and Susie Grimes.

Sergeant Owens said, “From here on in, we need to maintain silence. We don’t want them to hear us coming. Vargas, you watch the rear until we get close.”

“Okay, Sarge.”

They walked in single file, with Owens lighting the way with a red flashlight to avoid losing their night vision. Brush piles and other storm debris blocked the path in several places and they had to work their way around them.

As they approached the house, Owens signaled them to stop behind a palm thicket. He gestured for them to lean in and whispered, “Vargas, you watch the decks to see if anyone comes out. I don’t want them running out the back when I come inside. I’m going to try the garage entry. If it’s locked, I’ll see how quietly I can jimmy the door.”

Rivera said, “What do I do?”

“You stay right here and watch from a distance. If you see anyone trying to get away, holler and we’ll get them.”

“Why can’t I go up the stairs behind you? Two is better than one, and there’s two of them.”

“You can’t go because I need to worry about the two bad guys and not about keeping you out of the line of fire. Got it, deputy?”

“Got it, sir.” He wasn’t happy about it, though.

Owens moved in and tried the door. It was unlocked. He stood quietly in the garage for several minutes, listening for footsteps overhead. It was silent. Using a small penlight to see in the dark garage, he climbed the stairs from the garage to the main floor.

At the top of the stairs, he put his ear to the door and listened. Still nothing. Gun at the ready, he turned the doorknob with his left hand. It opened with a small squeak.

He froze.

A noise came from one bedroom. It was faint but sounded like a muffled voice. He panned his flashlight around the living room. Empty. Stepping lightly, he moved to the bedroom door. More muffled sounds. Time for the direct approach.

He kicked the door open. “Freeze!” He stepped in and panned the flashlight around the room. It looked empty. Then he heard a moan from the floor beside the bed. There was a man tied up and gagged. Owens leaned over him and patted his cheek to rouse him. His eyes were wild.

“Is anyone else here?”

The man shook his head. It was enough. Sergeant Owens took the gag from the man’s mouth. He croaked out, “Water.”

Owens pulled a water bottle from a deep pocket, opened it and tipped some into the man’s mouth. He swallowed eagerly, then coughed as it became too much.

In a raspy voice, he said, “Who are you?”

“Sergeant Owens, Lee County Sheriff’s office tactical unit. Who are you?”

“Dennis Grimes. This is my house. My son, Robbie, ran away, and they took my wife with them to try to find him.

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