Dennis snorted. Like that was going to happen. His thumbs worked frantically as he sent off a text to Abner. The only thing left now to do was go back to the empty house and park in the driveway again. It hit him then. Copeland’s car was the only one in the driveway at the new location. And there were no actual garage doors attached to the house. The owners must have converted the garage to usable living space. Details, details, details. He patted himself on the back for being so observant.

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Dennis knew he was in trouble the moment he heard the tap on the car window as a flashlight momentarily blinded him. A cop! Busted! Oh, jeez. He needed to think quick and fast. He lowered the window, blinked, seeing stars for a moment. “What’s up, Officer?” he managed to croak as he tried to shield his eyes from the bright light.

The officer appeared to be middle-aged and wore an expression that he wasn’t about to put up with any crap. Dennis ran with his story he concocted on the fly. “I guess someone called to say I’ve been sitting here all day, huh? It’s true, Officer, except for a couple of bathroom breaks. Here’s the deal. I paid a Realtor who represents this property a deposit of five thousand dollars to buy this house. I came to find out he took down payments from two other people. I told him if he didn’t meet me here to return my money, I was going to the police. I’m getting married next month, and my fiancée loves this house. We saved for five years to come up with the down payment, and I’m not leaving till he gives me back the money. First, he said he’d be here by four, then he sent a text saying he was delayed and would be here by seven. Then at seven he sent another one swearing he would be no later than ten, and he has my check with him. What would you do, Officer? I gotta tell you, right now I’m more afraid of going home and telling my fiancée I don’t have the check than I am afraid of you.” This was all said with a straight face on his part. It looked to him like the cop was buying it.

The cop looked at Dennis’s earnest face and relented. “Several neighbors called to say you were sitting here all day. Okay, I’ll cut you some slack and let you stay, but you better be out of here by ten o’clock. I’ll be back to check on you on my rounds.”