Page 13 of Say Now
"Protocol be damned," Dale shouted."If you’re refusing me entry into the house, then—"
"Dale," Alison said firmly, hoping that her tone and use of his first name were enough to disarm him temporarily.
Dale looked at Alison and grunted, glancing back at the officer and deciding whether he wanted to argue with him more.
"Hey," Alison said as she approached Dale, "take a walk with me."
"I want to see the crime scene," Dale said.
"I know you do, and the officer is right.We need to go up the chain of command first.You know you can't be here, right?This is not your case, nor your crime scene, nor any of your business, Dale."
Dale breathed through his nose, his nostrils flaring.He threw his hands up in the air as if he had been held back by someone.When he turned, Alison went to him, took his arm, and led him away from the front door before he changed his mind and forced his way in.She could feel resistance from him, but he allowed himself to be led away.If he made a different decision, she was not sure she could stop him.
She had a gun in her purse back in Claire’s car—her father had taught both her and Emma to shoot at a young age—but it was not something she liked to carry unless walking into a dangerous situation.It wasn’t needed to try to dissuade a police captain from entering a crime scene.
"Whatareyou doing here, Dale?"Alison asked once they were on the sidewalk outside the yard.
"I heard there had been another," he replied."You told me that you would find this guy."
"I never told you that, and we both know it's not as simple as that.You can't come down here and expect to be let in.Your sister was killed two days ago.You should be at home resting.You’re not in the right frame of mind to be investigating this yourself, especially with how angry you are."
"I’m not angry," he claimed."And you’re telling me that you wouldn’t do the exact same thing?"
"You’re not angry?"Alison scoffed."You’re just about the worst person at hiding your anger.It’s justified, as I get why you wanted to come down here, but I’m the voice of reason.And to answer your question, of course, I would want to come down here and do everything I could, but I have people in my life who dissuade me from that.I can see that you don't.I’ve made some bad decisions because I let my emotions rule me.I won't let you do the same, Dale."
"What do you expect me to do?Sit at home, twiddling my thumbs, while this guy murders more and more people."
"Yeah, that’s exactly what I expect," Alison said."You’ve made a few comparisons between us, and I want to assure you that I take this case as seriously as you do.I want to catch this guy as much as you do.So, either you go back home, or I’ll have someone order it.You’re a threat in this case."
Dale glared at her, but Alison didn't back down.
"I want to know everything from the crime scene," he said."There will be justice.I need your assurances that you’ll inform me of everything."
"I can't promise that," Alison said."I’ll pass on information you need to know and keep you abreast of how the hunt for your sister’s killer is going, but I can't involve you in this.I need you to go home, Dale."
Dale looked behind Alison as Special Agent Martine arrived.
"Yeah, fine," Dale snarled."Yeah, I’ll go home."He turned and stormed off.
Alison grimaced, baring her teeth a little."You heard that, didn't you?He’s not planning on going home."
"I don't know," Claire admitted.
Alison went after Dale."Hey!You know I can't let you do what you are about to do!"
Dale turned to face her."What am I about to do?"
"I don't know, but I know you’re not going home, which means you have somewhere to go.What’s your next move, Dale?"
He was silent.
"You can either talk to me, or I have an officer follow you to find out, and you waste more of our time."
Dale’s pupils were wide, his fists balled.He stood leaning slightly forward as if ready to pounce.They were essentially both on the same team, but she had the distinct impression that he didn't like her.
"I don’t have time for this," Alison said."If this guy can be caught, I will catch him."
"You’re not doing a very good job of it so far, are you?"
