He awoke slowly, trying to recall where he was. Remembering suddenly he looked up, relieved to see the stars gone; the pale sky now covered by thin grey cloud. It would be another hot day.
Stretching stiffly, he glanced at his watch, 7:10. It was too early to expect Kelly to be up and about yet, she was not a morning person. He wasn't sure if he wanted to see her, she would probably call the cops on him anyway. They had a great physical relationship but that was all they had, there was little emotional connection. He knew it wouldn't take Kelly long to find someone new. Looking over at his house he realised the curtains were now open in their bedroom. He dragged the deck chair over to the railing and leaned his elbows on the cool metal while he surveyed the area. It was an interesting vantage point from which to view his house.
Looking down the street he searched for the surveillance car. Sure enough there was a dark sedan with steamed up windows. Helen probably had a watch on her place too. This would be hard on her. He hoped she wasn't being bothered by the media. He wanted to call her, to hear her voice, but knew he wasn't strong enough for a last talk. Better to leave a letter. He regretted not getting pen and paper yesterday at Chloe's, but he hadn't been thinking clearly. Regrets... he had far too many regrets.
The front door opened and Kelly emerged wearing the silk robe he had given her for Christmas. She looked up and down the street before being pulled back into the house by strong arms. Chase found himself more amused than angry. Well, no regrets there. However when he saw Rick Taylor leaving his house he didn't feel quite so sanguine. He would never betray a friend like that; then he thought of what he had done to Jack.
Rick turned to wave goodbye to Kelly but he appeared to trip and fall, his body collapsing against the garden gate. No, he's been shot realised Chase at the same moment the report echoed off the surrounding buildings. Throwing his backpack off the roof he quickly followed, scrambling down the fire escape. His first thought was to Kelly but she had slammed the door closed. She's a survivor, no need to worry about her he smiled wryly. It was hard to tell but he thought the shot came from the south-east. He started to run that way then stopped, that route would take him past the surveillance car.
A sudden overwhelming desire to live caused Chase to change direction. He needed a newspaper and the nearest would be along the beach front.