It was almost 2:00 a.m. and my eyes were getting heavy. I could feel them opening and closing slowly, staying shut a little longer each time. I periodically dozed off, as my head bobbed back and forth. I caught myself before starting to snore. I shook my head, trying to wake up. I needed a little help, so I decided to get some fresh air.
I got out of my car and stretched my legs and arms. I wandered around for a little bit. It felt good to move around, so I walked to the backside of the business. I stood there smoking a cigarette, looking up at the stars. Without the moonlight, they looked bright and gorgeous. When I finished my smoke, I made my way back to my car.
I climbed in and looked towards the storage units. I saw the glow of red taillights, parked in front of the gate. The passenger side light was white, like it was broken. The gate slowly opened, and the vehicle pulled through it, turning to the right.
As it passed under a lamp post, I could see that the vehicle was a red Chevy pickup.
“Holy Shit!” I said out loud.
I watched as the truck disappeared behind a row of units. It was heading in the direction of Casper’s unit. From my location I couldn't tell who was driving, I needed a closer look.
I started my car and drove to the front gate.
I keyed in the code and then radioed dispatch. I requested some units to my location, for a possible sighting of Casper. Dispatch acknowledged my transmission and told me that officers were on the way. I drove my vehicle towards the path that the truck had taken.
I parked behind the row of units and climbed out of my car. I listened carefully and could hear what sounded like someone loading items into a vehicle. I walked to the end of the row and peeked my head around the corner.
I saw the red Chevy parked in front of unit 88. Then I saw a man carrying a box from the unit to the truck. The man was wearing a white t-shirt and baggy pants. I could see his arms were covered in prison-style tattoos and he had a large SCS tattoo across the back of his head. I immediately recognized the tattoo from Casper's booking photos. It was him. He was here, and I didn’t have any backup yet.
My heart began to drum, as the adrenaline surged through my body. I went back to my car and radioed dispatch again. I told the dispatcher I had a positive ID on Casper and I needed officer now, code 3.
I quickly thought about the possible scenarios that could happen. I could back out and wait for other officers. If I did that, Casper could leave and lead us on a long, dangerous pursuit. I could wait here, and when he tried to move, I could box him in. If I did that, he would have his vehicle as a weapon. He could ram me or drive through the fence and flee.
I continued to think about what I should do. I could rush him now and confront him when he least expected it. If I did that, he would be out of his truck. He would have a box in his hand and wouldn't be much of a threat.
I pondered the thought for a split second longer and then said, “Fuck it!”
I drew my Glock and walked back to the end of the row. I peeked around the corner and saw Casper still loading boxes. I waited until he went back into the unit to get another one.
I quickly crept towards him, easing along the wall of the units. As I walked, I pointed my gun at the door, waiting for him to emerge. I was about 20 feet away when he walked out. He was holding a box and had no idea I was there.
“Police! Drop the box and get your hands up!” I yelled, as loudly as I could.
Casper was shaken and surprised. He immediately dropped the box and looked in my direction. We locked eyes momentarily. Even with just a quick glance, I could see the evil in his soul.
I pointed my gun at him and ordered him to get his hands up and get on his knees. Casper quickly looked around, trying to gauge the situation.
He began to comply and slowly raised his hands. His eyes were fixated on me, staring intently. I again yelled for him to get on his knees. My heart was pounding, ready to explode. He slowly started to move as if he was going to his knees, but then it happened.
It was as if time stood still. Everything flashed to slow motion and my senses heightened. I saw Casper reach behind his back and slowly bring something out in front of him. It took me a second to realize he was holding a gun. I heard my breathing slow down and felt my pulse pounding inside my head. I saw the end of the muzzle and the darkness of the barrel. There was a bright flash, but I didn’t hear anything.
I put my finger on the trigger and leveled out the sights. I squeezed it twice, sending my first two rounds down range. I saw the bullets impact Casper's body in the center of his chest. He stumbled backward, banging into the door of one of the units.
He caught his balance and again started to raise his gun. I quickly squeezed the trigger, sending my third round towards him. I watched as the bullet hit its mark, causing Casper's head to jolt backward violently. Casper's legs went out from under him, and he crumbled to the ground. He was down, and he wasn't moving.
I slowly and carefully approached him, ready to shoot again. When I reached him, I kicked the gun away from his hand, making sure it was out of his reach. I could smell the strong odor of burnt gunpowder lingering in the air. Casper’s eyes were wide open, the ground behind him saturated with blood and brain matter. I saw the bullet hole in the center of his forehead, exactly where I wanted my last shot to go.
I put my gun in my holster and immediately placed Casper in handcuffs. This was a good shooting, and I wanted to make sure I followed the department's policy. Within a split second, everything sped back up to real time.
I checked Casper for a pulse, but I knew he was dead. A sense of relief came over me. I took a couple of deep breaths. My body still trembling, as the adrenaline continued to surge through my veins. I looked at Caper's lifeless body laying on the ground. It was finally over. I had beaten evil.
I thought about Sera and how proud of me she would have been. I thought about Marsha, as I remembered the look on her face, and the promise that I made her. I had found Sera's killer, and I made him pay.
My happiness was short-lived, as I felt a burning sensation coming from my stomach. I looked down and saw blood on my shirt. I quickly felt the area and realized I was shot. The pain was radiating through my body. I knew help was on the way and they would take care of me. I just needed to hang on for a little bit.
I sat down near Casper and leaned against one of the storage units. The asphalt felt warm, which was comforting. I sat there in silence, scolding myself for letting Casper get off a shot. I was better than that, but there was nothing I could do about it now.
I was surprised by the feelings I was having. I had never been in a gunfight, and for some reason I thought I would be more scared. I thought I would feel some sense of remorse for taking a human life, but I didn't. Instead, I felt a sense of accomplishment; a sense of pride. Like I had righted a terrible wrong in this world.
I applied pressure to my stomach. As I pushed on the wound, the pain intensified. Sharp daggers radiated through my body with every breath.
I looked at the blood and saw that it was dark, almost black. I thought about how upset Allie was going to be with me. I knew I was going to have to go to the hospital and face her. I was going to have to explain how I let Casper get off a shot. Her job was stressful enough, and now she was going to have to treat her husband. I felt awful and knew that I would never hear the end of it. I laughed at the thought.
I felt tired and couldn't wait to take a few days off. Now that this case was over, I knew I was going to have extra time to spend with Allie and the girls. I tried to think of something fun we could do as a family, but the pain was to intense and I couldn't concentrate.
The sound of the sirens in the distance snapped me out of my thoughts. The wail was getting closer, which told me my partners were almost there.
I looked at Casper and thought about my job. I was so tired of dealing with this kind of evil. I couldn’t wait to tell Allie that I was going to retire. She was going to be so happy with my decision. She wasn't going have to wo
rry about me anymore. We would have so much time together. It was going to be incredible.
I thought about the idea of getting another job. I wasn't too excited about it. I kind of liked the thought of staying home and be a house husband. I could do the laundry and make dinner. The idea sounded perfect to me. I smiled at the thought, as I laid down on the ground.
The adrenaline had worn off at this point, and I was having a hard time catching my breath.I laid there concentrating on my breathing. I told myself I needed to rest my eyes for a moment, so I closed them.
I heard the sirens. They were right on top of me. They suddenly stopped, as the hum of the engine pulled up next to me. I heard the car doors open and my partners yelling my name. I tried to open my eyes, but I couldn't. The voices slowly got quieter. They had come to help me, just like I knew they would.
CHAPTER 12
Waiting in Comfort
The warmth of the sun caressed my face, as I sat on the mountain top. It was a magnificent peak, surrounded by much smaller ones. The mountains stretched as far as the eye could see. Nestled on each one of the mountains were large patches of old growth timber stands. They meandered in and out of the draws, with large rock outcroppings scattered among them.
As I sat perched on the edge of the jagged bluff, I looked out across the rugged slopes and canyons. The sky was a magnificent shade of blue, more vibrant than I had ever seen it. The air smelt fresh and sweet, a smell I had never experienced before.
Below me, I saw a luscious green meadow. It stretched across the length of the mountainside, situated in a deep bowl. The grass glistened as the sunshine hit the dew-soaked blades. Several springs flowed openly out of the ground and slowly trickled downhill.
I saw a large herd of elk spread out across the meadow. They were grazing in the open, without a care in the world. I saw several large bulls displaying their majestic antlers in a dominant fashion. They were magnificent creatures, and I was in awe of their beauty.
Above them, I saw a steep, rugged ridge. Several mule deer were moving around on it. They were feeding on plants and shrubs that had grown between the hard rock surface. I watched as their tan fur glowed when the sunlight hit it just right. I could see the muscles in their body ripple as they moved. Young fawns frolicked with each other, almost as if they were playing a friendly game of tag.
I heard the screech of an eagle echoing above me. I looked up and saw the incredible bird. Its wingspan was massive, and its head was on a swivel. I watched as it scanned the mountainside for its prey. Its feathers moved in unison with the wind, as it soared into the thermals.
I looked out to the south, and far below the mountains, I saw a valley. It consisted of large alpha fields and grain fields, positioned in a checkerboard pattern. Only dirt roads and fences separated the fields. The large circular patterns, created by the irrigation pivots, gave the acres a decorative touch.
I saw Clarksville way off in the distance, near the far end of the valley. It made me think about my family and friends and everything I had ever been a part of.
I thought about my incredible marriage, to the only woman I had ever loved. How nothing in this world compared to her beauty, inside and out. How grateful I was for all the sacrifices she had made for me. How every time I needed her, she was always there. She was the woman of my dreams, and thankfully, my dreams came true.
I thought about my girls and about how quickly time goes by. I recalled several beautiful memories of them as children. It was like I was watching a movie play in my mind, with each scene showing them age a little more. I could see a little bit of Allie and me in both of them. The girls highlighted the values we had instilled in them. Their hard work, loving ways, caring thoughts, and drive, were more apparent to me now than ever before. I was proud of who they had become.
I thought about all of my fellow brothers and sisters that I had worked alongside over the years. I thought about the bravery and selfless acts I had witnessed them perform. I thought of all the incredible times we had together. The bonds we formed and the camaraderie between all of us.
I thought about my career as a police officer. The pride I felt being able to protect the citizens of Clarksville. I knew it was my true calling in life and I didn't regret it for a second.
I thought about my parents and the wonderful life they had created for me. How they loved and supported me in everything I ever did. I thought of my siblings and all the fun we had as kids. The family trips, the sporting events, the games we played. I thought about them as adults and what they had become. Amazing parents to children of their own. The family dinners, the holiday get-togethers, the cousins playing with each other. Our bonds were strong, and I loved each one of them.
I thought about Sera and Marsha. I saw beautiful visions of Sera getting to be the teenager she was. I saw her hanging out with her friends and doing silly things. I could see her running in her cross country meet, excelling against her competition. She looked beautiful and happy, just as a teenage girl should be. I saw visions of Marsha carrying on with her life, having only beautiful memories of Sera. I could tell she didn't feel any pain or sadness, only joy and bliss.
As I thought about each one of these things, I realized I didn't have any pain or sadness either. I could feel a warm substance surrounding me, like a protective barrier. I couldn't see the horrible images in my mind anymore. The images that had haunted me for so long. They were gone, every last one of them. I instantly knew that I was complete. I was me again, and it felt amazing.
Everything was vibrant and joyous. It was like nothing I had ever felt. I could feel everyone's love all around me. I closed my eyes and absorbed everything I was feeling. I let it rush over me and penetrate my heart. It filled me with a euphoric sensation, one that was going to stay with me for eternity.
I could feel Allie's love stronger than ever. Even though she wasn't with me, I had never felt so close to her. I could feel her hands gently touching my face. I could smell her hair as if she was pressing it against my nose. I could feel her skin as if my hands gently caressed her. I could hear her voice, softly calling my name.
I closed my eyes tighter and let go of all my reservations. My heart expanded, as the forces around me grew stronger. Allie's voice got louder and louder. I stood up and reached my arms out trying to grab on to her, but then everything went silent.
I saw an image of Allie, a dreamlike vision. She was wearing her purple scrubs and her hair was up in a ponytail. Her beauty paralyzed me. I smiled at her, and she smiled back. I felt the sensation of her body pressing against mine. Her breath tickled my ear as she whispered.
“I will see you again soon baby. I love you to the moon and back.”
I felt her lips giving me a long, loving kiss. I savored her sweet taste, wishing the moment would never end. I slowly opened my eyes and found myself still on top of the mountain.
It was at that moment that I knew exactly where I was. A comforting sensation washed over me. I sat there with the warm breeze caressing my face, my smile larger than life. I leaned back against a rock and crossed my feet out in front of me. I wasn’t sure if Allie could hear me, but I said it anyway.
“I love you too baby. I can’t wait for you to see this place.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are so many people to thank for making this book a reality.
My wife, Marsha, who believed in me from the start. Her support and encouragement helped me in so many ways. Her insight and feedback truly gave me the inspiration to put my vision on paper. I love you so much.
My mother, Monica, and my sister Natalie for reading my rough drafts. Giving me criticism and suggestions, helping me fine tune this book to where I wanted it to be. Thank you both so much.
My friend, Tracy Justice, for all of your knowledge and expertise. The guidance you gave me will never be forgotten. Without you, I never would have known where to start.
My friend, Frank Barrett, for all you taught me. Whether it was in regards to law enforcement
or my everyday life, you were my mentor. We had so many wonderful times together. I can't wait to see you again. E.O.W. April 21, 2011.
And to all of my family and friends, thank you for your words of encouragement and continuing support in my new adventures.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dallas E. Tucker served as a police officer in the state of California for almost two decades. After a career-ending on the job injury in 2018, Tucker decided to pursue his passion for writing.
With his expertise in investigations, his writing reflects some of the real-life horrors that police officers deal with. Having interviewed thousands of victims and suspects over his career, Tucker has a strong understanding of both the criminal and victim psyche.
When he is not busy doing chores around the house, Tucker enjoys spending his time in the outdoors. He loves hunting, hiking, fishing, and camping with his beautiful wife and kids.
"Searching For Sera" is Tucker’s debut book.
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