“We have a small problem.”
“Copy,” Harper said.
“What?” Cassie asked.
“Looks like a shooter. On the roof of the parking deck at Elm and Davis.”
“Cover,” Harper said. “Clever.”
“I suspect so,” Cain said. “I only see one. That means that Dalton and his other guy are headed into the park.”
“I’m entering the east side,” Harper said. “So far nothing. I’ll try to get a position where I can get eyes on the deck.”
“We’ll come in the front,” Cassie said.
“No,” Cain said. “Sit tight. He has the high ground and a clear view of the park. Let me take care of him then we can alter our plan accordingly. If we need to.”
“Take care of him?” Cassie asked. “What does that mean?”
“Let’s say neutralize.”
“Not sure I like the sound of that any better.”
“Listen Cassie, no time to argue the finer points of right and wrong here. I suspect the guy on the roof wouldn’t hesitate to take any of us out. If he sees you and Hack come out of the ER and cross into the park, he’ll know what’s up. He’ll surely have some communication line with Dalton, which means he’ll not only take a few shots at you, but he’ll let Dalton know what’s happening. That would put Marla and Jason in danger. Time is critical, stealth even more so. We still have the element of surprise in our pocket. Sit tight and wait.”
“We can go out the back way,” Cassie said. “Work our way into the park from an angle where anyone on the deck won’t be able to see us. That’ll give you some backup.”
“No,” Cain said. “Not until the shooter is down and Harper and I get eyes on Marla and Jason.”
“You sure?”
“He is,” Harper said.
“I’ve got this,” Cain said.
Cain returned to where he could again see the corner of the deck. No one visible. He darted across Elm and slipped between a dress shop and a gift store and into another alley. He quickly made his way to the deck. He knew the shooter’s attention would be on the park so he climbed the stairs in the far corner.
The structure’s open top level appeared to be about 150 feet by 50 feet. Cain saw three cars near his position and across the flat concrete a metallic gray Navigator. Near it, a single man knelt, his rifle resting on the short retaining wall. With his right eye glued to the scope, he angled the weapon toward the park.
This was the critical part. Cain had no cover, nothing to shield him from the shooter. Speed and stealth his only allies.
Cain didn’t hesitate. He climbed the final three steps and walked a straight line toward the shooter. He cupped a knife in each hand, angled upward, perfect underhand throwing position.
The man never heard him coming. Cain stopped twenty feet away.
“Put the weapon down.”
The man’s head swiveled his way.
“Now,” Cain said.
The man’s calculations seemed to be that since Cain had no visible weapon, he possessed the advantage. He didn’t.
He swung on his haunches, the rifle barrel rotating toward Cain. He didn’t make it. Cain flicked the knife he held in his right hand. It entered the man’s throat. He recoiled, gasped, dropped the weapon, and clutched at the fountain of blood that erupted from his severed carotid artery. He wavered, collapsed, his heels dug at the concrete briefly, then all movement ceased.
“Shooter neutralized,” Cain said. “It’s Harris. Dalton and Navarro must be in the park already.”
“I’m working my way through the trees,” Harper said. “Nothing yet.”
“We’re coming,” Cassie said. “And don’t say no.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Cain said. He rapidly descended the stairs. “You and Hack cover the entrance and work your way deeper. I’m heading to the north end and angling in from that side.”
“Beware of crossfire,” Harper said. “We’re in a circle here.”
“Got it,” Cassie said.
CHAPTER 71
Marla’s world fuzzed. The drugs wrapped her in a welcoming warmth even as her heart picked up its beat. God, she loved this feeling. Never wanted it to end.
The two men that walked toward her appeared almost ghost like. Apparitions more than flesh and blood. But as they neared, her breath caught. The tall one, the ponytail. He’s the one that took Buck outside the ER. When was that? A couple of days ago? Seemed longer.
She needed to run, to hide in the trees, to get back to Reverend John’s and crawl in bed, covers over her head. But, her legs failed her. She wobbled. Jason caught her.
“You okay?” the ponytailed man asked.
Now Marla saw his partner. If possible, he was even scarier. Slicked back, black hair; eyes like two pieces of coal, painfully boring into her. He wore jeans and a black tee shirt. His neck, chest, arms muscular. The oddest thought popped into her head: Isn’t he cold?
“She’s fine,” Jason said. “In fact, she just got well.”
“I’m Dalton,” the ponytailed man said. He jerked his head to his left. “This is Chris.”
Marla stared at him. She wanted to say something but could think of nothing that made any sense. Screaming for help didn’t seem a wise choice.
“This is Marla,” Jason said. “She’s my new partner.”
“That right?” Dalton said. He extended his hand. “Welcome on board.”
Marla felt her hand rise and then disappear inside Dalton’s firm grip. His palm was dry, unlike hers.
“You don’t say much, do you?” Dalton asked.
Before Marla could reply, Jason jumped in. “Actually, she brought some useful news for you.”
“That right?” He stepped closer, rested a hand on her shoulder. “Tell me.”
Marla felt that if she opened her mouth she might vomit. Cold sweat lifted along her back. Thoughts swirled in her head like a flock of trapped birds. She felt dizzy.
Again, Jason saved her. “They have the doc over at the jail. One of your guys, too.”
“I know.”
“You do?”
Dalton nodded. “I have my sources.”
“Who?”
Dalton looked at Jason. “Not your concern.” He smiled. “Let’s just say, advice of counsel.”
“Did you bring the stuff?” Jason asked.
“Sure did. It’s in the
