Chapter 4

"Mac, where is Kathy Royal?" Pete doesn't pause long enough for Mac to answer. "If they killed Bolanz, and they have Jim, then she is the only one left that can identify Hayes."

"You're right, Pete. I need to make a call." Mac hurries over to the phone mounted on the treatment room wall.

Pete struggles to button his bloodied shirt. Then as if a light goes off in his head he shouts at Mac, "Maybe that's why they want Jim. They can't find Royal."

With worry spreading across his face, Mac says, "Pete, Jim knows where she is."

"Mac, I know Jim. He would NEVER give up information. He would sacrifice himself first."

"You might be right, Pete, but I will feel better if we get her moved."

Mac starts dialing the phone and a moment later he is talking with the lieutenant. "Val, we have reason to believe that the drug supplier, Michael Hayes is behind the disappearance of Officer Jim Reed and the death of drug dealer, David Bolanz. Ms. Kathy Royal is potentially their next target. I would like to get additional officers assigned to protect her and have her moved to a safe house."

"I agree with you there, Mac. We don't need another victim today. I will get some officers dispatched right away."

"Val, can you get the D.A. to issue a warrant to search the warehouse properties of Hayes?"

"I already started that ball rolling. We should have one here in a few minutes. Mac, while you're on the line, can you tell me how Pete Malloy is?"

"Yes, I'm standing here with him now. He got banged up pretty good, but you know Pete. You can't keep him down for long. He and I will be by the station for the warrant in ten minutes." After signing off, Mac hangs up the phone.

In the meantime, Pete has slowly managed to get himself completely dressed minus his gun. He is grimacing and taking a few shallow breaths after the effort. Pete can barely remember another time that he hurt in so many places at once.

"Pete, if you are determined to search for Jim then fine, let's go. Plan on staying right beside me, because I'm not letting you out of my sight." Mac realizes it would be like battling a bear to force Pete to stay in the hospital with his partner missing. Pete at this point will accept Mac's rules if it will keep him involved. "Let's get back to the station for that warrant and get you a clean uniform."

Pete glances over to Mac and says, "I need another weapon issued too."

Just as they are about to walk out, in comes Nurse Sally. She literally stumbles over the two officers. "Excuse me, Gentlemen." As she glances at both men, she is shocked to see Pete dressed and leaving. "What are you doing out of bed?"

Appreciative of her concern, Pete speaks up, "We have some police business to attend to, but thank you for your help." She is standing there a bit dazed by the chaos of the situation. Pete reaches over and squeezes her hand and gives a little smile before pushing through the treatment room door. He looks around as they enter the hallway and asks, "Where is Brinkman and Woods?"

"I sent them over to talk to Jean Reed. I would of done it myself, but someone had to deal with you."

Sally calls out as she suddenly becomes aware of his intentions, "Officer Malloy, Officer Malloy! You really need to see the doctor before you are released."

The two officers continue toward the exit doors not even noticing the calls from the nurse. Sally goes to the nurse's station to call Dr. Berman. The completely rattled nurse is beside herself as she tells the doctor of Officer Malloy's departure. "Sally, it's ok. It's not your fault. It's obvious Officer Malloy is on a mission and neither you nor I could change his mind. Let's just hope he doesn't return to the hospital tonight in worse shape."

Mac stands over L-20 and watches Pete trying to get into the car. He asks, "Need some help, Pete?"

"No, Mac. I got it." Pete holds his left arm close to his body to prevent any movement in his shoulder. He turns, sits down, and then swings his legs in. The last movement of closing the door causes a small groan to escape his lips. When finally situated in the seat, he unclenches his teeth. "Let's get going, Mac."

Back at the warehouse, Steele is in the bathroom washing the blood from his hands. After drying them he heads into the office to talk with Hayes. "Boss, I don't know if we are going to get the information from this cop. This last time I beat him till he was out."

The silver-haired Hayes leans back in his chair. He pulls off his thick black-rimmed glasses with one hand then rubs slowly across his upper lip. "Obviously, physical pain is not the right motivator."

Steele speaks up, "We already took care of his partner."

"That's it Steele. What matters to a cop if not his partner? If I have done my research right, Reed is married and has a son. I think we found the card we need to play. Time is of the essence. Send Palmer ahead to the Reed residence." Hayes pauses for a second. He scribbles down an address and hands it to Steele. "Have him confirm that Mrs. Reed is home and that no police are stationed there. I'll be over to see Reed myself. Maybe we won't even need the woman or child to get our answer."

"Boss, he's out cold."

"Then wake him up!"

Steele just nods his head and disappears out the office door with the paper in hand. He returns to the room where Reed is being held. Palmer waits just outside the door. "He's still out."

"Mr. Hayes has a job for you. He wants you to go to the officer's home. Check the surrounding area for any police then see if his wife and kid are there." He hands over the address note.

"What next? Do I grab the woman and kid?"

"No. I think we are going to bring the cop to you. After offing the cop we can head directly to where Royal is being held. By morning this dirt should be swept under the rug for good."

Palmer walks off while Steele looks for a bucket. After finding one and filling it with some cold water he goes into the holding area. Two other men glance over as the door opens. "Hey, Steele, what did the boss say?"

"We are going to try a new leverage with him. How is our little piggy?"

"Still out of it."

The heavy wooden chair holds the collapsed officer. His arms still cuffed behind him. His clothes look disheveled with his shirt partially untucked and his tie pulled to the side with the top buttons ripped away. Blood drips down his right cheek from the open laceration. His exposed undershirt no longer appears white; it's now reddish brown from drying blood and sweat. Reed's right eye is almost swollen shut as well as a puffy lower lip from the beatings. His hair is messy and damp from his heavy perspiring.

The room is dimly light with a couple overhead lights. The one window has the shade pulled down for maximum privacy. Steele sits down the bucket and steps up to Reed. He slaps him on the left cheek a couple times trying to revive him. Jim's face sways from the impact, but he utters no sound. "Let's see if this works better." Steele picks up the bucket of water and tosses it on the officer. The cold drenching water arouses Reed. He jerks his head up and shakes it wanting to clear his mind and the wetness from his face as if coming up out of a pool. His vision blurry at first then focuses on the man standing before him called Steele.

"Welcome back, cop. Someone would like to talk to you."

A moment later in walks Michael Hayes. He tilts his head and takes a good look at his prisoner. "Officer Reed, I hear that you're being a stubborn man. You seem to think that keeping a tight lip about where Ms. Royal is hiding is an honorable choice. Well, from my perspective, it is a foolish one. I know you have already lost a partner today. My condolences."

Jim trying not to show his emotion over losing his partner just glares at Hayes.

"Officer Reed, I need to tell you that I'm not above playing another card. Who would you rather protect, a druggy bimbo or your wife and child?" Hayes just waits for a minute for his words to sink in.

A whole new rage begins to boil inside Jim at the thought of this man touching his family. Even in his weakened state he almost leaps out of the chair and tries to collide with Hayes. It takes little effort for Hayes to shuffle to one side and miss the attack of Reed. The officer stumbles and falls to the ground landing on his chest. Hayes motions to his men to pick the officer up. After they pull Jim up by his arms Hayes steps in nice and close. "Let's be reasonable Officer Reed. You give me the information, and I won't touch your family."

Jim thoughts keep flying through his head. I can't tell him what he wants. But I can't let them hurt Jean and Jimmy. He squeezes his eyes shut and tries to slow his breathing. Pete would protect them. Pete, you can't be dead.

"Come on, Reed. It's time to give it up for your family."

Opening his eyes he looks at Hayes with hatred. "She's in Glenwood Center," he says under his breath.

"Well, was that so difficult?" He nods his head then turns to George standing beside Reed. "Get Jack and head over to the Center." Hayes then looks to Steele. "Get him into the van."

Steele seems a bit shocked by this order. "What for? He gave us the location."

"Let's just say if his information isn't accurate then we will be ready to make our way to his house where I won't be as patient as I have been so far."

Looking down and not wanting to give away his deception Jim ponders to himself. Think, Jim, think. What is my next move after they figure out that she's not at Glenwood?