AN: Thank you so much to all my readers for coming back to my story and for your generous feedback!

Here's a short update...

Tanith


Chapter 51

Steve's heart hammered loudly inside his chest as he hid behind a car parked between the fire escape and the exit. The shadow of Harry's Oswald's large frame fell across the ground of the dimly lit underground parking garage. The next moment his flashlight was in his hand and the beam of light shone over the concrete floor and pillars. Steve hunkered down behind the rear passenger side of a rather expensive looking car. He tried his best to keep behind the rear wheel of the vehicle to stay hidden as Oswald began to shine his flashlight underneath the few neighbouring vehicles parked around him. He kept to a low crouch and circled the car as Oswald began to pass along the row of parking spaces; some were filled and others empty.

Oswald straightened up and scratched his head. Cursing under his breath, he walked over to the exit, looked at the gate securing the way out of the complex and saw that the space between the vertical bars were wide enough for a man of Keller's stature to squeeze through. While he didn't feel that the Inspector was a danger to society, he did not want to fail in his duty to follow orders. Orders that Mike Stone himself had issued. He felt the bitter taste of disappointment when it appeared that Steve Keller had indeed given him the slip. Disappointment in himself, he thought about how he was going to explain the situation to the Chief. No doubt Stone will hear about it too. Oh, boy.

Steve waited with bated breath until Oswald disappeared through the fire escape once more and his footsteps receded up the steps then slowly, he moved away from where he had stayed hidden in a cramping position and hurried toward the exit. Painfully squeezing through the iron bars, he looked left and then right, trying to get his bearings. To his right, there was a gas station up the road. A couple of trucks were parked outside and he was certain there were public facilities he'd be able to use to get changed out of his robe and into the janitor's outfit. Then, it was going to be a long walk to where he wanted to go unless he could hitch a ride aboard one of the trucks. Or maybe I can be a stow away?


Dissatisfied with the report that Mike received from the officer who was responsible for checking out the story of Christina Lee's abduction, the Lieutenant slammed his hand against the steering wheel. The officer had informed Mike that Mrs. Lee had answered the door with the little girl in her arms and that both were in their nightwear. Neither looked like they had been harmed so the officer and his partner had left the apartment without even entering the home. They simply took Mrs. Lee's word.

Irene placed a firm and reassuring hand over Mike's arm. She'd never seen him like this before and she was determined more than ever to help her friend. "Why don't we go over there ourselves? If anything is amiss, she'll be unprepared for a second visit and if someone is at the apartment, they, too wouldn't be expecting another house call."

Mike thought about Irene's suggestion and while it had potential, Mrs. Lee could be too afraid or not in the position to speak with them and they would be further wasting more time. Without a warrant, there was no way they'd be able to force their win into the apartment unless Mrs. Lee was able to communicate that she was in trouble.

The radio crackled to life, disrupting Mike's thoughts. "Inspector eight one, come in."

Mike recognized Olsen's voice on the other line. He shared a this-can't-be-good look with his companion then snatched up the receiver and with a sigh he answered the call. "Inspector, eight one, this is Stone."

"Mike, it's Olsen. I need you back at head-quarters. Do you read me?"

Mike closed his eyes, feeling trapped, then opened them again when Rudy repeated the last four words. "I'm on my way. Ten-Four."

"Mike, I'll drop you off at the office then I'll go over to the Lees," Irene offered. There was a firmness in her voice that she knew Mike had caught judging by the concern he had in his blue eyes.

Mike thought about Irene's suggestion once again and her intentions then shook his head. "No, it's too dangerous. I can't let you go there on your own."

"I'll be fine. I'll call Pete and have him meet me at the address. I won't go in until he arrives, okay?" Irene compromised.

After a moment's consideration, Mike relented. He swallowed hard then locked eyes with the Inspector. "Okay, but promise me you won't take any risks. That goes for your partner too. Anything suspicious, you call it in."

The seriousness in the tone of Mike's voice spoke volumes and Irene gave him a warm smile. She reached up and touched his cheek with her hand, allowing it to rest there a moment. "I will."

Mike was still not taken by Irene's idea. Something just felt wrong but there was no talking her out of it. He could see it written on her face. She was going to do this with or without his approval. "I mean it, Irene. You be careful out there. Both you and Pete."

"Mike," Irene began.

"Alright, alright. I just…"

"I know. I'm a big girl and I'm a cop, remember?" Irene teased lightly. She gave Mike's cheek a friendly pat.

Mike sighed and did his best to look remotely comforted.

"We better get going before Rudy sends out an APB on you!" Irene quipped.