Due to its position near the corner parking lot of the motel, the Galaxy had been mostly untouched by the assault, perhaps even intentionally so. The same couldn't be said about Adams' unmarked car, which sat near the front entrance, its windows destroyed, all tires deflated, a fluid leak appearing from underneath the engine.
Woefully aware of the trap Esteban had set for them, they'd walked the length of the Galaxy looking for any signs of tampering, then checked the cab for hidden weapons before getting ready to give chase.
When they finally sat down on the front bench, Mike reached for the radio, his hand trembling ever so slightly.
"Norm, Dan, Team A's vehicle is out of commission. Can you pick them up and help us in pursuit of the flight vehicle? Seems to be an early 70's model Alfa Romeo coupe. Put out an APB for all units in the vicinity as well."
As the roaring engine of the Galaxy came to life, Steve took an extra moment to check all gauges, pull forward, then get back out to ensure they weren't leaking any fluids, before returning to his spot behind the steering wheel. There was a distinct uncertainty and worry clouding his features when he glanced over at Mike, his strong jaws clenched as he waited for his partner's directions.
Before anything could be said, the radio sprung back to life.
"Lieutenant, that's a negative. He must have been here shortly after we arrived. All our tires are slit. We're trying to wake up the B&B owner right now to see if we can borrow their car and follow you."
With the mic still in his hand, Mike exhaled slowly, feeling a certain sense of dread in doing exactly what Esteban wanted them to do. As he froze in place for a few long moments, contemplating his next step, a tense silence filled every last crevice of the unmarked police car.
"Whether we follow him now or hunker down and wait for him to attempt more attacks, the outcome could be just as catastrophic."
He'd been trying to hide the slight tremor in his voice beneath the cloak of a controlled façade, but Mike knew his partner had read him like a book.
With a somber nod, Steve turned his head toward the road leading north, a mixture of emotions playing in his green eyes as he fell completely quiet. Finally, he cleared his throat and pointed his chin toward the woods.
"You said it yourself, Mike. We can't keep playing ostrich. Sooner or later, our luck will run out. Or worse, more innocent people will die in the wake of all this. I say we follow him and watch our tails."
Reaching over, the seasoned Lieutenant grasped his partner's wrist, a wily smile playing on his lips as he cocked his head in unspoken gratitude.
"I figured we'd agree on this one, Buddyboy. Let's go and hunt this monster down."