In his rush to go after Milan, Steve had kept the front door open, allowing Mike quick access to the LTD still parked since the early afternoon hours. Rushing around the backside and pulling the handkerchief back out of the exhaust pipe, he jumped into the driver's seat, immediately regretting the move when his battered back sent spasms through his entire body.
With a deep breath to settle his nerves, he reached for the receiver, trying to ignore his shaking hand.
"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday…", he began the traditional distress call, once again bringing him back to his days in the Pacific in bone-chilling intensity, "Attention all units, this is Inspectors 8-1, this is a mayday. In pursuit of criminals, my partner and I were captured and separated from our vehicle. Attempts have been made to murder us. Need immediate assistance, including medical aid. Approximate location is as follows…"
As Mike relayed the winding paths that led them to the deserted cabin, his eyes fell on the tire tracks in the grass, left behind by the Fairlane that was chasing Milan across the open meadow as she escaped.
"Beware that Detective Phillip Mahoney and Firefighter Lieutenant Morris Sawyer have been identified as murder suspects in several cases, and are considered armed and dangerous. Approach with extreme caution."
Mike felt his breaths coming in short gasps from the strain of the situation, his mind racing back and forth between his partner's whereabouts and the need to finish the call to arms.
"Inspectors 8-1, will you be on site when backup arrives?", the frantic female dispatch voice asked on the other end, causing him to shake his head subconsciously.
"Negative, headquarters. We're in pursuit of kidnap victim Sarah Milan, and so are Mahoney and Sawyer. Will re-establish radio contact upon rendezvous."