ACT IV
Steve made the tires of the Galaxy squeal in protest as he pulled the large sedan away from the corner telephone booth on 46that a high rate of speed. Deciding to once again bypass direct radio communication in case their hitman was listening in, Mike had called Rudy and requested full back up over at Mario's mansion, hoping that for once they'd arrive before it was too late. He'd also requested for Hassejian to call the mobster and give him a headsup. Maybe after everything that had happened, Mario would yield their warning.
Clenching the steering wheel with a death grip, Steve passed several cars, before slowing down at a stop sign, ensuring the intersection was clear, before speeding up once again.
"Our guy has changed his murder method every single time. And let's not forget, he still carries that electronic doohickey with him."
Mike had one hand pushed against the doorframe of the Galaxy, the other one on the dashboard to keep himself steady. His eyes were stubbornly focused on the road ahead, his mind already laying out his plan of attack once they'd reach Mario's mansion.
"By now he knows we're catching onto him as well. That…proverbial safety net Frankie bestowed upon us might be gone.", Steve noted and glanced over at the Lieutenant.
Mike sensed the unspoken worry in his partner's words as their eyes met.
Like every time when tragedy was impending, that same ominous feeling filled the cab of the tan sedan; the painful reminders that as police officers, each time they responded to a case such as this one, that heartbreak, injury, or even death was a very realistic outcome for either one of them.
Letting go of the dashboard and reaching over to put a calming hand on his partner's forearm, Mike smiled, but bit his lip when his own emotions got the better of him.
"Let's just…let just make sure we stay heads-up on this guy, Buddy Boy."
Next to him, Steve nodded slowly, a brief wave of apprehension clouding his usually bright green eyes, as he skillfully steered the Galaxy through early evening traffic.
That far over on the west side and that close to Mario's house, they both knew well enough that no matter how many phones calls Olsen made or how fast their backup would speed across town, the two detectives would still be there long before anybody else arrived.
Already knowing that they were hopelessly outgunned, Mike squeezed his partner's arm tightly one last time, before resuming his quiet pondering about the best approach to the challenging situation.
"You know, I am afraid to say this, but there's just one way to stop a killing machine like that.", Steve said quietly, his jaws tightly clenched, as they turned into the side road leading up to Mario's mansion, "And I will try my best to apprehend him safely and keep everybody alive, but I am…I am worried, Mike."
"So am I, Buddy Boy, so am I."
Feeling another chill run down his back as Steve slowed the Galaxy down one house over to give them cover; he looked at his partner one last time, as he reached for the .38 in his belt. The young Inspector's worried green eyes met his for several long seconds, as both Detective came to terms with every potential and terrifying outcome facing them once they entered.
Reaching over to grab his partner's neck firmly, Mike exhaled slowly, settling his own nerves before clearing his throat.
"Don't doubt your instincts when it comes to this guy, you hear me? And when you…when you get that chance…when the situation demands it, I want you to take that shot. Do not hesitate. Give all you got. Just be…just be safe."