Friends and Lovers
Chapter 4
Disclaimers: the same—NOT MINE!
Author's note: Didn't like the "xxx" so "----------" indicates change of scene, change of time, "-----" indicates change of scene, concurrent time
Hope you're enjoying the story and thanks for the reviews.
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Bullpen
The moment Jack walked through the bullpen doorway, he could sense something was different—although exactly what that something was escaped him. He scanned the room trying to figure out what it could possibly be. Everything and everyone looked the same but something was definitely different.
D noticed the puzzled look on Jack's face. "Something wrong, Jack?"
"I can't quite put my finger on it but something feels different," he said thoughtfully.
Tara and Lucy's ears perked up at his observation as they glanced at each other. What had Jack noticed?
"By the way," Jack continued, pointing a finger at D, "you owe me big time for going to that meeting for you this morning. You didn't tell me it was with Randy," he said accusingly.
"Is it my fault I had a flat tire this morning?" said D totally unapologetic.
"Suspiciously timed, I say," retorted Jack.
"So what did he say?"
"Do we really want to know?" Myles asked sarcastically.
Jack rolled his eyes. "We all have to watch our consumption of sticky notes, paper clips and pens," reported Jack, "especially the pens. I was told we'vebeen losing or using too many pens. That said, we're way over budget on all three items."
Groans were heard throughout the office.
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger!" said Jack holding up his hands. "I'm just telling you what Randy said. Of course, there will be a two page memo, double-sided on what to conserve and suggestions on how to conserve." More groans filled the air.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jack noticed Bobby and Sue at her desk apparently deep in conversation, oblivious to everything except each other. He slowly sat down observing the pair. They were simply talking but there was something...what was it?
Jack's musings were interrupted by D. "Listen up, people," he called out as he hung up the phone. "We have a hostage situation at the Westover Bank. The robbers are threatening to blow up the place unless their demands are met. Bobby, you're heading the bomb squad. Let's go people."
Bobby stood up ready to move. "Sue... ".
She didn't let him finish. "Be careful," she said calmly. "You promised me dinner."
He flashed a smile. "Pick you up at seven," he said as he rushed out of the office.
Taking a breath to steady her, Sue grabbed her things and followed the team out.
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Westover Bank
The team surrounded Lt. Murphy, the officer in charge, for a briefing. "As far as we know there are the two bank robbers, three customers and four bank people including the security guard. We're lucky this happened before lunch. Otherwise, there'd be a lot more people inside."
"Any idea of who we're dealing with?" asked Myles.
"Two average looking guys—one white, one African American, maybe in their mid-thirties. Besides the money, there's a whole list of demands. We don't give in; they blow up the bank and everyone in it."
Bobby looked concerned. "Not good."
"Why?" asked Sue.
"The longer the list the less likely it's a simple bank robbery," explained Bobby. "If that's the case, the robbers usually have some kind of ulterior motive and use the failure to meet all the demands as a way validating their actions." He shook his head. "Far more unpredictable and therefore far more dangerous." His eyes held Sue's for a moment to assure her he would do his best to keep safe, but this was his job. She responded with an almost imperceptible nod to indicate she understood.
Jack's eyes flitted from Bobby to Sue noting the nearly indiscernible message that silently passed between them. His eyes narrowed in thought—what did it mean?
"How many entrances?" asked Bobby.
"Two—one in the front, one in the back."
"Any other way in or out?"
"No."
"Do we know if these people actually possess any kind of explosive devices?"
Again, Lt. Murphy shook his head. "They've threatened to blow up the building but no one's seen anything like a hand held detonator. Of course we can't see everything through the binoculars. And, we don't know if they're wired either. It's December and you can hide a lot under a jacket."
"We have to go on the assumption they are serious," said Bobby. "Better to be safe than sorry. The building needs to be evacuated quietly and if at all possible, through the back. We don't want to alert the robbers to what we're doing."
"Do you want assistance?" asked Murphy. "We have our bomb people here, too."
Bobby thought for a moment. "Sure. We'll be able to check out the building quicker. Luckily, it's only five floors." He went over his mental checklist. "Are there any businesses in there that would use any chemicals, gases, what have you? If so, the fire department should be notified. I think that's about it for now." Flicking another glance at Sue he nodded and left. Her lips tightened momentarily but she forced herself to pay attention to the discussion around her.
"D, Myles, get hold of the building manager to find out the information Bobby wants. Plus, see if he can do anything about raising the temperature in there," ordered Jack. "Maybe we can get the guys to loosen up their jackets so we can see if they're wired." Myles and D nodded their understanding and took off.
"Tara and Sue, get in the surveillance van and keep tabs on the bomb squad." Turning to the officer, he said, "I know you've probably done this but I have to ask—have you talked to them? Tried to negotiate?"
"After the initial contact, I told my people to back off until the FBI got here," said Murphy. "We were in contact by cell."
"Give me the number and we'll see what we can do," said Jack.
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