Undercurrents

by Farmer847

They used to be able to talk things through. But a strange new undercurrent is causing friction in a once solid friendship. Add in a bizarre killer seeking out attractive men to hold hostage and kill on a weekly basis, sprinkle in some ill-natured media hype, add a dash of pressure from the brass, and our boys are about to have a recipe for disaster on their hands.

52. Chapter 52

"Come on, Steve…"

As the minutes ticked by and the radio remained stubbornly silent, Mike felt his heart beginning to race. Fearing that Lenny may have been incorrect with his theses of going toward the water, he slowed down for the upcoming stop sign along Grant, looking to the left and right, before accelerating again.

"Come on…Where are you?"

Tapping his shoulder, Lenny pointed to the old theatre several yards ahead, and a lone figure in a black suit leaning up against the wall, his head buried in his elbow.

"Now why didn't you ask that question earlier, Lieutenant? Could have saved us some time."

Feeling a wave of relief rush through his body, Mike met Lenny's faint smile, before reaching for the radio.

"Attention all units in the vicinity of Stockton and Lombard, this is Lieutenant Stone. Confirmed sighting of kidnap victim Inspector Steve Keller near Lombard and Kearny by Pioneer Park. Requesting immediate assistance, keep an ambulance on standby. Approach from all directions in a half block perimeter."

As he put the radio back down, Lenny reached for his lower arm, squeezing it tightly before clearing his throat.

"Take it nice and easy now, Lieutenant. Remember, he may not even recognize you."

Nodding in acknowledgement, Mike slid the Galaxy into a parking spot along the road, right across from the theatre. Taking in the sight he'd been longing to see for nearly a day, he exhaled slowly, masking the shudder running through his body at the thought of what was awaiting him, the anxiety in his blue eyes hidden underneath the protective rim of the fedora.

"If I end up having to use them, you said these meds take fifteen minutes to take effect?", the Lieutenant asked, subconsciously reaching for the syringe in his coat pocket.

"Correct. Inject into his upper arm or thigh. Try not to get hurt, he might be combative. Depending on which frame of mind he's in, he may not even feel any pain, so be careful on how you proceed. I will stay a few feet behind and I have another shot on me if you can't get yours in."

Biting his lip when a flippant remark about Lenny's theories of gloom and doom was on the tip of his tongue, Mike slowly opened the Galaxy's driver's side door, took a deep breath, and shoved his shaking hands into the pockets of his black overcoat.