Billy had led Queenan down two streets and then stopped in a alcove from where they could still survey the street. Billy said "Whoever was tailing you could have seen me, and might identify me later. And anyway, I can't get any more info. Costello does not trust anyone now, we only get consignment info on the day. He's going crazy, he will do anything now. I can tell, he suspects that ...". Billy had been going to say that he thought that Costello suspected him of wanting to take over, but that instead of killing him might just use the Feds to get rid of him. "Run!" Billy shouted.
Two streets later and Billy stopped to explain and have a think. "There were two guys and one looked familiar, he got on the subway car in too much of a hurry. Follow me".
Another two streets later and they had entered a maze of abandoned buildings. Now Queenan had clearly seen the two guys in pursuit. Eventually they found a place to stop for a short rest. Queenan said, quietly, "They must have tracked us from the building. They look familiar which means that they may be surveillance cops. This means big trouble; there's now no way to extract you cleanly".
"So what?" Billy replied "OK, maybe it's messy, but if we just walk into the SIU my file will speak for us".
"And so will Dignum, it's just messy and could cause all kinds of real trouble. Ok lets go".
"With care" said Billy enigmatically. They exited the area but Billy kept to the old tenement area. Finally Billy said "We need to be careful even if we have lost them. We don't know what resources Costello or the Mole are using. We should try and avoid any surveillance cameras". Queenan agreed, "Yes, and if the Mole is a Staff Sergeant he could easily access them. I have never realised how wide open we could be to the abuse of police resources".
Billy was right about the cameras. Ellerby had given orders that the surveillance cops contact Queenan to assure him that things were ok, and to tail Billy but avoid contact. So when contact with Billy and Queenan was lost Ellerby gave general orders for Queenan and Billy to be located; this involved the surveillance camera system.