Chapter 5 [US Marines Recruiting Office—Five Minutes Earlier]
Adams blew through two intersections. Sirens wailed. Strobes flashed atop her car. Worry and Anger burned at her thinking. She had only the one deputy available….
…and he was beyond helping her from the sound of it….
Recriminations stewed in her gut. Her teeth ground up against each other. Forlorn cappuccino lay back at the Talon. Business shoved guilty pleasures aside. Murphy, you know better! Dang it! Ethan trained us better than this! Blast! Now, I gotta git in there alone! We're gonna have a little talk *after* I haul your butt outta this! She stopped in front of the squat single-floor brick structure. The car's red, white and blue strobes revealed a large truck parked in the alley. What in blazes? I… Then, her eyes narrowed. Her mind latched onto the robbery's rationale….
…the Marines had their annual toy drive across the country. Smallville held onto Grant County's version….
Disgust soured in her mouth. Takin' toys from kids? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Talk 'bout lower than snakes! She spat out the window. Recollection placed a back loading dock door behind the building. Routine and habit prompted a weapons check. I should have my head examined. Almost wish I could get me a posse! Even Mr. Kent would have his uses. Ms. Arighatto's trained at that karate stuff. Lex Luthor's got his security. She shook off those notions. "I'm the law 'round here. No vigilantes on my watch!" She drew her guns and hustled across the street. Slow and practiced steps descended into shadows' cover. Creeping movements took her along the alleyway. She noted the truck's white paint job. Nary logo nor identifying markings linked it to anyone. Okay, Murphy, you thieves, where are you? Her eyes scanned all around. Her ears remained alert for any sound. She eased past several trash cans. She peeked around the truck's rear right end.
Two men in red velvet coats and pants carried large cloth sacks out of the office's back door. Matching elf hats adorned their heads. They slung their payloads into the truck's back compartment. Then, they hustled back into the building.
Adams scowled. Thieves on a Santa kick. Now ain't that special? Sarcasm soured the thought and rolled her eyes. She crept by the truck's back bumper, up the stairs and onto the dock itself. She held her guns at the ready. She peeked inside.
Four elf-thieves shoved toys and packages into their sacks. Two others brandishing automatic weapons stood guard. They hustled through their respective tasks. Murphy sagged against a pole. His hands remained behind his back. Blood stained his shoulder, left arm and thigh. Coughs rasped from his mouth.
Instinct screamed to radio for backup from Granville or some other town. She remained seriously outgunned. Still, Murphy's wounds lost blood. Time remained of the essence. She took a step. "ALL RIGHT! DROP 'EM! HANDS WHERE I CAN SEE 'EM!" She strode into view. "I'm the Sheriff! Yer all under arrest!"
Safety kicked off behind her.
A shot rang out. Then, another. Their impacts blew through her shoulder and leg.
Shots would be heard. Other calls would go out. The job needed doing….
