The Mark

30

The cell phone woke Mauser up. He’d been dreaming. Barbecues and beer. Base ball and bratwurst. Summers with John and Linda, their beautiful kids. Joel just learning to throw a football. Nancy playing in a new sundress.

And then the dream shattered just as quickly as their lives had been.

Denton was speeding down the highway. Lambert International was close. The plane was on standby, waiting for instructions on where to fly the two agents. The sky was growing dark, just a hint of red as the sun dipped below the horizon.

He clicked the answer button.

“This is Mauser.”

“Agent Mauser, Bill Lundquist over at the Chicago Transit Authority.”

“Mr. Lundquist.”

“Agent Mauser, I’ve been alerted by Amtrak security that on a commuter train that left Union Station this morning, a conductor reported a couple leaving the train during one of the security checks you advised.”

“What do you mean they left the train?”

“Well, sir, he said the couple didn’t fit the description given, he said they looked like they were coming from a rock concert or something, that they didn’t look threatening. The train stopped right outside of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.”

“Go on.” He could feel his blood steaming.

“The girl feigned illness, and they persuaded the conductor to let them off the train for air. When he went to check on them, they were gone. He assumed they came back inside while he wasn’t looking.”

“Jesus Christ, that was Parker and Amanda Davies.”

“Yes, sir, we’re pretty sure it was. I’m so sorry for this.”

“Stop with that. It’s over. But fire that fucking conductor.”

“He’s already been removed from duty.”

“Good. And Mr. Lundquist, what was that train’s final destination point?”

“Penn Station, sir. New York City. Also, they found the couple’s ticket stubs at their abandoned seats. They were paid in the full amount.”

“God damn it, ” Mauser spat. He closed the phone, dialed the supervisor at the Manhattan Transit Authority’s security division. “I want officers choking Penn Station to death, as well as all bus terminals. They’re headed right for you, be on guard, we’ll be there in a few hours.”

“We can make it,” Denton said. “We’ll be at Lambert in less than ten minutes, I’ve already cleared a hangar at LaGuardia’s Marine Terminal.”

“If we’re not there in under ten minutes, I’m opening this door and kicking you onto the highway.” Denton nodded.

“Fair deal.”

NewYork. Why would Parker go back to NewYork? There was barely a soul in the city who wouldn’t recognize him, and they were all out for blood. Hundreds of cops with itchy trigger fingers. He needed them to wait. Joe needed to find Henry first.

And then his phone rang again.

“Jesus Christ, what?”

“Joe? It’s me.”

Mauser went cold. His eyes closed.

“Linda.” Silence while he gathered up the strength to speak. “I’m sorry, it’s just…things are stressful right now. How’re you holding up?”

“Fuck the pleasantries, Joe. Have you found him yet?” Mauser sank into his seat, felt that dull ache again.

“Lin, I really can’t talk right now. I’ll call you when we know more.” The lump in his throat rose and he blinked back hot tears.

“Just tell me, Joe. Have you found the man who killed John? Who killed your brother-in-law? The father of my fucking children?”

Mauser could barely choke out a whisper.

“No.”

“I didn’t hear you, Joe.”

“No. We haven’t caught him yet. But I swear to you we’re close.”

The line went dead. Linda had hung up. Joe’s fingers shook as he snapped the phone shut. He took a breath and regained his balance.