Killer Heat

FIFTY-THREE

I'll go for Mercer," I said.

"Not happening, kid."

I started to walk to the door, after tucking the drapes around Pam's body. It wasn't a conversation I wanted to have in her presence. I lowered my voice. "Something's holding Mercer up. The only phone is in Russell Leamer's office and-"

Mike followed after me. "Don't do this."

"If Rasheed were still around, we'd all be locked in that dungeon by now. He had his moment. And he doesn't carry a gun."

"How do you know?" asked Mike.

"Because he didn't threaten to shoot Pam, did he?"

Mike glanced over his shoulder at her.

"And I run faster than you can, so you do some hand-holding for a change," I said.

"I'm going to stand right here in this doorway."

"And what do I do, fire the cannon when I reach the office, just to give you a heads-up?"

"I can see you most of the way there," he said. "Get going, Blondie."

I was off the porch and jogging down the rain-soaked path that bordered Nolan Park. In less than three minutes I reached the side of the rangers' office and turned the corner to get to the door. Governor's House was out of sight at this point. The river was still churning, but the flooding seemed to have crested. The little ferry was nested below the terminal on the Manhattan side, and I guessed it would be some time before boats made the passage again. I went up the steps and pushed open the door.

I could see Russell Leamer's back. He was leaning over the desk, his Smokey Bear hat and oversized slicker outlined against the cloudy harbor. The door slammed closed behind me.

"Ranger Leamer," I said. "Mercer never got to the Governor's House. Where did you send him? Is it possible he went to the wrong building?" He stood up straight and turned around, pointing a gun at my chest.

It was Troy Rasheed, wearing Leamer's outfit. He smirked as he studied the NYPD hostage squad logo embroidered on my jacket, taking a step in my direction. With his left hand, he stroked the long thick scar that ran down that side of his neck.

"Well, well, Detective, why don't you talk to me? I have to say I really like your uniform."