“That’s ours,” Evan boasted, pointing at the far vehicle. “Just arrived from the factory today.” Jim nodded. The truck looked spanking new, as clean as a whistle with modern light bars and polished chrome bumpers, but the color scheme was outrageous—hot pink on white, accented by strange lime green paint that seemed almost to glow. The effect was pure Miami. He felt his head shake. He heard Evan chuckle. “Pretty weird, huh? It was our director’s idea. Says it will make us look less intimidating or something. Hey, Angus—” Evan walked to the back of the truck and slapped the floor with his hand. “Get out here, bro. I want you to meet somebody.”
Jim saw the truck shift. A clumsy looking oaf of a man with a brown buzz- cut stuck his head out of the back. The frame dropped as he stepped onto the rear bumper and then rose a full twelve inches or more when he climbed off. Jim instinctively backed away a step. The man was big as a steer.
“Angus Flanagan,” Evan said. “Meet my friend, Jim Stockbridge.”
Angus extended his hand. Jim grabbed it and squeezed with fervor, unable to match the strength of the massive man’s shake. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” Angus said. “It will be an honor having you aboard tonight. Maybe you can teach us a thing or two.”
“No way—” Jim thought the man resembled Evan in a way, but a hundred pounds heavier and a little slower to respond. “I’m just here to observe.”
“Nonsense. Feel free to step in whenever. Evan speaks very highly of you. According to him you’re a wiz with twelve leads.”
Jim felt an instant connection with Angus. Somehow he knew they’d be friends. He felt himself smile for the first time in twenty-four hours.
“Come on,” Angus said climbing back into the truck. “I’ll show you around the truck.” Jim climbed in behind him and glanced around the interior. Everything seemed in place—IV and trauma supplies, airway tubes and adjuncts, oxygen cylinders and masks. “Here’s where we keep our jump kits,” Angus explained. “The trauma bag’s on the side.” Suddenly a screeching tone sounded. “Medic-eight,” the dispatcher announced. “Subject shot at the corner of Spruce and Juniper. Third party caller reports male victim shot in the head near St. Paul the Missionary Baptist Church. Respond code-three.”
“Medic-seven,” Evan responded. “We’re first up. Put us en route.” Evan winked at Jim. “Just like back home, huh?”
Jim buckled up and waited for his hosts to climb in up front and start the truck. Lights and sirens came on—just like back home. He heard muffled radio traffic—just like back home. He was responding to a “subject shot”—just like he had so many times back home, only this time a gnawing sensation reminded him that he was in unfamiliar territory. And somewhere out there was a killer named Bobby Canaday. He tapped the cargo pocket on his right thigh. His trusty Browning was there, concealed and loaded, ready to render justice.
CHAPTER
43
SUNDAY—19:02—BULL CITY ATHLETIC PARK (Blackwell St, Durham, NC) Sadie heard the distinctive “thwack” of baseball against wooden bat and knew she had found the right place. A roar went up from the crowd inside the stadium. The game was already underway. Sadie couldn’t have cared less. She was only just killing time, trying to get the dinner fiasco out her of mind and find a place to hide. She bought a ticket and ambled inside. The corridor smelled of cotton candy and popcorn, two delightfully mixed aromas that reminded her of distant good times. She bought a box of Cracker Jacks, a hotdog, and a Coke, and then located her section and walked through a short tunnel into the stands.
Thwack.
A foul ball flew past her into the seats. She felt an unexpected rush of excitement. Something about the green field, the smells, and the spontaneous roar of the crowd. She glanced at the diamond. The pitcher wound up and delivered. A batter in a blue and white uniform knocked the ball to the outfield and tore off for first base. Another joyous roar erupted. Apparently Bull City was at bat.
Sadie found her seat and settled in, relieved to have a couple of extra seats on either side. She glanced at the scoreboard, took a sip of her Coke, and suddenly realized she was enjoying herself. The wind in her hair. The cool night air. The people around her seemed jovial and happy, and suddenly so was she. She bit into her hotdog. It tasted better than the stupid leafy summer salad at the hotel. She pictured Joan Parker sitting there like a princess. She heard her condescending voice. She laughed out loud at the thought of the woman and bit into the hotdog again. Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard another thwack. The crowd roared. People jumped from their seats around her. Someone screamed, “Look out!” Sadie heard a hissing sound. Then something exploded in her ear, or maybe her head, she couldn’t be sure. And then instantly the lights flickered out.
CHAPTER
44
SUNDAY—19:12—CORNER OF NORTH HYDE PARK & JUNIPER STREETS (Durham, N.C.) MC-7 stopped at the intersection of Hyde Park and Juniper. Jim glanced out the rear window of the ambulance at a familiar sight—boarded up houses detailed with graffiti. It reminded him of East Beach. It also reminded him that the old, familiar, stomach-wrenching twist of excitement that always precedes a good shooting would never go away. And any medic who tells you they no longer get that rush is probably lying. There’s just something about the impact of high-velocity steel with flesh and bone that gets the old ticker pumping. It made Jim feel right at home. “Medic-seven,” Angus announced. “We’re staging two blocks south. Let us know when PD’s on scene.” The dispatcher acknowledged and within seconds came back. “Medic-seven, police on scene say the patient walked away. You can ten twenty-two.”
“Walked away?” Angus chuckled. “With a hole in his head?”
“Medic-seven,” the dispatcher came back. “I’ve got another call for you that just came in. Respond to the subject unresponsive at the Bull City Athletic Park. Spectator reportedly hit by a baseball. BCAP first responders on scene requesting assistance.”
Evan keyed up. “Seven, en route.”
Jim held on as Angus raced around the corner and hit the gas. After making a few turns and laying on the air horn to clear traffic, he accelerated down the on-ramp onto the Durham Freeway. A moment later the ambulance exited the freeway and raced down a long hill. A red brick structure with towering arena lights came into view. The truck slowed and stopped in front of the stadium adjacent to a tall chain-linked fence. Jim waited until the brakes were set and then opened the side door and climbed out. He could hear the roar of the crowd as he walked to the back of the truck and helped with the stretcher and bags. The ballpark aromas distracted him. He could almost taste the cotton candy and hotdogs. “This way,” a security guard said. “A woman was hit by a foul ball.”
Evan elbowed Jim in the ribs. “Did I tell you the one about the dumb blonde at the ballpark?”
Jim followed Evan and Angus through a gate in the right field fence level with the outfield. A field of thick green sod lay before him. He wished he could stand there and watch the game, or better still run out and shag some flies. He glanced at the Diamond Vision scoreboard—2 to 2.
“Doc,” Evan called with a wave of his hand. “Let’s go.”
Jim followed his teammates into the stands where a small crowd stood gathered around a young woman with light brown hair. She sat on the concrete steps wearing white shorts, a pink top, and a pair of Reebok runners. An icepack covered her forehead, concealing her face. “What’s all this?” Evan said approaching.
“Temporary loss of consciousness,” the first responders replied. “She caught a foul ball in the side of her head.”
“I’m okay,” the young woman responded. “Everyone’s overreacting.”
“Miss,” Evan said kneeling and removing the icepack. “Let me see it.”
“Sadie!”
Sadie Miller sat on the ground with a plum-sized lump on her forehead. At first she looked confused, then her eyes flew open wide. “Jim!”
“What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“You two know each other?”
Jim dropped to a knee and took Sadie’s hand. “I don’t get this. How’d you … why are you here?”
“It’s a long story.”
“Are you okay? Did you get knocked out?”
“I don’t know, Jim. It’s just a bump.”
“What happened?”
“I was eating a hotdog when I heard a swooshing sound. Next thing I know I’m on the ground with people standing around me.”
“So you did lose consciousness. Look at me. Follow my finger.” Sadie shifted her eyes back and forth, up and down. Jim checked her pupils. He had her squeeze his hands and then stand up. “Feel dizzy?” he asked. Sadie shook her head. He palpated the lump and saw her wince. “It could be worse than it looks. Let’s go get it checked.”
“Jim, you know how I hate attention. I’d really rather just stay here.”
“Ma’am—” Evan interjected. “We’re not leaving you here. Jim’s right. You could have a serious injury, and if that’s the case it could get far worse as the night goes on.”
“Then who better to be with than a paramedic? Jim will take care of me.”
Jim glanced at Evan. “I can’t just leave her here.”
“So you’re leaving us, instead?”
“Sorry, man, but I need to make sure she’s okay. Tell you what. Let me get her a quick bite to eat and figure out what she wants to do, then I can meet you guys back at the station.”
Evan smirked and pulled a business card from his pocket. “Whatever. Take the lady to eat. Here,” he said, handing Jim the card. “Take her to this place. Be sure to ask for the owner. He’s got something important for you.”
“For me?”
“Info, doc. Info. You want to find the Devils right?”
Evan had Sadie sign a release form and then picked up his jump bag and started down the steps. “Oh, hey doc,” he said turning around casting his jokester smile. “Did I tell you the one about the ballplayer that tried to score from second? He got burned trying to make it home.”
Evan winked and followed his lumbering partner down the steps. The curious onlookers dissipated and returned to their seats. Sadie took her seat looking quite sheepish. Jim sat down beside her.
“Good grief,” Sadie said. “That was embarrassing.”
“It could have happened to anyone.” Jim sat back and focused his attention on the game. The red team was at bat. A man was on third with two outs. The batter swung and fouled a ball in their direction. A roar went up from the crowd. Some people jumped from their seats, others ducked. The ball crashed into the wooden seats five feet from where they were sitting. Jim glanced at Sadie. “Let’s get out of here.”
* * *
Jim buckled in and started the rental car. He glanced over his shoulder and was about to shift into drive when he felt Sadie’s hand on his arm. “Thank you,” she said. “This has been a really terrible day.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’ll be better when we get home. I don’t like this place.”
“Me neither. Let’s get something to eat, and then hit the highway. If we’re lucky, we’ll be home before midnight. I need to go back to the station and get my truck. Then I’ll follow you back to your hotel. I need to make one stop on the way out of town. By the way, you never did tell me why you’re here.”
“I’ll tell you later. What about you? You didn’t tell me you worked in Durham.”
“I don’t work here. I’m doing research.” Sadie seemed confused. “Sadie, do you remember Valerie’s little sister, Melanie?”
“The gorgeous little blonde in the blue bikini? Jim, she worships you. I could see it in her eyes.”
“Sadie … she was killed this morning.”
Sadie’s face paled. Jim sighed and told her the entire story, from the fiery wreck to the shooting at Cape Lookout. “My friend Rico found her this morning. I believe the killer came here to hide.”
“Jim, I’m scared.”
Sadie worked her fingers in between Jim’s. Jim felt his body tingle. Her touch made him feel strong. Something in his life finally felt right.
* * *
The Trinity Forest Inn was far nicer than Jim had remembered. The energetic bellhops, the shiny wooden floors, the sparkling chandeliers … he felt out of place as they walked across the expansive lobby toward the elevator. He glanced into the main dining room as they passed by. Of course, he had been far too busy doing CPR and pushing drugs the last time he’d been there to notice the hotel’s luxurious architecture and décor, but this time he took the time to gawk. The people were dressed too nice. The furniture was far too plush.
He followed Sadie into the elevator and the door closed behind them. Sadie pushed the third-floor button and then leaned against the far wall and stared at him. Jim felt her pulling him in like a magnet, and he desperately liked what he saw. Her hair, her eyes, her dainty figure … even the red bump on her forehead. He felt an overwhelming desire to hold her, but before he had the chance, Sadie crossed the elevator, rose on her tiptoes, and kissed him on the lips. Jim savored every blissful second of it. He held on for as long as possible until she pulled away and backed against the wall, wide-eyed. Jim felt wild with passion, but he also felt right. Happy and sad at the same time. As he looked at Sadie—the irresistible young woman he’d met just a few days before with the white deck paint in her hair—he felt intensely exhilarated, as if he had just touched a live wire. He had never enjoyed a kiss more, not even Valerie’s. He could feel his heart pounding. He saw the white cloud of mania pushing in on all sides, and then suddenly he felt dizzy.
“Oh my gosh,” he murmured his head swimming. “I’ve never…”
“Oh Jim,” Sadie whispered patting her chest. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what—”
“Hang on,” he said head spinning. “I don’t know what you put in that kiss. Wow!” The cloud pressed in. He took a deep breath and held it. It slowly dissipated.
“What was that?”
“New medication. It does that sometimes.”
“My word, Jim. Do you need to go lie down?”
Jim shook his head. The elevator doors opened. He followed her down the hall and stood in the doorway, reluctant to enter her room.
“Jim, what are you doing? Come in.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, silly. I’ll pack my things. Have a seat.”
Sadie removed her sneakers and walked to the closet. Jim closed the door and sat down on the bed, quite uncertain of their immediate future. He still couldn’t believe what had happened. This girl … this beautiful, vivacious, adventurous female … had she just kissed him? She turned and produced an innocent grin.
“What?”
“Sadie … never mind. I think we should probably just get out of here.”
Sadie grinned, sighed deeply, and then tossed her clothes onto the bed. Jim watched her with interest, chuckling at the precision with which she folded each individual sock. She stopped more than once and grinned at him, blushing. More than anything he wanted to kiss her again. She must have felt it, too. She zipped her suitcase shut, pulled her sneakers back on and grabbed her suitcase and started for the door. Come on,” she said taking his hand. “Let’s get out of here before it’s too late.”
CHAPTER
45
SUNDAY—19:33—DAGGER UNIT (POLICE Headquarters, Fayetteville Street, Durham, N.C.) Lieutenant Juan Chavez hadn’t changed a bit since Rico had last seen him. He was still a pretty boy, tall and lean with thick black hair and a mouthful of even white teeth. His uniform was handsome, too—casual slacks and a short-sleeved Polo shirt meticulously ironed with a touch of crispy starch. To the outsider, Chavez might have been mistaken for a harmless Latin lover, but this feared leader of the famous Dagger Unit was no pushover. He was a brilliant undercover police lieutenant with a reputation for success. Rico watched him closely. He saw determination in the silvery black eyes,
strength and assurance in his movement.
“The Screaming Devils,” Chavez said, slapping his hand on his desk. “Those guys have been a pain in my neck for a long time. They stay in a fenced-in compound near the lake, right about here—” Chavez tapped a spot on the northeast corner of the Durham County wall map. “Prostitution, robbery, assaults, and drug trafficking. Rico, this is a true white supremacist hate group with ties to the Klan. Funny thing is the locals love them. They’re been big contributors to the local volunteer fire department, and rumor has it some of the firefighters are members.”
“Can you take us out there?” Rico said. “I’d like to see where they stay.”
“No problem at all. Did you bring your tacticals?”
“In the car.”
“Who’d you bring with you?”
“Best shooter on the squad.”
“Let’s hope we don’t need him. Come on,” Chavez said, heading toward the door. “We’ll grab a bite to eat, change, and then I’ll take you out to see the compound.”
CHAPTER
46
SUNDAY—20:01—MCCEE’S IRISH PUB (3022 9th Street, Durham) Sadie had never felt so alive, so exhilarated. Kissing Jim had been a dream come true, and despite the fact that she had just lost her publisher and taken a foul ball to her head, she could think of nothing else. The thought of returning with him to the peace and quiet of Pair-A-Docks was overpowering. In fact, she could hardly wait. But as he led her inside McCee’s Irish Pub on 9th Street she suddenly decided a few more minutes in Durham would be okay. Warm amber lighting and rich smelling aromas lured her through the front door into an inviting atmosphere. Irish music played softly over a large room with a round mahogany bar at its center. Musical instruments stood ready on a small stage to the left—two guitars, a mandolin, and fiddle. Sadie even saw a concertina. “Oh, Jim,” she murmured. “This is wonderful.”
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