by Robin Mahle
“It’s a big assumption,” Moore said.
“If we don’t use some sort of search parameter, there’s no chance in hell we’ll find Dina Knight in time,” Sharpe replied. “Okay, you all know your assigned locations. We need to find her, so let’s do it.” As they began to file out of the room, Sharpe held the door. “Remember, keep in constant radio contact. You see something, you get backup ASAP.”
Moore nodded as he walked by.
Sharpe turned his attention to the feds still in the room. “Since Agent Reid’s got a pretty good handle on where these places are, I think I should pair up with either one of you two.” He looked to Nick and Dwight.
“Guess I’m with you, then,” Dwight replied.
“Scarborough, you ready?” Kate asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” He followed her out of the room after Dwight and Sharpe left. “Between all of us, we should be able to cover this ground in less than an hour.”
“I hope so. I don’t think he’ll wait until midnight to do this. He knows he’s running out of time and it’s already later than I’d hope it would be.”
They jumped into a loaner squad car that was equipped with a radio for communication with the other three teams. Nick pulled out onto the road and headed in the direction of the first theater on their list.
“Hollywood Blvd, near Vine Street,” Kate said. “Isn’t that by the place we were at earlier?”
“I think so. Must be more than a few over that way.” He glanced at her. “You got your vest?”
“Yes. You saw me put it on.”
“Right. Just checking.” He returned his attention to the road ahead. “Detective Sharpe thinks you got a pretty good mind for profiling. Says they wouldn’t be this far without your insight.”
“I haven’t saved anyone yet and the fact that everyone’s counting on me to be right makes this all the more difficult.”
“It’s all part of the deal, Kate. Besides, if it’s any consolation, I think you’re on the right track. I’d have said otherwise if I didn’t.”
“I know you would’ve.”
“You talk to Aguilar about any of this yet?”
“No. Well, not about what we’re doing. I just told him I’d be in touch when it was all over. He’s hanging around the station till we get back.”
“He must want this one pretty badly.”
“He’s not a bad guy, you know. He was the one who came to us and helped us identify this man. Can you at least give him some credit?”
“Sorry. I know he’s your friend. I know he’s helped you in the past. But, well, it doesn’t matter.”
“No, what were you about to say?”
“Nothing. It’s all in the past anyway. It’s not important anymore.”
Kate peered through the passenger window. “I know what you’re thinking. And I’ll tell you something, Marc already thought the same thing. He’s not responsible for what happened to Marshall. He knows he should’ve come to me sooner, but I think he’s paid for the sins of his past. As we all have.”
It seemed Nick decided he didn’t want to pull at that thread and didn’t reply.
“I’m sorry,” she continued. “I’m just on edge. I feel like if I didn’t get this right, I’m going to be the reason that woman dies. Whatever problems her husband has, they aren’t hers and yet she’s the one who will pay while he stays nice and safe inside a cell.”
“I know. We’ll find her, Kate.” He made the final turn to the first theater on their list. “This is the place, right? Looks abandoned.”
Kate double-checked the address. “This is it.” She reached for the door handle and when he rolled to a stop, she opened it and stepped out.
“Hold back, Kate.” Nick walked around to meet her. “Don’t start without me.”
Both unsnapped their holsters and withdrew their weapons. Nick was the first to reach the entrance. He signaled for her to step behind him before he noticed the chain on the door.
“There has to be another way in,” Kate whispered. “Let’s check around back.”
They walked along the side of the building toward the back. The theater had been closed down since last year and was still in decent shape. Some peeling paint and the sign was gone, but otherwise, it seemed all right.
Nick spotted the back door. “Lock’s been taken out.” He pointed to a hole where the dead bolt used to be and then proceeded to turn the handle. “It’s open.” He pushed his way in, pointing his weapon straight ahead.
Kate moved beside him, weapon also at the ready.
The walls were a dark blue and the worn carpet appeared to have once been grey, but with little light to guide them, it was difficult to see. There was no electricity and when the door behind them closed, they were encased in darkness.
Nick retrieved his flashlight and rested it on top of his weapon. He nodded for her to do the same.
They continued through the maze of the backstage area. No voices, no lights. It had begun to seem that no one was inside but them.
As they reached the right side of the stage, Nick directed his light to get a glimpse of the vast space between the front and back. A curtain still hung high but was opened. Rafters appeared above in the glow of the flashlight and it appeared as though the rigging was still in place. Several large spotlights hung from the catwalk.
They began to move again and stopped at the sound. Nick shot a glance to Kate and turned back to the noise. They pressed on, but with more caution than before. Perhaps someone had been there.
Two people began whispering several feet ahead.
“FBI. Show yourselves.” Nick aimed his gun and the light toward the whispers. “Jesus H. Christ!”
A man and a woman appeared in the spotlight. Nick directed the light onto the floor and spotted the mattress and blankets along with used needles, a makeshift tourniquet, and dime-bag-sized Ziplocs containing what appeared to be drugs. “God damn it.”
“Please don’t arrest us. We’ll leave right now.”
“Patrick’s not here.” Nick turned on his heel. “Let’s get the hell out of here.” He started back toward the rear entrance.
“Maybe the others have had luck.” Kate followed him through the door and both returned to the car.
“Those people have no idea how close they came to being shot.” Nick started the engine.
“I’m not sure they cared.” She picked up the radio. “Detective Sharpe, this is Reid. No luck yet; we’re onto the next one. Anyone else have news?” She released the button and waited.
“Not yet. We’re oh for four and onto the next ones. Sharpe out.”
“Damn it.” Kate hung her head.
“This isn’t over yet. Just hang in there. Where are we going next?”
♦ ♦ ♦
Marc placed the mug beneath the dispenser and pressed the button marked “brew.” A moment later, piping hot black coffee filled his cup. Two sugars and one creamer later, and he began to drink the much-needed shot of caffeine. He left the breakroom and walked back into the lobby where a few die-hard reporters still lingered. Marc figured they were no different than he was. Waiting for the story to break. But the guys here, they’d heard news that Vince Sanchez was in custody. Someone must’ve leaked it because Detective Sharpe made it painfully clear that if word got out about it, heads would roll. Guess those guys weighed the risk versus the reward if it turned out to be true. He’d hoped to be given a chance to talk to Sanchez, but Sharpe put the kibosh on that request.
Marc came to the swift understanding that Sharpe wasn’t there right now. Moore wasn’t there and neither were any members of the BAU. This put him in a unique situation. Who would know that Sharpe made it clear no one was to talk to Sanchez? He didn’t think that information would’ve reached the guys back in holding because they weren’t the same ones who were there when Sanchez was brought in and Sharpe made this broad declaration.
As he surveyed the jilted faces of his counterparts, he began to consider that there could be
a way for him to get back there. A few embellished words, feigning permission. It could work, and even if it didn’t, what did he have to lose? They were all out looking for this poor woman. Maybe his old buddy might have some insight about that.
Marc took a few steps back, eyeing the people in the lobby who might be interested in where he was going. He continued with a casual step, eventually turning on his heel and pointing in the direction of the holding cells.
With a hand in his pocket, he walked back, appearing to have purpose in the event someone asked about his destination. Half the battle of fooling people was to appear confident. Then it was far less likely he would be questioned. And that was what he did; all the way back until he reached the officer sitting at his desk. “I’m here to talk to Vince Sanchez. I helped bring him in earlier today.”
The officer examined him with some reservation.
“Detective Sharpe suggested I speak with him, considering we used to work together. Just get a feel for if he’s withholding any information.”
“Are you his lawyer?”
“No. A former colleague. Feel free to call Sharpe and confirm, but I think he’s working hard to find the woman who was taken hostage.”
The officer still seemed to be reserving judgment, until finally he stood and reached for his keys. “Okay. But if I find out otherwise, you’ll be out on your ass.”
“I understand.”
Marc looked upon the man who had once been a friend; an acquaintance at the very least. He walked inside and turned to the officer. “Thank you.”
“You’ve got five minutes.” The officer closed the door.
“What are you doing in here?” Sanchez sat on a bench attached to the masonry wall of the cell. He was alone.
“Just wanted to talk. Is that okay?” Marc sat down next to him. “How did you end up getting involved with the likes of that man, Vince? What the hell happened to you?”
“Please. Like you wouldn’t have done the same thing if you thought it would make a good story.”
“No, Vince. I wouldn’t have. People are dead and you knew they were going to be killed.”
“If you’re in here to lecture me, then you can just leave. Oh wait, unless they think you were involved in it with me? Is that what they think? Because you know I can tell them whatever the hell I feel like telling them and I’m pretty sure they’ll believe me.”
“Good luck with that. Those FBI agents who talked to you before? I happen to know them personally. One of them is a close friend. She knows the whole story.”
“What you told her.”
“Okay. You think what you want. But we both know the truth. There’s a dozen people out looking for some woman that psycho took, hoping they’ll get to her before he kills her and what, puts her on display as a part of some freak show.”
“Hey, I didn’t do that shit. That’s on him.”
“Right.”
“Besides, they aren’t going to find him.”
“What makes you say that? You know where he is?” Marc sat up at attention.
“Not positive, but I can guess where he is.”
“Care to share that information, or do you want more blood on your hands? A longer prison sentence? Maybe life?”
Sanchez looked away for a moment, then returned his attention to Marc. “Look, I told them everything I know about that freak.”
“Then why didn’t you tell them you know where he’s going?”
“It’s just a guess. And it didn’t occur to me until you mentioned they were all out looking for him.”
“Then tell me, where is he? Help them save that woman and they might take that into consideration.”
“Like I said, I don’t know for sure, but my guess is he went back to the old studio. I met him there once and he remarked how he thought it would make a good place for one of his films.”
Marc turned deadpan. “What studio, Vince?”
“The old studio. You remember. The old KTLA building on Sunset Boulevard. I told him that would be a good place for us to meet because it was closer for me. I can almost guarantee that’s where he’d go. No one’s been in there for months.”
Marc pushed off the bench and hurried to the cell door. “I’m ready to go now.”
A moment later, the officer approached. “That was quick.” Marc nearly pushed the officer over. “What the…?”
“Sorry. Thank you.” He made his way outside to make the call.
Kate’s line rang, but there was no answer. “Come on, come on. Pick up!” He tried again and her line rang. Finally, she answered.
“Marc, I don’t have time.”
He cut her off. “I know where he is.”
“What? Where and how do you know?”
“Look, I know Sharpe will be pissed, but I finagled my way back to talk to Vince Sanchez. He said he was sure the guy would go back to the old KTLA studio where he used to work. I guess they moved to a new building several months ago.”
“Oh my God. You think he’s telling the truth?”
“I think so, yes. He seemed confident of it. Kate, you got to get down there and at least check it out.”
“I have to go, Marc. Thank you. We’ll figure this out.” Kate ended the call and turned to Nick. “We have to go to the old KTLA building.” She opened the maps app on her phone and typed it in. “Marc is sure that he’s there.”
“Aguilar? How the hell does he know?”
“He got it from Sanchez. We don’t have time to debate this.”
“We still have to check out the other theater. We’re almost there, for Christ’s sake.”
“I know. Please, just trust me. I trust Marc and it makes sense. It would be something Patrick would do. Please, Nick, we have to at least try.”
“God damn it.” Nick turned the wheel. “Where is it?”
Kate spit out the address and immediately radioed Sharpe. “This is Agent Reid. We’re headed to the old KTLA studio on Sunset Boulevard. We have new information to suggest Patrick could be there.”
“Wait? The studio? Agent Reid, we’re still searching the abandoned theaters where you were confident he would be. Now you’re saying he’s somewhere else?”
“Detective, please. We’re already on our way. Sanchez was the one who gave us the information. If anyone would know, it would be him.”
“Ten-four. We’re on our way.”
CHAPTER 29
The abandoned KTLA studio was in sight. Kate squeezed the passenger door handle as Nick continued to approach. Her pulse raced and while it was cool in the car, she aimed the air conditioning vent at her face to dry the beads of sweat that formed on her brow. She feared this would end up being a wild goose chase and they would be too late to save Dina Knight. But what good would it do for Vince Sanchez to lie? It would only serve to harm his case and so Kate felt she had to believe him, even if it went against her better judgment.
“If he’s here, he’s going to see us pull into the lot.” Nick turned the corner.
“Park over at the adjacent building, if you think it’ll keep us from being seen.” Kate still clung on to the handle with white-knuckled intensity. She peered over her shoulder at the rear window. “I don’t see Sharpe yet.”
“He’ll be here. I don’t think they were far away.” He pulled onto the lot next door and cut the engine. “Aguilar better be right about his boy.” He turned to Kate. “You ready to do this?”
She nodded and stepped out of the car. Her Kevlar vest felt like a cinched corset and her lungs struggled for air. It was nerves. Not from the idea of facing Benjamin Patrick, but from the idea that he wasn’t here and this mistake would fall squarely on her shoulders. Making the wrong call would all but seal Dina Knight’s fate.
Nick waved her over and the two began to approach the building. The ground floor was encased in glass. Some of it was boarded up, and some had been painted over, but exposure was still a concern. The main news had been broadcast from the ground floor studio near the back of the building. T
hey continued in that direction.
Kate spotted no other cars, no sign at all that anyone else was there. Her heart sank, but she continued to follow Nick, steadying her emotions.
“Door.” Nick pointed ahead to the building’s rear entrance.
At that moment, the sound of a vehicle passing by caught Kate’s attention. “That’s Sharpe.” She reached for the radio clipped to her shoulder. “Pull into the next lot. We’re almost inside.”
Nick turned the handle and tossed a glance her way, noting the door was unlocked, suggesting someone was inside. They crossed the threshold with weapons drawn and moved in with caution. Lights were visible in the distance. They were getting closer to the light and it appeared to be coming from the main studio area. The fact that there was still electricity to the building suggested it hadn’t been abandoned for long, or perhaps was running on a generator.
Kate whipped her head back at the sound of the door opening behind them. Detective Sharpe and Dwight were entering the building several feet back. She caught Dwight’s attention and signaled ahead toward the lighted area.
A voice sounded behind the wall from which the light emanated. Kate looked at Nick. “It’s him.” Only her lips moved, but he’d heard the voice too.
Nick released the safety on his weapon and eyed Kate to do the same. He held back as they reached the end of the corridor. Another step and they’d be seen. With precise movement, Nick held his gun with both hands and raised it in front of him but still kept the barrel pointed toward the ground.
Sharpe and Dwight were almost upon them and Kate turned to place a finger on her lips and shake her head. They slowed a step but still moved forward.
In one swift motion, Nick raised his weapon, emerged from behind the wall, and spoke. “FBI, don’t move.” He stepped out into full view.
Kate moved next to him.
Benjamin Patrick held a camera pointed at Dina Knight. Her face was painted and she was propped up in a chair behind the anchor desk. Blood had already seeped through her clothing. He was startled by their arrival.