harm was considered low, however, to minimize it further, Staff Sergeant Brooks sent an officer ahead to scope out the building and assess the civilian situation. Once the Tactical Team was ready, the scout was to notify them when it was as clear as possible.
Brooks finished prepping his officers and they were getting into their vehicles. He walked over to Bill Roberts, who was standing with his men, Cliff and Evans. "We'll go in first. I'm a little worried about people on the street or coming out of neighbouring buildings. Would you mind coming in behind us and trying to keep the street clear? If there aren't many gang members in there, I can leave you a few members of Tactical, but I may need them inside."
"That's not a problem. We'll clear any pedestrians we can, but once you've secured the place, I'd like to come through. If the call was legitimate, we may have a murder on our hands. As well, there are a few of the bikers, I suspect may have some information I need. I'd like to talk to them if I could," said Bill.
"No problem. But what makes you think they'll talk to you?" he asked.
"Just a friendly conversation. We, and the folks in organized crime, have been trying to get information on the ports forever, and we've had some recent developments. At this point, we could use any information I might be able to get from them," Bill said.
"We're about to go in. If you're ready, the three of you can take the vehicle over there," he said pointing to an unmarked police car. "Give us a minute, then follow us in."
"We'll be right behind you," Bill said.
**********
Ed Mathers
Ed Mathers was frustrated that he couldn't see what was happening down the street. He had walked back to the veranda when a biker covering the other corner of the veranda came over and asked what was going on.
"I'm not sure," said Ed. He turned around and pointed down the street. "Decrease in car traffic, and some commotion to the left. What's more interesting...there's next to no foot traffic."
Ed dialed the number inside for his leader, Louis Duprey.
"Hello," said the voice.
"Louis, it's Ed out front."
"What's up, Ed?" Louis asked. "We're in the middle of something."
"We're getting a strange feeling out here, Boss. It's hard to describe, but it's suddenly become a ghost town. No cars and a definite drop in people walking around. I don't know what to make of it," Ed said.
"Make sure everyone is awake and on high alert. I'll notify everyone inside," said Louis. "Let me know of any changes."
Ed told both of the other two bikers on the veranda to keep a close eye out. "High alert. Be ready for anything."
He then texted Bernie on the roof,
Ed: Boss says be on high alert.
Within seconds, he got a text back.
Bernie: Weapons out or no?
Ed was getting tired of typing on his phone. He dialed Bernie's cell and when he picked up, Ed said, "We'll keep ours hidden at this point, but why don't you get out your sniper rifle and see what you can, using the scope. No shots without my order, though. And stay hidden."
"That'll give me something to do. It's pretty dull up here," Bernie said.
Chapter 29
Cathy - Bill's assistant
Cathy had been making calls, trying to get a hold of Andrew Livingston's supervisor. She wasn't having any luck yet. She found an after hours number, however, even with leaving three separate voice mails, there was still no response.
On the fourth try someone picked up.
"I'm looking to speak with the supervisor for Andrew Livingston."
The person who answered said, "There's nobody at the office right now. It's closed. This is the answering service."
"Is there any way for me to get a hold of him? I'm with the police and we have some questions for him."
"There are a few emergency numbers for the administration I can call, to see if he can be reached. I'll try them and hopefully someone will get in contact with you. If not, you'll have to wait until the office opens on Monday."
**********
Bethany Walker
Bethany felt tired. She had made it home without any further strange occurrences and was relieved to find Louis hadn't made it home yet. She made some toast and a tea, and found a fashion magazine she had been reading. She didn't like going to bed before Louis came home. She didn't want to disappoint him.
On nights he didn't work late, they would come home together like