Going Under_ A Bill Roberts Thriller - Silas Payton Page 0,31

cops scrambled around like a bunch of worker bees, in a well rehearsed formation. Some secured their position around the vehicles while others approached the bikers on the porch. How he wished he could hear what they were saying.

I should be filming this for the boss.

A final car pulled up and more cops got out. These officers didn't seem to be SWAT, but they were definitely part of the whole process. The three dispersed in different directions, moving toward pedestrians.

There's the crowd control.

On the porch, there seemed to be some stalling going on and the cops were getting visibly agitated. The psychiatrist was loving every minute of it.

This is how to piss off the cops and the bikers at the same time.

I am good.

**********

Sergeant Roak

Sergeant Roak carefully watched every move as the biker used his cell to call someone inside the building. He listened as he asked someone to open the door. He couldn't hear the person on the other end, but could envision them having quite a chuckle as they made the cops wait.

"Billy, can you please open the door?" he heard the biker say.

"Because I want you to."...

"Billy. I need you to open the door right now, please."...

"But, we have guests who want in."...

This biker's so full of shit. He's probably talking into a dead line.

"These people aren't acting very patient. I'm afraid they are getting upset. I think they may break the door down if you don't hurry."

Finally, Roak had had enough. He turned and signalled the guys with the ram to start on the door.

The officers moved to the door and started to pull the ram back as the locking mechanism of the door clicked. The door opened. They were able to stop the momentum of the ram. Seconds later it would have plowed into the man currently standing in the doorway. The officers brought the ram back to its resting position and backed away.

Officer Bates stepped up to the doorway, weapon raised, and looked around the man, assessing the visible area behind him. "Toronto Police," he said. "We're coming in to search the premises."

"Where's the warrant?" the man asked.

"Commercial building. We don't need one. Routine check for liquor violations, but we do have one anyway."

"You don’t mind if I take a look at it, do you?"

Bates, still looking in the doorway, called out, "Sergeant Roak, it appears clear."

Roak pulled a folded piece of paper from his jacket pocket. He handed the warrant to the man in the doorway, who took the paperwork and started looking it over. Roak glanced over at Bates. Their eyes met and they both smiled. He was sure the Bates was thinking the same thing.

I bet this guy can't even read.

"It looks in order. You can come in," the man in the doorway said, as he stepped aside and let the officers start flowing in.

**********

The Doctor

From the window, the doctor watched the SWAT team filing into the building. The activity had brought out a few pedestrians who were quickly being directed away.

In front of the coffee shop window, a man stood with his phone out, recording the activity across the street. One of the cops approached him and the two started exchanging words. It was then he recognized the cop.

"Son of a Bitch," he said aloud.

Inspector Bill Roberts, the head of Homicide. How did I get this lucky?

It was like a front row seat. Roberts looked like he wanted to deck the guy. Then he turned and walked away. The punk was still mouthing off -- and following him! Roberts stopped. The guy must have said something to get under his skin because Roberts was coming back at him, pointing a finger -- visibly angry.

He's gonna blow!

The punk must have sensed the urgency, because he quickly backed away and kept his distance as Roberts walked away again.

The doctor was in his glory as he watched the inspector go join the apparent leader of the SWAT team. They seemed to be discussing things. It was evident they knew each other well. The majority of the other cops had gone into the building, leaving Roberts, his friend, and a few other officers to keep an eye on the three bikers.

It suddenly seemed so quiet and still.

The doctor had definitely enjoyed the show so far, but he had the distinct feeling it wasn't over yet.

Chapter 35

Sergeant Roak

The Tactical Team had this well rehearsed. They crossed the threshold into a front hallway which led to washrooms on the right, and to a large open area