tell.”
“I know you’re not going to agree, but maybe it’s time to call for some help. I know that means Kaulcrick. But if we’re looking at the big finish here, will it matter?”
“That’s still a fairly good-sized if.”
“Maybe they’ve got the money hidden in there, or they’re in there splitting it up so they can run.”
“I don’t know what’s in there, but I know they wouldn’t leave a trail to the money.”
“So do we wait, or do we call in the cavalry?”
“Unfortunately, we have no choice. The two of us can’t surround this place.”
“What do I tell Don?”
“I suppose you’ve got to tell him the truth. Just minimize it by telling him we didn’t know if Radek was involved for sure until we discovered his car, which—without any bomb squad details—led us here. And now that we know that Radek’s probably involved, we didn’t want to try to arrest him until he got here.”
“That’s pretty thin,” she said.
“Then tell him we didn’t want him involved because we thought he’d screw it up.”
“Much better.” She dialed Kaulcrick’s cell and, when he answered, explained how they had identified Radek as a possible leader of the Pentad and then found his car and the booby trap, which led them to the building they now sat watching. Vail could tell by the long pauses during which Kate listened that the assistant director wasn’t buying their “stumbling” across another member of the Pentad crew.
When she hung up, Vail asked, “I’m guessing he didn’t take it like a man?”
“I think you actually have to be a man to take it like a man. He’s getting ahold of the SAC, every available agent, SWAT, and I think he said something about the Marines. And of course he said under no circumstances are we to do anything until he gets here.”
“With that kind of call-out, we’ll be lucky if they’re here in an hour.”
“I’m guessing it’ll be closer to two.”
“No LAPD?”
“I don’t think he wants anyone stealing what’s left of the thunder.”
She looked over at Vail and could see he had shifted gears. “I don’t like sitting here waiting,” he said. “They’re not going to stay in there forever.”
“If I have to hold you at gunpoint, we’re not going in there until everyone gets here.” Then recognizing that look in his eyes, she said, “Steve, I’m begging you, don’t.”
Vail put his head back and closed his eyes. “Okay, then you’ve got first watch.”
She studied him as he sat there. His breathing slowed and she could tell he was already half asleep. She just shook her head in wonder.
For the next fifteen minutes, she busied herself with writing down the license plate numbers of passing cars. She knew it was an exercise in futility, but she hoped it would help the time pass. Then a full-size sedan pulled up to the construction door, a blue light flashing on its dashboard. She nudged Vail. “Is that an agent?”
Vail put the monocular up to his eye. “I don’t recognize him, but that doesn’t mean much. It does look like a BU car.”
A man in a suit and tie got out and, after turning off the light and drawing his weapon, carefully opened the construction door and slipped inside. She said, “Damn! Someone must have put out an ‘agents need assistance’ call at this address. We have to stop him.” Vail got out quickly and went to the trunk.
Kate hurried after him. He took out magazines and put them in his jacket pockets. “What are you doing?”
“Either someone at the office put out the wrong information or whoever’s inside found a way to lure an agent in there. They knew we’d see him and chase after him. He’s bait for us.”
“You don’t know that for sure.”
“Are you willing to take that chance? Call the office and let them know. When they get here, you can follow me in.”
“I’m going with you.”
“Wait until somebody else gets here.”
“You did hear yourself use the word ‘bait,’ didn’t you? I won’t allow you to go alone.”
Vail stared at her for a second before a short burst of laughter escaped from his mouth. “Then you’d better make that call quick.” As she took extra magazines herself, he shoved a flashlight in his back pocket. They started walking toward the building. She dialed the office. In a low tone, she explained the situation and that every available agent should proceed to the West Seventh Avenue address immediately.
They reached the door and Vail said, “When we get inside don’t