—
He was enjoying a final bite of sandwich when his phone rang.
He listened for a while, gulped with effort, as if the food had dehydrated. Frowned and said, “Okay, time for Tac Four, keep me posted.”
Standing, he pocketed his phone, drew out his police radio, and set it on a tactical band. “That was Petra. Flick just left his house, got in his car, and is driving west on Venice.”
I said, “Did he take the rifle with him?”
“She doesn’t know, too dark. But even if he wasn’t carrying, he could be keeping weapons in the trunk. I’m going to notify the troops then meet up with Petra and Raul.”
“I’ll tell Robin then we’ll go.”
“Forget the plural. You’re staying put.”
I was somewhat prepared for that.
A couple of cases ago I’d gone along on a surveillance and been attacked by a psychotic killer. My body had healed quicker than Milo’s guilt but I thought he’d settled down. Then again, self-blame can be a chronic disease, going into remission then popping up without warning.
I said, “Don’t worry, not a comparable situation.”
“Feels comparable to me. I thought I was being careful by having you stay behind. Who knew the asshole would be coming from the opposite direction.”
“I was outside the car. This time I’ll remain inside. With the doors locked.”
“Forget it, Alex. What’s the point?”
“I’ve been on this from the beginning. Kind of helped develop the suspect, wouldn’t you say?”
“Oh, please.”
“Also,” I said, “you’ll likely want me in on the interview so the more I can observe him, the better equipped I’ll be.”
Flimsy even to my ear, and a total lie. The real reason: I like the excitement.
Milo said, “What if he does have the rifle within arm’s reach and it does turn into a war?”
“I’ll duck.”
“Not funny.”
“Six cops on one suspect who has no idea he’s under investigation? It’ll go smoothly.”
“You and your optimism.”
“Let’s go out to the studio. If Robin objects, I stay here.”
“You’re willing to take that bet?”
“Yup.”
He said, “What if the pooch objects?”
“I’ll risk that, too.”
—
Fourteen minutes later I was in the passenger seat of the Impala as Milo idled the engine and radioed Petra for the third time.
