Page 74 of The Truth Will Out
Sam and the rest of the team entered the room.
“What have you found?” Sam asked eagerly.
“You did well to spot the trace signal. I worked on that angle first, and here’s what I’ve come up with. It’s bouncing through multiple proxies. However, the initial source came from three miles away.
“Lordy, really?” Sam’s heart thundered hard enough for it to affect her breathing. She felt the need to change position, leaning against the wall until her breathing rate became stable once more.
Liam, Oliver, and especially Nick, all looked at her, concern etched into their faces.
“Are you all right, boss?” Nick said.
“I will be, in a moment. It’s been a hell of a day so far. I can sense we’re getting closer now. Sorry, Adam, what I should have asked you is, where? Can you give us the exact location? If not, we’re back to square one again. Up the proverbial creek.”
He didn’t say a word, not until he’d confirmed the coordinates again. “I believe it’s somewhere on the northeast side of town, out near the old brickworks. That might even be the location. Do you know that area at all?”
“I’m not that familiar with it. What about you, guys?” she asked her colleagues.
Oliver nodded. “I am. My parents live near there, so I’m a frequent visitor to the area.”
“Well, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a strong signal still active coming from there. My advice would be to act quickly. If you delay it, there’s a chance they might pack up and leave.”
“If they do that, we’re screwed.” Sam inhaled a breath. “Are you guys up for it?”
Each of her colleagues gave a sharp nod.
“Did you all pick up Tasers before we left the station?”
“Absolutely, boss. We’re all armed and ready for action,” Liam confirmed.
Sam patted Adam on the shoulder. “I hate to do this, but can you come with us, just in case they make a move before we get there? You can bring your equipment and ride with me.”
“Wow, that would be amazing. I’d love that… er, from a purely professional point of view, ma’am. In fact, it would be one of my greatest honours.”
Nick laughed and tutted. “All right, Adam, there’s no need to go over the top about it.”
They all laughed as Adam’s face flushed. “Sorry. My enthusiasm is probably too much for you peeps. My boss spends most of his time trying to rein me in, not that it does him any good.”
Sam grinned. “Less chatter. We’ll help you ferry the equipment to the car.”
The team lent a hand and, before they jumped back into their vehicles, Sam asked them to gather around.
“I might not have time to say this at the other end, so listen up. We go in quietly. No sirens en route. No radio chatter, in case they’re listening in. We do this on our own, with no further backup. Agreed?”
“Agreed, boss,” her three colleagues shouted.
“If Michele is there.” Sam removed her Taser from its hiding place. She stared at the weapon, wishing it were a gun, and added, “This ends tonight.”
In the lightof the full moon, the brickworks loomed ahead of them like a relic from the town’s darkest days. Sam indicated and drew her car to a halt fifty feet away from the building. She killed her headlights. Oliver did the same in the car behind.
The team gathered closely. “We go in on foot from here in the hope that the element of surprise works in our favour.”
Sam led the way. The night had grown chillier. She shuddered and pulled her jacket tighter and did up one of the buttons. She tapped her Taser, hidden in its usual place. It was a relief and a comfort knowing that she was going in there armed and with her colleagues behind her. Ignoring the front entrance, its door left open and inviting them in, Sam discovered an opening at the side of the building. She chose that way in instead, sensing there was every chance the main door might be booby-trapped or at least fitted with a motion sensor that could give them away.
Inside, the internal walls had crumbled in places. Sam studied the ceilings above; she deemed them safe enough for them to continue their journey into the unknown. Her nose twitched; the smell of burning caught her unaware.
Does this mean we’re too late? Don’t tell me they’ve tortured him, set him alight and left him to die. There’s no sign of life in here so far. No vehicles outside. Am I leading us into a trap? The killer or killers could wipe out the whole team in one go. Shit! Is that their intention?
“Boss, are you all right?” Oliver asked from behind.
