Page 80 of Long Past Deadly

“You’re formulating a plan.”

“Yes, I need your tactical brain, too. I have no military experience.”

They hit the parking lot of QM on two wheels. Cop cars, fire department littered the way. There was no way to get close.

“Go around to the dock for the motor bay. We’ll go in the back.”

Tane followed instructions, swerving around cops trying to stop them. Wasn’t happening. Tane pulled within three parking spaces of the door, slammed the car into park and exited with Quaid. They reached the door before the cop cars did.

Dialing his phone, he connected with Celissa. “Spring the lock on the Motor Bay. I’m here.”

“Freeze.”

Alanna flashed her credentials. “FBI.” The lock clicked and the door opened.

“Send Remy through to the motor bay.” Quaid pointed at the cop. “Tell the Fire Department to move a crew back here. They can get to the elevator controls from stairs to the sixth floor. Tane, wait for them and take them up.”

Alanna stepped to the cop. “Is the fire in front contained?”

“No, not yet.”

“Driver in the car?”

“No, remote,” the woman officer answered.

“Fucking figures,” Quaid swore. “Get Frank Walker here now.”

The woman’s face soured, but he had no time.

Alanna stepped in. “We’re working with Sergeant Walker on this case.” By her body posture and expression, the cop wasn’t sure about leaving them alone.

Quaid didn’t care. “I’m going up. Let’s do a welfare check on everyone.”

Remy appeared at the door. “Missing all the fun, boss.”

“Craig? Parnell?”

“Paramedics have Parnell. Craig is still talking to us on his cellphone waiting to be extracted. Elizabeth and Harrison, too. The elevator was on four. The tremor from the explosion stopped it between three and four. It hasn’t fallen. They aren’t in danger from the fire unless the flames hit the shaft. Fire department is working on that. The system crashed, so figuring out who was in the building will rely on Celissa’s memory. Mac coming?”

“Not yet. We found Whit. He’s sticking with him to UCSD with Dr. Cait. Pull two people and get them there to relieve him. We’re gonna need Mac.”

“We need Brucker, too,” Remy announced. “Minor injuries. Most are turning away paramedics.”

A fire truck and another police car streaked around the building with a roar.

Alanna turned to the cop. “Is anybody searching the neighborhood? What’s your name?”

“Bridget Nelsen.”

“Nelsen, are you only focused on the building?”

“No, there’s two teams doing a canvas. So far, nothing.”

“He’s not going to have left anything behind.” Quaid’s irritation was palpable.

“I’d agree, but he’s devolving, remember? He doesn’t give a shit. He expects us to immediately figure out he’s the culprit.”

The cop eyed the building. “Not disagreeing, ma’am. But are you sure this is the person?”