Tolerance Book III

Chapter Eighty-Five: Curveball

Brooklyn - Woodhaven

Forty minutes later two black SUVs pulled in around the corner from Billings' former residence. Murphy and Parker had insisted on accompanying the Chicago Unit and in truth Voight was grateful for the extra back up. Dressed in the prerequisite tactical gear and all wearing earpieces it had already been decided who would gain entry to the dwelling at certain locations. The decision to go in unannounced had been deliberated over intensely but in the end it was decided their best chance of success was a surprise approach. Murphy had initially suggested that Parker should try to negotiate with the Killer but the Psychologist and part-time Profiler had pointed out the man was unlikely to surrender and Jay might be placed in an even more precarious position. Aware that Billings was likely to have surveillance on the exterior and interior of the house Mouse had worked his usual magic and successfully jammed any signals going in or out of the residence. Their approach would not be observed.

Adam, Kevin and Antonio had been designated the backyard entrance by the swimming pool. The side entrance had been allocated to Al and Parker. Voight and Murphy took the front entrance by unspoken agreement. The IT Specialist had, much to his disgust, been relegated to remaining in the Communications Van parked behind the SUVs. The ex-Ranger had voiced his disapproval to Voight, a rare occurrence, but the grizzled Sergeant had simply reminded the younger man that his expertise was essential if they were to obtain access to the property without giving away their presence. Mouse had reluctantly capitulated earning several sympathetic glances from the others. No one liked to be sidelined from the action when one of their own was in peril.

After receiving confirmation everyone was in place Voight keyed his mic and gave the order to enter. Advancing into the hallway with Murphy protecting his back his eyes scanned his surroundings seeking out any change from his earlier visit. Nothing seemed out of place. That gave him hope the duo were still present. Adam followed Kevin and the Italian-American hoping they had finally found their friend. Al nodded to Parker as both men quietly checked the conservatory and large kitchen. The men met up, as planned in the hallway. The Plans Mouse had located meant they knew where the hidden room was. No one spoke for fear of alerting their foe to their presence. They knew the room was sound proofed but they weren't going to take any chances. Each man automatically began surveilling then pressing various sections of the wooden panels before them. There was obviously a secret entry into the room and it made sense that access would be afforded through one of the panels. Shaking his head as yet another panel failed to yield up a passageway or room Adam moved to the next section as Kevin on his left did likewise. Both men shared a surprised look when the panel before the latter slowly moved inward. Guns at the ready everyone filed into the secret hideaway ready for anything.

Curses sprang forth from everyones' lips as they eyed the empty room. Remnants of a takeout sat on a table but other than that there was no sign of activity. Billings had taken Jay and moved on. Voight was fit to explode! They had been so close and yet the Killer had managed once again to elude them. Guilt gnawed at his insides. He should have acted when he first visited the property.

"Don't go there Hank," Al instructed knowingly as he placed a comforting hand on his old friends' shoulder, "you couldn't do anything until we knew for sure there was a hidden place."
"He's right," Murphy sighed heavily as he stepped up to the duo, "this is on Billings. He's obviously going on an agenda."
"An agenda we know nothing about!" the Sergeant stormed out before anything else could be said.
"He tends to take things personally," the moustached Detective deadpanned.
"You don't say? Never would have noticed."

Despite the wry banter neither man could deny the situation had now become even more volatile.

Across the room Adam was struggling to reign in his emotions. He had been so sure his best friend was going to be back with them that he hadn't really considered the alternative. Now as bleak reality set in he wanted nothing more than to find he was merely sleeping and having a nightmare. Knowing such wishful thoughts were pointless he shook his head in frustration. Just how were they going to find Jay now?!