Safe House Under Fire

by Elisabeth Rees

  “I know you’re upset, and I promise that we can talk about your father later,” Lilly said. “Right now we need to focus on what’s important, and that’s staying out of danger.”

  Astrid rolled over and sat up, holding White Bear in her hands. “Are we in danger?” Her eyes were red and puffy. “Is that why we have to leave?”

  Lilly sank to her knees and peered under the bed, leaning beneath the mattress to retrieve a dropped tissue. David had given strict instructions to leave literally nothing behind.

  “We might have been found.” She didn’t want to strike too much fear into Astrid, but she needed to impart a sense of urgency. “It might be nothing, but David wants to be cautious.”

  “Oh, really?” Astrid’s tone was mocking. “It’s not like David to be cautious. He’s normally such a free spirit.”

  “That’s quite enough sarcasm,” Lilly said, rising to stand too quickly and seeing stars. She sat on the bed to let the dizziness pass and reached out to touch her daughter’s ankle. “Please don’t be difficult, Astrid. David already thinks I’m too soft on you, and I want to show him that you respect my authority.”

  “Why do you care what he thinks?”

  Lilly stood and placed the last of Astrid’s belongings into her case. “I don’t know why I care what he thinks, but I do.”

  Astrid jumped from the bed. “Oh, no, Mom, please don’t tell me you like this guy.”

  “No, of course I don’t.” She took White Bear from Astrid’s hand and placed him on top of the clothes before zipping the case closed. “I just want him to see that I’m a strong, capable mother.”

  “So you want him to like you?”

  “No. Yes. Not in a romantic way.” Lilly opened the door, wheeling the case alongside her. “Let’s leave that particular conversation in this room, shall we?”

  Astrid pushed her feet into her sneakers. “I’m starving. When do we eat?”

  “We’ll ask Goldie to stop on the way to the new safe house and get some takeout. Come on. Let’s hustle.”

  “Okay, okay.”

  Astrid strutted past her mother into the hallway, where Goldie was crawling along the carpet, knocking on the skirting board and pulling at it with her fingertips, seemingly probing for cavities behind it. She looked up as mother and daughter appeared in her line of sight and quickly put a finger to her lips, motioning for them to be silent. Then she pulled a notepad from her pocket and wrote on the top sheet, Signal detected. Searching for bugs. Say nothing.

  Lilly and Astrid locked both eyes and hands.

  “Mom,” Astrid whispered. “Can electronic bugs hurt you?”

  She leaned in close to whisper back, “No, they can’t hurt you. They’re just listening devices.”

  Lilly led Astrid by the hand into the living room where David was holding what looked like a small radio, sweeping it across the walls and carpet, over the coffee table and couch. When he saw them approach, he pointed to the front door, mouthing the words, Wait there. Lilly’s suitcase was already sitting in the hallway, having never even been unpacked, but the contents of her purse had been spilled out onto the carpet next to it. She and Astrid gathered up her notebook, makeup palettes and eyeglasses to place them back into the leather purse. Lilly fastened the clasp with shaking fingers and Astrid put both hands around her mom’s and squeezed tight.

  Lilly looked up and smiled appreciatively. Despite displaying remarkable immaturity and rudeness at times, Astrid knew precisely when to show kindness and compassion. She was just learning how to be an adult, and even though her progress was slow, it was constant. Hopefully, David would understand this soon enough.

  “Just one more place to check,” he said, suddenly looming over them, running his device across Astrid’s suitcase. “All clear. Goldie picked up a transmission signal for a brief moment, but it seems to have vanished. Maybe it came from next door. I apologize for emptying your purse, Lilly, but I wanted to be thorough.”

  “What’s going on?” Lilly said, accepting his hand to help her up. “What are you hoping to find?”

  “Eavesdropping bugs or GPS signals,” he said. “If I’m right about Henderson having found us, we have to face the possibility that someone on the inside is assisting him.”

  Lilly gripped his hand firmly. “Seriously?”

  “I’d like to think it’s unlikely we have a mole in the FBI,” David replied. “But let’s keep an open mind.”

  He put a hand on Astrid’s shoulder but she shrank under his touch. “You okay, Astrid? I’m sorry we had a fight earlier. I hope we can forget about it and move on.”

  She shrugged his hand off her shoulder. “Whatever.”

  “You look a little pale.”

  “She’s hungry,” Lilly interjected. “She needs to eat.”

  Astrid had a different explanation. “I’m a goth, Mom. We’re always pale.”

  Lilly smiled. “Of course. I forgot.”

  Behind David, she saw Goldie walking through the living room, eyes roving across every square inch, her red curls cascading over her face as she darted her head back and forth.

  “Listen up, guys,” Goldie said, striding toward them, rubbing her hands together. “Let’s remember to stay quiet, stick together, remain calm and look out for each other. If you spot anything unusual or suspicious, don’t shout or scream. Stop where you are and hold up your hand like this.” She raised her right hand. “And David and I will step into action. Okay?”

  Lilly found herself liking David’s partner more and more. Goldie was strong and confident, the kind of woman she hoped Astrid might become. Astrid also clearly admired the FBI agent, because she went to stand close to her, almost using Goldie as a shield.

  “Can I ask you something?” Astrid said quietly.

  Goldie smiled. “Sure.”

  “If Henderson has found us, won’t he be waiting for us to leave? We might be walking into a trap.”

  “That’s a very smart question, Astrid,” Goldie replied. “You might make a good agent one day, because you’re clearly thinking ahead. We already considered this possibility, which is why we have two police officers right outside the front of the building and another two stationed in the underground parking lot. If Henderson is here, he’ll have to get through four armed officers, so I think we’ll be safe.” She winked. “And then he’d have to get through me and I’m the toughest of all.”

  David laughed. “It’s true. Goldie used to be in the Army, so she really knows her stuff. She’ll lead the way, you and your mom will walk behind her and I’ll guard the rear. We’ll get you two safely in the car and I’ll briefly return for the suitcases. Are we all clear on that?”

  The three women nodded their affirmation and Goldie opened the door, checking the interior hallway both ways before leading them out into the dingy quietness.

  “We’ll be fine, honey,” Lilly said as they passed door after door in the hall, all identical white wood with red numbers in the center. “Don’t worry.”

  “It’s so quiet,” Astrid whispered. “Where is everybody?”

  “A lot of these apartments are empty,” David said from behind. “The newer and more luxurious complexes in the city have enticed people away from these old blocks.”

  “I don’t like it. It’s spooky.”

  David felt his shoes sticking slightly to the dirty carpet. “I think that’s something we can finally agree on, Astrid. This place has gotten much worse since the last time we were here.”

  Up ahead, Goldie stopped at the elevator and waited. Behind a nearby door, there was a clunk and a thud. A man let out a curse word and another man’s voice rose in anger. A muffled argument ensued. Lilly didn’t like the vibes and she drew Astrid close, putting an arm around her waist.

  “Let’s use the stairs, Goldie,” David said. “I don’t trust the elevator.”

  “Sure th
ing.” Goldie opened the door to the stairwell, which was as poorly lit as the hallway. “Next time I come back here, I’m bringing a ton of one-hundred-watt lightbulbs,” she said, holding the door open for Lilly and Astrid to walk through. “This low lighting makes me uneasy.”

  Stepping into the concrete stairwell, Lilly shivered against the cold. There was a strong smell of ammonia, graffiti on the walls, and the bulb above her head was flickering, creating a strobe effect that was straight out of a horror movie. The low hum of the electricity only added to her fear and the thought of a criminal mastermind being around every corner was almost too much to bear. Astrid didn’t deserve to be caught up in this.

  David must have sensed her anxiety because he came to stand close behind her, rubbing her shoulders quickly to warm her.

  “I’m right here, okay?” he said gently. “I won’t leave your side. I promise.”

  Lilly took hold of Astrid’s hand and began to follow Goldie down the stairs, her sneakered feet occasionally squeaking on the smooth and glossy concrete. Despite her reservations about David, his reassurance was both timely and comforting. She had needed to hear those words, to be reminded that someone strong and protective was watching out for them. Rylan had never shown this kind of care or concern for her, not even when she was pregnant, and it made her a little sad to realize what she had missed.

  Goldie moved swiftly and silently down several flights of stairs, as fluid and graceful as a cat, one hand resting on her holstered weapon beneath her suit jacket. Just as they reached the underground parking lot, she stopped in her tracks, held up her right hand and froze. Astrid almost fell over her own feet, struggling to stop just as quickly, and Lilly grabbed her arm, pulling her upright.

  Nobody spoke.

  “I thought I heard something,” Goldie whispered. “Did anyone else hear anything?”

  Lilly and David answered, “No,” in unison, but Astrid’s breathing had grown heavy.

  “I did,” she said. “I heard something.”

  Goldie turned around. “What?”

  “Like an engine revving really hard down the street.”

  Goldie nodded. “That’s exactly what I heard.” She looked at David. “It’s probably just a passing truck, but do you think we should continue?”

  Lilly couldn’t help but make a grab for David’s hand, full of worry for her daughter’s safety. She had to keep Astrid safe at all costs, and he was her rock.

  “I see the two officers in the lot,” he said, holding up a hand in a waved greeting. “And there’s a police vehicle parked across the incoming ramp to prevent anyone entering. I think we’re safe to continue.” He slid his hand from Lilly’s and took his weapon from its holster. “High alert from here on.”

  Goldie led them out into the lot, more brightly lit than the stairwell, its strong odor of oil and grease enveloping them as they walked. The uniformed officers positioned themselves close to the agents’ black SUV, parked in the corner directly beneath a security camera.

  “We’ve swept the car for explosives,” one of the officers said, approaching David. “It’s clean.”

  Lilly felt Astrid stiffen beside her, slowing her pace. Then she stopped dead and held her hand in the air, just as Goldie had instructed.

  David was instantly at her side. “What is it, Astrid? Do you see something?”

  She tilted her head, turning her ear upward. “No, but I hear something. It sounds like a speeding car and it’s getting louder.”

  In the next moment there was an enormous rev of an engine and a squeal of tires before a huge bang reverberated through the lot as a truck came crashing through the wall next to them.

  * * *

  David had no time to think. The truck appeared so suddenly that he was blindsided. The huge yellow vehicle broke right through the wall and came to a stop, smoke and brick dust billowing around the tires. This was a dump truck, solid and sturdy, capable of taking the kind of punishment that a brick wall can inflict. And behind the wheel was a masked man, presumably Henderson, shaking his head, ridding himself of the dizziness that must’ve affected him after the force of the impact.

  Each member of law enforcement drew their weapon, shouting for the man to exit the vehicle and put his hands in the air. Within seconds, they were joined by the two officers who had been guarding the front entrance of the building, making a total of six weapons now trained on the truck. Surely the odds were in their favor?

  Not necessarily.

  “Goldie,” David yelled, noting that the engine was revving hard once more. “Get Lilly and Astrid out of here. Now!”

  Goldie didn’t need to be asked twice. She grabbed Lilly by the sleeve of her sweatshirt and yanked her out of what appeared to be a dazed and terrified stupor.

  “Follow me,” Goldie said. “Quickly.”

  But the truck was moving, its enormous wheels rolling over the broken bricks and mortar in an effort to head their way. David’s heart leaped into his mouth. Lilly and Astrid were directly in its path.

  “Take him down,” he yelled to the officers. “Do whatever you have to.”

  The entire parking lot was filled with gunshots as all weapons were aimed at the windshield and tires, firing round after round. Yet the truck didn’t stop. With a shattered windshield and deflating tires, it careened toward them, swerving at the last minute to follow the path of Lilly and Astrid.

  “No!” David shouted, running after the truck as it picked up speed. “Lilly, watch out!”

  She turned, an expression of horror falling on her face. Goldie pushed her and Astrid between two parked vehicles and fired her weapon at the windshield of the truck repeatedly, diving from its path with only a second to spare. The huge yellow hood rammed into the small compact that was shielding Lilly and Astrid, and David heard a woman cry out. He tore to their location, praying neither of them was hurt.

  Meanwhile, the truck was reversing, crashing into the cars behind it, narrowly missing Goldie lying on the ground. The officers raced toward the vehicle with weapons raised.

  That’s when it became apparent this dump truck wasn’t the only weapon Henderson would be using that evening. Gunshots rang out from the truck’s cab, hitting two of the officers, who sank to the floor, calling out in pain. David was torn, wishing he could rush to everyone’s aid, but his main concern had to be placed on Lilly and her daughter. They were his priority and he must find them. As he ran, he yelled into his radio, “Agent David McQueen requesting a SWAT team at The Phoenix Apartment Complex, Pittsburgh. Immediately.”

  While more gunshots filled the air behind him, David reached the battered little compact and shouted Lilly’s name. A hand grasped his leg from below, causing him to jump in alarm and point his gun to the target.

  “It’s me,” Lilly said, her grime-streaked face peeking out from under the car “We’re okay.”

  He squatted down and pulled her and Astrid from their hiding place. “Run hard and fast to the SUV,” he said breathlessly. “I’ll be right behind you.”

  “My legs,” Astrid said, close to tears. “They’re like jelly. They won’t work properly.”

  “Dig deep, Astrid,” he said, pushing her toward the car. “I know you can do it. You’re strong. Go!”

  He watched them run to the vehicle, Astrid being dragged along by her mother, the teenager’s long legs almost buckling beneath her. He ran after them, hearing the gunshots die away and the sound of a revving engine fill the air instead. Goldie’s voice called out across the lot, loud and panicked.

  “David! He’s coming for you.”

  He picked up his pace, noting that there were no parked cars between him and their SUV. There was no place to hide and nowhere to shield himself. The grating sound of the truck’s engine was nearing but Astrid was slowing.

  “Move faster, Astrid,” he yelled, turning and firing the last of his bullets into the engine.
Steam and smoke began to pour through the grille. “You’re nearly there.”

  But she could go no faster and he caught up with her in a matter of seconds, just in time to fling her and her mother from the path of the moving dump truck and take the force of the impact in their place.

  * * *

  Lilly screamed in terror as she watched David bounce off the front of the truck and fall to the ground, rolling over and over until he came to a stop against a wall, where he remained, slumped in a heap. The truck halted in its path, engine screeching and straining while white vapor leaked through the hood. David’s bullets seemed to have seriously damaged the mechanics, and the truck’s engine finally cut out, leaving nothing but the hiss of the steam in the silence.

  Then the cab door slowly opened and a foot appeared in the air, possibly readying itself to jump to the ground.

  “Mom!” Astrid shouted, pulling on her mother’s sweatshirt. “We have to get in the car.”

  Lilly wished she had a gun, a way to protect her daughter, but she was without a weapon. And without hope. The SUV was just a couple of yards away, but she didn’t have a key to drive it. They’d be sitting ducks.

  Then she caught sight of Goldie, running to their rescue, her mane of red hair flying like fire behind her. And she was closely followed by the two uniformed officers.

  “Put your hands in the air,” Goldie yelled, pointing her gun at the suspect. “You’re under arrest.”

  The masked man jumped from the cab, immediately firing a weapon, causing everyone to dive for cover, including Lilly and Astrid. They clung to each other on the concrete, hidden beneath the SUV, Lilly uttering words of prayer while her daughter whimpered in her arms. Lilly saw black-clad legs streak past them and vault the wall by their SUV, disappearing from sight.

  “Let him go,” Goldie said to the officers. “We’re out of ammo and it’s too dangerous to engage him. I hear sirens coming our way, so let’s hope the SWAT team finds him.”

  Lilly let go of Astrid and crawled on her belly out into the open. “Didn’t you just point your gun at him? And you had no bullets in it?”