Walking Shadows

by Faye Kellerman

  “No, you need to go to the hospital—”

  “Can you answer your phone, Mike? The ringing is hurting my ears.”

  Depressing the green button, he said, “Radar.” As the captain listened to the other end of the conversation, Decker saw whatever color Mike had in his face drain away. He had turned a pallid gray. “Gregg Levine is here. Someone just tried to blow up his car but he’s okay—”

  “What is it?” Decker asked.

  Radar shooed him off. “I’ll be right there.”

  “What is it, Mike!” Decker insisted.

  Radar pulled him aside, away from Levine’s anxious ears. “That was Victor Baccus. He’s got a hostage situation. Levine’s Jewelry—”

  “Shit! Yvonne Apple?”

  “Worse. It’s her daughter, Dana.”

  Chapter 31

  “They don’t really want me down there, let alone you,” Radar told Decker. “Baccus called in a SWAT team, a hostage negotiation team, and a bomb squad. The place is completely surrounded.”

  “Then why are you going there?” Decker asked.

  “Baccus wants to be updated on what Levine told you and this—what happened here.”

  “I interviewed Levine. I was here when the bomb went off. I can fill him in. I’ll recap for you on the ride over.”

  “McAdams will come and tell me,” Radar said. “He’s in one piece.”

  “Only because I had the courtesy to land on top of him. If you don’t take me, I’ll drive myself. And I’m in no condition to drive.”

  “If you’re in no condition to drive, you’re in no condition to work.”

  “Time’s a-wasting,” McAdams pointed out. “Decker, why don’t you take Levine to the hospital and I’ll go with the capt—”

  “Out of the question!” To Radar: “I’ll wait for you in the car.” Decker stomped off.

  Radar sighed. “Go with Gregg Levine, Tyler. Call up his family and get them a police escort to the hospital.” A moment passed. The captain shook his head. “God, he’s a stubborn prick.”

  “He needs medical attention,” McAdams said. “I’ll call an ambulance to meet you in front of the store.”

  “Hamilton’s already called out an entire medical team.” He faced McAdams. “I’ll just have him treated there, I suppose. Go.” Radar jogged over to his car, opened the driver’s door, and sat down. Decker closed the passenger door with a thud. “Look at you!”

  “What?”

  “You can’t hear and you can’t even sit back in the seat without wincing.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “No, you’re not.” Radar started the engine and put the siren on the roof of the car. “You look like you have a stick wedged up your butt.”

  “No comments necessary. Please drive.”

  With the siren going full force, Radar took off. “The car just happened to blow up just as you were about to cross the street?”

  “Mike, you’re going to have to talk a little louder with the siren going.”

  “Never mind.”

  “No. No never mind. Just speak up.”

  Radar repeated his comment.

  Decker said, “The bomb was set off when the ignition turned over. Levine has an app on his phone and he turned the engine on remotely. He is one lucky son of a bitch.”

  “He turned it on remotely? Who does that?”

  “What can I say, Mike? Sometimes your time just ain’t up.”

  “Anyone else hurt?” A pause. Radar repeated the question.

  “A woman was down. The paramedic indicated that she’d live, although I don’t know how seriously she was harmed. Now it’s your turn. Who is in the jewelry store holding the girl hostage? Guerlin and Mayhew?”

  “I don’t know anything other than it’s a hostage situation. Dana Apple is the victim.”

  “There’s a guard in the store.”

  “Then apparently he didn’t do his job.”

  “You know I’ve been inside the store. I know the layout.”

  “Great, then you can help the SWAT team.”

  “I can do this—”

  “Decker, I took you with me against my better judgment. But I do admit that you may have something of value to contribute to this situation. There’s a medical team in front of the store. While we wait, you get treated. After that . . . we’ll see what they need from us. Baccus is in charge. We’re just there to help. Got it?”

  “How do you know Baccus isn’t part of it?”

  “Why on earth would Baccus want to kill Gregg Levine?”

  “Because he found out that Gregg Levine was coming to Greenbury station to tell us what really happened the night of the murders.” Decker gave him a quick recap of the conversation. “Baccus knows that Levine’s admission will overturn his big breakout case. Two men incarcerated for over twenty years and a lying witness urged on by the police? That would be the end of the chief’s career.”

  “Levine’s lying is unfortunate, but it doesn’t mean that Baccus knew about it. There has never, ever been any implication that Baccus improperly handled the case. You told me that yourself.” Decker was silent. “Look, we don’t even know who’s in that jewelry store. Until yesterday, you didn’t even know who Yves Guerlin was.”

  As much as Decker hated to admit it, Radar was right. “I could be getting ahead of myself.”

  “Damn right. Let’s get you some medical help. And squelch the thought of you going in. I’m shouting and you can barely hear me.”

  He was right again. “I suppose it might put me at a disadvantage.”

  “Exactly. You go get some help while I talk to Baccus.”

  “Sure you want to confer with the chief? We don’t know if Baccus is crooked or not.”

  Radar made a face. “Do you have a shred of proof that he is?”

  “If I did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” A pause. “We don’t know who is holding Dana Apple hostage. But if it’s Guerlin and Mayhew, and if they killed Joe Junior and Brady Neil, they wouldn’t think twice about murdering again.”

  “That’s for damn sure. Let’s just hope whoever it is, he isn’t building another bomb.”

  The street was cordoned off with rows of police officers guarding the perimeter. They stood two abreast, arms folded across their chests or with their hands resting on their gun belts. From afar, the scene reminded Decker of the endless TV shoots he had witnessed on the streets of Los Angeles. The only things missing were the catering trucks. Radar showed one of the officers his badge and was grudgingly allowed to park a few blocks away. To get to the heart of the action required walking, and with the passage of time, Decker could feel the fatigue of adrenaline depletion. His ears were still ringing and he was aware of every cut, scrape, scratch, and burn as he walked with Radar. There were still bits of glass and metal embedded in his back and legs, and he winced with each step. He needed to rest, but a desire to see justice compelled him forward.

  Radar noticed his limping and slowed down. “I don’t know who’s crazier. You for being here or me for letting you come with me.”

  Decker said, “The girl was there when I went to the store.”

  “Which girl? Dana Apple?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why did you go to the store in the first place?”

  “To interview Gregg Levine about Brandon Gratz. I thought it might have something to do with Brady Neil’s murder. He wasn’t there, so I wound up talking to Yvonne Apple. Don’t you remember? Chief Baccus called you up to complain. He read you the riot act and, in turn, you read it back to me.”

  “I don’t recall it being exactly like that, but I do remember you talking to the sister.” There were about fifty feet from a group of cop cars that had formed a semicircular wall around the shop. Artificial lights had been set up. On the civilian side of the taped-off perimeter were news and radio vans with reporters setting up mikes and cameras. People from the printed press were there as well. No one seemed to notice Decker and Radar walking through the cro
wd and stepping over the police tape. “You didn’t tell me the girl was there.”

  “For just a few minutes. She was just an ordinary teenager helping in the family business.” Decker paused. “I do remember something about the inside layout, though. I could go in just to direct—”

  “You’re not in a position to go anywhere except a hospital.”

  It was dark outside, but where the cops had set up was well lit. There were arc lamps and spotlights, and strobes atop police cars were blinking in random rhythms. Several ambulances were sitting behind the police cars, with paramedics standing by just in case. Decker could hear Yvonne screaming but couldn’t make out any words. She was gesticulating wildly to Victor Baccus. A man stood by her side—probably her husband. He placed a hand on her shoulder, but she flung it off. When she noticed Decker, she marched up to him and slapped him in the face. “You shit! You brought this all on.”

  She was about to whack him again, but Radar caught her arm. “Take a deep breath—”

  “Let go of me, you fucking Nazi!” Her eyes were wet, and makeup was running down her face. Her hair looked like a fright wig. There were red scratches on her cheeks, as if they had been raked by combs. Her once perfectly polished nails were ragged and broken. She was wearing white slacks and a red shirt that had come untucked as she struggled under Radar’s grip. “Let GO of me.”

  Baccus had materialized. He took Yvonne’s arm. “Stop.” He looked at the man by her side. “Take her home, Paul.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” Yvonne suddenly broke down and covered her face. “You don’t understand!”

  “Of course, I understand, Yvonne. And we’re doing all we can. But you can’t do that.”

  Radar said, “This man saved your brother’s life.”

  “I don’t give two fucks about Gregg.” Fierce Yvonne had come back to life. “This was all his fault! If he hadn’t lied—” To Decker, she said, “You started it. Do something!”

  Paul put his hand on her shoulder a second time, and once again, she swatted it away. He was taller than she by an inch and broad across the chest. He had a round face, round eyes, and the start of a double chin along with a noticeable sag above the belt line. His hair was thin and his eyes were red and unfocused. He was floating without an anchor.

  Decker looked at Baccus. “A moment, sir?”

  Baccus said, “Paul, take her home—”

  “I’m not going anywhere!” Yvonne shouted to him.

  “Then wait here for a moment.”

  Yvonne took umbrage. She grabbed his arm. “Where are you going, Victor?”

  “I’m just filling them in—”

  “Don’t leave me in the fucking dark.” Her eyes shot arrows. “I am part of this!”

  “I can’t deal with your questions right now, Yvonne.”

  “I’ve got every right to ask questions! It’s my daughter’s life, damn it!”

  “Sir?”

  Baccus looked left. An officer informed him that SWAT needed his attention.

  “Just answer me this, Chief,” Decker said. “Is it Mayhew and Guerlin?”

  “We think it’s Guerlin and we think he’s alone.”

  Decker was surprised but attempted to hide it. “Where’s Mayhew?”

  “Anyone’s guess. His wife has been alerted—”

  “Sir? SWAT is waiting.”

  “Yvonne, I have to deal with the team going into the store. You have to get out of harm’s way. Now! Go wait by the ambulances.”

  “Victor—”

  “I can’t talk now, Yvonne. If you don’t go voluntarily, I’ll have to forcibly drag you away.”

  She stalked off while muttering obscenities directed to the world. Paul paused, then ran after her. Baccus took off toward the SWAT team. Decker had to move quickly to keep up. Every step was sharp and painful. “Does SWAT know the layout of the store?”

  “How do I know if I haven’t talked to them?” Baccus said.

  “I’ve been inside.”

  Radar said, “You can’t go with them, Pete. You’re wounded and can’t hear. You’re a hindrance.”

  “I can draw a map.”

  “Shit,” Baccus said. “I should have asked Yvonne to do that for me. Although I don’t think her memory is too sharp at the moment. And the last time I was inside was years ago.”

  Radar said, “Decker’s been inside recently. He can help.”

  “Yes, do that while I talk to SWAT and the hostage negotiator. I’m still hoping there’s a way to end this without anyone else being murdered.”

  “You may be late for that party,” Decker said. “They have a hired guard.”

  Baccus stopped. “Armed guard?”

  “Yes. His name is Otto. Either he’s being held or he’s dead.”

  “Shit!” Baccus stalked off. As they approached SWAT, Decker saw a very familiar face talking to one of the team members outside the van.

  Baccus turned red. He was livid. “Lenora, get the hell out of here!”

  She looked at Decker. “How are you feeling, sir? Detective McAdams told me you were pretty banged up.”

  “Good news travels fast.”

  Baccus said, “If you don’t get out of here right now, I will have you dragged away in handcuffs.”

  Her voice was steady. “I was just telling Officer Nelson about the layout of the store to the best of my recollection, Chief. If I could consult with Detective Decker, I think my memory would be even better. Furthermore, I think I would be a valuable asset to the team—”

  “Get out!”

  “Sir, I’ve taken part in two GTA raids in Philadelphia. In both cases, the team was successful.” Determined. “I can do this, Chief.”

  “Go away, Lennie, before I arrest you.”

  Lennie’s face darkened. She whispered, “If I were anyone else, you wouldn’t hesitate.”

  “You’re inexperienced.”

  “Not as inexperienced as you’d like me to be.”

  “I’m not sending you in, Lenora. There’s probably a dead guard in the store already and I’m not going to be responsible for the look on your mother’s face if something happens.”

  “Dana Apple is Yvonne’s daughter. How are you going to face Yvonne if you didn’t do everything you could have done?”

  Decker nodded to Radar, who held up a palm. Baccus looked more weary than angry. “Go with Detective Decker. He’s consulting with Yvonne Apple to get a detailed layout of the store. Maybe you can be some help there.”

  “I’ll stay here,” Radar said. “Help the chief in whatever way I can. Go.”

  To Lennie, Decker said, “C’mon.” He turned and walked toward where Yvonne and Paul were standing.

  Lennie looked at her father, but then followed on Decker’s heels. “You know I’m right!”

  “How much experience do you really have in takedowns?”

  “I told you I was on two GTA raids. Vests and all.”

  Decker said, “This guy is extremely dangerous. He’s probably killed the guard—”

  “Otto. I remember him. If he’s still alive, he’d could help—”

  “He’s probably incapacitated or dead.” Decker looked at her. “You know that my daughter is a cop, and I wouldn’t send her into this situation even though she’s qualified.”

  “Then you’re thinking of yourself more than the public you swore to serve.”

  “That may be, but an oath doesn’t mean a damn thing when you’re standing in front of your child’s casket. Slow down!”

  She slackened her pace. “Sorry.”

  “It has to be his decision.”

  “Just put in a good word for me.”

  “I won’t do that, Lennie. I don’t want to be responsible for sending you to a grave. You’re on your own.”

  “Will you at least say I’m competent?”

  “You are competent. That was never in doubt. But first, SWAT needs a plan. And to get a good plan, you need a good map.”

  Yvonne refused to be sidelined
. She was uncooperative and wanted to speak to Baccus directly before offering any help. Returning with Decker and Lennie, she marched straight up to Baccus. “One minute you’re threatening to arrest me, then the next minute you’re asking for my help. If you want my help, I have to know what’s going on.”

  “Not now, Yvonne.” Baccus looked defeated.

  Decker said, “What’s the matter?”

  Baccus lowered his eyes. Tears began streaming down Yvonne’s cheeks. She rocked back and forth on her feet. “She’s dead.”

  “No, no, not as far as I know.” He regarded her and swallowed. “Do you have a room with multiple security cameras on a wall?” Yvonne closed her eyes and nodded. “Is there any part of the store that’s not visible to the monitors?”

  When she didn’t answer, Mike Radar said, “SWAT is trying to figure out how to get inside without being picked off by Guerlin.”

  Decker said, “How did you find out about the room?”

  “Guerlin,” Baccus said. “It is Guerlin. He told the hostage negotiator about the room. He’s holding Dana there, just watching all the activity.”

  “What about the guard?”

  “I didn’t ask him and he didn’t say.”

  Decker swore to himself. “Does he have any demands?”

  Radar said, “A helicopter and money—twenty million dollars or some ridiculous sum.”

  “He’s going to take Dana with him.” Baccus swallowed hard. “If he gets what he wants, he’ll release her at some point where he feels safe.”

  Yvonne swooned on her feet. Lennie caught her before she passed out. “Can we get her something to sit on, please?”

  Baccus barked, “Take her to a police car, Lennie. Settle her in. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  After they had left, Decker said, “Is Dana really still alive?”

  “Who the fuck knows?” Baccus spit on the ground. “I just talked to her about a minute ago. So, yes, she’s still alive. But that’s not going to last. The longer he has her, the more likely that she’ll wind up dead.”

  “Has he given you a time limit for his demands?”

  “Three hours.”

  Thinking to himself, Well, that’s not going to happen, Decker said, “How about a person exchange?”