Edge of Mercy (A Kate Reid Novel Book 11), Robin Mahle [freenovel24 .txt] 📗

streets. Piles of broken concrete, bricks, wood framing scattered around. People in tears wandering aimlessly, presumably in search of their missing loved ones. First responders wearing masks and carrying shovels as they hand-dug specific locations such as the busy market they had just approached.

“Oh my God.” Duncan placed her fingertips over her lips. “I didn’t think it would be this bad. It looks like a war zone.”

“It’s not as bad as other quakes we’ve had in the region,” Perez began. “It’s just that the infrastructure here is incredibly poor.”

“Where are we planning to stop?” Nick asked.

“A first-aid unit has been deployed about half a kilometer from here,” Perez continued. “That’s where we’ll organize our resources and track down your killer.”

The driver continued on with caution through the broken streets, maneuvering his way around victims, rescuers and the rest of the fallen community. A white tent with a red cross appeared ahead.

“This is it,” Fisher said. “This is where we’ll find Theodore Bishop.” He looked at Perez. “We should stop here. Any closer and we’ll have too many eyes on us. We don’t exactly look like rescue workers. I don’t want to tip him off if he’s in close proximity.”

“I agree.” Perez turned to the driver. “Détente aquí.” (Pull over here.)

He rolled to a stop and the second car followed his lead. The doors opened and the team, along with Perez and another member of the Guard stepped out into the bright sunlight as late morning had arrived.

Dust had settled except where digging had commenced. The tent was several feet away with doctors, nurses, and other aides flowing in and out.

“Are they still bringing in people?” Kate asked.

“I couldn’t say, Agent Reid.” Perez started ahead. “Please, this way.” He led the team to a nearby alleyway where the buildings on either side revealed severe cracks, broken windows, but otherwise still had four walls standing. Perez pulled out a map and laid it on top of crates he had picked up and stacked for use as a table. “Officer Gutierrez will guide us through the map. He is native to this area and has assisted the cleanup crews. His knowledge will guide you in your efforts to divide and conquer, as you say.”

Gutierrez pointed on the map and began to speak Spanish. Perez listened and translated. “He says the worst damage is across these streets here and here. The workers are digging out this area here where the marketplace was heavily occupied at the time of the quake. This means there could be substantial victims that have yet to be discovered.”

Fisher nodded and glanced at Nick. “If Bishop is looking to take advantage of an injured victim, I’d say there is the most likely place.”

“I’m not sure he would risk going inside the tent,” Nick replied. “It seemed heavily populated with volunteers. It’s probably too risky.”

“Then we split up and surround that area there?” Walsh asked. “Seems the most logical place to start.”

“It is in my opinion,” Fisher said. “There’s one thing we don’t know about Bishop and that is whether he’s armed.”

“We have no reason to believe he would be,” Kate began. “Though I imagine we can’t ignore the possibility.”

“It is extremely difficult to obtain a weapon here—legally,” Perez began. “Most certainly, he would not have been allowed to cross into the country with a firearm. And carrying a gun in public is a crime.”

“What are the odds he’s made friends with people who could provide him with a weapon?” Duncan asked.

“Hard to say. We should stay vigilant, as always, in the event we have him in our sights,” Walsh replied. “If he gets spooked, who knows what sort of behavior he’ll exhibit in the face of capture.”

“Walsh, you and Reid will take this block.” Fisher pointed to a street on the map. “Perez, can I ask you to assist Agent Duncan and search this block here? Scarborough and I will take Gutierrez and hit these two blocks here. Walsh speaks enough Spanish to get by if a civilian approaches but having you and Gutierrez will give the rest of us a way to communicate if necessary. We have radio communications ready to go, so use them. I want to know where everyone is at all times. You get eyes on Bishop, you call it in. Is that clear?”

“Crystal,” Walsh replied.

“Yes, sir,” Kate answered.

“Then it’s time to move.” Fisher checked his weapon and turned to Perez. “Bishop is still an American citizen. We will do our best to take him in peacefully, but if he resists, I am authorizing deadly force. Will that be a problem for you?”

“Not even a little bit.”

The team headed in the direction of their respective quadrants. Kate caught up to Walsh who had a small lead on her. “If it was up to me, I think we should head toward the location where they’re still searching for victims.”

“It’s outside our designated parameters,” Walsh replied. “Then again, no one’s watching. Lead the way, my friend.”

Perez approached Agent Duncan. “Ma’am?”

“Ready when you are,” she replied.

“Then please, follow me.” He led the way to the east where they were to begin their search. “I admire you and your people.”

“Thank you, but why is that?”

“Coming here to find your killer. Taking responsibility for your citizens and helping to protect mine from this madman,” he replied. “If only our government cared as much for our citizens and protecting them against the cartels.” They reached the block. “This is it. I’ll monitor this side. You take the right. Check the windows above, check the fire escapes. Any place you think he might take refuge.” He peered at her for a moment. “I apologize. It isn’t my place to issue orders.”

“No need for that. But just so you know, I do know what I’m doing.”

“There’s a lot of activity here. It’s too easy for Bishop to hide among these people,” Nick said. “If he makes an appearance, things could get messy.”

“We’ll have to take it as it comes, Scarborough. I just