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

largest encampment near the epicenter. Close enough that Bishop could have fled on foot but far enough that no rescue workers would need to venture this way.”

“Reid, you and Walsh take this one here.” Fisher looked at Perez. “I think it’s best if we split up to cover more ground. Is there another area close by?”

“Yes, two kilometers ahead. It’s possible he might’ve chosen to move deeper into the city since he knows you’re looking for him.”

“We’re on it.” Kate jumped out of the back seat and Walsh followed.

Fisher leaned through his window. “Hey, keep close radio contact and do not, under any circumstances, leave each other’s side. I’ll be damned if we let him get the drop on one of us again.”

“Roger that.” Walsh turned to Kate. “Let’s go.”

Perez pulled away with Duncan and Fisher while Kate started ahead. “I’m not feeling as confident as I was earlier that we’ll find him here.”

“You gotta keep the faith, Reid. If you don’t, then he wins for sure. We have to try.”

She nodded. “Where should we start?” Kate peered ahead at the rows of makeshift tents. Poles with blankets thrown over them for cover. Blue tarps over pallets and crates. “My God. There could be a thousand people in here.”

Walsh placed his hands on his hips. “At least. We have no choice but to get moving.” He stepped ahead and turned back. “Kate, we’ll find him.”

She followed close behind and traversed through the tent city. A man clawed at her leg and she drew her gun in surprise.

The man’s eyes widened as he held up his hands. “No dispares! No dispares!” (Don’t shoot. Don’t shoot.)

Kate exhaled a breath and holstered her weapon.

Walsh quickly turned back to her. “Jesus. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I almost blew that guy’s head off, but other than that, I’m fine.”

“I need you to keep a clear head. If we cause a panic in here, and Bishop just happens to be hiding out, we’ll lose him. Not to mention we might get caught in the middle of something we don’t want to be in. It’s just us out here.”

Kate nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“I know you’re worried about Scarborough, but I need you here 100 percent. Got it?”

“I got it.” She pressed on. “It’s a needle in a haystack.” Walsh didn’t respond and only pushed forward leaving Kate with no choice but to see this through. It was her idea and she’d put everyone’s life on the line insisting they would find Bishop in one of these places.

She had to think. Where would he go in a vast tent city like this? Where could he get away with hiding? She doubted he spoke the language, making it even tougher for him to find shelter. “He won’t be in one of the tents. No one will trust him. He has nothing to offer these people.”

Walsh turned back. “What do you suggest?”

“Look for a natural shelter. Trees, dense shrubbery. Someplace where he could be alone until dark. That’s when I think he’ll find his next victim, but not in the light of day. Not when he knows we’re looking for him.”

“It’s midday now. That gives us a lot of time to find him.” Walsh pressed on the radio. “Fisher, what’s your 20?”

“We’ve reached the next encampment and are beginning the search.”

“Reid thinks he’ll find a place to hide among the trees and greenery until after dark. Then he’ll hunt for his next victim.” Walsh listened as Fisher spoke to Duncan and Perez.

“Copy that. That’s where we’ll start. Fisher out.”

Kate looked toward the east. “Hey, over there. That looks to be a fairly dense area.”

“And several folks are using it for shade too. Let’s check it out.” Walsh started ahead.

They reached the edge of the tree-lined area where the homeless used the trees to string shelter between them. Kate moved in, stepping carefully between the shelters, peering down for any sign Bishop was there. She stopped dead in her tracks. “Oh shit. Do you see that?”

Walsh looked ahead roughly 10 feet from where they stood. “Is that a medical bag?” He started forward with hurried, but cautious steps.

They reached the spot, and both drew their guns. Kate scanned the area to the left. Walsh looked to his right.

“I don’t see him. I don’t see him.” Kate’s pulse quickened. “He’s here, goddamn it. Bishop! FBI!” she yelled.

“Kate, don’t.” Walsh grabbed her arm.

“He’s here, Levi.” She continued ahead. “Bishop! It’s over. Show yourself!”

A young woman emerged from beneath a blue tarp strung between two trees. The black medical bag lay feet from her. “Ido. El hombre se fue.”

“What?” Kate squatted down. “Habla inglés?”

The woman shook her head. She couldn’t have been older than her early 20s.

“Don’t be afraid.” Kate searched for a word she might understand. “FBI.” She picked up the bag. “Man?”

“Si. Uh, man.” The woman made a gesture with two fingers as if to indicate the man had run away. “Escapar.”

“Escape?” Kate asked.

“The woman nodded.”

The radios they held buzzed to life. “Here! He’s here! In pursuit.” Fisher huffed as though he was running.

Walsh jumped up and held the radio. “Copy.” He turned to Kate. “Grab the bag and let’s go. They’re in pursuit. We need to move.”

Kate pushed up and both ran through the rest of the encampment until reaching an open area.

“What now? We can’t get there. It’s a mile away.” Her breath was labored as she pushed her hand through her hair and shot her gaze back and forth. “Levi. What the hell can we do?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. They got this, Kate. They’ll catch him.” Walsh placed his hands on his face and rubbed hard. “Damn it. Damn it!” With the radio in his hand, he waited for an update. “Come on, man, give me something here.”

Kate looked at the radio and then to Walsh. “What the hell is happening, Levi?”

“Just hold tight. There’s nothing we can do for them right now. It’s on them.”

Kate paced a small area of the sidewalk where they stood and looked like