The Bone Collector (Lincoln Rhyme 1)

"Booby traps?"

"Not that we could see. Which isn't to say--"

"There aren't any."

Sellitto asked, "Any vehicles in the alley?"

"Nope."

"Two front entrances. Main front door--"

"Which looks painted shut. The second's the carriage-house doors. Double, wide enough for two vehicles. There's a padlock and chain."

"But they're lying on the ground."

Haumann nodded, "So maybe he's inside."

"Maybe," Saul said, then added, "And tell him what we think we heard."

"Very faint. Could have been crying."

"Could have been screaming."

Sachs asked, "The little girl?"

"Maybe. But then it just stopped. How'd Rhyme figure this place?"

"You tell me how his mind works," Sellitto said.

Haumann called one of his commanders and issued a series of orders. A moment later two ESU vans pulled into the intersection and blocked the other end of the street.

"Team One, front door. Blow it with cutting charges. It's wood and it's old so keep the plastic down, okay? Team Two, into the alley. On my three, you go. Got it? Neutralize but we're assuming the girl's in there so check your backdrops 'fore you squeeze. Officer Sachs, you're sure you want to do this?"

A firm nod.

"Okay, boys and girls. Go get him."

THIRTY-TWO

Sachs and the five other officers of Team Two ran into the torrid alley, which had been blocked off by ESU trucks. Renegade weeds grew profusely through the cobblestones and cracked foundations and the desolation reminded Sachs of the train-track grave yesterday morning.

He hoped the victim was dead. For his sake . . .

Haumann had ordered troopers onto the roofs of the surrounding buildings, and she saw the muzzles of their black Colts bristling like antennae.

The team paused at the rear doorway. Her fellow cops glanced at Sachs as she checked the rubber bands over her shoes. Heard one of them whisper to another something about superstition.

Then she heard through her earphone:

"Team One leader at front door, charge mounted and armed. We are clear, K."

"Roger, Team One leader. Team Two?"

"Team Two, in position, K."

"Roger, Team Two leader. Both teams, dynamic entry. On my three."

Checked her weapon one last time.