"Well, now, I can't tell you that, Joe," said Modred. "Your entire department can hear me on this band

and they'll be looking for this car. I don't want to hurt anyone if I can help it."

"Well, now, I can't tell you that, Joe," said Modred. "Your entire department can hear me on this band

and they'll be looking for this car. I don't want to hurt anyone if I can help it."

"No, Joe, you listen tome. You must stop what you're doing immediately. You're in more danger than

you realize. Is Paul with you?"

"Yeah, he's right here. Look, Cornwall, I don't know what the hell you think you're doing, but you've

steppedway over the line! So far, I've got you on impersonating a police officer, two counts of assaulting

a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon, battery, grand theft, obstruction of justice, and at least half

a dozen other charges. Ginny Fairchild tells me she checked with Scotland Yard and they've never even

heard of you. Now I don't know how you got Chief Inspector Blood to cover for you, and I don't know

what you're up to, but I want some answers and I want 'emnow , you got me?"

"If you want answers, Loomis, then I'll give them to you. But I'll do it on my terms."

"Damn it, Cornwall, you're in no position to dictate any terms! You attacked two of my officers and you

stole a police car! If you don't want to be shot on sight, you'll give it up right now!"

"If you want answers, Loomis, you'll have to get them on my terms. I'm only going to say this once and

then I'm signing off, so listen carefully. I'll meet you down by the river in fifteen minutes, where you found

the body of the second victim. If I see any other police cars in the area, you won't find me. Come alone,

just you and Paul. Is Sgt. Velez still driving you?"

"Yes, he is."

"Drop him off somewhere. Just you and Paul. No one else. Remember, I'll be monitoring your calls. Is it

a deal?"

Loomis scowled. "Okay, it's a deal. We're on our way." He released the push-to-talk switch on the

mike. "I don't know what the hell your friend is up to, Paul, but he's just bought into a real pack of

trouble. Pull over, Velez."

Sgt. Velez pulled over to the curb. "Sorry about this, Velez," Loomis said. "I'll have someone pick you

up."

"No problem, sir."

Velez got out and closed the door. Loomis slid over into the driver's seat. Paul got out from the back

and moved up front with him.

"If there's anything you want to say to me," Loomis said as he got in, "I suggest you tell me now."

Paul hesitated, Loomis thought, just a fraction of a second too long. "I'm as confused about all this as

you are, Joe."

Loomis stared at him. "Okay, Paul. Have it your way." He picked up the mike and pushed the talk

switch. "Attention all units. This is Lt. Loomis. I trust you all heard that last transmission. I want

everybody to stay well clear of the designated meeting point, is that understood? Repeat, all units keep