Gladys writhed in Elrick’s grasp. “Go after him!”
“Sister, he’s not carrying a water pistol,” the cop said.
“You can’t let him get away!”
“Listen,” Elrick said. “I feel worse about this than you do. If Vince makes good on the scram, I not only lose my chance for a plainclothes job, but I’ll probably get kicked off the Force in the bargain.” He sighed. “Anyway, it’s better than getting a few bullets in my lung. Come on, let’s ride down to Headquarters and give Reeve and the other smart guys a big laugh...”
In the outer office of Headquarters there was unusual quiet. It thickened as Elrick and the girl came in. The detectives and the reporters and the cops were staring and Elrick was waiting for someone to say something.
Nothing was said.
Elrick gazed around the room, looking for Reeve. The plainclothes man was not around. “Where is he?” Elrick asked another cop.
“In there.” The cop flicked a thumb toward a door. “Questioning somebody.”
“On what?”
“On the Renzelli case.”