Page 134 of Hellbent

Evan laid the magnet over the bulge in David’s elbow and tracked down to the incision.

Joey’s head flicked up. “Cops’re almost here.”

The transmitter followed the magnet down the forearm, tugging the skin up, and popped out through the wound, snicking neatly onto the magnet.

David expelled a clump of air.

One of the black ducks hopped up onto the concrete ledge, bobbing its head, its pebble eyes locked on a stray rind of bread by Evan’s shoe.

From the far side of the fountain, a young cop shouted, “Stand up! Lemme see your hands!”

Evan peered across the fountain at the cop and his partner. The park was dense with officers. Two SWAT units rolled up in front of the high school, new cruisers screeching to block the intersections in every direction.

“Too late,” Joey said under her breath.

Evan rose slowly, hands held wide, and stared into two drawn Berettas.

57

What He Thought He Knew

David stood on shaky legs between Evan and Joey. Across the dancing water, both cops aimed at Evan’s head.

The entire block was now locked down by backup officers and SWAT.

Evan gauged his next move. The young cop stood in front of his partner, taking lead. He seemed capable, more confident than nervous.

Evan could work with that, play to the cop’s ego. He let a worried breath rattle out of him. “Thank God. Is it clear, Officer? I was picking up my daughter, and … my son, he got knocked over. His arm’s cut open, and—”

“Calm down. Sir? Calm down.”

David cupped his hand over the wound, red showing in the seams between his fingers.

The officer’s elbows stayed locked, but he swung the gun down and to the side. “Does he require medical attention?”

“I can take him to urgent care,” Evan said. He put his arm around Joey’s shoulders, gathered her in. “I just want to get my kids out of here. I wasn’t sure it was safe to come out yet.”

The cop’s partner, a tough-looking woman, said, “Where’s your car?”

Evan pointed. “Minivan over there.”

“Come with us.”

The cops gave them an armed escort across the park, passing by dozens of officers, none of whom took notice.

They reached the curb, and the young cop gestured at the SWAT trucks to allow the minivan to pull out.

Evan rushed the kids into the van. “Thank you so much, Officer.”

The cop nodded, and he and his partner jogged off to resume the search.

Evan pulled out of the spot, driving past the rows of police cruisers with flashing lights. Two units at the intersection, parked nose to nose, reversed like a parting gate to let the minivan through.

At the next street, Evan signaled responsibly and then turned. The flashing blue and red lights slid out of his rearview mirror.

Joey tilted her head back and shot a breath at the roof.

* * *