8 PM NEW ORLEANS, A PAYPHONE IN A HOTEL LOBBY

Gerard, tired and frustrated, is dialing a phone number.

A voice on the other end of the phone says, “Agent Haggerty.”

“This is Captain Gerard of the Chicago Fugitive Task Force Division. One of my agents, Kari Holmes, is on special undercover assignment in New Orleans. It imperative that I reach her as soon as possible. Her brother Kyle has been involved in a serious car accident.”

“Of course, Captain. I’ll see if I can contact AD Merriman. He should know how to contact her.”

Gerard grimaces in dismay. Merriman is the last person he wants to know about this deception. “No, wait…”

After a short pause, Haggerty returns. “I’m sorry, sir, Agent Merriman doesn’t seem to be answering his cell phone. I was told he and Holmes were IMing earlier. I may be able to trace her location.”

“Fine. Get on it. Give me Merriman’s cell phone. I’ll keep trying there. If you find the location, call me immediately. My cell phone is 555-283-1212.”

10 PM KARI’S HOTEL ROOM

Richard and Kari are getting ready to leave.  Kari is loading her gun and making sure she has bullets in reserve.  Richard says, “Kari, this is going to sound crazy but I want to go to the warehouse alone tonight.  Don’t come with me.”

“Are you kidding me?  Richard, I’m the cop here.  I’ve got the search warrant.  Without me, you’re just a fugitive who’s breaking and entering. And what about Charnquist? Surely you don’t trust him!”

“Kari, I lost Helen because of this man and I don’t want to lose you.”

Kari’s taken aback by the statement.  “Richard, you’re not going to lose me.”

“Kari, I definitely won’t lose you if you don’t come with me.”

“Sorry, Richard, but I’m in this to the bitter end.  As I said, I’m the cop here.  Don’t tell me how to do my job.  I would never think to sit outside of an operating room and tell you how to do yours.”

“Touché.”

“Look before we leave, I should check and see if Jason has left me any last minute messages on my cell phone.”  She opens up the cell phone and gets a surprised look on her face.  “I’ve got a message.”  She puts the phone up to her ear and as she begins to listen her eyes get wide. 

Richard sees that she’s upset and stands up.  “What is it?”  He hears a noise outside the door.  He looks at Kari and she has put the phone down and is reaching for her gun.

The door flies open and Gerard steps in with his gun pointed directly at Kimble.  Kari is behind Kimble and she has her gun drawn, pointed directly at Gerard.  Kimble is caught between them as they stare at each other, steely-eyed. Neither one blinks.

Gerard speaks first. “Thank you, Holmes, you led me right to him!  Now you can either help me or be taken off to prison yourself!”

Kari remains totally calm. “I’m sorry, Captain, but we’re not going to prison today!”  She cocks the gun….

TO BE CONTINUED…