Silence

1

22:35 Hours

Maxine stood before the mirror in the women's locker room, examining her reflection. Her top priority was ensuring perfection and captivating the senses. She'd have to play a seductive role, even bordering on erotic, if she wanted any chance of luring this guy out.

Yesterday, she bought a sexy outfit from an adult store and felt embarrassed when she tried it on. The dress was pointelle knit fabric, ruched with a drawstring, and its length fell well above mid-thigh. It had a low V-neck dropping to her sternum with a subtle coverage for her breasts. It hugged her body, highlighting her curves and firmness, and stressed the fullness of her chest. At its center bottom hung a drawstring, allowing her to adjust its length to just below her crotch.

As she backed away from the mirror to get the full effect, she took in her black, over-the-knee, laced-up boots, hugging her calves.

I can't believe I'm doing this.

As she turned to look at her back and how the seem fell below her cheeks, it amazed her at how sexy she could look. At that point, her nerves overwhelmed her. Especially when she heard Bongiovanni's sickening voice outside of the locker room.

His loud and arrogant tone made her cringe. She remembered two days earlier when Kelly went after him. The memory made her smile. She bit her lower lip, looking at herself in the mirror.

And that day, William Kelly, I fell in love with you.

Max remembered him with Bongiovanni and withstanding the attack of the two asshole detectives. He exuded an irresistible allure, his presence captivating with undeniable appeal.

He filled me with an electric energy that heightened my senses. He's so hot!

Kelly defending her was enough to leave her heart racing.

As Maxine remembered that moment, she felt a tantalizing mixture of seduction and desire. Being near him was like being enveloped in a warm embrace, a rush of heat that sent shivers down her spine.

Why not Kelly? You'll love this.

Max let go of her inhibitions, though just for a moment, she felt playful and wanted to share it with him. She went to the countertop and took her cell from her pocketbook. Then, going back to the mirror, Maxine posed.

She put her hand across her forehead, feeling the warmth of her skin through the fabric of her sleeve. Her hair teased, creating a playful, lustful look. She pulled in her cheeks, creating deep hollows, and puffed her lips, giving herself a seductive pout. She placed one leg in front of the other, the drawstring cinching around her waist. Then she took a selfie, showcasing her front side and back.

"Maxie," shouted Bongiovanni. "Are you ready?"

Ignoring him, she opened her contacts and found Kelly's number. With a quick glance, she double-checked the pictures, attached them, and then clicked send.

After going to her locker, she pulled out a single-breasted, long black trench coat and buttoned it to the top.

Sally Bongiovanni, you'll never see this. Ever!

2

Maxine sat in the back of the blacked-out SUV as asshole detective number one pulled onto Wall Road and passed the bus terminal.

Bongiovanni was in the passenger's seat, and asshole detective number two was in the rear driver's side seat. Max saw Six-three David parked, with the lights out, as if they were riding out the shift.

As she took her cell from her pocketbook, her fingers trembled with nervous anticipation. She opened Kelly's number, the screen glowing with a soft blue light, and started typing.

22:58

ME Don't forget me.

22:58

K Never.

She looked out of the window and saw the bus terminal. The LED overheads illuminated it within the canopy and massive poles that looked like stadium lights.

"When's the next train due?" Bongiovanni asked the driver. "Not until 030 hours. We've got ninety minutes to stay visual, then we'll lose her for ten or so."

"Six three David on Tac-Two," said

"Send your traffic," said Kelly.

"Take up your post at Wall and Fifth behind the bus depot. Maintain radio silence until further notice. In the event of your activation, proceed at code-three as directed."

"Six-three David, solid copy. Ten-nine that location and dark."

Their black SUV pulled up to Sheridan and Claire, parking in the dim section of the street. The car still ran, but all the lights went dim. She was quick to put her cell phone into her purse, just in case something happened and she needed to get to Kelly and Keegan.

She pulled her trench coat tight around her chest, knowing that the three assholes would see her on full display. Not wanting to attract more attention, she resisted the urge to check her makeup in front of them. She focused on maintaining eye contact instead.

"Alright, sweetheart," said Bongiovanni. "It's go time."

He bent his head around the seat, his flirtatious looks and gestures gone.

I guess he got the hint after Kelly almost kicked his ass.

"Your wires are good. Everything works properly, and we have four unmarked in the area, so you're covered. Do you remember your trigger phrase?" he asked.

"These boots are killing me," she said.

He nodded and returned to his normal posture. He looked at her in the rearview mirror and sniffled before he pinched his nose.

"If at any time you feel unsafe, you can bail. I don't mean if some vagrant or homeless guy hits on you. And I don't mean one of these kids getting frisky and mouthy with you, either."

"I know, detective. Only if I feel my life is in danger. Then I complain about my boots."

Max had to walk two blocks once she reached Station Road. And from where they were on Sheridan, she couldn't see much. She rubbed the sleeve of her coat and felt the anxiety building.

She felt awkward and didn't know whether to go or wait for one of them to send her. The silence and indifference surrounding them at this moment was chilling. Their faces were intense and uncertain, leaving her unsure if they were angry or focused on the operation's risks. It didn't matter because she prayed, seeking comfort and protection from God.

She heard the empty static that comes before a broadcast. And when Central Dispatch spoke over the main channel, terror overcame her.

"The time is twenty-three-zero-one hours. Central Operator, one-five-seven, Heights Police forty-nine, station number K.G. 49 Bravo. Six-Three Precinct in service. Good evening. Stay alert—stay alive. Stay alert—stay alive."

"It's time," said Bongiovanni. "Good luck, and stay safe."

That's it? After all the flirting and touching, sweetheart, sweetie, and Maxie, that's what I get? What a douchebag.

As Maxine opened the door, an icy gust made her shiver, sending a chill up her dress. She took several deep breaths as she stepped from the car onto the street. She looked up at the bright fluorescent lights emanating from the bus station and sighed.

"Okay," she said. Max unbuttoned her coat and took it off one sleeve at a time. When she turned back toward the car and put it on the seat, she noticed that none of them were looking at her.

Maxine closed the door and stepped onto the sidewalk. She secured her pocketbook over her right shoulder and held onto her phone, feeling its shape through the fabric.

Taking a deep breath, she committed to portraying the character. Every step she took was deliberate, as she focused on flexing and moving her curves and legs with precision. And when she got to the corner and had a clear view of the train station, boldness overtook her.

Maxine stopped and opened her pocketbook. She rummaged through her purse until she found her lipstick, then pressed her lips together, adding a last layer for a flawless finish. As she reached into her bag, her hand found a small mirror, which she used to check her teeth with a rapid tongue swipe.

"All units," said Bongiovanni. "Embed is a go, twenty-three-zero-four. Maintain posture and good luck."

And here we go.

3

Up ahead of her were a few teens, maybe twenty-something boys, on their skateboards. They would get up enough speed, then jump off the platform, their boards twisting and turning before a perfect landing.

When she passed the bus depot, she smelled the scent of perfume wafting from the cars, where girls about the same age sat with their windows down.

Several high school boys, sporting varsity jackets from Saint Gabriel's, lounged on their car hoods and flirted. The girls leaned out of the windows, eager for excitement.

Multiple teens in the parking lot. I count six cars, and there are five skateboarders up ahead.

She strutted up the street, pretending to ignore everything until she neared the platform. And that's when it started.