Lutz joined us in the bull pen after roll call. From the expression he wore, I could tell he was disappointed. I was, too, and I had to make it right, if nothing more than to prove my theory was logical.
Our boss took a seat in my guest chair and rolled his neck. Even though it was eight thirty in the morning, he looked worn down.
“Okay, run me through last night after you all gathered at McCord’s house.”
Henry was first to speak up. I didn’t need anyone’s help, but he came to my defense. We were on the right track, but the train went off the rails last night. Vance would surface—we just had to be ready when he did.
“I think we should chalk up last night to being a practice run,” Henry said. “It was the best plan of action, and he’ll come after Jesse sooner or later. Vance is here to take out Jared Bell first, so maybe he’ll be watching his office today. We can have unmarked units sit on the sidelines and keep their eyes peeled.”
Lutz shook his head. “Last night made more sense under the cover of darkness. Why didn’t they strike then?”
None of us had a response other than the probability of them having grabbed a hotel room for the night.
“I told Jared to hold out one more day. Separating him from his wife and kids just gives the Vance brothers more options.”
Bob nodded as he stood to leave. “So the best excuse to give the chief is what?” He looked directly at me.
“That the plan is still going forward. We’ll have units positioned at Bell’s workplace and at his house. If the Vance brothers are sighted, the officers can take them down by any means necessary. We can still use the cover that the stakeout was for Cruz so we don’t get a beatdown from the FBI.”
Lutz blew out a long breath and patted the doorframe before walking out. “Okay, keep me updated. I’ll call Abrams and get those patrol units put in place.”
After our boss left the bull pen, I squeezed my temples. “He’s pissed and now has to make up a BS story for the chief.”
Potter smirked. “He’s a big boy and will get over it. He’s been on the force long enough to know nothing ever goes according to plan.”
I had to agree and let go of the guilt that weighed me down. “Maybe we should go ahead with that BOLO. This isn’t a pissing match between the Feds and us. What’s most important is getting those maniacs off the street and behind bars.”
“Let’s give it a few hours, partner,” Frank said. “They aren’t going to get close enough to hurt anyone, so let’s see how it plays out.”