Emma said, “No sir. Not without you granting us an exclusive interview first.”
“I will give no interviews.”
“I guess you don’t get to see what’s on the camera.”
Ajax said, “Then I will kill the girl.”
Emma said, “Fine, we’ll get it on tape and use that instead of your interview. Either way, we get the news.”
The sounds of feet suddenly sounded on the stairs. The police were coming at a run, and I knew when they entered, Jett Sunday would die.
CHAPTER 20
Ajax glanced at the hallway door and he moved the MAVs closer to Jett’s eye. Then he inched his finger towards the buttons.
I wasn’t sure if Hondo and I were close enough, but we didn’t have any more time. I said, “Look Ajax, you want the copter, you’ll get it, so don’t-” and on the next word, I looked straight into Jett’s eyes, “-faint…in the excitement.”
Jett sagged with her full weight, throwing Ajax off balance. We jumped toward them but Jett wasn’t through. As Ajax was pulled forward, Jett planted her feet and pushed hard with her legs, ramming the top of her head into his jaw. Berenko’s teeth clicked together and his eyes glazed. Hondo and I leapt at them.
Ajax staggered back and his heels hit the blower, throwing him off balance. Jett pushed her body into him and Ajax instinctively threw his hands out to catch himself as he fell.
I reached them first and grabbed Jett by the arm, jerking her away. I used her momentum like a Roller Derby Queen to sling myself shoulder first into Berenko’s chest. I hit him hard and Hondo slammed into both of us. Out of the corner of my
eye, I saw Agent Harris leading a dozen police officers into the room.
Berenko was quick and he jabbed the MAVs at my eye. I blocked his wrist and twisted just as Hondo slammed an elbow at his face, then we hit the floor so hard the wind was knocked out of me.
Almost as soon as I hit, Hondo grabbed me by the belt and jerked me away from Berenko as if I weighed about five pounds.
Hondo started to grab the MAVs, but then I saw him stop, look at Ajax for a second, and stand up. My eyes watered and I tried to get some air in my lungs but was only making squeaking sounds.
Agent Harris came over to stand beside me. He had his pistol in his hand. He patted my back as I stayed bent over, hands on knees, and looked at Ajax Berenko.
The MAVs, still in their plastic sleeve were imbedded needle-first in his tongue and cheek. A tiny bit of foam issued from one corner of his mouth. The buttons were untouched.
Marcus whooped and ran over to me, “That was totally Awesome!” He pounded me on the back and I didn’t have enough breath to tell him to stop.
**
After what seemed like a never-ending rotation of giving similar statements to every law enforcement agency in the world, we were finally allowed to leave the mansion when Harris stepped in and told everybody else that we were through giving statements.
When one of the honchos on the LAPD, a guy named Hodgins objected, Harris said, “If you officers will copy each other’s notes, you’ll have it all, plus some. I’m sure Ms. Storm will also allow you access to the camera footage.” Emma nodded and said, “We can make all of you copies if you’d like.” It looked to me like she remembered the lesson Archie had given her.
Harris continued, “And Hodgins, quit worrying about how much face time you’re getting on the news, okay? You’re just not that good looking.” Hodgins blushed and eased to the back of the crowd.
Harris turned to Hondo and me. He swept his hand to indicate everything, “I don’t know how you did it, but thanks, for all of us.”
Hondo said, “Are you still thinking of arresting Ronny?” I could tell by Hondo’s stance that if Harris said Yes, Hondo was going to clock him and scoot me away to safety. He’s that kind of guy.
Harris scratched his chin, looked at me and said, “Anybody that saves a million lives, I’ve got no beef with them. If anything, I figure I owe them one.” He gave us a little nod, “Why don’t you two heroes get out of here.”
Gaylord was another story. When he saw the GTO and its scars from hitting the iron gates, I thought he was going to have a stroke.
“What-what-what?” He said.
As Emma and Marcus pulled up and got out of the van, I said, “These people want to talk to you.”
“But-but-but…” Gaylord touched the GTO’s hood as if it was a favorite pet that had been wounded.