C1Victoria2

"Let go of me bitch!"

"What, you don't like it rough?" Michelle tightened her grip on her prisoner's wrists.

"OW! Fuc." Lonnie began

"Hey, watch your language Bubba. There's a lady present." Nash scolded.

Lonnie glanced around the room. "Yeah, where?"

Michelle stomped her foot into Lonnie's knee and pushed him to the ground.

Nash laughed as Lonnie cried out in anguish. "Stop her. The cow's hurting me." He twisted violently, breaking free of Michelle's grasp. He scrambled to his feet, but didn't get more than two paces before Michelle was able to tackle him again.

Grabbing Lonnie by the hair, Michelle twisted his injured arm behind his back. "Kiss the floor asshole."

"I'd listen to her if I were you Bubba. She gets a mite ornery when someone pisses her off." Nash pulled his chirping cell phone from his suit jacket pocket, and flipped it open. "Nash."

"Hey boss. It's Harvey."

"What's up?" Nash asked halfheartedly. His attention was still focused on the grudge match in front of him. Joe and Michelle were trying to wrestle Lonnie's massive six-foot, nine-inch frame into a pair of handcuffs.

"I've got a lead on the 'Cuda."

"Talk to me," Nash said curtly.

"It's in the basement of Shapiro's home."

Nash interrupted. "Harvey, we were just there. It came up clean."

"I know, but apparently you and Joe missed something. It's under the parking garage attached to his house. I'm on the way there now."

"Son of a." Nash was skeptical. "Can we trust your witness?"

"I think so boss." Harvey was stalling. He was in no hurry to tell Nash that their only witness was a six-year-old boy. "My information comes from a very.reliable source."

Nash seemed satisfied. "Ok, Joe and I are finished at the warehouse. We'll meet you there. Is Evan with you?"

"No. I left him at Shapiro's office." Harvey pulled into the driveway of an immaculate, highly decorated estate overlooking San Francisco Bay. "Did you reach Michelle?"

"Yeah, she's fine. Lonnie destroyed her car. Smashed it to bits. She's a little miffed."

Harvey chuckled. "I can imagine." He did not ever want to get on Michelle's bad side. Harvey drove up the winding driveway towards the house. Humphrey Shapiro's palatial property was sprawled out in front of him. Harvey could hear Lonnie swearing in the background. He feared it was a loosing battle.for Lonnie.

Motioning to Joe, Nash headed for the exit. "I'll send Michelle over to Shapiro's office to give Evan a hand once she's finished with Lonnie. Any luck finding your car?"

"Not yet." Harvey pulled to a stop behind two black and whites. "Evan was going to see if he could get access to the roof, but I told him to wait for backup."

"Good. If we get lucky, this could be finished by breakfast. Keep me posted." The line went dead in Harvey's hand. He closed his cell phone and glanced sideways at his passenger. "Teddy, now I want you to show me where the yellow car is hidden, ok?"

"OK!"

Harvey pulled his tired, bruised body out of Ronnie's red Pinto. He felt his back crack, and groaned. The sooner he got his car back the better. Harvey followed Teddy across the grass to the detached four-car garage located on the edge of the property. They moved inside.

"Where is it Teddy?" Harvey asked.

"Over here." Teddy crossed the garage and opened a panel. He punched in a code, and a false wall opened up in front of them to reveal a secret elevator. The doors slid open. Teddy stepped inside eagerly. "C'mon Harvey!" The boy was obviously excited at the prospect of sharing his hideout with his new friend.

Harvey gave orders to a couple of cops working nearby. "Cover the entrance for me. No one goes in or out without my permission." The officers nodded in acknowledgement. "And let me know as soon as Nash and Joe get here." Harvey pulled his gun from its holster and stepped tentatively into the small elevator. He closed his eyes as it dropped beneath the earth.

"Are you sick?" Teddy's small voice was filled with concern.

"No. I'm ok. I just don't like closed in places." Harvey's stomach turned over as the elevator came to a stop. The doors opened, and Harvey peered into the darkness. "Teddy, you stay behind me."

Harvey stepped out of the elevator and glided quietly across the floor. He didn't really expect anyone to be there, but he had to be careful just the same. Suddenly the room was flooded with light. Harvey spun around with his weapon raised to see who had flicked on the lights. He sighed heavily then barked, "Teddy! I told you to stay behind me."

Teddy's faced dropped at the sound of anger in Harvey's voice. "I j-just wanted to turn on the lights."

"No, I'm sorry Teddy. I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm glad you found the lights." Harvey wasn't so sure he was happy however, since the bright glow of fluorescent lights also told Harvey that the room was empty. Damn. Nash is going to be pissed. Suddenly the floor shifted under his feet.

"What the." Harvey backed up against the wall and watched in amazement as Nash's car rose slowly from the depths. He could see why Teddy loved this place so much. "Cool."

Teddy clapped his hands together and jumped happily around the car. "See, I told you it was here Harvey." Climbing on top of the 'Cuda, Teddy dropped inside. Harvey dreaded Nash's reaction if the kid scratched his paint job. Harvey noticed that Teddy's shoes had already deposited several dirty skid-marks on the pristine white seats.

"Good job Teddy. Just be careful in there ok?"

Teddy's voice squeaked with glee. "Kay."

Harvey took in his surroundings. They were in one large room. The walls were carved stone. And unless there was another false panel hidden somewhere, Harvey couldn't figure out how they were going to get the 'Cuda out of there.

"Teddy, do you know how your brother got the car in here?"

"Sure. He drove it in." Teddy said simply.

Harvey smiled and tried again. "Yes, but how? The walls are solid rock."

"Underground tunnels." Teddy remarked casually. "He came in from below. I saw him do it."

Harvey swallowed nervously. Underground tunnels. Harvey pulled out his cell phone and dialed. A hollow sounding female voice clicked over the phone line. "The cellular customer you are trying to reach is currently out of the service area.." Where was Nash? He never was more than two steps from his phone. Harvey decided the best thing to do was take the plunge, and drive the car out himself. "Ok Teddy. Show me." Harvey yanked open the door to the 'Cuda and climbed in behind the wheel.

Teddy pulled a small device out of his jeans and pointed it towards the control panel on the wall. The floor sank slowly. Harvey's grip on the steering wheel tightened as the metal grates slid back into place above them. Taking slow even breaths, Harvey started the 'Cuda. As the headlights pierced the darkness Harvey could feel his throat tighten. A blank wall blocked their path. They were trapped!

Teddy climbed out of the car and disappeared into the abyss. "Be right back."

Harvey's heart pounded in his chest. He waited. Alone. He closed his eyes. Sometimes it helped if he concentrated on other things. Wide, open spaces usually did the trick. Harvey pictured fields of wheat. The wind caressed his cheek, and he could hear birds chirping. Harvey raised his head and opened his eyes expectantly. Instead of blue sky, he met the cold blackness surrounding him.

Harvey froze in terror. Where was he? A jarring metal sound startled him back to reality. The void was filled with the sound of machinery grinding its gears. Harvey watched as the walls slide back to reveal a man-made tunnel.

Teddy climbed back into the car. Harvey was going to have to teach the boy how to use the door before Nash skinned him alive. "Ready?" Teddy bobbed his head up and down eagerly. Harvey put the car into gear and drove into the dark, low tunnels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Captain Bridges. It's a pleasure to meet you. Finally." The Boss' tone was warm, and welcoming. The five mean looking thugs behind him with automatic weapons however, disproved his happy statement.

"I can't say the feeling's mutual Bubba," Nash retorted.

Clicking his tongue together and hissing like snake, The Boss shook his head. "I'm hurt. You and Inspector Dominguez are my welcome guests. I should think that you'd be happy. After all, you've been looking for me and my associates for sometime."

Joe held up his hand and corrected, "Um, Humphrey ol' chap.I believe, that's looking for my associates and myself.for quite some time."

The Boss bowed his head graciously, "I stand corrected. Thank-you Inspector."

"No problem, man."

"Can we get on with this?" Nash said impatiently. "Why don't you and your associates hand over your weapons, and we'll take you into custody?"

The Boss was not impressed with Nash's attempt at levity. "I'm afraid that won't be possible, Captain."

"How 'bout next week. I think we're free on." Joe started.

"Enough!" The Boss stabbed the air with his walking stick. "Trevor's unfortunate incarceration has forced me to adjust my timetable. You and your partner here will be dining in tonight. With my compliments." The Boss waved his hand. Trevor slipped into the shipping container.

Taking in their stunned reactions, Trevor cackled. "Pleasure to see you again, gentleman."

Joe was dumbfounded. "Trevor, what're you doin' here man? You're under lock and key at."

"Did you really think that cage was going to hold me forever?" Trevor taunted. "You guys really are as stupid as you look!"

Joe stepped towards Trevor. "Look who's calling the kettle back.Pizza-boy."

"Ooooo.such wit." Trevor mocked. "The Latino-lizard strikes again!"

"What you gonna do about it, huh string-bean?" Joe inched closer.

"I don't know, give me a minute El Stupido."

Joe stabbed Trevor in the chest with his finger. "Were you born with that face or did your Momma hit you with a cheese grater?!"

"Dude." Looking down at Joe's finger, Trevor shook his head sadly. Two seconds later Trevor punched Joe in the stomach. "Consider that payback. I've still got a headache from that whack in the head you gave me this morning."

Nash stepped in before Trevor had a chance to do anymore damage. He helped Joe to his feet "You've underestimated my patience, Bubba." Nash shook his finger in Trevor's face. "You and the funky bunch over here are going down."

The Boss interrupted once more, "As much as I hate to break up this happy reunion, I have a schedule to keep. Now, are you pleased with your accommodations?"

"Oh it's lovely," was Joe's sarcastic reply. He looked around the shipping container bleakly. "The finest in ocean excursions. Rent-A-Tub, and get to Shanghai in less than six months!"

Nash tried to reason with their captors. "Look Shapiro, as soon as my team notices that we're missing."

"Who says they'll be around to notice?" The Boss flicked his cell phone open and dialed. "Phil.We're ready here. Yes, set it for 15 minutes.Excellent." The Boss closed his phone. "I can see you're confused Captain, so I lay it out for you. Very soon I'll be rid of you, and your motley group of detectives."

"What kinda of nutty plan you got rattling round in that head of yours Shapiro?" Nash demanded.

"Evan Cortez, Harvey Leek, Michelle Chan, Joe Dominguez and Captain Nash Bridges will be dead in a matter of minutes. Three vehicles, plus three explosions equals five dead cops. The math is quite simple."

"You're a lunatic!" Joe sputtered.

"Why, yes I believe I am. Goodnight Gentleman." The Boss left his unhappy guests behind as he and his minions exited the dark metal box.

Backing out of the shipping container, Trevor gave Nash and Joe a saucy wave. "Aw.sorry dudes. But I did tell you to find your car before it ended up in a thousand pieces. Too bad you didn't take my advice Bridges." The door slammed shut with a hollow thud.

Joe looked around their prison. "Well, look on the bright side Nashman. At least we found Evan's truck."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Both cops stood awestruck. The room they had just entered was surrounded on all four sides by steel and glass. Harvey's car spun around like a showroom model on an enormous platform. Floodlights, positioned every few feet along the base, highlighted the Ranchero's classic lines. The car was almost luminescent. Michelle and Evan watched it spin silently for several minutes before speaking.

Evan broke the silence. "What I'd like to know is how they got that thing up here."

"Freight elevator?"

Evan shook his head. "Uh, uh.not big enough. I checked. Besides, how did they get it up here? The freight elevator only goes up to the Penthouse. It's just not possible."

"Maybe they flew it in using a helicopter." Michelle walked around the room, checking for the control panel. Harvey's car continued to spin in the opposite direction like a prized jewel. "And really Cortez, what does it matter?"

"Well, Michelle. since we have to get it down, I thought it might be a good idea to figure out how they got it up here in the first place."

Michelle cried out. "Ah, ha.found it."

Slowly the Ranchero ground to a halt. Evan jumped up on the platform. Lifting a panel on the floor, he dropped inside.

"Evan, what are you doing?" Michelle couldn't hear his reply. The layers of structural steel, and metal plating covering the floor muffled Evan's voice. She hopped up next to the hole and stuck her head inside. "What?"

"I said." Evan repeated, "I'm trying to see if maybe there's another elevator built underneath this platform. There has to be a way to get the Ranchero off the roof."

"Ok Evan, you go ahead. " Michelle perched herself on the edge of Harvey's car. "But I don't think it's going to do any good."

"Yeah, and why is that?"

Michelle smiled. "Because hotshot, if there was an elevator shaft under this platform, there would have been some evidence of it in Shapiro's spacious two storey apartment. This structure is built directly above the master bedroom. Kinda hard to miss a hole that big, don't ya think?"

Evan stood up and wiped the dust from his pants. Black grease covered his face and neck. Evan frowned at the look of smug satisfaction on Michelle's face. "Oh." He was speechless for a moment. "Well, uh I thought. I mean, you never know."

"Uh, huh!" Michelle licked the tip of her finger and marked the air. Score one for the girls. She dug into her coat pocket for her ringing cell. "Hello. Michelle Chan speak."

Nash's curt tone cut across her greeting. "Where are you?"

"Evan and I are on the roof of Shap." Michelle began.

"Can you get out?" Nash barked.

"Yeah sure." Michelle looked over at open hatch she and Evan had come through minutes before. "Nash what's wron."

"Listen. Just get out of there. Fast. Shapiro's rigged a bomb to go off in approximately 13 and half minutes. Joe and I are trapped with Evan's truck in a shipping container near the docks. And according to Shapiro, there's another one set to blow up Harvey and the 'Cuda."

"A bomb?" Michelle said in disbelief. "Nash, are you."

"Just get out of there. And I need to talk to Evan."

Michelle motioned Evan out of the hole. She handed him the phone and ran towards the opening in the floor. Swinging her legs onto the top rung, Michelle started her descent down the ladder.

Evan held the phone up to his ear. "Nash.?"

"What's Harvey's new cell phone number? Joe and I need his help diffusing this bomb before it goes off in our faces."

Evan rattled off the numbers. He dropped to his knees to check underneath the Ranchero for any signs of a bomb. "Nash, I can't see anything. Maybe Shapiro was lying."

"OUT, now!" Nash ordered. "Harvey's car can be replaced, you and Michelle can't. If you need to reach us, I've got your cell phone."

"My cell.?"

"It was lying on the floor in your truck. I guess we got lucky. You and Michelle get your asses out of there. We've got just over 11 minutes left." Nash disconnected.

Evan was about to leave when he saw the unfamiliar shape in the back of Harvey's Ranchero. Leaning over and grabbing the edge of the rough canvas, Evan hesitated for a millisecond before flipping the tarp back. "Shit!" The bomb's digital display read 10 minutes and 57 seconds. He raced for the exit. Michelle's head popped out just as he was about to climb into the escape hatch.

"We're trapped!" Michelle exclaimed as she crawled out. "The access to the penthouse has been closed off. I only got about five feet. A solid metal plate is blocking our path."

"What kind of plate? We were just down there five minutes ago!"

Michelle collapsed on the floor. "I think it's probably solid core steel, or maybe titanium."

"We should be able to break through somehow. Did you try to."

Michelle bit her lip nervously. "Evan. I tried! It won't budge."

"What are we going to do?" Evan walked over to the window and looked down. They were seventy-five stories up. There was no way out.

"Let's smash the glass!" Michelle leapt to her feet. "We can jump down onto the penthouse roof."

"It's almost thirty feet. We'd break our necks."

Michelle prowled around their spacious prison like a caged tiger. "Yeah, well I'd rather break my leg than be blown apart into a million pieces."

Evan walked back to the car. "Do you know anything about disarming bombs?"

"Not a thing. What about you?"

"No. Harvey's the expert." Evan tried Harvey's number. The line was busy. Evan looked again at the ticking bomb. 10 minutes, 02 seconds.

Michelle grabbed the arm of Evan's leather jacket. "Call the bomb squad. They can talk us through it."

"Right." Evan dialed number to the SFPD bomb disposal unit. "C'mon,answer!"

A chipper female voice answered the line. "Good Evening, San Francisco Police Department. How may I help you?"

"This is Inspector Cortez. Connect me to the."

"I'm sorry sir, but the office is closed. Is it possible for you call back Monday morning?"

"Monday? No, I need someone right now."

Non-plussed, the pleasant voice on the line continued. "Certainly sir, do you know the extension of the person you are calling?"

"Look lady, I'm trapped with a ticking bomb. Just connect me to somebody. Anybody!"

"Please hold."

"Excuse me." The answering service Musac station clicked in with an acoustical version of 'Wanted Dead or Alive' by Bon Jovi. "I don't believe this."

Michelle pulled a hand impatiently through her long black hair. "What?"

"They put me on hold!"

"You're kidding." Michelle started pacing again.

Evan shook his head in disgust. "No, I'm not." Evan watched the seconds ticking on the bomb. 8 minutes and 42 seconds. 41 seconds. 40 seconds. 39 seconds. 38 seconds. "Argh, we don't have time for this."

"Hello, Inspector?"

Evan looked up. "Yes?!"

"I haven't been able to reach anyone. Do you wish to leave a number for the on call person to get back to you?"

"How long is that going to take?"

The Operator hesitated. "It shouldn't be more than five or ten minutes."

"Ten minutes.?" Evan choked. "I've only got eight minutes left!"

"I'm sorry. I'll try to get someone for you right away. What's your number?"

Evan proceeded to give the operator his cell number.

Michelle punched him in the arm. "My number, you idiot."

"Oh yeah, right." Evan stammered. He gave her the right number, and then hung up the cell phone. "I guess we'll just have to wait."

"Evan, we have to do something. I don't want to just sit here."

"Well, what do you suggest we do?"

Michelle snapped her fingers. "Try Nash."

"But." Evan protested.

"Just do it!"

Evan dialed the number. "Busy. He's probably still talking to Harvey."

Defeated, Michelle sat down on the edge of the platform. Evan handed her the cell phone. "Here. You might as well take it back."

"Thanks."

Evan sat down next to Michelle. "I'm sure one of the guys will call." They both stared at the cell phone in Michelle's hands. The phone remained silent.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harvey stopped the 'Cuda and turned off the engine. He did not like the way things were progressing. They had come to a dead end. That's it, we're never going to get out of here. Harvey could feel the knots in his stomach tighten.

"It wasn't here before Harvey. Honest. Maybe there's 'nother secret panel?" Teddy offered hopefully from the passenger seat.

Harvey could see at once that it wasn't likely. Heavy steel plates were welded to the surface of the doors in front of them, and a massive chain with padlocks crisscrossed across the front for good measure. It was definitely designed to keep them trapped inside the tunnel.

"Thanks Teddy, but I'm afraid we'll just have to go back." Harvey knew the tunnels weren't wide enough for him to turn the car around. Which meant backing up. It was going to take forever.

Harvey opened the car door and got out. He pulled his mini-flashlight from his pocket and moved towards the blocked exit. Swinging his light back and forth, he surveyed the tunnel. It was definitely a dead end. No other passages led off to the side, and the walls were solid. They weren't getting the car out this way.

"Harvey."

Harvey dropped his flashlight. He had failed to notice the small child get out of the car and walk up behind him. "Teddy, you startled me." Being closed up in the tunnels was wrecking havoc with Harvey's radar.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to help you." Teddy's voice trembled. "This is all my fault."

Harvey bent his knees, lowered himself down on to the balls of his feet and looked Teddy in the eyes. "No it's not! You've been a great help."

"Really?"

Harvey smiled. "Yes really."

"Gee, you're just as nice as Batman."

"Why thank-you Teddy." Harvey chuckled. "Now, I need a few minutes to figure things out. Can you wait for me in the car?"

"Sure!" Teddy stepped on the front bumper and crawled over the top of the 'Cuda.

Harvey winced as Teddy's knees made miniscule dents in Nash's hood. "Um, Teddy."

"Yeah?"

"Try to use the door next time, ok kiddo?" Harvey removed his jacket and vest, and tossed them both on the hood.

"Ok." Teddy swung his legs over the windshield and dropped onto the front seat.

Harvey shook his head in amusement. Nash was definitely going to have a fit when he saw his car. Pulling his cell phone out of his pocket, he tried Nash's number again. "The cellular customer you are trying to reach is out of the service area." He tried Michelle's number. Busy signal. Harvey paced back in forth in front of the 'Cuda. The car's headlights illuminated his pale features. Harvey hesitated for a minute before dialing Joe's cell phone. "The number you have dialed is temporarily out of service. Please check the number you are dialing and try your call again.." Sighing softly, Harvey punched in one more number.

The phoned clicked as Cassidy picked up the line. "Hello. Bridges' residence."

"Hi Cassidy." Retrieving his flashlight from the dirt, Harvey peered up at the ceiling. It seemed to be pressing down on him. "It's Harvey." He put up his arm as if to stop it from crashing down.

"Hey Harv. What's up?" Cassidy responded cheerfully.

"Have you heard from your Dad recently?" Harvey glanced over at Teddy. He was now bouncing up and down on the front seat.

"No. I haven't talked to him all day. Class."

Harvey cut her off. "I tried his cell phone, but it's not working."

Cassidy was puzzled. "That's strange. He never goes anywhere without checking it first."

Harvey wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Look, Cassidy. If you hear from him, have him call me on my cell phone."

"Sure Harvey. Whatever you need." The line was silent for a moment then Cassidy added. "Is everything ok?"

"Fine sweetheart," Harvey said in a lighthearted tone. He didn't want Cassidy to get upset. "I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. His battery's probably dead, or something. It happens." Was Harvey trying to convince Cassidy, or himself?

"Right. Call me back when you reach him. If it's not too late."

"Will do." Harvey hit End. At this rate he had half a mind to abandon Nash's car at the end of the tunnel and walk out. He was about to dial Michelle's number again when his phone rang. "Inspector Leek."

"Harv. Did you find the 'Cuda?" Nash sounded tense.

"Nash." Harvey started to explain his current predicament. "Yes, I've been trying to reach."

Nash's next words filled him with terror. "Shapiro's planted a bomb in my car. Can you leave?"

"No." Harvey looked over at Teddy sitting calmly in the front seat. "Nash are you.?"

"Positive. Joe and I are trapped with Evan's truck, and another bomb. They're set to go off in about 10 minutes." Springing into action, Harvey crossed over to the car and yanked open the door. "He's got one rigged to the Ranchero too, but Michelle and Evan managed to escape." Nash continued to talk, but Harvey was only half listening. He took Teddy by the hand and helped him out of the car.

"Harvey, what's wrong?" Teddy's voice trembled when he saw Harvey's worried expression.

Nash continued. "Joe and I need your help to."

"Nash, hold on a minute," Harvey interrupted.

"Bubba we don't have a minute. We've only got."

Harvey moved the phone away from his ear. He knelt down in front of Teddy. "Teddy, I need you to do a very brave thing. I want you to run down the tunnel as fast as you can."

Teddy grabbed hold of Harvey's arm. "Aren't you coming with me?"

"No. Teddy, you have to go! It's dangerous for you to stay here." Harvey had to get him out of there, even if it meant frightening him. Why had he brought Teddy along? It was stupid. And now the boy might die because of Harvey's fears and paranoia.

"But Harv."

Harvey stopped Teddy's protests with a sharp word. "No arguments. Run, and don't stop."

"I-I'm scared." Teddy started to cry. "Can't you come with me?"

"No. I have to stay here with the car. I know this is scary, but it'll be ok. I promise." Harvey looked into the child's frightened eyes. "Please Teddy, you have to run quickly. And don't stop. Promise me."

Teddy sobbed, "I promise." Still crying, the boy turned and disappeared into the inky blackness. Harvey put the phone back to his ear.

Nash was getting impatient. ".going on? Harvey?"

Harvey shone his flashlight under the car. "Nash, tell me what you see."

"It's under the hood. They've got it rigged to the battery. I can't tell if that's the power source, or not."

"Probably not." Harvey moved around to the driver's side, still looking for the bomb rigged to Nash's car. He listened to Nash explain the mechanisms of their bomb and felt certain it could be disarmed without too much difficulty. As Nash asked his next question, Harvey bolted upright and clasped the edge of the 'Cuda. "NO! Don't cut any wires! You'll set it off."

"Stop!" Nash relayed to Joe. "Don't do anything."

Harvey continued his search. He had to disarm this bomb. And soon.

"Harvey, what do we do? We've got approximately."

"Eight minutes." Harvey saw the red digital timer ticking down on the device attached to the Cuda's right front axle. "Shit!" Harvey turned over on his back and squeezed himself under the car.

"D'ya find it?"

"Unfortunately." Harvey replied ominously.

"And?" Nash asked.

"Not good. Whoever designed this thing knew their stuff. There's enough C4 here to put a hole in China." Harvey held his cell phone and penlight in one hand as he studied the mechanisms, and checked the wires leading to the main detonator. Harvey blinked. One wrong move and they'd be forwarding his mail to the hereafter. He tried to ignore the pressure of the darkness closing in around him. Focus.

"Harvey, should we.?" Nash's voice broke Harvey's concentration.

He had to pay attention. Three lives depended on him. "No, don't do that. I need you to remove the outer casing. You should be able to just pry it off."

Nash sounded skeptical. "Bubba, not to criticize. But do ya think it's a good idea to poke a ticking bomb like it's last Sunday's pot roast?"

"It should be fine." Harvey reassured him. "If there were any booby-traps you would have set them off as soon as you popped the hood. I doubt the guy who made your bomb was too worried about precision."

"Comforting." Nash mumbled.

"Have you got it?" Harvey prodded. Working on both devices at once was taxing Harvey's brain. He needed all his attention for the challenge in front of him. "Ok, this is what I need you to do." Harvey explained how to maneuver around the circuits and wires. Several times he had to force himself to concentrate on what Nash was saying. Harvey's bomb was extremely complex. Disarming it was taking a great deal of effort. And being pinned under Nash's car didn't help the situation. 6 minutes, 51 seconds.

Harvey listened to Nash's side of the conversation as he and Joe worked on their bomb, per Harvey's instructions. "That's not going to work. No, over there. Harvey said not to do that. Wait! Not yet..Joe, don't start." They were obviously having trouble. Harvey smiled. "Why don't you try a hat pin?"

Nash was not impressed. "Don't get smart Bubba."

Harvey knew that he was pushing it, but he needed a distraction from the oppressiveness. Wiping the sweat out of his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt, he cursed softly as the cell phone slipped out of his hand. He fumbled around in the dirt behind him. Nash's voice sounded hollow, as if he was a hundred miles away. 5 minutes, 38 seconds. Harvey's hand contacted the cool, sleek plastic casing.

Returning the phone quickly to his ear Harvey heard Nash exclaim, "The timer stopped!"

"Great." Harvey said flatly. "Don't touch it. The bomb squad will have to remove it from the truck. But it shouldn't go off now."

Nash shot back, "Shouldn't? What do you mean, shouldn't?"

Harvey sighed with exasperation. As soon as this was over he was going to make sure everyone at the SIU took a course in bomb disposal. "Just don't monkey around with it, and you'll be fine. And whatever you do, don't start the truck!"

"Got it. How.?"

"Nash, can we finish this conversation later? I'm sort of preoccupied right now."

"Right. Good luck." Nash hung up the phone. Harvey dropped his cell phone in the dirt and focused all of his attention on the task at hand. However, not more than ten seconds had passed before the phone at his side started ringing. He ignored it. Whoever it was, they were going to have to call back. He didn't have time for anymore distractions.

The phone continued incessantly. "Argh." Harvey clasped the cell phone to his ear and barked, "This had better be good!"

"Har-y, it's Ev" The line was full of static. Harvey could barely hear what his partner was saying. "...need you. We have to-get.you.to help-this."

"Ev man, whatever it is, can't it wait? I'm kinda busy at the moment." Harvey shifted. He was having trouble accessing the primary.

"No! Michelle.are trapped.top-the Shap.Tow-ers"

Harvey bumped his head as he raised himself onto one elbow. "What?! Nash said you guys got out."

Evan words barely pierced the static. "No man.hatch-was block."

"Evan?" Harvey raised his voice. It echoed around him. "Evan, are you there?"

"Yeah.try to-out. How.stop it?" Evan was yelling. "We -ried.but I can't."

Harvey tried again. "You're fading out. Evan?"

".rvey? Michelle.I can't fig-.-out. -need you.help!" The phone went dead in Harvey's hand.

"Evan! Hello? Ev." Harvey tapped his phone, but the line would not come back.

Harvey slumped back and looked up at the bomb. It hadn't stopped ticking, but he had almost forgotten about it. His conversation with Evan had wasted valuable time. 3 minutes, 47 seconds. "Damn." Harvey was in deep trouble, but he couldn't give up on his friends. He quickly dialed Michelle's number. "C'mon, c'mon, pick-up!" The phone rang over and over again. Evan did not answer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Teddy stood frozen in the dark. He gulped for air. He was tired. He couldn't run anymore. But he had promised Harvey he wouldn't stop. He had to be brave, for Harvey. Teddy started running again, but his legs were getting sore. He could barely move.

Teddy listened to the sound of his own breathing. It filled the space around him.

Teddy thought he heard someone moving around in the dark. "Hello?" Teddy held his breath and waited. "Can somebody help me?" No one was there.

Teddy started to cry again. This was scary. He sat down in the dirt. "I'm sorry Harvey."

Teddy wanted his brother. Cameron always made things better. Maybe Cameron's upstairs waiting for me! Teddy put his hands on the ground and pushed himself back up onto his legs. He started walking. He stopped. There was almost no light in the tunnel. Teddy didn't know which way to go.

Teddy turned, disoriented. Then he saw a bright light shining through the darkness. He followed it. The ground under his feet was uneven. Teddy cried out as he tripped over some rocks. He moved closer. He slipped through a narrow opening into a brightly-lit room. Teddy sighed. Maybe somebody in here could help him.

"Wow!" Teddy looked around the room. It was filled with computers. But they weren't anything like the one in Cameron's office. These were much bigger. Plus, they made all sorts of funny whirring sounds.

Then Teddy saw something in the back of the room. It was a cot. And somebody was sleeping on it. Teddy rushed over excitedly. "Me and my friend Harvey need your help. Do you know how to get out of here?" The figure was motionless. Teddy moved closer. "Hello?" He tapped the man on the shoulder. Nothing. Teddy grabbed at the man's sleeve and jerked it towards him. The body on the narrow cot flipped over. What was his brother doing here? Teddy shook his brother's arm. "Cameron, wake up!" His brother didn't move. "Cameron?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harvey held his breath. Just a few more seconds and he'd have it. Letting the air out of his lungs, Harvey disconnected the final wire. "Gotcha!" And he had a whole 32 seconds to spare. Piece of cake. Harvey dropped his hands onto his chest. He watched the numbers blinking back at him. He closed his eyes and mentally counted down the remaining time.

His thoughts shifted to Evan and Michelle. Harvey prayed they were all right. He switched off his flashlight. He wanted to be alone in the dark. For the first time since this crazy case had started, he welcomed the stillness.

After a few moments, he opened his eyes. He desperately needed to get out from underneath Nash's car. Harvey wiggled free of the Cuda and stood up, and then remembered that he had left his phone sitting on the ground. "Ah." His phone started ringing. Harvey knelt down beside the car and felt around for his wayward cell.

Harvey answered his phone. "Evan.?"

"No Harvey. It's Nash. Good to hear your voice Bubba."

Harvey rested one arm on the 'Cuda and clasped the other on his head. "Nash, have you heard from Evan or Michelle?"

"No. Why?"

"They didn't get out man."

"What?! How do you know? Michelle said."

"Evan called just after you hung up. His cell died. And I couldn't get him back. I tried calling several times, but there was no answer."

Nash was silent for a minute. "But how."

"I don't know Nash. Something about a blocked hatch, I'm not sure." Harvey got up and stepped in front of the headlights. "Maybe they were able to disarm the bomb. Evan's a pretty resourceful kid."

Nash's voice was strained. "I'm sorry Harvey, but I'm afraid they didn't. Joe and I heard the explosion."

A tear crept silently down Harvey's face. "You're sure?"

"I'm afraid so."

Harvey slid down the wall and sat on the ground. He stared blindly ahead. The glare of the headlights hurt his eyes, but he didn't move. He couldn't believe it. Evan and Michelle were dead. He had lost his best friend, and partner. It didn't make sense.

"Harvey, you there?"

Harvey wiped the tears from his eyes. "Yeah Nash."

"I'm sorry."

"Where's Shapiro?" Harvey wanted to make sure they caught the son of a bitch. He was going to personally deliver the man into hell. And Trevor too.

"I talked to the Police Chief. We've got the entire city on alert. But it doesn't look good. The slimy bastard has skipped town."

"Damn!" Harvey slammed his fist against the wall behind him. "How are we going to." Blood-curdling screams ricocheted off the tunnel walls. A shiver went up Harvey's spine. Teddy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Harvey?" Evan yelled into the cell phone. "Michelle and I can't figure this thing out. We need you're help." The line went dead. "Harv? Harvey." Evan peered at the display on Michelle's cell phone. It blinked 'Low Bat'. Evan screamed and hurled the phone across the room. It shattered on the floor.

Michelle freaked. "Evan! What'd you do that for?"

"The battery's dead." Evan barked in Michelle's face. "We're going to die!"

"No we're not." Michelle gestured madly. "Think! We've got four minutes."

Evan sat down and put his head in his hands. After a few seconds his head snapped up. "I've got it. We'll drop the bomb out the window."

Michelle spun around to face him. "Are you crazy? There are people on the street."

Evan stood up and moved back onto the platform. "Not onto the street. Just onto the roof. Shoot out one of the windows. I'll be right back." Evan disappeared into the hole.

Michelle pulled out her gun and aimed it at the far window. She squeezed the trigger. The window didn't break. Michelle moved across the room and emptied a full round on a single pane of glass. It barely opened a small hole in the glass. The wind whistled through the opening. Pulling another clip from her pocket, Michelle reloaded. She emptied her gun again. It had very little effect. Michelle put all her weight on one foot and kicked at the glass.

Evan came up behind her. "Stand back." Evan dropped a roll of coiled steel cable at his feet. He used the crowbar he had grabbed out of the back of Harvey's car and attacked the window. "Go get the bomb."

"But it might go off if."

"We don't have much choice. Just go!" Evan continued to pound at the window with the crowbar.

Michelle hurried over to the Ranchero. 2 minutes, 16 seconds. Leaning over the side she picked up the device and carried it back to the window.

Evan tossed the crowbar onto the floor. "Good enough." He attached the hook from the end of the cable onto the top of the bomb and lifted it to the window. The wind whipped against his face. He had to scream to make himself heard. "Feed me the cable." Hand over fist, Evan quickly lowered the bomb out the window. The wind knocked it against the side of the building. Evan prayed silently that it wouldn't go off. "How much time?"

Michelle looked at her watch. "Less than a minute."

Evan looked out the window. There was at least ten feet left. He gathered the rest of the cable and dropped it out the window. Evan watched as it fell onto the penthouse roof. "GO!"

Michelle and Evan ran across the room. They took shelter in the only place that was available. Evan opened the car door, pushed Michelle inside and slammed it shut behind him. They crouched on the floor and waited.

Evan felt the floor rumbling beneath him. He held his breath. The Ranchero shook as the platform heaved and buckled. Evan and Michelle ducked, covering their heads and ears. Then it was silent.

Michelle lifted her head. "Is that it?"

Evan and Michelle held each other's gaze for a brief second. They felt the building shift as the explosion gathered momentum. "I don't think."

The twenty-five foot shaft used to access the rooftop acted as a geyser. It spewed straight up and blew through the ceiling. Michelle and Evan took cover again as the building fell apart around them. The force of the explosion shattered all the windows in Harvey's car and covered the two cops with debris.

Evan glanced in Michelle's direction. She was slumped over the seat. "Michelle!" Evan moved over to the passenger side and covered her limp form with his body. Evan flinched as another burst of flames spewed into the sky from below. "Shit." Evan couldn't believe this was happening. He was again at ground zero during an explosion. And it had only been 12 hours since the last one. Hastily, Evan made a mental note to put in for extra hazard pay when this was all over.

The car tilted. Evan grabbed onto the steering wheel as the Ranchero slid off the platform and flipped over. Evan watched helplessly as the floor shifted, sending them and the car careening towards the edge.

Just then the supporting structure holding up the room collapsed. Steel and concrete folded like a deck of cards, carrying Evan, Michelle and the Ranchero with it. Evan got the wind knocked out of him as they plummeted downwards. Then it all stopped.

The car rocked back and forth for a few minutes before finally coming to a halt. Evan's faced was pressed up against the windshield. Michelle was still unconscious and lying on top of him. Evan counted to ten. He wanted to be prepared for the next catastrophe, but none came. Slowly he opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. He couldn't help but laugh.

They had crashed into Shapiro's penthouse apartment! The place was a shambles. Interior walls had collapsed. Large chunks of concrete and plaster covered the floor and furniture. The scene was almost surreal.

Evan shifted. He felt a sharp pain shoot through his shoulder. Trying to relax his muscles, Evan dragged his sore body out from underneath Michelle. He was careful not to move her too much. He felt for a pulse. Exhausted, Evan dropped his chin onto her shoulder. She was alive! But she needed medical attention right away. Blood spilled from a gash on her forehead.

Evan yanked off his jacket and stripped down to his undershirt. Ripping the sleeves off his shirt, he wrapped them around Michelle's head.

Evan crawled out through the car window. Standing up weakly, he surveyed the damage to Harvey's car and shook his head in disbelief. "Unreal." The car didn't have a scratch on it. Once Harvey replaced the busted windows, broken headlights and reattached the rear bumper the Ranchero would be good as new.

Evan walked out to the foyer and checked the door. It was stuck. He pulled on it but it wouldn't budge. "C'mon, open!" It was useless. On his way past the kitchen Evan noticed the phone still attached to the wall. He paused and listened. Evan smiled broadly. He could hear the distinctive beep, beep, beep coming from the receiver. Picking the phone off the floor, Evan dialed 911.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nash scratched his head in frustration. "What do you mean, what does it look like? It's a square metal box with four walls and."

"Actually Nash, it's more of a rectangle," Joe corrected.

Nash got up in Joe's face. "Don't start Bubba." Nash paced backed and forth in the tiny space. With Evan's truck inside, there was very little room for them to move around. "How long can it take to find one shipping container?"

"Sorry Nash, but we're searching as fast as we can," Ronnie replied.

Nash glanced at the timer on the bomb for the millionth time. It was still frozen at 5 minutes and 29 seconds, but the numbers kept flashing over and over again. The bomb was mocking them. "You're not going fast enough. We've been stuck in here for over four hours. If someone doesn't get us out of here soon you're all fired!"

Ronnie was used to Nash's temper. He responded to his boss' threats calmly. "The docks are very busy. Every available cop is helping with the search. It shouldn't take too much longer."

Nash sighed. "Just be quick about it."

Ronnie was obviously amused by Nash's current predicament. "Yes sir."

"What's Michelle's condition?"

"Evan called from the hospital a few minutes ago. They say she'll pull through. She won't suffer any permanent damage."

"Good. And Harvey?"

"He's still trying to crack into the computer mainframe located under Shapiro's estate."

Nash was surprised. "You left him down there?"

"Harvey insists he's fine. Something about the hair of the dog that bit him, and that maybe being alone underground wasn't such a bad thing."

Nash chuckled. "Keep me posted on his progress. And Ronnie."

"Yes Nash?"

Nash closed his eyes. "Get us out of here!"

"Right away boss."

"Where have I heard that before?" Nash clicked off his phone. He tucked his cell into his suit pocket, and turned to Joe. "They still have no idea where we are."

"Don't worry Nashman. They'll find us." Joe moved over to the tailgate of Evan's truck. "It's your turn."

"Joe, I'm not in the mood."

"C'mon Nash. We've got to do something."

"Alright." Nash sighed heavily and picked up his cards. "Got any seven's?"

Joe shuffled through his hand. "Nuh, uh. Go fish."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Evan and Harvey stood side by side in SIU parking lot. They stared miserably at the 'Cuda. The car had miniscule scratches along the passenger side door. Small greasy handprints covered the windshield. The seats, both front and back, were littered with dirty footprints and the floors were a disaster. The hood had numerous dents of various shapes and sizes. Even one of Nash's windshield wipers was bent back at an odd angle.

Evan looked over the top of his sunglasses at Harvey. "Has Nash seen it yet?"

"Nope."

"So he has no idea."

Harvey let his breath out slowly. "Not a clue."

"Why didn't you tell him?"

Harvey noticed Teddy's jacket still sitting in the front and quickly yanked it off the seat. "I was waiting for the right time."

"Well Harvey, now would probably be a good time." Evan pointed to Joe's car pulling into the parking lot.

Nash jumped out of the front. "What the HELL happened to my car?"

"See you later bro." Evan dashed away before Harvey had a chance to stop him.

"Traitor," Harvey muttered under his breath.

"HARVEY!?" Nash ripped his sunglasses off his face.

"Well you see Nash, um,you know that kid I was telling you about?"

"Teddy?"

"Yeah, that's him."

Nash momentarily forgot about his car. "Did something happen to him?"

"No, no. Teddy's fine. Still a little shaken up after finding his brother's body in the tunnels."

"Understandable," Nash nodded sympathetically.

"Right. And I talked to his social worker. She found him a really great foster placement. They're a nice family. I met them this morning."

"Great, but Harvey what does all this have to do with my car?"

Harvey shifted nervously. "Your car?"

"Yeah, my car." Nash gestured towards the 'Cuda. "This bright shiny yellow thing that looks like it's been through World War III."

Harvey hesitated. Nash was ready to explode. "Teddy enjoyed spending time with your car while it was gone. He really liked playing in it. And I guess he got a little overzealous."

"What? A child did this?" Nash was thunderstruck.

"Yes. I'm afraid so Nash."

"Alright people, 'Cuda rule number twenty-one. No Children IN, ON or AROUND The 'Cuda!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few weeks later,on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere.

"Hello Bubba." Nash sat down on the chaise lounge next to Humphrey Shapiro. Joe was positioned a few feet away from him on the edge of the enormous patio.

The Boss sipped his cocktail. "Captain Bridges. Such a pleasure to see you again. Our last meeting was so...brief."

Nash laughed. "Nice little place you got here."

"Thank-you. I try to live well." The Boss waved his servants away. "What can I do for you?"

"Ha, ha." Nash smiled wickedly. "I'm here to personally deliver your one way ticket to Sing-Sing." Harvey strolled up from the beach. Michelle moved in through the garden, and Evan appeared out of the house. "No one murders cops in my city and gets away with it."

"Ah but Captain, you can't arrest me. This is not your jurisdiction."

Nash slapped his forehead. "Good heavens, I believe you're right. Is he correct Joe?"

"Yes Nashman."

The Boss smiled smugly. "Would you and your Officers care to stay for dinner? I have a fabulous cook on staff. She makes a cr�me broulet that would melt your."

"No thanks. We're leaving later this afternoon."

The Boss wiped his fingers on a linen napkin. "Too bad I won't be joining you."

"Ah, I think you will. Do you wanna know why? I tell you." Nash tapped his sunglasses on The Boss's arm. "It seems that the although you are currently residing in a country that doesn't allow extradition to the United States, the local authorities here can be very... cooperative."

"I'm afraid I don't follow you." The Boss set his glass down on the table next to him. He started picking at a bowl of lusciously displayed fruit.

"When I told the local police chief how you killed my cops, he wasn't very impressed."

"I'm not surprised. Carlos is quite the little dictator."

"Isn't he?" Nash chuckled. "But when I mentioned the fact that you murdered your right hand man Cameron Nichols, he got very interested. And very helpful."

The Boss flinched. "Oh?"

"I guess he doesn't like people who double-cross their associates. Do see where I'm going with this Bubba?"

The Boss raised himself out of his chair. "I still don't see how this helps you. Your government has no authority to arrange for extradi."

"But I can have you deported."

"What?" The Boss backed away. He moved towards the garden path. Harvey and Evan closed in behind him, preventing his escape.

"It's my understanding that there's some problem with your passport. I'm sure it can all be straightened out, but until then you'll have to return to San Francisco."

"You can't do that!" The Boss sputtered.

"Oh I can, and I did. Joe, cuff him!"

Joe grabbed the man's wrists. "My pleasure."

"I'll have you up on charges! It'll never stick."

"I warned you not to underestimate me Bubba." Nash put his sunglasses on his face and smiled. "You messed with the wrong cop."

Nash and Joe escorted him to the awaiting police car. Carlos tipped his hat graciously. "Adios Senior Shapiro. Hope to see you again." The gendarme opened the rear door of his police cruiser, and pushed The Boss inside.

"Carlos! You miserable snake. I'll get you for this."

Trevor, handcuffed in the back seat, scowled at The Boss. "Nice plan dude."

"Oh shut up!"

Nash and Joe waved their fingers happily at the two prisoners as the car pulled out of the driveway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harvey, Evan and Michelle stayed behind and spent the afternoon relaxing on the terrace of Humphrey Shapiro's ocean-side estate while Nash arranged for Shapiro's transfer. Nash told them to guard the evidence, so they were doing their level best to keep an eye on things.

"Now this is what I call living." Evan breathed in the fresh tropical air.

Harvey sat down. "Yeah, but bought with dirty money."

"Don't be such a spoilsport. I'm just taking advantage of an opportunity that's been dropped in our laps."

"Hmmph." Harvey shifted in his chair. "That's your problem Evan. You don't think."

"What are you talking about? You're just sore because I saved your butt.again."

"Excuse me?"

"If I hadn't left my cell in the truck Nash and Joe wouldn't have been able to contact you. Which means you wouldn't have known about the bomb until it was too late. Face it, if it wasn't for me you wouldn't be here right now." Evan smiled triumphantly at his line of logic.

"What planet do you live on, man? You're the one the one who almost got his sorry."

"Boys, boys, boys." Michelle put herself between the two sparring partners. "What does it matter who saved who's butt. We're a team. Correct?"

Harvey nodded. "You're right Michelle."

Michelle raised an eyebrow. "Evan?"

"I guess." Evan sat down across from Harvey. "Harv?"

Harvey leaned back and closed his eyes. "Yes?"

"Can you please tell me what you're wearing?"

Harvey looked down at his clothes. He had on his brown cargo pants, a yellow Hawaiian shirt and contrasting maroon vest. Instead of his regular heavy overcoat, he had switched to a lighter jacket. The GD armband was displayed prominently, as it should be, and Harvey wore his best beret. "What's the matter with how I look? I always dress like this."

"That's my point. We're in the tropics and you're dressed for a windy November day at Fisherman's Warf. Loosen up a bit. Look at Michelle."

Harvey couldn't help but notice Michelle. Her hair was piled up on her head. She had it held in place with fancy seashell clip. She was wearing a dark purple bikini, a flimsy silk wrap around her waist and white sandals. "Yeah Evan man, she looks great but that's not my style." Harvey turned his head to look at Evan. The other man was not paying attention to a single word Harvey said. He followed his partner's gaze. Evan's eyes were trained on Michelle. Harvey snapped his fingers. "Hello? Earth to Evan."

"Huh?" Evan did not turn away. "You say something Harv?"

"Can you believe this guy? Michelle I have to apologize for my partner's boorish behaviour. He doesn't know." Harvey stopped. He shook his head and laughed. Michelle was paying even less attention to him than Evan was. She sat stretched out on the lounge chair and was sipping her drink. Smiling coyly, Michelle stared back at Evan.

"Mmmhmm, sure Harvey. Whatever you say."

He looked at Michelle and then over to Evan, and back at Michelle again. Neither one knew he existed. "Maybe I should leave you two kids alone." Harvey propped his feet up on a nearby stool and closed his eyes. After a few minutes of silence he raised one eyelid to check on his friends. They had disappeared. Harvey chuckled softly and settled back into his chair.

THE END