Holley said to Murphy, Hey, take it easy. Just be careful, all right? I hope you re familiar with the Colt. 25. If you don t have the plus button on, those hollow-point cartridges ll blow up in your face.

They were just reaching the door. Murphy loosened his grip, a look of panic on his face, and fumbled at the weapon. Holley kicked out at him, caught him off guard, then ran away and ducked behind one of the old vans. Murphy fired after him reflexively and then, seeing that the Colt worked perfectly well, he realized he d been had. He turned and ran out through the heavy rain into the courtyard.

Dillon had a replica of Holley s Colt in a holder on his right ankle. He drew it now, ran to the entrance and fired at Murphy, who was trying to open the door of a green Lincoln. Murphy fired back wildly, then turned, ran across the road and up the stone steps leading to the walkway, the East River lapping below it. At the top, he hesitated, unsure of which way to go, turned, and found Dillon closing in, Holley behind.

No way out, Patrick. So have you told me the truth or not?

Damn you, Murphy called, half blinded by the heavy rain, and tried to take aim.

Dillon shot him twice in the heart, twisting him around, his third shot driving him over the low rail into the river. He reached the rail in time to see Murphy surface once, then roll over and disappear in the fast-running current.

Holley moved up to join him. What was all that about? Sometimes you play games too much, Sean.

Sure, and all I wanted was to make sure he was telling the truth. He d lied at first isn t that a fact?

So is the name really Jack Kelly?

We ll see, but for now, it s time for the joys of the Plaza and our first meeting with the intriguing Captain Sara Gideon.

Definitely something to look forward to, Holley said, and followed him down the steps.