DISPATCH: One reporting party is a security officer on-site with access to cams. I’ve got ambulances en route.

UNIT 68: Confirm shooters still on scene?

DISPATCH: Affirm. First RP reports they’re still inside, multiple shots fired. Second report, from the security guard, is at least eight, probably male, unknown race, black clothing, possible AR-15s.

UNIT 53: What about the other security guards?

DISPATCH: RP says they’re down.

UNIT 68: Notify SWAT for call out.

DISPATCH: Affirm. SWAT’s been notified.

UNIT 68: 68 on scene.

DISPATCH: Copy.

UNIT 53: 53 about two blocks away.

UNIT 68: I’m at the south side, 53. Dispatch, we’re gonna need more units. There’s at least five exits on this side, and there’s people pouring out of them. But I’m not hearing any gunshots.

DISPATCH: Copy. All available units, respond to the Fairgate Mall.

UNIT 43: 43 on my way.

UNIT 41: 41 about ten minutes out.

UNIT 68: [shouting in the background] I’ve got at least three who’ve been shot, but there’re hundreds of people just running around. We need more cars. We need to set up a perimeter.

DISPATCH: Copy. I have 43 and 41 and who else?

UNIT 45: 45 just entering the property.

UNIT 14: Unit 14 en route from the substation.

UNIT 77: 77 on the way, but traffic’s congested on 26.

UNIT 115: 115 is on I-5, but it’s backed up as well.

DISPATCH: Any plainclothes responding, make sure you have your raid gear on.

UNIT 53: [moans in the background] This is 53. I’ve got at least five more injured in the parking lot. One male with chest wound appears critical.

DISPATCH: Copy. Fire is responding.

UNIT 68: Call Tigard, Beaverton, Oregon City, Salem, Vancouver, and anyone else for additional support. We’re going to need everyone we can get.

DISPATCH: Copy.

UNIT 45: I got another person outside shot, a female in the leg. We need rescue hot.

DISPATCH: 45, your location?

UNIT 45: East side of the mall on foot.

DISPATCH: Copy, 45. We’ll alert rescue.

UNIT 14: [sirens in the background] 14 on-site, west side. No gunshots heard.

DISPATCH: Confirm, no gunshots heard?

UNIT 14: Affirm. Not since my arrival.

UNIT 68: 68. The shooting appears to have stopped. I’ll assume command. Have fire stage in that old Sports Authority lot. It’s freestanding, on north side of mall. I want at least eight units establishing a perimeter and controlling traffic. For now, command is in front of Nordstrom on south side. Nordstrom opens directly into the food court.

DISPATCH: Copy.

It’s Your Lucky Day

IT’S YOUR LUCKY DAY

4:02 P.M.

When Miranda yanks at Parker’s wrist, he doesn’t have time to wonder why she’s in Fairgate Mall or why she, of all people, is trying to save his life. Because Parker catches a glimpse of a small figure dressed in red.

Moxie!

Shaking off Miranda’s grip, he takes off after his sister. Sticking to the perimeter, sheltered by the overhang of the second floor, he sprints flat out.