“Rudy, everyone knows you were the group.” Another twenty minutes passed as Decker continued to praise Banks while Banks swore back in agreement. Finally Decker took a step forward. “We all know you’re a smart guy, Rudy. You let out Lard Ass. That was smart. Be smart again and let someone else go. Why bother with three bitches when it’s easier to keep an eye out on only one.”

“’Cause in case one escapes, I got one for backup.”

“Okay, so let one of them go.”

“Which one?”

“You decide.”

There was sudden noise in the background, women screaming. Decker’s heart was doing a steeplechase, and it took all his nerve not to rush the building. Since he didn’t hear any guns firing in the background, he willed himself to stand still. Five minutes later, a naked young woman came running out of the building, holding a shirt against her chest to cover her breasts. Immediately, she was scooped up by the waiting paramedics.

One down and two to go. Decker said, “That was really smart, Rudy. You keep being smart, I’m going to get you out of this mess.”

“Don’t fucking bullshit me!”

“I’m going to do my best.”

“Start by telling all those cops to get the hell out of here. Once they’re gone, I’ll come out. Then we’ll talk, just you and me.”

“I can probably get them to back off a little.”

“Not back off. I want the motherfuckers to leave!”

“They’re not going to do that. Not until you send out the hostages. Once you do that, I can probably get them out of here.”

“If I send out the bitches, they’re going to fucking rush me. I can stay holed up a long time, Decker. I got food, I got women. I’m an independent kind a guy.”

He had to sleep, Decker thought. Some time within the next twenty-four to thirty-six hours, his adrenaline was going to deplete, and fatigue was going to get the better of him. He said, “I’m not rushing you. You tell me what you want, I’ll try to get it done.”

“I want the fucking circus out of here!”

“I can get the news vans away. The paramedics are going to stay. So will the fire trucks.”

“I’m not burning anything down.” Decker didn’t answer. Banks said, “Get the cops out of here.”

“Let me see what I can do. I’m going to back away from the house, Rudy. I have to talk to people if you want me to get it done. It might take a little time. Call me if you have questions, okay?”

“Okay.” Rudy cut the line.

Decker backed away until he was out of range, then he ran into the police van. He took his helmet off and rubbed his aching temples. “My feet are freezing, and I’ve got a monster headache. I need a thick pair of socks, Advil, and some caffeinated coffee. I’ve got to get back.”