“Of course they’re just sitting there. If you were them, you’d be doing the same thing. Do you really think they’re going to call the cops? I-don’t-think-so!” Nikki said.

“Then why aren’t they chasing those kids to get back their belongings? The guy looked pretty buff and in condition in the pictures we saw. Maybe there was nothing important in the bags. There were six of them against two. Mostly women runners ahead and behind. Maybe they thought no one would help them.”

“Or, was it all a setup? Those hoodlums moved in, took the bag, and will return it at some point in time. Maybe they made us,” Nikki said.

“What now?” Kathryn asked, skidding to a stop close to where Jack and Harry were standing mopping their faces with the tails of their shirts but close enough that she could converse with them. “Where’s Snowden’s guy?”

“Up ahead, the guy with the high-and-tight haircut. Says it was a setup.”

Nikki felt like shouting that she’d called it, but she kept quiet. “Did any of his people take off after those hoods?”

“I think so, but you know Snowden’s guys. Everything is NTK.”

“Yeah, well, that’s getting real old, real quick. We need to know what’s going on,” Nikki said.

No sooner were the words out of Nikki’s mouth than her cell buzzed in her pocket. She mouthed the words, “It’s Yoko and Isabelle.” She listened, her jaw dropping, and then ended the call. “You guys are not going to believe this but those two ran after the hoods. Yoko took them all out. Isabelle said it only took her three intense minutes. They have the bags, and Isabelle called 911. They’re on their way back to the Watergate.”

“Holy shit!” Jack said.

Harry grinned from ear to ear.

Nikki looked at Kathryn.

Kathryn looked at Nikki.

Jack and Harry shrugged and moved off.

“Which one do you want, Kathryn?”

“I’ll take the woman.”

“Guess I have Mr. Charisma. Let’s do it!”

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Nikki settled the billed cap a little lower on her forehead. Kathryn did the same thing. With their shorts and sneakers, their bodies dripping with sweat, they looked just like all the other runners and joggers. They slowed as they approached Bonnie and Clyde. Then, on the whispered count of three they were behind the couple, their hands pressed hard into the duo’s shoulders.

“Well, hi there, Clyde!” Nikki said cheerfully. “Don’t be foolish and make a move. Breathe shallowly, or I’ll snap your neck. My partner will do the same to that lovely lady sitting next to you. I want you to sit really still so I can give you something.”

When Bonnie moved her head, Kathryn gave her a swat and jabbed the syringe deep into her well-muscled arm.

The man ignored Nikki and looked up.