Part the Ninth

     'What do we do?'
Alderman and James stood still. The man in the car did not move.
     'Has he seen us?'
Alderman didn't turn his head to answer, but remained staring at the car.
     'Yes. He's seen us. He knows we're not police. That's why he hasn't left. He's trying to figure out who we are.'
     'Who's in the car? I don't understand,' the manager said. They both ignored him.
     'He must be waiting for the woman. He doesn't know who she is either.'
     'We have to run for him. We can get there before he drives away.'
     'No, we'll never make it.'
     'Alderman, that man has killed, and will kill again. We have to do something.'
     'Stay absolutely still, James.'
     'No, damn it, Alderman. We can make it. We can get him.'
     'Don't you dare move.'
     'We have to. I'm going.'
James began to run. The man in the car moved for the first time, leaning over the wheel. James flung chairs out of the way as he made a direct line towards the door, almost pushing a woman over. The car engine started and revved up. James leapt over a short row of plants in front of the door and slammed it open. The car clicked into gear and sped away, turning a corner before James had even made it onto the street.