Page 44 of Urban Justice

Chapter 19

Deep down,Luke knew it was a bad idea to stay in the command center. Having to watch and listen as Sloane went into the field, knowing he couldn’t help if things went wrong, was a new experience for him and he didn’t like it. Not that Sloane needed his help. From what he could see, it looked more like a recon mission than anything else.

Sloan had chosen a position that gave her the best view possible, and Luke was impressed by the quality of the camera and sound. Not only could it be switched from color to night vision and thermal, but the zooming capacity was insane. All that on a small device that blended into the suit.

Devin was munching on plain nachos and Luke wondered how Devin was so ripped considering he ate like a six-year-old. Lance’s attention was on the screen, but he appeared relaxed. Luke, on the other hand, couldn’t decide how he felt. For the first time, he knew how the ones left behind felt when their loved ones were deployed. He didn’t know what was worse—not being able to see what was going on or being utterly helpless to intervene in any way. His logical mind knew Sloane could handle herself, but something in his chest tightened at seeing her alone. The Marine in him found it unacceptable as the team was everything.

“Mind if I get some work done?” His voice sounded strained, but all he wanted was to get away from the screens.

Lance seemed surprised. “I thought you’d want to be there each step of the way.”

“There’s nothing I can do here, and while she has work to do, I’ll do mine.”

Devin acknowledged him with a grunt while Lance turned to him. “As Devin is keeping an eye on things, mind if I help you?”

Luke didn’t know if it was some sort of test, but if he wanted to leave and go back underground, two were better than one.

“Ever visited the sewers before?”

Lance paled a little, but when Devin choked on his nachos, the massive man didn’t hesitate to retaliate. “I visited Devin’s office, so I’m prepared for the worst sewers Chicago can offer, lead the way.”

* * *

The thingthat surprised Luke was how Lance jumped into action, took his suggestions in stride, and didn’t whine once.

The preparations moved so fast, it kept Luke’s mind from wandering to Sloane, and they were out the door before he’d had a chance to go back to the command center.

Lance even went the extra mile by suggesting they take the Bugatti and even let Luke drive. As they were headed in the opposite direction of where Sloane was, it might mess with potential onlookers when the news broke that the Vigilante and the Bugatti were in different locations.

Even though he kept the beast below breakneck speed, the ride went fast. Apart from a few pointers on where to park the car, Lance hadn’t said a word. Luke wasn’t sure if that was usual or not, but as he no longer had a deep frown on his face when he glanced in his direction, Luke didn’t mind the silence.

Deep in the Loop, the sector was calm at that time of night, and the streets were empty, apart from the nearby cameras that Devin was supposed to turn off. The winter wind was picking up and Luke was glad for his coat and gloves, both brand new from what he could smell. With a high collar, beanie, and gloves, he was ready, as was Lance who followed him.

Luke hesitated between two side streets, both having a manhole entrance. From what he remembered, one of them led to the sewer, the other led through the Pedway and a side sewer.

Lance looked around as if someone would jump out of the shadows, and Luke had to agree there was a risk they’d come face to face with the traffickers, but the other option was that they’d lay low for a couple of nights, especially after the underground parking incident, although Luke thought criminals eager enough to distribute Phantom, despite having the entire police force and the Vigilante on their heels, wouldn’t wait long before raking in the money.

The first manhole was straight ahead in the middle of the street. The other was a few yards over, in a small entrance to a building.

“Any preference, Lance?”

“Really? You’re the expert and you’re asking me?”

With a shrug, Luke pointed at the closest entrance. “They’re probably part of the same tunnel, so I guess it’s not important which one we use. The one in the middle of the street is similar to the manhole they used for the drop. Logically, that would be my first choice.”

“Good point, man. Down we go.” Lance passed him and went to the manhole and removed the cover. It was another reminder of his strength and for Luke to never get into a physical fight with him.

The pungent smell coming from down below predicted a difficult urbex, but Luke slid down the hole and turned on his flashlight. The space was cramped, forcing him to crouch a little, but not as much as Lance had to when he lowered himself down, sliding the cover back in place.

“Damn, this place stinks.”

“Yeah, but we’re not directly in a conduit. I think it’s coming from a connecting pipe.”

Lance sniffed and wrinkled his nose. “Is that tunnel the sewer?”

Luke walked down the small space. “No, normally sewers are completely independent structures.”

A whine entered Lance’s deep voice, reminding him of Eddie. “Please tell me the tunnel is bigger too.”

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