As they pulled out onto Tudor, Sable saw a vehicle pull off a side road and in behind them several cars back. Sable adjusted the rearview mirror and frowned.

“I know that look.  We’ve picked up another damn tail,” McCabe checked the side mirror.  “The black Escalade four cars back?”

“Yup.”

McCabe drew his .40.

“You wearing?”  Sable picked the radio mike and called dispatch.  “I need a 10-24.”  He relayed their situation and gave her his twenty.  “We’re going to the Botanical Gardens.  The parking lot has only one way in or out.”

The feminine voice at the other end said, “Roger.  I’ll have units to your location in less than 10.”

Sable turned onto Campbell Airstrip Road and their tail turned as well.  “They’re still with us.”

“You got to give it to these guys, they’re persistent.”

“They made their fatal error,” Sable said.  “There’s only one way out for them.”

“I only hope it wasn’t our mistake.”

Sable pulled into the Garden’s parking lot and then spun the sedan 180 degrees, turned on the light bar, opened the door and crouched behind the sedan.

As Sable settled in beside McCabe, the trooper chuckled, “It’s about time you let me get cover first.”

“I figured I give a break to an old man.”

Before McCabe could answer, the Escalade spun sideways parallel to them.  Three men jumped out with machine pistols.  They took cover behind their SUV.  “Give us the key or die.” 

Sable recognized the Italian accent.  “What key?”

“The one Darlene Landen gave you.”