Jack Beale 00 - Killer Run

when Tom and Mark returned to the bar.
    “Gone. Disappeared. There’s no truck, nothing. We took a quick look around the building, but found nothing. I called dispatch and the guys on patrol tonight are already out on the roads looking,” said Tom.
    Mark apologized. “I’m sorry. I should have just grabbed him when I arrived. I took a chance. Listen, I’m going to take off and cruise around. With enough eyes, maybe we’ll get lucky.”
    “What if he comes back?” asked Max.
    “I don’t think he will,“ responded Mark. “And besides, Jack, you’ll be here, right?”
    “Goes without saying. But what if he does come back?”
    “He won’t. Remember, all we have are some pretty loose theories. So far we have no hard evidence, nothing.”
    “Mark, you keep saying that, but the reality is, he keeps showing up and asking for that quilt. Max is in his crosshairs.”
    “You’re right. He wants the quilt and he knows Max has it.”
    Tom, who had been silent through this exchange, now spoke up.
    “Jack, we’ll drive by your place every hour just in case. If you want us to place a cruiser in your drive, we can do that as well.”
    “I don’t think that’ll be necessary,” Jack said. “I agree that it’s unlikely he’ll return tonight.”
    Max had remained silent through all of these exchanges, but suddenly she spoke up.
    “He wants the quilt. Why don’t I just give it to him and that’ll be the end of it?”
    “I wish it were that simple,” said Malloy. “I agree―his desire for the quilt seems to be behind everything―but don’t forget, this all started with Malcom’s death and that needs to be resolved. And besides, we don’t know exactly how unstable he is. What if the quilt isn’t what he thinks it is? What will he do then? I’m not ready to take that chance.”
    “But it’s a possibility?”
    “Anything is possible. That’s why we need to catch him. And we will.”
    “All I’m saying is that this is all just theories. The only thing we know is that he really wants that quilt.”
    Tom interrupted, “Listen, time’s wasting. I’m going to get going. If he’s around, I want him caught. You guys, be careful and lock your doors.”
    Mark looked at Jack and Max. “Tom’s right. The sooner we find him, the better. And if I’m right, he really needs help. Take good care.”
    “We will,” said Jack.
    Max simply nodded, but her eyes filled with tears.
    It didn’t take long to close Ben’s. As soon as the lock made that final kchuck, Max turned toward Jack and said, “You know he’s coming back. They aren’t going to find him.”
    He pulled her close and took her in his arms. He swore to himself that he would keep her safe.
    “They’ll get him,” he whispered. “Let’s go home.”

CHAPTER 100
    ALFRED WASN'T CAUGHT THAT NIGHT , or the next, or the next after that. He had simply vanished. On the second day after his disappearance, Lieutenant Malloy called Tom.
    “I’ve got some news for you about Alfred.”
    “You’ve found him?”
    “No. But we did search his store, and we found Malcom’s car and his stuff. We’re still going through the place, but it appears that Malcom may not have been the first. Can’t say for certain, but it’s a possibility. We’ve issued a warrant for his arrest.”
    Tom was silent for a moment. “You’re shitting me?”
    “I wish I were. At this point, he’s considered armed and dangerous. I’m calling Polly next to let her know, but I don’t think she’ll be in any danger since he knows the quilt is in Rye Harbor.”
    “You want me to call Jack and Max?”
    “Thanks.”
    “I’ll increase the patrols by Jack’s and Ben’s Place as well.”
    “Good. We’re still going through the store. Who knows what else we’ll find. I’ll keep you posted.”
    “Good luck, Mark. Let’s hope we get him before he does something rash. I have a bad feeling about him.”
    “Me too.”
    * * *
    After getting off the phone with Malloy, Tom called Jack and broke the news to him. Jack in turn told Max. True to his word, Tom increased the patrols, and Jack never let Max out of his sight. Several more days passed and there was still no sign of Alfred.

CHAPTER 101
    “I HATE THIS TIME OF YEAR,” Max said. “It’s too cold and gets dark too early.”
    Jack was sitting at the bar like he did every night, waiting to help Max close up.
    “I know, but look on the brighter side. It’s getting closer to the holidays,” said Jack.
    “True,