Prime Catch by Ilona Fridl Page A

sir.” The man helped Sam up.
    “Lakat.”
    Sarah followed Amos to the cell. The contents of the tray were scattered. Amos picked up the plate and cover. “There was never food on the plate. Someone at Millie’s set this up. Apparently Cusnoo knew about this and was ready.”
    “But who―? No! Not Sally! It couldn’t be!” Sarah was too stunned to believe Bobby's sister would ever do such a thing.
    “Sally would have access to the tray,” Amos said quietly. “I’m sorry. I know she’s a friend of yours.”
    “I guess we’re going to Millie’s.”
    “Yes. Though I’d be willing to bet she didn’t go back.”
    Sarah sighed. “She probably helped Bobby on the getaway. And I don’t think they would have gone home.”
    “Concentrate, Sarah. Where do you suppose they would escape to?”
    She paused, deep in thought. “Possibly the ANB hall. Maybe someone there could get Bobby out of the area.”
    “Then that's where we're headed. Johnston, you’re in charge.” Amos was out the door. “I’ll get the patrol car.”
    Sarah slipped into her jacket and jumped into the passenger side. They raced the six blocks to the hall. The two-story public building was situated near the docks of the old Tlingit settlement north of downtown. She hoped her hunch was right as she searched the area around the building. “That's their truck in the lot south of the hall!”
    Amos pulled the brake. “I’ll check by the pier over there, and you ask in the hall.”
    Sarah jumped out. “Yes, sir!” She went inside and looked around. Several men were playing pool in the rec center. She recognized Bobby’s friend, Jack. “Jack, can I speak to you a moment?”
    “Sarah! I guess I can leave the game. What’s on your mind?”
    “Did you see Bobby come through here a few seconds ago? His truck is in the lot.”
    “Why, no.” He turned to his companions. “Any of you see Bobby?” As everyone in the group responded in the negative, he turned back. “I thought he was behind bars.”
    “He escaped a few minutes ago, and I thought he might have come here.”
    “No, sorry. I’ll let you know if I see him.”
    “Thanks.” But I don’t believe you, Sarah added in her head. Something about the way everyone reacted was too rehearsed. She darted out to see what Amos had found.
    Amos, red-faced, was hollering at the pier’s caretaker. He glanced at Sarah and made his way to her. “They're all covering for each other! I can’t get a blasted thing out of these tight-lipped varmints! What did you find out?”
    Sarah stung from the venom of his words. “Well, this varmint didn’t find anything out either!” she barked out.
    Taking a few steps back, Amos seemed stunned. He smacked his forehead with his hand. “I’m sorry. I’m just upset.”
    Folding her arms across her chest, Sarah said, “I’ve never heard you talk like that before. You’re not any better than any of the other no-brained Americans.”
    Amos pointed at her. “You’re doing it, too!”
    She took a short breath and opened her mouth to say something, then shut it again. “All right! We’re both asses once in a while, but this isn’t getting anything done. Should we get a boat to search for them?”
    Amos shook his head. “We don’t know which way they went, if they did take a boat. They left the truck here, but I doubt if they’ll come back while we’re here.”
    “There’s a small restaurant across the way. Maybe we can park the patrol around the block and stake out there.”
    “Good idea, Lakat.” They headed to the auto, and Amos drove to a side street to keep it out of sight.
    They strode to the restaurant, and suddenly Amos tore off his hat, slamming it to the ground. “God damn it all to hell! The truck’s gone!”
    Sarah’s eyes locked on the spot the truck had occupied. “They must have seen us leave and moved it immediately.”
    Amos snagged his hat, grabbed her arm, and together they ran back to the patrol car. He gunned the engine,