will …” That was all she caught as she was either pushed away or the man walked off, but it was enough to know the man who was after Britt was there. Right there in the lobby with her, security, the police, and Britt.
“Britt.” She turned in the direction she heard him talking to reporters. This time it was her doing the pushing. She forced her way through the crowd, trying to reach his voice while not panicking. She tripped over a foot, but didn’t fall because the people were packed too tight. Her ankle twisted enough to bring tears to her eyes, but she didn’t stop.
“That will be all for now.” Britt was saying. “We’ll keep you abreast of any developments.” His voice was moving. She was losing him.
“Britt,” she yelled, pushing her way through.
****
Britt heard his name called and turned in time to see Rachelle push her way toward him. Panic showed on her face, she turned her head frantically as if looking for him. One reporter bumped her, and she stumbled barely keeping her balance.
“Rachelle,” he said, and she turned his way, reaching out. The crowd parted, letting him through. Ignoring all the other people, he caught her, pulling her close while wrapping his other arm protectively around her.
For a moment, she sagged against him, as if soaking up his strength. “We need to keep you out of crowds, then again,” he felt the pressure of her against him, “maybe not.”
Unfortunately she didn’t stay close long. Pushing back, she tilted her head up. “He’s here. He’s here in the lobby.”
“What?” It took a second to shift his thoughts from her pressed against him.
“He’s here, in the lobby. I heard his voice.” Panicked filled her voice.
“You’re certain?” His head shot up, looking over the crowd of people.
“Yes.”
“Todd,” he drew the detective’s attention, bringing him close.
“He’s here, Rachelle heard his voice.”
“Is she certain?” The detective started scanning the lobby. “Where?”
“I was over by the elevators. I’m not certain where. People kept bumping into me.”
“There must be a hundred men in here.” Todd didn’t hold back his frustration.
“Yeah, but that’s a lot less than we had earlier.”
“Right, I want you to walk around and try to talk to everyone, and have Rachelle see if she can identify the voice again.”
“Can’t you just have everyone held here?” Rachelle asked.
“Too many people, too many places he could duck out before we could get it closed off, and about half the crowd has thinned out already. Odds are he left already but it’s worth a try. We also don’t want to tip our hand. You might get lucky and find him,” Todd answered.
“But if we can get him.” Rachelle tried to protest.
“Then we will but I’m not sure I can arrest him just on the sound of his voice through a telephone. I’ll need more proof, solid evidence that will hold up in court.”
“But it was him, I know it.”
“All right, I believe you. Let’s cover the lobby the best we can.” The detective patted her hand.
Fifteen minutes later most of the people had left, and Britt had talked with all that remained.
“Well, that’s it,” the detective said.
“None of them were him,” Rachelle said dejectedly. “But I know he was here.”
“It’s all right, Rachelle.” Britt tightened the hold he had on her hand. “It’s not over. We can get copies of all the film then identify all the men here.”
“Then I can talk to them all,” Rachelle agreed.
“Well, in time we’ll work it out so you can hear them all, but I don’t want it to be face to face.” Britt tried to add.
“But then … I can help. I know I can identify him.”
“I know you can,” Britt assured her, “but for now why don’t I walk you upstairs?”
She was quiet a second. “It’s not necessary to see me up. If you just show me to the elevator I’ll be fine, and you can see about the video. I’m sorry I can’t give you a
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