Delayed Exposure: A Nick Falco Mystery

Nick sprinted across the carpeted lobby and out the front door. John would not be far behind. Outside, he made a left and ran beneath the large marquee that boldly displayed he and Shelby as visiting authors. Running into the parking garage he ran up to the second level where he had parked their car. He looked back and saw John run up the ramp. He was almost to the car but figured he had no time to unlock it, climb in, start the car and drive off before John would be on him. Instinctively, he walked in behind a van and hid next to a concrete wall. It wasn't but a few seconds when John ran by, but then stopped and looked in every direction. Taking out his radio he made a call. Nick listened intently, John's voice amplified due to the closed quarters. "Brad, it's John. I just chased Falco into the parking garage to the second floor. I'm not sure where he went. I think I'll go back down and watch the exit gate. He can't get out of here without passing by me. We've got him now."
    Looking around the edge of the van, Nick watched John disappear around the corner. There was no way he could get past John, unless he acted now!  Running to the rental he unlocked the door, hopped in and turned the ignition. He figured John, now on the lower level, may have heard the car start up. Backing out, he turned toward the exit ramp down to the first level. When he turned the corner, there stood John in the middle of the ramp. Without the slightest hesitation, Nick floored the accelerator, the car lurching forward. John had little time to react as Nick guided the car directly at him.
    John jumped to the side and rolled on the hard concrete. Nick blasted past and smashed through the self-pay wood gate and out onto the street. Making an immediate right hand turn he sped up the street but had to stop for a red light at the next block. Looking in the rearview mirror he saw John running up the sidewalk. The light changed green just when John reached out and touched the trunk of the car. Nick glanced back and saw John standing in the middle of the street, out of breath, his hands on his hips out of frustration.
   The next two lights were green and he found himself pulling up in front of the coffee shop. Shelby saw him and got up slowly. Nick jumped out and signaled for her to hurry. She no sooner jumped in the car than Nick hit the gas and turned at the next intersection. Out of breath, he gasped, "We have to get out of Pittsburgh...now!"