BRIAN
I’ve never run so fast in my entire goddamned life. I bolt down to the beach, startling passersby, scaring birds into the air, and leaving my muscles and lungs burning. The beach is almost deserted; I catch sight of footprints padding along the tide line. Two barefoot—medium and tiny—and one in wingtip shoes.
He’s after them. He’s already on their heels. I ignore the pain and push even harder.
Agent Moss trails behind but doesn’t call after me to slow down. I wouldn’t listen even if she did. Then I see the figures in the distance—and everything starts to go very fast.
I don’t feel the bullet scoring my side when Assante fires. I don’t hesitate for a moment when he pulls out the other .45. There’s nothing to do but keep attacking until Assante either kills me or Moss catches up an
