aside as the first drops fell to the floor. With about a half-inch to go there was a loud bang as Nevindoss's fist punched through the hole. Startled, the officers all jumped. Before they could react, the fist was retracted. Through the hole, they heard him speak.

"Hey, guys. Come on out and play," Nevindoss said playfully.

Flanagan looked confused. Duvall and Bailey looked worried. Duvall opened the microphone to headquarters.

"We've got a situation here," he said.

Victor Steiger answered. "What's happening, Duvall?"

"He used acid to open a hole in the roof."

"How big is the hole?"

Nevindoss called down into the hole. "Okay. PLEASE come out and play."

"Big enough to get his fist through," Duvall answered on top of the shouting through the hole.

There was silence for a moment, then "Get your masks on, quick. Everybody."

As the officers reached for their gas masks, a smoke grenade fell through the hole. The masks were in place before the gas invaded the compartment. Flanagan shouted to Duvall.

"How long can we stay in here?" he asked.

"You'd better hope long enough," Duvall shouted back.

16