IN THE SHADOW OF HEROES...PROLOGUE

Portland Police Bureau - Southeast Precinct

When the Crown Vic's V8 engine roared to life the cruiser heaved forward, the red and blue lights parting the busy traffic like Moses splitting the sea. A primordial surge of adrenalin, sparked by 225 horses of power seeping through the floorboards, rushed through my body, triggered my heart, and finally settled into my face. An uncontrollable grin blossomed. I could no more avoid that smile than I could slow the pounding in my chest.

Next to me was