"Either way, it's a good thing you were there."
With that, the car drove on for several more minutes before finally slowing to a stop.
"We're here," the officer said, signaling for the driver to halt.
He turned toward Stan.
"This is close enough. Safe distance. You can observe from here, but don't get out unless I tell you to."
They had stopped near Imperium Motors, just up the road from the hotel.
Ahead, Stan could already see that the police had fully established a perimeter around the building.
Barricades sealed off the surrounding streets.
Armed officers stood positioned at intervals with weapons raised and ready.
Police vehicles blocked every possible route in or out.
The entire operation carried the controlled tension of people who knew exactly how dangerous their targets were.
The sun hung low on the horizon now, perhaps thirty minutes away from fully setting.
Clearly, the police intended to finish this before nightfall.
