The detective, referred to as Danny, was a man in his forties with a receding hairline and the demeanor of a former soldier. He had a stern expression as he spoke, holding a folder bearing the NYPD emblem.
"This guy's full name is Felton Arthur Ames, age 33, with a record filled with possession and sale of illegal drugs. Recently, NYPD's Organized Crime Division took down the Macbarra family's main operations. Most of Felton's superiors either ended up in jail or dead.
"So now, his status within the Macbarra family has risen considerably. However, based on our intel, the guy is known to be sloppy and lazy, not exactly respected by his peers."
"That's good news. Most gang members are like that, which makes our lives a bit easier." Jubal Valentine put up another photo on the screen, showing a list of names scribbled on a piece of paper.
"This was found by Rikers Island guards in the cell of a Macbarra family member. Felton Ames's name is at the bottom, with several others above him. It's obvious he skipped ranks when he took his position, which likely stirred some resentment.
"For now, dig deep on this guy. As always, all intel goes through me first. Move it, everyone—for Bell and Zidane."
Jack found himself warming up to this no-nonsense commander. He reminded Jack of Hotchner when in work mode, but without the perpetual sternness that kept people at a distance.
Hotchner??? ┌(.Д.)┐
"As for Agent Jack Taveler," Jubal Valentine gave Jack a hesitant look, unsure of what to do with the new arrival from the BAU, the so-called "big shot."
Thankfully, Dana Morges appeared in the back corridor of the main office, taking over the conversation.
"Jack will temporarily partner with NYPD Detective Danny Reagan. Working on the streets as a field agent will help him get a feel for the city."
It was an unusual arrangement, pairing an FBI agent with an NYPD detective, but considering Rossi's previous suggestion, it seemed reasonable.
Dana's appearance with the head of the NY CSI lab at the scene earlier suggested that this "joint action project" had a solid foundation.
Thanks to the support from the big boss, Jack's onboarding was straightforward. A small, maybe ten-square-foot private office had been set up for him, and Jubal Valentine tossed him a set of car keys for the standard field agent vehicle—a Suburban.
Jack's Glock 22 was fine, but he also brought two backup guns. In addition to the FK 7.5, he had his MK24, which bore a golden anchor logo and needed to be registered. He also brought a Noveske N4 from the BAU, which he planned to keep in the Suburban's trunk for emergencies.
On top of that, he needed to update his driver's license to New York State. The administrative department also issued him a new phone and number.
The office was small, with just a desk, a computer, two chairs, and an empty bookshelf, but it was Jack's first private office.
Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, he looked out at the dazzling Manhattan skyline before picking up his new phone and calling Mac Taylor at the CSI lab.
The CSI lab had already retrieved all the text message data from a phone they'd recovered. Jack asked Mac Taylor to forward it to Jubal Valentine, as the latter had requested that any findings go through him. As a newcomer, Jack knew the importance of discretion.
Not long after, Danny Reagan appeared at his office door, leaning against the frame and nodding his head toward Jack. "CSI has news about that phone we found at the scene. Want to come?"
Seeing Danny looking ready for action, Jack picked up his jacket, grabbed the car keys, and followed him.
In the main office, Jubal Valentine, holding a coffee cup and a stack of A4 papers, tossed a printout on the desk for them to review.
"Wayne Pearson, the Macbarra family's current second-in-command. Apparently, Felton stepped on his head to become the boss."
Danny Reagan quickly scanned the document, frowning as he read. "The messages he sent to Felton were filled with angry rants. It sounds like he had a motive, but street gangs usually stick to guns, not bombs."
Jubal seemed to agree, shrugging slightly. "Maybe things are escalating. We'll need to regroup and reassess, but this is our only lead for now."
Next, an analyst pulled up a profile picture of an African-American man on the large screen. Jubal Valentine clapped his hands, grabbing everyone's attention. "Listen up, folks! We have a suspect: Wayne Pearson. Find out everything about him."
He handed Danny Reagan a note. "These are three of his known locations. Time for the NYPD to step in."
---
"How do you guys manage to respond to calls so quickly in this traffic?" Jack complained as he drove under Danny Reagan's direction, navigating the notoriously bad New York traffic.
Not every call warranted blaring sirens and reckless speed; sometimes stealth was necessary.
"Don't rely too much on GPS. New York's filled with alleyways, as long as you don't disturb the homeless people sleeping under cardboard," Danny replied with a smirk. Then, as if struck by a memory, he added, "You know, Jack, my partner's also named Jackie—Jackie Curatola. We've worked together for three or four years. She's like the brake to my bad temper, always watching my back."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Then let her know she doesn't have to worry; I'm just temporary, not here to steal her temperamental partner. And even if she's not around, I'll have your back."
Danny looked awkward. "Uh, you know I didn't mean it like that."
"I know. Just a little joke," Jack replied, steering down a narrow alley at Danny's instruction and slowing down. "Are we almost there?"
"Yeah. Our guys raided Wayne's three hideouts but missed him. According to his associates, he went to a strip club just up on 138th Street. It's called 'Mexie,' and a surveillance team's already watching it."
Danny put down his phone and pointed to an exit at the end of the alley, indicating for Jack to park there.
"So, what's NYPD's usual plan? Bust in and grab him?" Jack asked as he checked his sidearm—a routine he followed before every operation, even though he maintained his weapons daily.
Watching Jack meticulously check his primary and backup weapons, Danny's lips twitched with a hint of amusement.
"I'd usually just barge in, but the place is packed today. That guy and his men are all armed, so we'll wait until he leaves," he replied. After a moment, he looked at Jack with a mix of curiosity and surprise.
"Hey, you're from the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, right?"
"Uh, yeah. Why?" Jack asked, wondering if he looked any different from a BAU profiler.
Danny took a deep breath, looking like he wanted to ask more but thought better of it. Instead, he focused on the strip club's entrance in the distance.
The two men sat in the car, making small talk as they waited. After nearly two hours, they finally saw several young men with scantily clad women walk out of the club.
Danny held up his phone on speaker. "Is that our guy? Can you confirm?"
"One sec. Can't see his face yet—hold on," came the response.
Jack leaned forward, noticing two figures on the rooftop across the street, one holding binoculars. It was NYPD's surveillance team.
His attention returned to the club entrance, where a Nissan SUV was parked. One of the men helped a woman into the car, circled around to the driver's side, and opened the door.
In that split second, Jack and Danny caught a clear view of the man's face.
"It's him."
"Wayne Pearson. No doubt."
"Move in! Move in!"
As Jack hit the gas and switched on the siren, several NYPD vehicles emerged from seemingly nowhere, closing in from all directions.
"Let's hope we don't—"
Before he could finish, that eerie sixth sense kicked in, a chill running down his spine. Danny seemed to feel it too, his expression suddenly serious.
"Something's wrong."
"Everyone stop! Something's off!" Jack shouted, slamming on the brakes. But before he could throw the car in reverse, an explosion ripped through the Nissan SUV, erupting into flames.
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [www.p@treon.com/Mutter]
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]