A/N: You can read ahead up to Episode 32 Landing at Point Rain on my Patreon. There are other stories I posted there if you're curious. Thanks for reading!
Episode 30
The Shuffle Alliance
Jack Routh
"A Hovertank?" He laughed at the ridiculous idea. He was having a date night with his wife, two days after their return from vacation. Without any concrete plan, they ended up at a bar called the Naughty Pig by Sunset Boulevard.
It was good bar, with reasonable prices for their drinks with burgers big enough that he didn't have to order a second one.
"Oh yeah." Zoe grinned. "This was at Fort Baxter, just before I got promoted to full Major."
"So who came up with this idea?" He asked.
"It was their motorpool." His wife answered. "That thing was a mess. The armor was thinner than a Bradley, could barely clear a foot off the ground, and when it fired…."
"Let me guess, the recoil causes it to move backwards?" He asked.
"If only. It goes out of control when it fires and actually crashed the bleachers we were sitting on to observe a demonstration of the capabilities. The general I was with was not happy after he was forced to jump to avoid getting crushed."
He laughed at the image of a General in uniform jumping to save his life. He couldn't believe it was real, but he knew Zoe wasn't one to make up stories or embellish the truth.
"So what happened after?"
"The base CO was shuffled to Greenland, while a master sergeant of the motor pool was dishonorably discharged and imprisoned for a few years." Zoe shared. "He was stealing Army property, and was even running a hidden casino inside the base for years."
"Damn." He couldn't believe someone like that was able to remain undetected for so long.
"Last I heard, he got out." Zoe continued speaking. "He's apparently a military technical adviser to some Hollywood studios. I have no idea how he weaseled his way into that role, but it's not my job anymore."
"No wonder Hollywood movies that involve the military always suck." He observed.
"Tell me about it. There was one time I was stuck in waiting for my flight, and a movie was military movie playing in the lounge." His wife looked tipsy but animated as she shared her story. "The main character was Steven Segal. He was supposed to be an ex-navy seal that also works for the CIA and FBI."
"You have to watch it with me as soon as I remember the title!" Zoe insisted. "He was fighting, while sitting on an office chair! And he was so fat his vest only covered a fourth of his torso!"
He made a mental note to do just that. It sounded like a movie that was so horrible it could end up as an accidental comedy movie.
"And you have to watch him run!" Zoe finished her story with a giggle. "The man was wheezing after running down a corridor and can barely speak his lines!"
He'd make a spectacle out of it, and planned for Hondo, Street, and even Tim to watch it. It would be fun to watch their reactions and listen to their commentary.
Movement from his peripheral attracted his attention and he noticed the door to the bar swing open. He raised an eyebrow when he saw familiar faces, all of them his batch mates at the academy. If they were here, then that meant… John and Lucy should make an appearance.
He was right, five minutes later the two arrived and he observed as they sat on a large table apparently reserved for them, though John and Lucy were now obstructed by other people from his two person table.
"Friends of yours?" He liked how observant Zoe was despite being tipsy.
"Just Nolan and Chen." He nudged hiss head at their direction. "It looks like a batch reunion."
"And you're not invited?" Zoe asked.
"I wasn't really big on social outings back then." He replied. "It's natural that they won't invite me to this one."
"Do you want to join them?"
"No." He replied immediately. "Why don't we go for a drive? It's still early, and I can just say hi at their table as we leave."
He sat patiently as his wife pondered his suggestion. She finally agreed and finished her drink. "Go say hi. I'll go wait in the car."
Lucy Chen
She was giddy with anticipation. It had been nearly a year since she last saw her friends, fellow cadets that are now police officers like her. She was eager to swap stories, share gossip and have a good time like they did when they were still in the academy.
"Calm down Lucy." John drove too slowly for her tastes. She should have gone on her own, but her car wouldn't start.
"There they are!" She spotted their group and rushed over. She was close with Erin Cole and hugged her first, followed by Chris Rios, Jackson's rival. He looked extremely happy and smug, and she had an idea why.
John finally arrive and they quickly greeted each and every member of their group.
"Can't believe you found your long lost love." Chris handed John a beer. "Happy for you, man."
"Thanks!" John had changed since he got married in Hawaii. He smiled more, and was constantly wearing the goofy grin on his face. She heard rumors that Nyla wanted to have him checked by a psychiatrist after their first day back on patrol. She was sure those rumors of John whistling happily as he escorted a suspect from a 211 to the shop was pure fabrication.
"You're looking unusually happy." She addressed Chris.
"Well you know me." Chris puffed out his chest. "The true number one is finally revealed."
There was a round of awkward laughter following that. Jackson West was pretty well liked in their group, and was generous in helping them out for exams and review nights. But he had washed out on his first day, and courage under fire was an essential part of being a police officer.
"I don't know about that number one spot you've been aiming for." She stated. "You know who the real number one is on our batch."
There were murmurs of agreement from the others and he felt Erin tap her shoulder.
"It's true right? About… him?" Her female friend asked.
"Can't believe he's a P2 now." Chris shook his head in disbelief. "The lone wolf got lucky."
"They're all true." John answered for her. "His first day on Mid-Wilshire, our second, we got pinned down by higher caliber fire arms. He took three shots, and I'm sure you know the rest."
"Double headshot." Chris murmured. "So what is he calling himself now? Sugar right?"
"Just Jack."
She stiffened when she heard that familiar voice and turned around. Jack was standing right behind her, towering over their group, only John was near his height, but not in muscles and bulk.
"Hey guys." Jack gave a greeting.
"Holy shit, Routh!" Chris gaped. "You're huge!"
"Metro has an excellent gym." Jack explained. "And D-platoon's training exercises make sure we're always in tip top shape."
Jack's sudden appearance had caused several in their group to shift uncomfortably from where they were standing. She figured they were probably unsure on how to deal with their most famous batch mate who was now a P2 before their FTO had officially concluded. His exploits were by now legendary, and she could sort of understand why they had that start struck expression.
"You… you here alone, Routh?" Chris appeared to have gathered his courage and spoke once more.
"I was out with Zoe. She's waiting in the car, but I thought I'd say hi when I saw your group. Stay safe." Jack appeared to have sensed the discomfort in the group and decided to leave. They watched as their famous batch mate left the bar and immediately huddled as a group.
"Did you see those muscles?"
"Holy Shit! He's built like a tank now."
"Did he really marry that hot captain?"
"Who knew the lone wolf was capable of that?"
Their batch reunion turned into a gossiping session about Jack as they drank beer. Even as she shared her knowledge, part of her still couldn't believe Jack had accomplished that much in such a short time.
She noticed Erin became quiet after Jack's appearance. She had increased her drinking pace and was on her third drink already and she hadn't even finished her first.
"Why don't I take you out for some fresh air." John offered.
"I'll take her." She stepped in and hooked her arm around her friend's elbow and guided her to the exit. Erin seemed like she might need some female company.
"Spill." She stated once they leaned on the wall in front of the bar. "What's bothering you?"
"I'm worried about Chris." Erin confessed. She raised an eyebrow in interest. Were the two dating? They had always been butting heads at the academy. "I'm concerned about his transition, from being the top of the class to being another boot. He was so smug when he heard Jackson washed out and he was so insufferable that day."
"But when we started hearing of Jack's accomplishments…." Erin let out a deep sigh of frustration. "He's become reckless, trying to crack the next big case or catch the armed and dangerous suspect. I'm afraid he's to get himself hurt in the future."
"Are you two dating?" She asked.
"In the academy, but we broke it off when we joined the force." Erin replied. "I'm just worried about him."
"And what about you?" Years living with her parents taught her to ask the right questions.
"Me?" Erin gave a hollow, tired laugh. "Sometimes I want to get away from it all."
"You don't like being a cop?" She asked.
"It's not… really what I expected." Erin admitted. "I want to travel the country instead. You know, see the sights in an RV. Sleep anywhere I want, go wherever I want to go… complete freedom."
"Maybe you can have that soon. Graduation is just around the corner, and we'll be entitle to paid leaves by then." She replied, trying to comfort her friend. It looked like she had burned out and needed to unwind.
"C'mon, let me show you a video where I was singing with Taylor Swift on stage in a private concert." She bragged. As expected, Erin's eye widened and her mouth dropped open. Her friend was a big Swiftie.
"You did not!" Erin stated in an even tone.
"Wanna bet?" She showed off her receipt, meaning the video of her taken by Angela as she sang with the famous pop start.
"Oh my god! That's really her!" Erin squealed in delight and grabbed her phone. She smiled in satisfaction, seeing how she was able to raise her friend's spirits.
Zoe Andersen Routh
There were multiple reasons why vacations were eagerly anticipated by everyone working a regular job. It was meant to take a break from a stress filled environment, a moment to unwind, relax, and even re-energize one's self for the grueling work ahead. So why did it feel like things got worse when she got back?
It started with an event she was invited to attend a day after she arrived in Hawaii. It was supposed to be one of those formal events, usually a sit down dinner with some ceremony included for promoting brass or giving out awards and medals.
What she and Jack saw when they arrived at the venue of a hotel ballroom was mind boggling. Chief Williams had the idea to turn the event as a wedding reception for the two of them. The mayor and the city council were even present.
They sat at the head table with the politicians beside a large wedding cake while photographers took countless photos, their flashes giving her a migraine. It was obvious that this was a P.R. stunt, and the city officials were taking advantage of Jack's surge in popularity.
She would have accepted the event just fine if that was it, but then the Chief used the opportunity to announce his retirement. William's replacement was someone she dreaded, and she knew from the look of the woman across the table that things would be difficult in the future.
She never got along with Susan Coleman ever since she arrived in L.A. The older female police commander was the only one that raised an issue when her paperwork was being processed. Ever since then she avoided the woman, and learned from Jessica Cortez that Coleman seems to be less forgiving with female brass like her.
"We better watch our backs." Cortez whispered to her that night.
Williams hadn't officially resigned, yet Coleman was starting to throw her weight around. In the next meeting, she immediately noticed that she and Cortez were seated farther away. It was like the incoming chief was already declaring who her favorites were.
"Captain?"
She gestured for Nyla Harper to come inside her office. The detective turned training officer immediately asked for a meeting the moment she returned to her post, but with her busy schedule she was only able to accommodate Harper today.
"Sit down." She gestured for the woman to sit. "What can I do for you, Officer Harper?" She asked.
"I just want to share some concerns." Harper shifted in her seat and started to run her palms on her knees. "Since I wasn't attending the conference, I applied for a week long personal leave."
"And I approved of it." She replied, wondering where Harper was headed.
"I knew the patrol schedules before I left." Harper continued. "I knew a patrol unit would pass by my street at a certain time period, yet none did, for entire week."
She sat up straight on her office chair when she heard that. "I gave Armstrong specific instructions about maintaining the schedule I devised. It was not followed?"
"I'm not sure." Harper shrugged. "I asked him about it when I saw him at station last week. He said he was just giving the guys a break because of how peaceful our area is."
She seethed when she heard that. The reason Mid-Wilshire won the right to represent the state in that conference was because of how efficient and methodical her division operated. To hear Nick Armstrong basically ignore the foundation she was carefully laying down in Mid-Wilshire was infuriating. It was a pity that today was Armstrong's rest day, or she would have called him to her office at that moment and demand answers. She took a deep breath and exhaled, and once she controlled her emotions, gave an approving nod to Harper.
"Thank you Harper. I appreciate you telling me this." She stated. She knew cops were reluctant to rat out other cops.
Armstrong was a senior detective, and it was good thing she didn't solely rely on him alone since Vestri and Wolfe had similar experiences. With the latter two out in Hawaii, it seemed like no one was there to keep the night general in check.
She was tempted to summon Armstrong, but she hesitated at the last minute. She needed to know why the senior detective from 77 th blatantly ignored her clear instructions. As soon as Harper left, she called Wolfe. She needed to know the patrol schedule and the progress on cases when she was gone for the week.
"Captain?" Wolfe asked over the phone.
"Get in here, and bring the progress reports on your cases." She ordered.
"I'll get that to you as soon as I figure out where my case files went." She could hear the frustration in the detective's voice. "Vestri's going over the cases that we left behind with Patrol. It seemed like Nick made a mess while we were gone."
"I'm just hearing about it now." She replied. "Bring Vestri as well when you're ready. We need to fix this, fast."
She felt like her was going to explode with all the issues she had to deal with by the end of day. Frustrated and pissed, she decided to do one of her favorite activities to relax aside from sex with her husband. She took out her phone and called him. His shift should be ending too.
"Honey?" Jack answered after the fifth ring.
"Hi!" She greeted her husband. Hearing his voice made her sour mood vanish completely, but there was still the stress to deal with. "How are you?"
"I just finished responding to a Polish hostage situation." Jack replied.
"What does a hostage's nationality have got to do with your case?" She asked.
"It's Metro slang." Her husband explained. "You know the type, those I'll blow my head off if you come through the door sort of people."
"Are you hurt? Did everything go well?" She asked.
"We're fine. The situation could have gone well past my shift if it wasn't for Street." Jack shared. "I just finished storing my gear. Where are you?"
She found her husband handing his specialized gear to the armory custodian and tapped him on the shoulder. "Right behind you."
They kissed the moment they reached the parking building. She inhaled her husband's scent, and wished she had him by her side today when she was dealing with a wide variety of issues. One sniff of Jack's unique scent, a peck on the lips and a hug and she'd be ready to tackle the problem. But that would be unprofessional, and she had to settle for this.
"How do you feel about visiting the shooting range?" She asked.
"So it was that bad?" Jack really knew her, and it was Defcon 4 if she wanted to shoot.
"Chief Williams is retiring, and his replacement… well, let's just say she's not a big fan of me." She explained.
"She?"
"Commander Susan Coleman." She replied. She turned on the ignition and her GR86 roared to life. "She's slated to replace him in a few weeks, but she's already throwing her weight around. She's not a big fan of me or Captain Cortez."
"That's expected." Her husband replied. "Studies show that women in power view those of the same gender in a male dominated environment as threats to their position."
She wanted to say that was wrong, but she knew her husband wasn't lying. She tried to be fair to her subordinates regardless of their gender but she would not want to serve under a female boss. Unfortunately for her, she didn't have any choice about the matter.
After a half an hour of driving they reached Martin's gun range. There a few cars in the parking lot, but they were parked near the pistol range.
"Are we shooting rifles?" Jack asked.
"No, but I wanted to help dial in some of our recent purchases." Firing guns always soothed her, and she could not think of a better way to relieve her stress than to feel a gun in her hands. With an unexpected windfall due to Howard's generosity, she was confident she would be able to buy any attachment John Martin had in stock. She headed to the trunk of her car and opened the boot, revealing two carrying cases and a few smaller bags.
"We're going to dial in the AR-15 and the HK-416." She stated. "Add the modifications we wanted and make them ready for use."
She suddenly had a bright idea to make things even more interesting and combine the two things that relieved her of her stress, sex, and firearms. "Why don't we each set it up according to our own preferences? Martin picks his favorite, but he doesn't have to know he's judging a competition to make it fair."
Her husband looked intrigued at her proposal. "Deal. The loser has to stay naked for the next rest day."
That's more like it. There weren't any real losers if that was Jack's choice of punishment. She was already familiar with being half-naked most of the time around her husband at their home. She enjoyed the way Jack's eyes followed her whenever she wore her thin tops and short shorts around the house while doing her chores.
"Deal." She replied immediately.
"That's not all." Jack added. "Winner gets to choose their breakfast."
That was tame, but okay. They shook hands quickly, but she thought she caught the smirk on her husband's lips.
John Martin greeted them from behind the counter. The older man had a welcoming smile on his face as he exchanged quick greetings.
"How was Hawaii?" Martin asked her.
"Fantastic." She answered. "But I was starting to miss home despite being in paradise."
They soon explained what they wanted in their visit, to properly set up their firearms and then dial in their accuracy and the firing range. Martin quickly agreed, and even offered his advice on how to set up the attachments. She could see how excited he was about the amount of attachments they were about to purchase.
"We'll be fine." She told the retired gunnery sergeant. "Just tell me which setup you like more."
"We'll test it out on the range when you're done." Martin nodded. "Pick anything you like on the shelves."
She spent around thirty minutes collecting the attachments she thought suited the HK-416, and it was a good thing Martin had a large inventory and an excellent selection. She bought the rifle because Jack used one, and she wanted her husband to have a familiar weapon in the house in case he needed it for emergencies. The AR-15 already had a scope, but she was puzzled when she glanced over at the next table and saw that her husband had practically stripped the rifle bare.
He removed the scope, the iron sights, and even the old stock. Huh. Her husband had that intense look of concentration on his face as he expertly wielded the Allen wrench. She focused on her own task and got back to work, and removed the stock and replaced it with a D5 Bravo since it felt the most comfortable. A Surefire RC2 was the next attachment, followed by a mini turbolight. She needed to save some weight at the end.
The Eotech exps3 was next for her red dot, and positioned the full power D-ball a bit back to keep the rifle more balanced. She dropped the required oil and pulled back the hammer a few times. Happy with her work and confident of her victory, she turned to her husband who looked like he was nearly finished with his rifle. She was about to tell Jack to strip as soon as he got in the car when she saw what Jack did.
She narrowed her eyes when she saw the changes he made to the rifle. Why was he adding tape to the AR-15?
John Martin
Miss Zoe's HK-416 was good as he tested its weight. It seemed like she designed it for her own build, but he could still use it in combat. He turned to Zoe's husband, Jack Routh, and smiled at what he saw.
The souped up 16 inch AR-15 looked like it was made for a special forces operator.
He put it on and noted the unusual configuration. The red dot was placed on top of the scope. Most would have placed it an angle. Interesting.
"You like the same head placement," He theorized. "When you use both the scope and the red dot."
"I'm not a fan of twisting the weapon or twisting my neck just to use the red dot. I have to change my shoulder placement and fling out my elbow if I do that, and it seems like wasted movement to me." Zoe's husband explained. "Same placement and movement means more accurate shooting."
"Some guys get good at canting the weapon to get the red dot, but I see your point." He murmured. "Oh you retained the mechanical sights."
"There's still room, and I like a backup to my backup," Jack replied. "Pop it up, scope goes down, red dot goes down, but you can still engage the enemy."
"I like the B5 Bravo." He extended it for a moment and returned it to its default position. "This is for extra batteries huh?"
"That's right. You never know when you need to replace batteries. It's better to have spare ones in hand."
He nodded and inspected the modified weapon further. He smiled as Jack placed a tape by the stock, and he knew it was a marker so that he could index his face whenever he aimed the weapon. Again the large man was aiming for efficiency, and that was unusual. Usually gun enthusiasts prefer the flashy attachments and leave it at that.
He even noticed that he placed the scope about 2 and a half inches off the charging handle and with the stock once again extended he placed it on his shoulder and realized he ha d the ideal distance of his eye to the scope.
The added fore grip and sling finished the look, along with the laser light that doubled as a light at the bottom and a suppressor mounted at the end. It was overall, a vey sweet set up.
Something must have shown on his face as Zoe suddenly reacted and muttered a curse.
"What did I do?" He asked.
"You like his weapon system better." Zoe pouted. He grinned, ignoring the urge to ruffle her hair. He still remembered that determined lass, eager to get away from her family to join a new one with the marine corps.
He was happy for her, and she looked more relaxed and at peace after getting married to Jack. He was even happier with the attachments they selected. They were all top notch, and his sales target for the month would be reached just from the accessories of these two rifles and the handguns.
Eager to dial in Jack's creation, he quickly led them to the rifle range. He bet this baby could easily hit body shots at 700 or 800 yards.
Jack Routh
"What?" He couldn't believe what he just heard.
"Your… brutal actions on that show revealed an alarming lack of empathy towards animals." Chief Coleman added. "Frankly, I'm astounded that you were willing to do such a thing in front of a large audience."
"Chief, the animals I killed are invasive species. As I understand, they're often culled to preserve the local biodiversity." He explained. Coleman merely scoffed.
Fuck. This was what his wife was ranting about for the past week. She had warned him, but he didn't actually believe the new chief of police could be that petty, or stupid.
"You'll be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is concluded." Coleman finished. "You're dismissed, Officer Routh."
Fuck it. If she didn't want him, he had other choices, alternative paths to follow. He left Central and headed back to Rampart. Unfortunately, Hondo was on personal leave, so he reported his status to his captain, Jessica Cortez.
It was the first time he saw the metro captain looking so defeated when he told him of his meeting.
"It's just as we feared." Cortez confided in him. "Coleman is a controversial commander. Certainly capable, but her decisions have always been influenced by outside sentiment."
That was a polite way of saying Coleman was trying to cozy up to or was influenced in some way by special interest groups. That was a very dangerous combination, and perhaps it was time to step back from the LAPD in the meantime. He could still help protect his city in his own way, and he was sure Susan Coleman wouldn't last if she was this soft to bend down and be influenced.
"I think this move from the chief is an attempt to warn Zoe as well." Cortez appeared to have dropped formalities as she addressed his wife by her first name. "Susan Coleman can be very difficult for other women with rank in the force."
"So my administrative leave…"
"It's a way to send your wife a message." Jessica Cortez finished for him. Her face looked worried, and he knew why.
"You're afraid Hondo might be next." He stated. He was amused to see his captain's reaction to what he just said. Her eyes widened considerably, and she leaned back to her seat, as if pushed by an invisible force.
"How did you know?" Cortez asked after a moment of silence. Good, he appreciated that she didn't even try to deny his statement. "Did… did Zoe tell you?"
"I do have eyes, Captain." He replied with a small smile to reassure his boss. "And no, Zoe didn't tell me. I noticed it when I first arrived for training. The way you focus on Hondo more than the other platoon leaders during briefings, the way Hondo looks at you when you enter the room, and the moments you take breaks at the exact time that the sergeant does."
"There are many more clues, but I doubt anyone else noticed unless someone catches the two of you together on a date." He added.
"We've taken precautions." Cortez replied. "But with this… I'm worried about what Coleman will do to get to me."
"Do we have alternative means to counter her decisions?" He asked.
"If she's just reshuffling personnel, then no." Jessica Cortez replied. "She's just exercising her authority as the new chief of police. Anyway, you need to get back to Mid-Wilshire and calm your wife down when she hears the news. It's better to hear it from you than to read it in an email."
Cortez was right. He needed to reassure Zoe he'd be fine. They would just need to wait out this storm.
Zoe Andersen Routh
She watched her husband pace in front of her desk. She could see how frustrated he was after he had just delivered the news from their new chief, Susan Coleman.
"You're still getting paid, love." Her term of endearment looked to have calmed him somewhat as he finally sat on the chair in front of her. Technically, paid leave was not really a punishment, since Jack still received his benefits and salary. It was simply put in place to ensure that an investigation could be conducted without any concern for interference or bias. Chief Susan Coleman just used it to send her a message.
"There's more." Jack placed his phone on her desk. She leaned over and saw it was a message from Hondo.
"They're investigating D-platoon?" She couldn't help but open her mouth in shock. What the hell was Coleman doing?
"Apparently, she's worried about the lethal mindset within the squad." Jack explained. "That's the most stupid explanation I have ever heard."
This was a problem with Coleman and officers like her. They came from a softer and political background and had ties with special interest groups. They thought they were smarter and were determined to make significant changes to appear superior to their predecessors.
Williams was an old pervert, but he knew better than to interfere with the men and women who actually knew how to do their jobs. He listened to his men, stood up for them when needed, and took responsibility for failures, though those were rare. That allowed him to become Chief for more than a decade, and they all turned a blind eye to his wandering eye as long as it was harmless.
She needed to ask questions. She was already busy with Armstrong after she wrote him a letter of reprimand, and that was another mess. The senior detective from the 77th was making noises of favoritism and unfairness and that brought in the union. She called in Internal Affairs to counter that.
"Why don't you head home?" She suggested. "Go make us some nice dinner for later."
"Do I have to surrender by badge and gun?" Her husband asked.
"You watch too many Hollywood movies." She rolled her eyes. Those only happen during incidents related to their actions or suspected abuse of power. Jack just killed a snake and a few boars for food.
"I'll just sit back for the moment. I'll focus my new free time with you and the house." Jack remarked as he moved around the desk to get closer to her.
She stood up and smiled, happy that he was focusing on more productive things. She let out a gasp when she felt a hand squeeze her ass. Her man was seemingly taking a rebellious tone in his actions. He was never this reckless with her inside her office during the late morning, when her station was the busiest.
"Go on." She tilted her head and enjoyed a quick but wet kiss with Jack. He always liked slipping a little tongue between her lips, and damn it, it worked. She shifted in place as her body responded.
She left early for lunch break with a plan in action. She knew Mayor Stevens liked a particular restaurant since it was near Central and had private rooms. She could only hope there were still seats available since it was popular with the older crowd.
She arrived at a perfect time, and there were tables still available. It was a fancy restaurant that served Mediterranean cuisine, which also had private rooms on its second floor. She made sure to get a table near the entrance so that Stevens would see her when he arrived.
She was still waiting for her Halibut, which cost more than she expected, when Stevens arrived with a couple of city councilors whom she only knew by face.
"Zoe!" Stevens smiled and headed to her table. "What brings you here? And where's Jack?"
"I heard it was a good place for lunch, Mayor Stevens." She exchanged quick greetings, Stevens was one of those who preferred cheek-to-cheek kisses instead of handshakes. He always mentioned his Italian heritage and claimed he preferred the practice, but she had never seen him do that to his older constituents during events.
"Jack's busy." She replied and sat back down at her table.
"What are you doing sitting alone then?" Mayor Stevens shook his head. "Just join us upstairs! I reserved a private room."
"I couldn't possibly do…"
"Nonsense." The mayor brushed off her concerns.
She gave a quick but polite greeting to the two council members and joined them on the second floor. The decoration was more elaborate here, and she could tell the owners really made an effort to bring in that Mediterranean vibe. She was sure Jack would be able to tell her more if she brought him here.
Stevens asked simple questions at first, asking if she enjoyed the surprise they prepared for her. He then moved on to other topics before shifting to her husband.
"How's Jack by the way? Is he still working on his short game?" Stevens asked.
"He might have time now." She replied in a bitter tone. "Coleman placed him on administrative leave."
"She did what?" Stevens looked surprised by the news. One of his aides leaned close and whispered in his ear.
"I see." Stevens looked uncomfortable for a moment and shifted his gaze away from her. "That's too bad, but it's just an administrative leave, isn't it? It will all go away once the investigation is finished. Susan can be… passionate and thorough about her beliefs."
"She was worried about his cruelty to animals." She responded. "In that show that the department asked him to participate."
"Yes, well…" Stevens wiped the sweat that had formed on his head with a napkin. "Jack did well on the how, right? I was impressed by his outdoor survival skills."
That was a blatant change of topic, but she didn't comment on it and merely nodded. She knew she'd find no support from the Mayor. Their lunch quickly ended, and Stevens had a parting word before she left.
"Maybe I could speak with Susan." Stevens whispered in her ear. "I was disappointed when you didn't show up at the club. Williams was really looking forward to the two of you."
She merely nodded and quickly left, feeling disgusted after she saw how Stevens' gaze lingered on her chest. The club was a discreet group of swingers that she and Jack were invited to join months before. She read the message loud and clear. Fuck that. She and Jack had a wonderful and active sex life, and they didn't need any swinger group to get their jollies on.
It was like what Jack had said before he left her office. They just had to sit back for the moment and watch as the new people in power dig the foundations from under their own feet and then stand back and watch them get crushed by their own actions.
Nick Armstrong
He crumpled the letter of reprimand, signed off by Internal Affairs, and threw it on his desk. The damn bitch was more serious than he thought. He knew a scolding was about to happen, but to receive a letter of reprimand and an extension of his probationary status by three months in Mid-Wilshire was stupid.
His useless union rep was unable to defend him, with the mountain of evidence presented against him. Commander Percy West looked annoyed when he had to be summoned to look over his protest, and gave him a stern warning, and that he knew better.
The only thing that calmed him down was seeing what the bitchy captain was beneath the skirt and blouse. She was a complete slut, a freak in the sheets like he dreamed she would be. The smile never left his face throughout the meeting. It was a pity Reuben refused to have copies made of the photos. The man was infatuated with his bitchy boss, and the idea of having a pretty police captain on his payroll made him impatient with their plan.
His work with John Nolan stalled ever since the older rookie started dating the doctor. He was no longer invited to help out in the house and was unable to plant evidence for his escape plan if things went south.
The letter of reprimand wasn't a big deal, to be honest, it was what it came with. A week-long suspension, without pay, and because the bitch ran a tight ship, it automatically meant a temporary revocation of his credentials. He couldn't log in and look up Jack Routh or search for their house, and Serj was getting on his nerves.
His phone rang, and he shut off his computer before answering it.
"No, I didn't get it!" He replied. He didn't like Serj's tone. The prick thought he was top dog because his brother was the leader.
It was a good thing he had privacy in his own office, and his suspension would officially start tomorrow or else he might have attracted unwanted attention.
"You've got contact of your own." He replied when Serj suggested he use his favors with some cops in the station. No, that would be a bad move, and he was certain it would expose him faster than their elaborate plan intended.
"Prick." He muttered when Serj ended the call without even a word. They needed to shuffle a few things back into their plan. Ruben was being too optimistic and impatient.
Serj Derian
Jack Routh was an enigma.
Despite his massive popularity and connections from his research, the man did not have a personal online presence. No facebook, Cliptok or Instargram. His contacts, highly experienced hackers, were equally befuddled.
A friend who owed him a favor who works in the government got scared. He remembered seeing how the color drained from the man's face when their query was suddenly blocked.
"Fuck! Shit!" The man panicked and started running what looked like a program to erase his recent activity. "This is a black project type of security!"
"Black projects?" He asked.
"Serj, I have a security clearance thanks to my work. I should be able to get the file of a simple LAPD cop and a police captain's." The man explained. "It was encrypted by something even I have never even seen before, and I got detected despite the numerous VPNs I used."
He raised an eyebrow as the man he had known for years took out a valuable part of his PC and then began trashing what was left behind. He even started spraying the case with what looked like lighter fluid. Was he planning to set the thing on fire?
"Damn, I really like this place." The man released a sigh and gave him an annoyed look. "You should have told me of his background before I agreed. Now I have to find a new place."
"They're that dangerous?" He asked. He mentally reviewed all the things he touched before he came here. Door knob, the table, and the armrest.
"They're the type that can make sure you disappear, without anyone knowing. All known records, both physical and digital, just gone like you didn't exist." The man replied. "You don't fuck with people like that."
"Thanks for the advice." He didn't have to worry about the sound since they were in a basement. His contact didn't suspect a thing as he carefully took aim and shot the man at the back of his head. That was two hours of his afternoon gone. At least he was able to recover his initial investment plus some extra.
He wasted his time, and his big brother was going to get pissed. He had another task, Erin Cole had the audacity to suggest that she could pay her loan. The little bitch didn't realize that she couldn't back out now, they had an agreement.
Armstrong was able to provide her patrol schedule before his suspension. Luckily, the station she was based at wasn't as secure and rigid as Mid-Wilshire. It was time to pay her a visit.
Erin Cole
She shifted under Jack's gaze as he sat across from her in her favorite coffee shop. Lucy told her of a new foundation that helped cops in financial trouble after she admitted that she was struggling to pay loans. She didn't realize Jack financed that foundation.
"I thought I could pay it, you know?" She continued sharing her plight, observing Jack's face for any reaction, but the lone wolf of their batch only remained impassive.
"Two things." Jack replied after she finished her tale.
"One, you're not telling the whole truth." He held up one finger, causing her to freeze in her chair. "Two, you keep looking out the window as if you're scared someone will see you."
"What makes you say that?" She asked.
"You're doing it again." He reminded her, and her eyes snapped back from watching the window back to Jack. "Did you borrow from a loan shark?"
She slumped back on her seat, defeated. There goes her only chance at getting out, and she even told Serj that she could pay back her loan to them an hour ago. She felt like crying and held back the tears that threatened to fall down her face. She felt stupid.
"I'm sorry." She whispered. "I wasted your time. Yeah, I got the money to pass the LAPD's check on our credit rating from loan sharks."
"I'll lend you the money." She sat up, surprised at Jack's decision.
"You said your father was a sheriff in Iowa, right?" She couldn't believe Jack remembered that tiny tidbit when they all introduced themselves in the academy on their first day. Shame filled her chest, and she shook her head.
"No, I couldn't do that to you." She whispered.
"Accept it." Jack insisted. "My lawyer Camille will get in contact with you."
"Thank you." Unable to control her gratitude, she hugged her large batchmate.
She arrived at her apartment with a spring in her step. Her smile grew when she spotted Chris waiting by her door with what looked like takeout.
"Good news?" Chris asked.
"You know that foundation Lucy talked about?" She quickly dug in. Chris always knew her favorites, and the recent news only made the buffalo wings taste better.
"Yeah, what of it?" Chris asked. "Your request got approved?"
"It did!" She smiled. "The money should come through tomorrow, with very generous payment terms. It came from a charity foundation Jack founded for cops. Those are his proceeds from his work with Taylor Swift."
"Damn." Chris whistled in appreciation. "That's generous. He could have retired with that money, but he used it to help us and those who really need it."
"You'd better buy his album when he releases one." She reminded him.
"I'm glad you're back, Erin." Chris gave her one of those smiles. She felt her heart skip a beat.
"What?"
"This is the Erin I fell in love with." Chris added. His smile was different from the cocky one he used to project to the public. "We're about to graduate the FTO soon. You know I'm always waiting. So do you think we can… "
"Yes!" She leaped into Chris arms and she immediately kissed him, hard.
"Isn't this sweet?"
They both moved apart at that voice. She turned around, and her eyes widened in horror at the sight of Serj Derian standing at her door, with a gun in his hand.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
"Now this is what I'm talking about." The large bald man that Jack introduced as Hondo declared as they surveyed the property. Her friend Jack manned the barbecue, while several others played catch in her new, large backyard.
She finally bought a home, but she needed to transport her furniture and belongings from her rented apartment to the one-story bungalow.
She had joked to Zoe that she needed a group of hunky men to help her, but she didn't expect her friend to take her statement seriously. Jack appeared, alongside three large and muscled men, along with a woman who looked like she could take care of herself if she were ever to be mugged in a dark alley.
A quick introduction, and she learned that they were part of the famous SWAT unit of the LAPD, and that the members standing inside her apartment, ready to transport furniture, were the ones who rescued the hostages on the plane.
They were efficient, courteous, and in barely a few hours she had finished moving into her new home, just a block away from Zoe's. They refused to accept her money, but Jack did mention they would appreciate a cold drink and a snack. If that were the case, she would splurge some of her signing bonus on them. They were far better than any moving service, and they were cops too. That meant better protection, and if they are Jack's friends, that meant they were trustworthy.
Projects and endorsement proposals poured in after her show with Jack, and that allowed her to raise her budget for her house hunting.
What was supposed to be a stressful day turned into a party as more of her friends came in, from celebrity friends like Jessica and Nickolaj turning up and followed by Zoe with Pam and Reese.
"We're under investigation." Hondo joked. "The new chief thinks they were too dangerous."
She snorted at her beer. The very notion was ridiculous. These friends of Jack were funny and down to earth, and she did enjoy watching their muscled, sweaty bodies hard at work lifting her furniture. She paid them back by ordering the best food available, plus premium drinks.
"We don't have jobs right now." Jim Street added from beside her.
"It looks like this new chief is breathing down your necks." She observed. She hated directors and executive producers who acted like that. It only made her and other actors give bad performances, unable to show off their skills and talent because they were never given any wiggle room.
"Fuck them." Chris, the only woman in the elite unit joined in. "I say we hang back and let her hang in her own rope."
"I didn't know you could play?" Jessica held up her old electric guitar that was currently hooked up to her amp. That and her base guitar were unearthed from the process of moving in, and Jessica and Reese decided to play with them with her permission. The sight of her instruments reminded her of her time singing in concerts at bars, and even one in New York. Those were fun times.
"I did sing on the island after Jack's performance." She reminded the redhead. Of course, her performance was overshadowed by Sugar's Amber. Even she played that song from time to time.
"Yeah, about that, don't you think it's unfair?" Hondo asked. "We've known this idiot for many months now, and he didn't even give us one song!"
"Booo!" Street called out to the laughter of her guests.
"Don't be selfish!" Chris added.
"You want a song?" Jack, as always, looked handsome as he wiped the sweat from his brow and handed his duties at the grill to Nickolaj by passing over the tongs and the apron.
"Fuck yeah!" Hondo nodded. "A song for us jobless cops."
"Something kickass!" Chris added.
She felt bad for these police officers. They were doing a good job in her opinion, but a change in administration forced them to be on administrative leave as part of an ongoing investigation. Zoe had been very vocal about what happened to the group and her husband.
Speaking of Jack, her TV husband was calling her to where he was standing with the amps.
"You still good with a bass?" Jack asked her.
Her smile grew and she nodded. Is Jack planning to include her in his latest performance? She recognized that look on his face. He quickly showed her a sequence on the bass guitar, and it was simple enough in her opinion.
"Just keep doing that." Jack told her when she practiced the sequence. "Then you can do your own thing once you grow familiar with the song."
She quickly adjusted the strap and noticed that word had got around that Jack was singing. Nickolaj's daughters were at the very front along with Zoe and Jessica. She felt bad for Taylor for missing out and decided to help the pop star.
She video called the blonde, and a sleepy face appeared on the screen.
"What is it?" Taylor mumbled. "It's Sunday, and it's too early Liz!"
"Jack is about to perform a song." She stated. She noted how Taylor's features quickly transformed. Her eyes sharpened, and it looked like she sat up quickly from her bed.
"What!?"
Instead of answering she turned the phone around to show her surroundings. Jack was adjusting the volume of the amp since he was singing without a microphone.
"No way!" Taylor looked upset.
"Don't worry, I'll keep the call live so you can listen in real time." She propped up her phone by her old music stand so that Taylor could see both Jack and the audience.
"What's the song called?" Taylor demanded.
"Jack said it's called In the Summertime." She replied. She gave the pop star a wink and headed back to the spot beside Jack.
"This is for my buddies in Metro." Jack stated. He then turned to Zoe who was eagerly recording with her phone. "I hope you like this one, Honey."
Jack gave her a nod and started playing on the electric guitar. She immediately followed with Jack's instructions and played her part with the bass.
Taylor Swift
Was Liz stealing her spot?
She narrowed her eyes when the pretty brunette winked at her. She cursed herself for ignoring Jessica's message that morning and went back to sleep, and now she was paying the price.
Liz placed her phone at a good spot, and she could see both Jack and part of the small audience, including Jessica and Zoe.
She had never seen Jack play an electric guitar before, and she wondered what song he was about to play.
He started with the electric guitar, playing a catchy intro. Liz joined in with the bass, and she started to nod her head to the tune. This gave her an idea… if it worked, then it would be the biggest thing ever.
Christina Alonso
She was frustrated. She spent so many months working her ass off to get to Metro, and then to be treated like shit. When Street called that morning to tell her that he would be busy to help out one of Jack's friends move, she basically invited herself. She needed physical activity, a healthy outlet to release her frustration and anger.
It turned out that the friend Street mentioned was the famous actress, the one who accompanied Jack on that TV show. She was a bit star-struck at first, but she quickly relaxed upon realizing how down-to-earth the pretty celebrity is around them. She was warm, genuine, and carried the same amount as her during the move, showing that Mary Elizabeth Winstead did work out.
Then the party started, and two more celebrities showed up. Nickolaj was so handsome, and she was pretty sure Victor was smitten with Jessica Chastain. The environment was a good distraction from her darker thoughts about their current situation, but soon the topic came back.
Hondo jokingly demanded a song for them, and surprisingly, Jack agreed. He couldn't possibly make a song that quickly?
Then he started playing. The sound of the electric guitar through the amp covered the large yard along with Liz's bass guitar, and she started nodding her head. Yeah, this rock and roll type of music mirrored what she was currently feeling.
Then Jack opened his mouth and started singing. Her eyes widened in shock, and she became still, earnestly listening to the first few verses in his song.
[In the Summertime- Thirsty Merc]
I don't have a job…
I never liked them…
I just wanna play in the sunshine
They said I was wrong
But I know better,
I live my life like I'm dying…
"Hell yeah!" She heard Hondo hold a beer high above their heads as her sergeant nodded his head in approval to the song. Damn.
Gimme a chance…
I'll do my best to kick and scream and dance
When winter comes I'll turn around…
She didn't realize she was standing. All her attention was focused on her squad mate. Jack was singing what they all felt in their hearts when they heard the news from the new chief.
Take me back to the…
Sweet times! The hot nights!
Everything is going to be alright
In the summertime…
Baby in the summertime!
And even if I have to wait 'til
Next year, I don't care!
All I know is that I'll meet you there
In the summertime
Baby in the summertime!
That is where I'll be!
Someone was screaming as Jack started on his guitar solo. Wait, that was her. Holy shit, she had never been taken by a performance like that before. She wasn't alone, they were all standing, clapping and cheering a Jack continued with his performance.
"This is sick!" She heard Jim Street shout.
She just nodded and kept her eyes on Jack, no Sugar. She finally understood why so many women were taken with him, and why his songs were so popular.
I can't complain
'cos I'm still breathing,
There's nobody breathing down my neck now
Give me a go,
Like an open furnace setting fire to snow,
When winter comes I'll ask the crowd…
With the chorus coming up, she wasn't the only one to sing with Jack. His song was very catchy, and the lyrics were simple yet powerful.
Take me back to the…
Sweet times! The hot nights!
Everything is going to be alright
In the summertime…
Baby in the summertime!
She could feel liquid dropping down her face. It wasn't raining. It was Hondo spraying them with beer by shaking the bottle vigorously. It looked like Jack's song affected him as strongly as it did her. They wanted to rebel and release their frustration. Listening to Jack's song helped a lot.
And even if I have to wait 'til
Next year, I don't care!
All I know is that I'll meet you there
In the summertime
Baby in the summertime!
That is where I'll be!
Yeah!
Jack played a solo once more, and their small crowd turned into a beer spraying party. Her friend just smiled at their antics and continued playing a sick solo with the electric guitar.
So let me run,
I'll dream until my head weighs 16 tons
And when I wake up some time in June,
I'll say…
This time they were all singing the lyrics. Wait, was anyone recording? Fuck! She needed to listen one more time to this song. She breathed a sigh of relief when she noticed Jack's wife was capturing the moment, not caring that she was soaked in beer. She even had a smile on her face, and she would, too if she were married to a kickass hunk like Jack.
Take me back to the…
Sweet times! The hot nights!
Everything is going to be alright
In the summertime…
Baby in the summertime!
And even if I have to wait 'til
Next year, I don't care!
All I know is that I'll meet you there
In the summertime
Baby in the summertime!
Take me back to the…
Sweet times! The hot nights!
Everything is going to be alright!
In the summertime…
Baby in the summertime…
Baby in the summertime…
Baby in the summertime…
Baby in the summertime…
That is where I'll be!
They were loud even for a small crowd. They all yelled themselves hoarse as soon as Jack and Liz finished playing.
Jack received a quick bro hug from Hondo, Street, and Victor and she followed with one of her own.
"Damn man!" Hondo was all smiles. It looked like he had grown younger with the happy expression on his face. "I needed that! Thanks!"
"Anytime, Sergeant." Jack grinned. "That felt good."
"It felt fucking good." She replied with a smile. Her eyes were stinging a little bit, thanks to the beer rain courtesy of Hondo, Street, and Jaimie Lannister.
Okay, she was a new fan of Jack's music. If he could sing songs like that and reach her, then his other compositions must be the same.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
She was breathing hard.
She was only playing for a few minutes, but her hands ached, and it felt like she ran for a half a mile non-stop. But damn, it felt good to see the reactions of her guests.
She didn't write or compose the song, and only gave a bass line to Jack's electric guitar, but damn did it feel good. It was like she was on a high, and that song… Sugar once again crushed it. Her impromptu thank you party turned wilder.
Nickolaj's wife Nukaka had the foresight to bring their daughters back home after Jack's song ended. She could hear the two girls' protests, but it was better this way. Her SWAT guests were soaked in beer and removed their shirts while the ladies had their thin blouses drenched, causing them to be nearly transparent and giving the others quite a show.
Then there was Jack. Oh Boy.
There was a rumor going around that muscled gym rats who religiously lifted weights caused their dicks to shrink. She could confirm that to be a myth in Jack's case, thanks to his wife, who gave them a glimpse of the monster that she took inside her body almost every night. That bitch…
She laughed and slipped off her bass guitar and fondly ran her fingers along its shiny surface. She then remembered she had one more audience and looked at the music stand where she placed her phone. Her smile widened when she saw Taylor was still there, waving her hand and trying to attract her attention.
"Did you like it?" She asked.
"I love it!" Like damn!" Taylor was buzzing with energy, judging by how she shifted on her bed. "We could start a band with Jack!"
A band, huh? That was not a bad idea at all. But she wondered about her schedule, with projects now pouring in from all directions.
"It doesn't have to be a formal thing." Taylor seemed to have read her mind. "We practice Jack's songs in our own time, and then whenever he pulls stunts like this, we're always prepared!"
Taylor did have a point. She felt that Jack's songs would be elevated to a new level with a proper band accompanying him in his performance.
"So are you in?" Taylor asked.
Her smile answered her friend's question.
Jack Routh
He was still getting used to waking up with Zoe already gone for work, and that was why he was surprised to see his wife waiting for him when he left their bedroom.
Zoe looked troubled as she focused on her phone.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"Two cops were murdered the other day. Rookie cops." His wife replied. "Jack, I think we saw them at the bar on our date. Erin Cole and Chris Rios."
He suddenly remembered his conversation with Erin. He could see how desperate she was and decided to help.
"I met up with her the other day." He revealed. Damn, he saw how much she wanted to get free from those loan sharks and felt pity for her. In their batch, she was the most determined to follow in her father's footsteps to become a cop beside Jackson West.
"She told me that she borrowed some money from loan sharks to pass the credit check." He continued speaking. "I agreed to lend her money, and Camille was supposed to wire some money to her to pay off her debts."
Zoe pursed her lips, and she stared at him with a concerned look. "Jack, you know you have to come in. They just discovered the bodies."
"Of course." He replied. "I'll get ready."
Killing cops in cold blood was like stirring up the hornet's nest in his opinion. This case hit hard, with two off-duty cops being shot in the head each while they were having dinner after their shift ended.
The scene resonated with many of the officers, and he knew each and every one of them was thinking the same thing. That could have been me.
He moved past the yellow tape after Zoe. Cole's apartment was located in Mid-Wilshire, so technically it was their jurisdiction, but his wife allowed Cole's colleagues in the other station to help in the investigation. He could see they were out for blood, with how cold and sharp their gazes were.
"She's a sweet girl." Erin's T.O. looked devastated. The large man was sitting on the steps leading to the apartment door. "She and Chris didn't deserve this."
A group of detectives was discussing their theories right outside the door, and he spotted Angela, with her newly minted detective badge clipped on her waist, standing within their circle.
"Caradine." His wife called out to the senior detective, and what looked like Angela's mentor, with the way she stuck close to his side. "I have some information."
Immediately, the cluster of detectives, both from their division and from Cole's station, converged on his wife. "Officer Routh informed me that he met with Officer Cole a few days ago."
He felt all their gazes shift to him, some with suspicion on their faces.
"Officer Cole and Rios were my batch mates in the academy." He shared, meeting each impassive face head-on with confidence. "Erin Cole met up with me in a coffee shop called The Brewery, about a five-minute drive from here. We were there for fifteen minutes, just after she finished her second shift."
"We'll check that out." One of the detectives replied. "What did you two talk about?"
"She wanted to borrow money." He answered. "She told me she borrowed from loan sharks to pass the credit inspection for rookies."
He could see the atmosphere change in the group of detectives. Their stances changed, and a few shifted in place, eager to check up on their contacts with the lead he provided.
"Was that all?" Detective Caradine asked.
"I told her I would wire her the money, and she looked happy when she left." He replied.
"Why did you agree to help her?" A detective he was not familiar with asked him. "Are you seeing her?"
"I'm married." He jerked his thumb to the pretty yet intimidating captain standing right beside him. "Erin's father was a sheriff in Ohio, and she grew up wanting to be like her old man and make a difference. I thought she could use some help, so I agreed to lend her the money she owed to the loan sharks. She didn't elaborate on any names or organizations during the time we spoke."
He was on administrative leave, but he knew enough officers guarding the area that he was able to see the crime scene. He looked around, and took note of every detail as crime scene investigators documented the bodies of his batch mates.
"No one reported any gun shots?" He asked one of the investigators. "The neighbors didn't notice a thing?"
"No one noticed." The man pulled out a notepad and checked his notes. "They were discovered by a delivery driver who peered through the curtains and saw the blood."
"No exit wound suggests a .22 caliber round, with a suppressor if the neighbors didn't report any gunshot wounds. That's subsonic." He noted, looking around. "They were not expecting visitors. The food on the table is just for the two of them."
"Chris brought the food." He added. "The man always enjoyed spicy Mexican back in the academy, while Erin prefers traditional mid-western cuisine."
"Got any prints?" He asked the man who was furiously writing on his notepad.
"None so far." The man replied.
"The shooter probably wore gloves." He observed. "This is not your typical loan shark. This is done by a cold-blooded killer that knew to pick up his brass. This is an execution."
"Why do you think that?" The investigator asked.
"Their bodies." He indicated the cadavers. "They were made to kneel in front of the shooter. If they were shot while standing, they wouldn't have fallen so close to each other and face-first on the carpet."
"Are you trying to steal my job, Routh?"
He heard Angela's voice from the door and turned around. He saw that the detectives were back in the crime scene, and they were giving him weird looks that he ignored.
"Just trying to help." He replied and headed out to look around the property complex.
"We're already asking the nearby buildings for copies of their CCTVs". Angela shared.
"Ask for the footage for the car owners too." He suggested.
"It's a long shot, but we might find something if they have those dash cam models that record if they detect movement if they're parked for the night." He had just installed one on Zoe's car. The memory on those was good for a week before they were automatically erased.
"Huh. There was a reported break-in of a car in one of the apartments." Angela looked eager.
"Wanna bet that it's related?" He asked.
Angela smirked and headed to the address, and motioned for him to follow along. He nodded and hid a smile. He missed working with Angela.
Zoe Andersen Routh
"And the Chief put him on administrative leave for killing a bunch of wild boars on an island?" Caradine looked on with disbelief as her husband showed the reason why the FBI and the DHS were so eager to recruit him.
They were discussing details and procedures about the crime scene when they heard Jack speaking with an investigator. One by one, the detectives around her grew silent as they listened in on Jack's conversation.
He presented his analysis in a methodical fashion, and pointed out details that the senior detectives around her had missed, judging by the way they scribbled hasty notes on their notepads.
Caradine hung back with her, allowing the others to get closer to her husband and eavesdrop. She noted he was watching his new charge, Angela Lopez interact with Jack like they were back in patrol.
"She was his training officer?" Caradine looked impressed as the two walked out of the apartment and started discussing possible sources of camera footage. Between the two of them, it looked like they had just found another lead.
"They had the best record in the field training program before Jack got promoted." She revealed. "Even Bradford stopped competing against them, and you know how competitive he can get. Those two are nearly unstoppable when they work together."
"It's a pity he got taken by Metro." Cardine sighed. "It's always the fancy gear and action that draws in the younger generation. At least I got Lopez."
"Jack was trying to recruit her into joining him in Metro." She smiled, as the memory of her talks with Jack about Angela surfaced. "But Lopez is set to become a detective, although I could tell she was tempted by the offer. Those two have a strong bond."
"Good for her." Caradine smiled and watched as the two theorized a possible connection between the murders and the reported break-in of a car in the same neighborhood. "Look, my charge is already showing initiative."
They didn't even need to request a warrant. The owner of the vehicle was happy to see that his report was being taken seriously and allowed the investigators to gather evidence and check for prints in his Prius. The cherry on top? They had a face of the possible killer, and all it took was her husband taking a look at the crime scene for less than five minutes.
The detectives assigned to the case were trying to wrap their heads at the sudden speed of the investigation.
"They smashed the window and took the dash cam and the memory device." Lopez looked eager to catch the suspect. "Whoever did it forgot that this model saves a backup on the car owner's phone."
"There's no need to run a face scan." Detective Caradine added when he watched the footage copied into Lopez's phone. "We got our suspect, and that man is Serj Derian."
Her eyes sharpened when she heard the name. The Derian crime family was notorious, but for different reasons. They weren't as violent as the other gangs, but they were slippery and had powerful connections.
"This is troubling." She looked at the officers who surrounded her. "If they're willing to loan money to a rookie cop to gain influence on her, what more can be said about other officers? This isn't just a simple case of murder. They're trying to silence Erin Cole."
"We need a thorough audit." Caradine suggested. "Check on all of our officer's financial assets and their families accounts."
"They signed a waver when they joined the force." She nodded in agreement. "Do it, and request a warrant from the judge for Serj Derian on suspicion of murder."
Nick Armstrong
"You fucking idiot!" He watched with satisfaction as Ruben yelled at his younger brother. He had it coming, and he didn't bother to hide his smirk as Serj received another slap to the face.
"I covered my tracks!" Serj argued back. "They got nothing on me!"
"Then how do you explain this?" Ruben snarled and showed the printed sheet to the younger man. It was a stupid move on Serj's part, and killing cops was supposed to be the last resort.
"You have an arrest warrant out, and all known business fronts are under surveillance!" The gang leader walked back to his desk and poured himself a drink. "Any gains we had for the past two weeks, gone! All because you didn't like how she rejected you."
He remembered the time when Serj offered to clear half her debt in exchange for dating him. Erin Cole rejected the idea, causing the younger brother to be in a foul mood that lasted a whole week. It seemed like both brothers were attracted to female cops. Who knew the two brothers were secretly badge bunnies?
"What about you and your obsession with that bitch!" Serj spat. "We couldn't get anything from the husband at all! I had to kill my contact when our activity was instantly traced!"
He sat up at that news. Serj never told him anything about a trace.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"It's like what I said." Serj gave him an annoyed glance. "My contact, with proper security credentials, couldn't get anything when I was looking for any intel on Jack Routh. My man told me this was some black project shit and wanted to bug out immediately. He even tried to burn his computer rig."
He wiped the sweat from his brow when he heard that. This was different. He knew of Serj's hacker contact for years. He had been a reliable asset, able to dig deep on anyone, no matter their rank, because of his job at the government. If he was traced… that meant Jack Routh had a really interesting past. He knew the man was dangerous, judging from how Rosalind fixated on him.
She had called him a killer like her, and not prey. He was starting to have doubts about Ruben's plan. He knew men like Routh. They didn't compromise, and when pushed to the edge, showed no mercy. He even had to kill a few of them, since their principles simply wouldn't allow themselves to be bought, remain silent, or look the other way.
But they do have an ace… and love was the usual weakness these men have.
"Then let's send the package." He suggested. "Let's see how Jack Routh reacts when his wife is on her knees and at our mercy."
"And sucking my cock." Ruben nodded with a grin. "Do it."
He pulled out his phone and started scrolling for those anonymous courier services. It was time for Zoe Andersen to learn the meaning of true power. She would regret ever suspending him.
Zoe Andersen Routh
She woke up later than usual, due to staying up late with the double murder of rookie cops. It was even in the news, and she watched as the chief in a press conference at central denounced the situation and blamed video games and movies for their violence, and influencing fragile young minds.
This was her first crisis, and in her opinion, it did not bode well for Chief Coleman that she did not even visit Cole and Rios' station or the crime scene to show her support.
All these changes and personnel shuffling made her more annoyed since she was determined to investigate a topic before she even returned to LA from her vacation in Hawaii.
Jack's mysterious past.
She didn't want to call her father or have any contact with him, she made that clear multiple times already. But this was her husband, and for him she would do anything, even swallow her pride.
After battling with herself for most of the morning, she finally decided to call him and fished out the card he gave her before she left their house for the final time.
She was about to video call him when she realized the state she was in and blushed, and hurried to put on some presentable clothes. Her husband had used their bet from earlier to strip her naked, not that she was wearing that many clothes to begin with when they slept.
Then he had her for breakfast, literally, and ate her out on the dining table until her mind blanked out from the orgasms he gave her. She remembered her mind was in a haze the entire time, only feeling pleasure and pain. She even heard him pronounce Shining Finger as he pleasured her sex with his hand. But the unexpected clarity she had gained after those explosive orgasms reminded her of her original purpose.
"Baby Zoe, this is a surprise, but I'm glad you called."
There he was, still stiff as ever, though she noted he had more white and gray hair in his hair compared to the last time she saw him, and he still used her little girl name.
"Dad, I need a favor." She replied with a tight smile.
"Of course, anything." Her old man leaned forward, looking eager.
She eyed the decorations on the shelves behind him, decorations, awards, and plaques. It looked like his collection even grew a bit, and there was a new star on his shoulder. That makes it four.
"My husband, Jack Routh." She replied. "I need information about his past. He's been having problems with his memory."
She watched sharply for any change in his expression. She could immediately tell he was not happy by the thinning of his lips.
"Yes, Jack Routh. You certainly made things difficult for me, Zoe." Her father shared. "Of all the people in the world, why him?"
"You know something?" She asked.
"Of course." General Melver Anderson snorted. "What kind of a father would I be if I didn't do a thorough background check on your new husband?"
She saw how he pronounced the term with distaste, but she didn't care for that. What was more important was what he knew.
"Then tell me." She pleaded.
"Not here." Her father shook his head. "It's not secure. When will you visit?"
"On Christmas. I'm planning to visit Wes and the kids." She replied. She didn't need to mention Melissa. They both knew she wouldn't visit if her stepmother was present. "Couldn't you just tell me in a more secure way?"
"No." He replied immediately. "This is information that's very sensitive and dangerous. It has to be in person."
She wasn't sure if her father was just using that as an excuse to see her or he was just that paranoid.
"Is… he treating you right?"
If only her father had asked that question so many years ago, but he was too busy, too career-focused, and barely visited their home. But he was too late, and she had moved on, stronger, wiser, and more jaded about life in general. She gave him a bitter smile in response.
"Jack's the best thing that ever happened to me, Dad." She replied.
"Good. That's… good." The phone or her father's desk rang. "I'm expecting an important call. I'll talk to you later?"
"Sure." She knew better than for her father to follow through with that.
The call ended soon after, and she collapsed on the couch, releasing the tension that had been building up before she called him. She needed a drink, and looked at her group chat to see if anyone was planning anything on her rest day.
Liz was asking for help with decorations for her newly purchased property and needed help. She jumped at the chance and quickly planned for a day out. She needed a distraction, as the short chat with her father was bringing up her old memories of living with her stepmother.
She wondered what Jack was up to. He did say he would be back by dinner.
Jack Routh
This was the second time he was wearing the Mjolnir armor, and it felt tighter in some areas. Thankfully, Howard easily adjusted some pieces, having accounted for that exact scenario.
His eccentric friend asked if he wanted to join him in a sci-fi convention in Lancaster, about an hour's drive from LA. There had been rumors that there would be a good amount of attendees due to notable sci-fi actors making an appearance, including Patrick Stewart and Kevin Sorbo.
With Sheldon and Leonard being too busy with their schedules, it had only been him, Howard, and Raj inside the car.
It was strange to drive with two Mandalorian warriors with him. It looked like Howard and Raj had not wasted any time using the money from bitcoin to upgrade their equipment and fabricate beautiful armor pieces that rivaled those he saw at the movies.
"It's similar to the ceramic dust in your armor." Howard explained how they could get that metallic effect and sheen. "There's some stainless steel powder mixed in with the filament."
"It was a bitch to calibrate though." Raj reported.
They stopped by a local gas station for a quick snack and drinks. It seemed like the event they were going to go to had drawn some interest since they spotted several others wearing various costumes and armor. There was even a TV crew in another table, the news reporter wearing some eye catching full body suit with printed graphics.
"Stop staring." Raj elbowed Howard, whose gaze was locked on the pretty reporter.
"I'm not the only one." Howard muttered.
To be fair, Howard was right. The reporter's outfit was very revealing in the skin-tight bodysuit. He wondered how Zoe would look in one. He knew his wife would look stunning in Star Craft Ghost costume. Ghost Agent Zoe had a ring to it.
"Still, it's a low effort costume." Raj noted. "She could have worn more accessories."
He had just finished his pie when the sky started to darken. Their phones all buzzed at the same time, and he swiped to see what the reason was for the emergency alert.
"Dust storm." Howard read aloud the warning. "Stay indoors, and if inside a car, pull to the shoulder."
"And stay alive." Raj finished the warning.
The sky grew darker and their surrounding suddenly had an orange tint as the sun was blocked by the massive cloud.
They heard a commotion, as a woman rushed inside the diner, attracting their attention.
"Help! I need help!" The woman cried out. "My kids are out there, taking photos! I tried looking for them, but the wind suddenly picked up and the dust…"
"Howard, this armor can filter sand, right?" He asked. Several people were talking to the woman, and even a few men bravely rushed out to look for the missing kids.
"Of course." Howard replied. "It's HEPA rated, so you're safe there even if you have allergies."
"I'm going to help." He grabbed a couple of shirts for sale at the nearby display shelf and headed to the crying woman with his helmet tucked under his other arm.
"I'm a police officer." He called out, attracting the attention of everyone in the diner. "Please describe your children and their last known location."
"Rachel is eight, and her sister Angie is twelve. Both are brunette, wearing C3PO and R2D2 shirts. They were taking photos on that ridge when the dust picked up! Please find them!" The woman begged.
He nodded and put on his helmet, and turned on the air fans. He paired his helmet with his phone and called Howard.
"You're going to have to guide me if I get lost." He told Howard as he stepped out of the diner.
"I'm tracking your phone via GPS." Howard replied.
Immediately, he could hear the tiny impacts of the sand on his armor, but he could still breathe, and he could somewhat see. The wind was strong, but not enough to topple him.
He spotted the two men that left earlier, with shirts over their heads to cover their mouths and noses. He guided the two to a nearby parked van and headed to the ridge. Once he reached the crest, he couldn't see anything. The dust storm was getting stronger, and he activated the lights built into his helmet.
A flash of gold caught his attention, and he saw two tiny figures curled on the base of the mound, huddling together with the older girl covering her younger sister. He ran towards their direction and placed the bundled shirts on their faces. They were coughing, but it looked like they were finally able to breathe with the makeshift filters on their faces.
He scooped up the two girls under each arm and climbed the ridge once more, but now the visibility was near zero.
"Howard, I lost visuals. Can you give me a heading? I have the two girls." He called out. He tightened the grip on the two girls, and he could feel were clutching at him, burying their heads on his chest armor while they used the shirts to cover their faces.
"Move to your two." Howard instructed. He could hear the engineer's voice breathing hard.
"Good, keep walking in that direction, you're a hundred feet away from the gas station."
Jenny Hale
She was not expecting much from her latest assignment. Unfortunately, the station manager and the producer were absolute dorks and sent her to cover the event when they heard notable actors of the past generation were making an appearance in some nowhere town out in the middle of the Mojave Desert.
The skin-tight transformers suit didn't help, but she knew her role. She was eye candy, or a HOPA as her cameraman Greg declared when he saw her in her outfit. She punched him in the shoulder when she learned what the acronym stood for.
They were getting into a strange world. The diner they stopped over was filled with cosplayers, and she wondered why they were so happy. Weren't they ashamed to show up with these uncomfortable and elaborate outfits? She even spotted one man who could barely sit properly in a booth, his armor too stiff for him to sit properly, but he still looked happy.
Then the dust storm alert came in. Greg was adjusting the settings to the camera when the woman barged into the diner, sobbing and looking like hell. She didn't have to tell Greg to start recording. Now this was a story.
"I'm a police officer."
An absolute hunk came over in elaborate futuristic armor and his calm demeanor stood in contrast to those around him. The mother focused on him, and after getting the information he needed, headed out the door after he put on his helmet.
The mother continued to cry and even attempted to leave the diner, but was stopped by two waitresses.
"My girls! They're out there!" The woman begged.
"The police officer is already on the scene looking for your children." The waitress told her. "Dust storms are deadly if you're not prepared."
"I already called 911." The other waitress added.
The minutes felt like hours as they waited for the results.
Suddenly, through the glass door, they could see a figure emerging from the orange cloud of dust that obstructed everything in sight. There he was, the police officer, with two figures in each arm.
The other customers immediately opened the door and closed it once the officer stepped in and gently lowered the two missing girls to the floor. Their faces were covered by white shirts, acting like makeshift masks to prevent them from suffocating.
"Angie! Rachel!" The mother surged forward. The two girls cried and hugged their mother back, and she could see the enormous sigh of relief from those watching.
The mysterious police officer removed his helmet, and started talking to the girls.
"Can you breathe properly?" The officer asked in a gentle tone.
The older sister, Angie nodded her head. She was still coughing, and she could see tear tracks down her cheeks.
"Rachel fell down the dune." Angie shared. "We were laughing, hiding from mom when the wind picked up."
"You did well." The officer replied and started checking on the younger girl. "I could see the two of you huddled together. Good job on protecting your sister."
"Thank you for saving my girls" The mother whispered.
"It's my job, ma'am." The officer replied. "Even when I'm off-duty. You should wait for EMS to arrive and give the girls and you a check-up."
"You're him." Angie stared at the officer. "You're Sugar, Taylor Swift's friend."
Her eyes widened in shock. No wonder the police officer's face looked familiar!
"I am." Sugar replied. He stood up and looked around. She didn't realize how tall he was. "It looks like the dust storm is weakening. I'm going to check on the two men who left earlier."
"Wait!" She was too late. Sugar had left the building.
She turned to her cameraman immediately. "You got that right?"
"Hell yeah." Greg replied.