Mid-Wilshire Division – 7:12 AM
The sun hadn't even fully risen yet, but it was already casting golden reflections through the police station windows. The sound of radios crackling, boots echoing on the polished floor, and the smell of fresh coffee marked the beginning of another day on the street.
Gustavo was adjusting his equipment belt in the men's locker room. His Glock 17 was properly cocked, holstered on the right side. Radio, taser, handcuffs, telescopic baton, flashlights everything in place. He put on his bulletproof vest over his impeccable uniform, the name "SILVA" embroidered on the chest.
At the briefing room table, Sergeant Grey was wrapping up the quick morning meeting with the patrol officers.
— "The situation is still tense at Pico-Union, we've had an increase in domestic violence calls. Stay alert. And as always… keep your eyes open, stay in control of the situation, and take care of each other."
Angela Lopez waited next to patrol car 7A47, leaning against the hood with a cup of coffee in her hand.
— "Late, rookie," she said with a teasing smile as she saw Gustavo approaching.
— "I was three minutes late because of the new cadet blocking the locker. If I were still at Harvard, he'd already have a case for obstruction," Gustavo joked, smiling as he pulled the passenger door open.
— "You're not in court anymore, counselor. Now it's the street, radio, and headlights on."
The two of them got into the patrol car. Lopez started the engine and adjusted the tablet attached to the dashboard.
— "Well, let's see what L.A. has in store for us today."
Gustavo typed his login into the dispatch system. The screen loaded with a list of real-time occurrences.
Code 6 – Preventive Patrol.
Location: Jefferson Blvd, South Zone.
08:10 – Jefferson Blvd, South LA
The patrol car glided through the still-silent streets of the neighborhood. Some stores were lifting their metal doors, street vendors were starting to set up fruit and clothing stalls on the sidewalks.
Gustavo was watching everything carefully. Every face, every movement. He was still alert after the recent shootout with SWAT. His brain hadn't completely slowed down.
Angela noticed his deep, almost calculated look.
"You're still processing it, right?"
Gustavo took a deep breath.
"Yes... it's strange. Knowing that you saved lives, but that you pulled the trigger. It doesn't weigh like guilt... but it does."
She nodded.
"That's right. We never forget. We just learn to carry it."
The radio crackled.
"7A47, incident Code 415 — disturbance, sounds of fighting, possible assault. Location: corner of Venice and Normandie."
Angela picked up the radio.
— "Central, this is 7A47, we're on our way. ETA two minutes."
She stepped on the accelerator.
Gustavo was already putting on his nitrile gloves.
— "Time to get some breakfast."
08:15 – Venice Blvd and Normandie Ave
The scene was a small market with the door open and suspicious activity outside. A large man, visibly upset, was yelling at an elderly woman probably the owner of the establishment.
Angela parked the police car so that it partially blocked the road, protecting the area. Gustavo jumped out first, keeping his hand on his holster.
— "Sir, get away from her. Now!"
The man turned aggressively.
— "She sold me expired cigarettes! I want my money back!"
Angela approached, hands open.
— "We can resolve this calmly. Just step back, okay?"
He refused.
Gustavo then took a step forward, his voice firm but calm.
— "Look at me. Breathe. You are surrounded by witnesses. And an accusation of assault on an elderly woman is a felony. It's not worth all that. Just step back and we'll hear what you have to say."
The tension in the air seemed to vibrate.
The man hesitated. Then, as if reason had returned, he took two steps back.
Angela quickly handcuffed him and led him to the back seat of the police car.
— "Gustavo... your calmness was what made him step back. You did well."
— "Logic still works with some people."
The lady thanked him emotionally, offering two sodas as a token of gratitude. They smiled and politely declined.
10:27 am – Pico-Union, residential area
The sun was already getting hot. The police car was cruising the streets with an attentive look, when a child ran onto the sidewalk waving.
Angela stopped immediately.
— "Is something wrong, little one?"
— "My little brother is locked in the car! He took the keys!"
The girl pointed to a silver sedan parked in the sun, where a two-year-old child was trapped in the back seat.
Gustavo ran to the vehicle. He confirmed: all the doors were locked. The child was sweating and crying.
— "Lopez, the rear window. I have a rescue knife in the glove compartment."
She was already reaching for her equipment. Gustavo wrapped the window with a jacket to avoid splinters and, with precision, broke the glass in the lower corner.
The child was rescued and handed over to her sister. A neighbor filmed the action with his cell phone.
— "Another saving grace on your resume, rookie," Angela said, smiling broadly, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
— "That's what I like. Quick answers saving lives."
1:40 p.m. – Quick lunch in Echo Park
On a bench near the Echo Park lagoon, the two ate sandwiches bought from a street cart.
Angela chewed slowly, thoughtfully.
— "Did you know that my first TO was just like you? Calm, cerebral. Only he never smiled. You, on the other hand... even smiled after shooting someone."
— "You were the one who taught me to find balance. Between precision and humanity."
She looked at him, genuinely touched.
— "You're different, Gustavo. I don't just mean by your resume. You have something... that makes you trust kindness more than violence. And that, in a city like L.A., is a gift."
He looked away for a moment.
— "My mother always said that there's no glory in beating someone... only in protecting those who can't defend themselves."
— "She's wise. Introduce me to her sometime."
— "She'll love you. She and my dad. They like people who take care of me."
Angela smiled, putting down her sandwich for a moment.
— "Then... I'll keep taking care of you."
5:00 p.m. – Ending the shift
On the way back to the police station, the sun was setting over the rooftops, casting orange hues on the avenues.
On the radio, shift change notifications were starting to appear.
Angela parked the police car in the police station garage. They got out with tired bodies but calm minds.
— "Another day, rookie."
— "Another learning experience, TO."
She extended her hand. He shook it.
— "See you tomorrow?"
— "See you tomorrow."
As she walked to the women's locker room, Gustavo looked up at the late afternoon sky, closing his eyes for a moment.
He felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.
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