Chapter 13 Police Arrival

36th Floor

Owen and McClane peered out of a window down below, where the police had finally arrived, and in large numbers at that.

From their high vantage point, they could see a dense array of flashing red and blue lights below.

Behind the police cars were various news vans. Even from the 36th floor, the division between the two groups was clear: police officers at the front and journalists, carrying their cameras and equipment, were held back behind the cordon.

Among the multitude of police vehicles, two black vans stood out, marked with the white letters SWAT on their roofs. Owen, being a policeman himself, was well aware of the Special Weapons and Tactics team's reputation, considered the elite force within the police.

Owen knew quite a bit about SWAT, given that each state in the US has its own SWAT team, though they might go by different names. In Los Angeles, it's called SWAT; in New York, it's the Emergency Service Unit (ESU); in Chicago, it's the Hostage Barricade Terrorism (HBT) team; and in Miami, it's the Special Response Team (SRT).

The Los Angeles SWAT is often regarded as the progenitor of all SWAT teams worldwide, being the first of its kind.

SWAT teams are known for their exceptional weaponry and the high standards required for selection, with many members being veterans of special forces.

The Los Angeles SWAT also maintains a long-term collaboration with the Marine Corps, receiving training in explosives, sniping, reconnaissance, and combat, and regularly updating their counter-terrorism tactics through international exchanges. They also frequently invite experts from other military branches for specialized training.

By combat effectiveness, the Los Angeles SWAT is considered among the top three in the US, having undertaken numerous high-risk operations.

The US media, highly developed, has often reported on LAPD SWAT operations, showcasing their precision and rapid response in dealing with drug traffickers and terrorists.

Seeing them in action confirmed to Owen that the authorities recognized the gravity of the situation, somewhat easing his concern.

However, Owen couldn't help but remember how SWAT was portrayed as ineffectual in the movie Die Hard, wondering if the team below could be relied upon.

Contrary to Owen, McClane, being from the NYPD, scoffed at the scene below. Despite both being police officers, regional rivalries are common worldwide, and McClane had previously looked down on the Los Angeles police. Through their escape, he had come to respect Owen's capabilities but remained dismissive of other LAPD officers.

McClane had criticized the competence of the Los Angeles police during their escape, showcasing his "gift of gab". Seeing SWAT only redirected his disdain towards them, comparing them unfavorably to New York's ESU.

Owen concluded McClane was biased towards his home city.

"So, Mr. NYPD, what should we do now?" Owen couldn't stand it anymore and had to interrupt.

He couldn't help but imagine a future where McClane's demise came not from natural causes but from his sharp tongue.

Owen forced himself back to reality, considering their next move. Initially, they planned to leave immediately, but circumstances had constantly thwarted their attempts. Now, with the police standoff underway, descending the building seemed too risky, potentially leading to being mistaken for a hijacker.

McClane, diverted from his rant, was about to suggest a plan when the elevator dinged ominously. To Owen, the building's elevators seemed cursed, always heralding trouble.

Now on the 36th floor, amidst renovation clutter and dim lighting, who could be arriving?

Silently, they hid in the shadows as footsteps approached, stopped next to their room, and were followed by sounds of movement and metal friction.

After a while, they heard unmistakable sounds of a magazine being loaded and a gun's bolt action.

They exchanged glances, puzzled by the lone hijacker next door.

Sounds of rummaging and screw tightening followed, then the removal of glass.

Understanding the hijacker's actions, they decided to confront him, weaponless except for a compass Owen had found earlier—a testament to their desperation.