Chapter 43: Capture (Part 3)

In the astonished gaze of everyone present, Jack took two steps forward and holstered his Glock 22.

"Hey, rookie, what do you think you're doing? One more step and I'll take action."

The former banker's expression was somewhat panicked, his eyes darting left and right, seemingly unsure of what these cops were planning.

Jack ignored him, pulling out a big gun from his underarm holster. The 6-inch barrel of the Colt Python was quite intimidating, and the former banker's face paled a few shades at the sight of the thick black barrel aimed at his head.

Jack cocked the hammer of the revolver, then, looking very impatient, said:

"I'll tell you two things. First, in order to catch you bastards, no one here had lunch, and now we've missed dinner, so we're all very unhappy."

"Second, this country has never compromised in a hostage situation. If you kill your Aunt Sally, you'll be riddled with bullets instantly."

"Lastly, except for that old rookie, this young police officer," he gestured toward Hannah, "is the shooting champion of the LAPD for two consecutive years. And she," he pointed to Neela Harper on the other side of the room, "was an outstanding undercover officer who single-handedly took down an entire Mexican drug cartel."

"As for me," Jack paused, a cruel smile appearing on his face, "I've only been a cop for four months, haven't had many chances to shoot yet, so I've only taken down four or five bad guys. I plan to try out this .357 caliber big gun."

"This way, I can guarantee that before you pull that string, in just 0.1 seconds, I'll blow your face off, sending a 9mm bullet through your skull, shattering your brainstem, and maybe even saving your Aunt Sally."

The former banker, Caleb Yost, began to tremble, sweat breaking through the soot on his face, making him look a bit comical.

"You... you're bluffing. You wouldn't dare shoot. If Aunt Sally dies, you'll be in big trouble. And you mentioned three points."

Jack waved the Colt Python and rolled his eyes, "Seems like you're not too stupid. Yes, it was three points."

Then he looked at John, "Tell him if I'd dare to shoot and what trouble I'd be in if the hostage dies."

As a master of banter, John's ability to follow up was obviously top-notch. He tilted his head, frowned thoughtfully, and asked Neela Harper on the other side, seemingly uncertain.

"Writing two more reports? Am I right, coach?"

"Yes, that's correct," Neela Harper replied, not very pleased.

Hannah couldn't resist chiming in, "Leave it to me. I've been writing Jack's reports anyway."

Seeing all the officers present looking unconcerned, the elderly woman, serving as the hostage, let out a terrified whimper.

Jack glanced at her without a flicker of emotion, positioned himself for a shot, and said, "I'll count to three. Surrender or... die!"

The others also stepped forward, aiming their guns at Caleb Yost.

"One."

"Don't shoot! I surrender." The former banker quickly untied the rope and raised his hands.

John hurried forward to restrain the man, while Neela Harper swiftly approached the hostage, cutting the tape off her shoulders and removing the shotgun.

Jack exhaled deeply and holstered the Colt Python.

"John, take care of this. Tim is still waiting for us."

John was handcuffing Caleb Yost and turned back to say it was fine, then suddenly asked, "Were you serious just now? Would you really have shot if he hadn't surrendered?"

Jack pointed to the stack of cash on the floor and asked, "How much do you think that is?"

John looked puzzled, "50 grand? No more than 80."

"The FBI said he hid at least a million. Do you think he'd risk everything for that small amount? I've only seen bankers jump off buildings when they're bankrupt. He's clearly not that type."

Jack shrugged and left the room with Hannah.

Hannah still seemed doubtful, "Weren't you afraid he wouldn't buy your bluff?"

Jack started the car, giving her a look that said she didn't know him at all.

"I was less than five meters away. Do you know the power of a .357 Magnum at that distance? I could've shot through the rope and a few of his fingers without harming the hostage."

Just then, Zoe's call came through on the radio. Tim and Lucy were blocked at the informant's house, surrounded by armed gang members, and the situation could escalate at any moment.

Jack gestured for Hannah to sit tight, turned on the siren, and floored the gas pedal, causing the tires to screech against the pavement.

Because the hostage situation was resolved so quickly, several police cars that were originally on their way to provide backup joined the convoy, some with SWAT armored vehicles, quickly forming a long line of cars.

Hannah's face was tense; the larger the formation, the more dangerous Tim and Lucy's situation was.

Jack was silent too. The biggest problem with episodic shows was that he only remembered some overarching plotlines, like the Latin American drug lord they'd meet later, or which important characters would exit. But specific episode details were a blur. And now, because of his presence, the plot was already unrecognizable, who knew what butterfly effects could lead to unexpected outcomes.

Having spent so much time with these kind people, no matter how dissatisfied he was with the overall society of the USA, he couldn't help but develop feelings for some individuals. With this anxious mindset, Jack almost floored the gas pedal.

"Are you serious? You almost killed me!"

Tim held his old back, glaring at Jack in the driver's seat. Just moments ago, Jack had sped over and almost knocked him over with a drift.

"I saw you had drawn your gun, and there were so many armed thugs in front of you. I was worried something might happen."

Jack, grinning, opened the car door. His driving skill had just upgraded to proficient, and he couldn't resist showing off, almost messing up.

Very dissatisfied that Jack had ruined his highlight moment of facing down the thugs alone, Tim snorted and turned to announce loudly to the surrounded gang members, "You are all under arrest."

With the situation now under control, Lucy came out of the house with the gang member Max Gibson. Jack took a special look at him. The guy didn't look all that great in person. He wondered how he had managed to hook up with the boss's wife. Was it all just skill?

The number of new followers has dropped significantly in the past couple of days, and the novel's ranking has fallen a lot. If there are any shortcomings in the novel, please point them out in time. Although I may not necessarily listen... but more comments are always welcome! 

About those recommendation votes and reading stats, you know what to do. Help me get my ranking back up on the new books chart. If the number of followers keeps dropping, I might lose the next round of the new book PK.

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