Chapter 33: Reunion

Maureen's gaze became dreamy as she puckered her red lips for a wet kiss. "No wonder Zoe almost broke her promise to her family because of you. You're practically the Helen of Troy."

Jack chuckled, thinking to himself how outlandish the comparison was, but it sparked a doubt in his mind. Was Zoe's unexpected death in the original storyline truly just due to an actor leaving and the writers hastily crafting an accident? Or had the world's reenactment added other reasons?

He reminded himself to pay more attention to the police department's situation in the coming days. Besides preventing Zoe's accident, he also had to avoid any unforeseen complications.

The next day, Jack and Hannah arranged a dinner gathering with everyone. They had previously promised to treat the rookies, John and Lucy, to a big meal and invited Tim and Angela as well.

The case of the serial killer, Angus Lucius, was handled discreetly. An internal gag order was issued within the police department, and the city hall struck a deal with major media outlets to suppress related reports to avoid public panic.

Because the case was resolved quickly, few people knew the details. Even if fragments of the story leaked online, it wouldn't cause much of a stir.

The only downside was that the district attorney's office, under scrutiny from higher-ups, worked so efficiently that Tim and Jack only received three days of administrative leave for the shooting.

Jack splurged on this gathering, not letting Hannah spend any money. He spent nearly $400 on ingredients, specifically buying quality items from a Chinese supermarket. Besides the highly requested Braised Pork Trotters in Rock Sugar, he also made Squirrel Fish, Salt-Baked Chicken, and other hearty dishes.

At 7 PM, everyone arrived, and Jack finally finished his kitchen work. Satisfied, he opened the system to find a notification: "Congratulations, host. Your cooking skill (Proficient) has advanced to cooking skill (Expert) through self-study."

Now, besides his handgun shooting skills, he had a second expert-level skill. Although cooking didn't directly aid his police career, enjoying a meal with friends after a case was the best way to relax and dispel negative emotions.

Tim brought a bottle of his favorite Gordon's Gin for everyone to taste. Gin, also known as juniper berry wine, was one of America's favorite spirits.

As they ate and chatted, the topic inevitably circled back to the serial murder case.

Hannah pursed her lips. "Do you know what happened after you left last night?"

"The two detectives from Major Crimes came to Zoe and complained, saying we should have notified them before entering the suspect's residence."

Angela sneered. "Captain Anderson wouldn't placate those babies. The case wasn't formally handed over to Major Crimes, so they had no grounds to complain. Only losers whine about not getting credit."

Hannah nodded. "Zoe kicked them out of her office and told them if they had taken the Carla family's report seriously, those two girls wouldn't have suffered so much."

"That bald detective, Mota, was livid."

"So, is that the end of it?" Jack's question was directed at Tim, hinting at the missing body cams during their chase. Only they knew what had really happened.

"Since the higher-ups have spoken, of course, it's the end. The culprit is dead, and no one will care about the details, right?" Tim responded nonchalantly.

"Dr. Galis said that girl, Emma, would need at least three months to fully recover. Letting that beast die so easily was too good for him." Hannah still felt indignant; the case had touched a sore spot in her heart.

Jack clinked his glass with Tim's and downed the rest of his drink. "Alright, Hannah, we're just cops, not gods. We've done what we could. Let's talk about something happier. It's gossip time."

John grinned mischievously. "I was in Captain Gray's office when someone came in, mentioning he's considering taking the sergeant exam."

Angela, enjoying her meal, froze and struggled to swallow her food, looking incredulously at Tim. He was the only one qualified among them.

"No way, damn Tim! When I was competing with Bishop for detective, you mocked us."

She mimicked Tim's usual frown and tone. "I don't understand why you two want to leave the patrol so badly. Being a patrol officer is more fun."

Then she slapped Tim on the shoulder. "Huh? You're giving up your fun now?"

Tim didn't bat an eye. "I just don't want to be bossed around by you every day when you become a detective. I joined the force two years before you."

Angela, still annoyed, pointed at him threateningly. "You better pray you pass the sergeant exam on the first try. If I become a detective first, I'll have you fetch coffee on every case."

Tim countered. "Angela, why don't you tell us about your thing with that rich lawyer?"

Everyone turned to look at Angela, including Lucy, who had been wholly absorbed in the food.

Jack noticed Angela blushing, rare for her, and stammering. "We just went on a few dates. Can't I have some private life?"

Lucy, wide-eyed, was in disbelief. "You mean the lawyer you saved from a thief, who then tried to complain about your excessive force?"

Jack raised his hand. "I was there. They were arguing fiercely, and Angela even threatened to slap him."

"Wow!" The onlookers wore expressions of amusement.

"Wesley later apologized. One of my brothers was getting married, and if I didn't find a date, my mom would set me up with the best man all night."

"So?" They all asked in unison.

"The best man smelled like cat litter, and I don't think he even owns a cat."

Angela smiled sweetly. "Besides, Wesley is handsome and very gentlemanly when he apologized."

Hannah suddenly seemed to have a realization and slapped her forehead, her voice rising in excitement. "So that's why you asked about living with Jack today. Oh my God, you're planning to move in together and didn't tell me? Aren't we best friends anymore?"

___________________

Read Ahead

P@treon.com/Mutter