Chapter 48: Response

"I have an idea that needs your help to refine. Superintendent Anderson sent me the information on the Southern Front. Let's discuss it." Jack waved his phone at John.

The next morning, Jack and John rushed to the police station, dragged Chief Gray, and headed straight into Zoe's office. An hour later, the office door finally opened.

"You are the most reckless guy I've ever met, Officer Tavore!" Chief Gray grumbled, glaring at Jack.

John defended Jack, "But you can't deny it's a brilliant plan. If we succeed, we can—"

"I understand, which is why I didn't outright reject it," Chief Gray interrupted, clearly irritated. "From now on, only a few people know about this plan. The briefing is about to start. You have five minutes to change."

"Yes, Commander." The two hurried to the locker room.

Today's briefing room was unusually crowded, with Detective Ben Sikora from the Narcotics and Gang Unit leading a group of detectives.

"Sorry I'm late." As the solemn-faced old rookie John walked into the room, Tim was the first to stand and start clapping.

Jack stayed by the door, smiling and clapping too. This was John's moment to shine, and everyone applauded his courage.

Even as police officers, not everyone dared to face a large-scale gang's violent retaliation, especially a rookie of less than six months.

Once everyone was seated, Zoe took the podium.

"Yesterday, the Southern Front attempted to murder one of our officers. Today, it's our turn to strike back. Your commander will explain the specifics."

Chief Gray stepped up next.

"Some of you may already know, the Southern Front was founded 15 years ago by a group of white supremacist prisoners. Since then, they've expanded into various areas."

"Drugs, prostitution, extortion—they're involved in all of it. What sets them apart from regular gangs is their involvement in arms trafficking, making them extremely dangerous."

Chief Gray clicked his remote, displaying an image of a sixty-something white man with a mohawk: "Their leader, known as 'King Midas,' is serving three life sentences in prison."

"This is his son, Cole." The screen showed a young white man with a cocky demeanor.

"He currently oversees the Southern Front's daily street operations, but his father undoubtedly pulls the strings."

"Getting Cole to lift the hit on John would be a huge loss of face for him. So, we'll first hit their daily operations hard, then approach his father."

Classic American approach, Jack thought, noting his colleagues' nods of approval. Shouldn't they bring in out-of-town forces or even deploy the National Guard for such a situation?

After the briefing, John, Jack, Angela, Tim, and Nila were held back, along with Detective Ben Sikora from the Narcotics and Gang Unit.

When a muscular, bald Black man in a SWAT-branded black T-shirt arrived, Zoe introduced him to the group: "This is SWAT team leader Daniel Harrison. He and his team will provide backup."

"Now, Officer Jack Tavore will present our actual plan."

Fifteen minutes later, everyone was staring at Jack in astonishment, struggling to believe such a bold yet practical plan came from this young officer.

"Let me reintroduce myself. Everyone calls me Hondo. I love this plan—bold, thorough, and innovative." The muscular Black man extended his hand to Jack.

Jack quickly shook it, feeling the man's strong grip. He recognized Hondo from a few episodes of S.W.A.T., a show he found too politically correct but had to admit Hondo was a good leader.

"I hear you're a good shot too. Join us for some training sometime." The usually stoic Hondo extended an invitation.

Though Jack knew Hondo's motives weren't entirely pure, he was tempted. While he had no plans to join SWAT, sparring with the muscleheads and honing his skills sounded appealing. Maybe he'd even get to use SWAT's expensive outdoor shooting range.

Angela approached, grinning mischievously, and handed Jack her palm-sized Beretta 950. "I didn't expect you to propose such a plan. I'll lend you a spare bra."

Jack, exasperated, accepted the tiny gun.

By afternoon, the temporary detention rooms at the Wilshire Division were packed. LAPD and LASD had launched targeted sweeps against the Southern Front across several Los Angeles suburbs.

In just half a day, every brothel, gambling den, and chop shop tied to the Southern Front had been raided, with vehicles, goods, and weapons confiscated.

"Why can't we act on these black-market operations sooner if we have the intel?" Lucy asked her instructor, confused, as they left the detention center.

Tim, equally frustrated, explained, "Taking down one criminal group often means another rises. We usually don't waste manpower on these. But today is an exception."

"Clearing the Southern Front's territory will attract other groups. This targeted strike will—what the hell?"

Tim looked at the conference room, where Superintendent Anderson was chatting with a taller blonde woman in a police uniform, also wearing a superintendent's insignia.

Though rumors about Zoe's impending resignation and move into politics had circulated, nothing was official yet.

Lucy, also puzzled by the scene, asked, "Is that the new superintendent? Now, of all times?"

"Tim, doesn't she look familiar?" Lucy noted.

Tim, his expression odd, stared at the new superintendent. Unable to place her, Lucy dragged him away.

After they left, John walked into the glass-walled briefing room.

___________________

Read Ahead

P@treon.com/Mutter