11_Night Patrol

Noah drove to the scene and saw from a distance that the crowd scattered as soon as the police car arrived. By the time Noah got out of the car, there was not a soul in sight.

"Adam47 reporting, no suspects found at the scene, cancel the alert."

"Jimmy, patrolling is often like this. By the time we arrive, the person has already fled. For non-major incidents, or when there's no emergency, typically, if there's no one in sight, we just cancel the alert."

"Yeah, AP never gets to respond alone, just assisting you guys."

"Exactly, follow my lead, stay in the car until I tell you otherwise. Don't believe all the tasks they talked about during training. In reality, AP's main job during responding is to set up cordons, help watch over detained suspects, and leave the paperwork to the police. Got it?"

"No problem, I'll be the most obedient little baby, like the one with a pacifier."

Jimmy had learned some local banter in these few months, looking more like a local than his past self.

The police car continued patrolling aimlessly on the streets. Thanksgiving should be a special day, with very few distress calls.

"Adam47, domestic violence call, 480 Grant Street, neighbor reported loud noise and crying."

"Adam47, copy."

The police car turned directly towards the target location.

"Jimmy, wait in the car," Noah instructed as he got out and walked into the yard.

"Pulaski County Police, open the door," Noah continued knocking. The sound of crying still echoed from inside. Noah drew his gun and kicked the door open.

Jimmy watched Noah enter from the car, and soon after, he emerged escorting a white male suspect, locking him in the backseat cage. He sat in the driver's seat and began reporting.

"Adam47 reporting, case resolved, transporting suspect back to the station."

On the way back to the station, Noah and Jimmy didn't exchange a word. Only after they had detained the suspect, Jimmy had the chance to ask Noah what had happened in the room.

"This jerk was beating his wife, even smashed the kitchen furniture. Go in, detain, bring out, it's that simple."

Well, he was indeed an experienced cop, handling these matters with ease.

"Continuing the patrol tonight?" "Of course, you still have an hour and a half. Let's go, Jimmy."

The police car continued its route. Jimmy took the opportunity to inquire about Noah's past cases. Time always flew by during chats, and before he knew it, it was half past eleven, almost the end of Jimmy's shift. Noah steered towards the station.

"All units, West 19th Street exchange of fire, nearby officers provide immediate support, repeat, West 19th Street exchange of fire, nearby officers provide immediate support."

"Adam47, copy, on my way."

"Jimmy, overtime tonight." "OK, GO!"

Noah raced the police car with sirens blaring, arriving at the scene in five minutes. Jimmy remained in the car as Noah ran towards the other officers, communicating the suspect's location over the radio. Unfortunately, after Noah left, Jimmy couldn't hear anything.

Sitting in the car, Jimmy looked around. With the sound of gunfire and police sirens, the surrounding residents had turned off their lights and hidden away. All he could see were a few streetlights and the police cars' flashing lights. Bored, Jimmy couldn't touch anything in the police car, and without a smartphone, he could only sit there idly.

Counting the houses and wooden fences around, Jimmy suddenly noticed a dark figure on the roof across the street. The figure slowly made its way down, hunched over, heading towards the side where there was a shelf that could serve as a foothold. Sliding down, the figure landed on the shelf, then jumped down and ran towards the back of the house.

Feeling something amiss, Jimmy wondered how someone could slip down from a roof with four police cars parked nearby with flashing lights and sirens blaring. But Noah had just taught him that he could only do simple tasks for now, like apprehending suspects...

"AP105 reporting, XXX West 19th Street, spotted a person coming down from the roof, running south, opposite to the police's search direction."

"Dispatch acknowledged. Standby for further instructions."

"AP105, no visual on suspect now, disappeared behind the house. Following officer's orders, I'll wait in the car and can't pursue."

"AP105, hold your position."

"AP105, acknowledged."

After the report, Jimmy felt relieved. He had done what he could; now it was up to the police.

After waiting in the car for half an hour, the police officers returned one by one, having found no trace of the suspect. It seemed they had no luck that night.

Noah started the police car, turned off the lights and sirens, and headed back to the station.

"Good job, Jimmy, timely reporting the suspect's location, exceeding my expectations for an AP."

"Ah, first patrol and I encounter a gunfight, so thrilling, but I couldn't see anything."

"If you want to witness a gunfight, wait until you become a cop."

"Being a cop as an AP is just a dream. Honestly, Noah, have you ever seen an AP applying for the police force?"

"In my years as a cop, not a single one."

"So, I won't think about it too much. Applying for the police force is tough. Police academy training lasts six months, and I have to pay for uniforms, equipment, and the car myself. I don't have the money for all that."

"Valid point. Alright, put your gear back, I'll drive you back to the restaurant. Also, for your information, the self-funded police academy is when you apply directly. If you join through the department's recruitment, they cover all expenses."

"OK, give me 2 minutes."

The thrilling night passed, and Jimmy returned to the restaurant, not feeling sleepy at all.

The conversation with Noah had sparked some unrealistic thoughts in his mind.

After over two months, he knew being a waiter long-term wasn't for him. As a Chinese in a community where over 90% were white, he felt somewhat out of place. Yet, he lacked any special talents. Industries like politics and business, which required high intelligence and financial capabilities, were beyond his reach. Even becoming a small business owner required starting capital. For now, he needed to sustain himself and save money before moving to a big city on the East Coast.

After Thanksgiving, the staff gathered at the restaurant, celebrating Jimmy's first successful AP patrol. Jon joyfully announced an extra meal for Jimmy, and Jacob would prepare a special filet mignon for him in the afternoon.

The jovial occasion ended smoothly, and Jimmy returned to the busy life of a waiter.