Half of the Burton Grove Police Department came to the southern border to secure the area and ensure that the kid will be rescued. We tried so hard to keep the media out of it because we don't want to tip the abductor that we already found them. That will put the kid's life in danger. I ordered every police officers to position themselves around the cabin. I wanted to make sure that he won't escape.
As soon as I receive the confirmation that everyone was in position, Oliver and I walked towards the house. I hide below the window as Oliver knock on the door. I volunteered to go to the back of the house because I saw a small window that looks like a basement, and Oliver is too fat to fit in. Besides, Oliver is always a great distraction because he's quick to think of reasons and lies that are believable to those who don't know him.
When I finally heard the front door open, I quickly ran to the back and used my combat knife to open the window. When the little girl saw me, she started crying, but I signaled her to stay quiet. I slid through the window when I finally opened it and turned on my radio to signal them that I got the kid. A few moments later, we heard a noise upstairs. I hugged the little girl and calmed her down.
"It's okay, sweetheart. You're safe now." I assured her. I was overwhelmed when she hugged me and started crying.
As soon as I heard Oliver shouting that the suspect has been neutralized, I picked up the little girl and brought her upstairs. When she saw the man who kidnapped her, she buried her face in my neck. She was trembling in fear, so I immediately brought her out.
The moment I carried her in my arms until we arrived at the station, Krishna never let go. I can feel that she's scared, like if I let her go, someone would kidnap her again. Who could blame her? At a very young age, she already experienced something that might haunt her for the rest of her life.
"Det. Angeles, Det. McKnight, how did you rescue the victim? What can you say about your new status as the city's heroes?" The moment we got out of the car, reporters from every local station piled in front of us like ants on sweet crumbs
"I'm sorry, but we have to get the kid inside first, please." I tried to excuse ourselves, but they refused to give away. Luckily, our entire department was quick to manage the reporters and pushed them aside so we can pass through. "Sorry, kid, but don't be afraid, okay? You're safe now."
When we entered the station, Krishna's parents ran towards us. They were crying out of joy for getting their daughter back safe and sound. I felt happy to be a part of the reason that this family was finally reunited with their little girl. Even their relatives and friends were here, and they were all happy to see her.
"Can we talk?" A familiar voice of a woman caught my attention. But this time, it was calm, almost shy, and hesitant.
"What? Are you here to lecture us on slow our progress was, and it took us longer than what's suitable for your taste to rescue the child?" I asked sarcastically.
I saw sighed heavily. She looked sad and stressed. What could be the problem? "No, actually, I'm here to apologize."
"Oh, right. You got suspended." I said when I remembered what I heard from one of our officers.
"Well, yeah, I got suspended, but because of that, I got plenty of time to think. It was so wrong of me to accuse or question you or any one of you here on how you do your job. And you were right. Because of my irresponsibility, because I failed to report a stranger roaming around the school, my student got abducted. I'm sorry." She sounded sincere, and I can feel she regret what happened.
"I understand you. But hey, I have so many things to do." I excused myself politely.
"Yeah, thank you for saving her." I smiled at her. I walked towards my desk to finish all the paperwork and my case reports. This will be one of the most memorable cases of my entire career.
"Angeles, come outside and state the reporters." I heard our captain said behind me, so I turn around.
"Do I really have to, sir? I asked. I wouldn't say I like speaking in front of the camera.
"Yes, come on."
When I walked out of the station, Krishna's family is giving their statement to the reporters. They are now calling Oliver and me the hero cops. The number of people outside the station doubled. Now, they are not just reporters; some vloggers and civilians who want to capture us and our statement on camera for their social media accounts are waiting for us, too.
After giving our statement, Oliver and I went back inside to finish our pending works. We heard a commotion in the lobby, but we decided to ignore it. After we spend our case reports, I heard Oliver complaining that he's hungry.
"You're always hungry, Oliver." I didn't know who it was so I kept my attention on my computer. "What's up, Chris? Still a mama's boy?" But when I those words, I immediately realized who it was. I purposely ignored him and walked out of the detectives' area because I know he would follow me.
"What? Don't tell me you are still a mama's boy?" He practically shouted so that everyone could hear him.
"Kevin Guzman. The kid I beat to unconsciousness. You didn't even land a punch back then, remember?" I smirked when I saw his face turned red.
"And don't forget, guys, this buddha right here loves his voice so much. He will always brag about his family wealth even though everyone knows that he's adopted, and he will never get a single centavo from his family's wealth." Oliver added. Kevin was stunned when everyone laughed.
"Trying to make fun of a newbie, Angeles?" Inspector Jerry Miller suddenly appeared outside his office.
"No, I'm simply putting him in his place," I responded confidently. Inspector Miller has always been pissed at me, and I would not be surprised if he and Guzman get along.
"What if I put you in your place, huh?" Inspector Miller tried to intimidate me by putting his face close to mine.
"Miller, knock it off if you don't want me to put you in your place." Captain Hansen called him out. So I smirked.
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Midnight, when most of Burton Grove falls asleep, a woman who just got off from work walks her way home. She's got her earphones on, listening to her favorite songs. She feels safe because she was born and raised in Burton Grove. But she failed to realize that her beloved city has changed drastically.
A shadow figure follows her like a predator stalking prey. Carefully, quietly, dangerously. The woman was oblivious to the presence of the figure. Then the woman stopped when a car parked on the side of the road. The figure stepped back into the woods.
Sunday, my family's favorite day. I specifically requested this to be my day off because I wanted to maintain a semblance of everyday life. This is the only day that our parents require us to wake up early to attend the first mass at six.As we enter the church, people from all over the city greeted us. We are not rich but are respected—especially my parents, Judge Anita Leone Angeles and Judge Lorenzo Angeles. They may be retired, but people still remembered how they put a corrupt politician behind bars. This politician almost ruined our city. And despite the death threats that my parents receive daily, they still did their best to put him in jail."Good morning Judge Anita, Judge Lorenzo!" I feel so proud of my parents. People still call them 'Judge' even though it's been three years since they retired."Hi, Ron, Letty. Please, Anita and Lorenzo would be fine." My mom, gracefully, responded to them.After the mass, we went to the Burton Grove Rese
On my way to the station, I felt thirsty, so I decided to stop at the first grocery store I saw. When I entered the store, I saw some of my high school friends. We exchanged some hellos and continued finding what we want to buy. I went straight to the drinks section and picked up an energy drink. As I was about to turn around, I heard two ladies talking. "That detective is really making a name for himself. I saw the trending post on F******k about how he saved a child at Reserve last Sunday." The woman in a red dress said. "Yeah, I heard about it. And guess what, he's single." The other woman in a floral dress responded. "He's practically a hero and a handsome one at that." The third woman in tight jeans and tank top added. "He's not a hero; that's his job. Besides, that man is a jerk." The voice of the fourth woman was familiar, so I walked towards them. And there I saw the teacher of Krishna. "Good morning, ladies." I greeted them. T
"What the hell, Jeffrey! Why here?" I was on my way to our backyard when I heard Mark yelled at Jeffrey."It's not my fault, bro. She doesn't like you! Why don't you just accept that?" Jeffrey yelled back."How could even have the chance to court her if you already stole her from me!" Mark yelled again.Wait, are my brothers fighting over a girl?Mom and Dad left early for the convention, that they were invited to be a guest speaker. I didn't even know that my brothers have an issue."I didn't steal her from you! You never had her, Mark! Why don't you accept that!" Jeffrey's voice is more hostile now."Damn you, Jeffrey! Damn you!" When I heard the noise like things are already falling, I decided to go out. I saw Mark wrestling Jeffrey. What the?"Hey! That's enough, damn it!' I tried to separate them, but they just kept coming, especially Mark."I said enough!" I hit Mark's with my left elbow and Jeffrey with my right. "You're
Today is one of those days that we are not so busy. It looks like the criminals of Burton Grove take a day off too. Oliver and I decided to have lunch at our favorite music lounge. It's been a long time since we visited that place.We were joking and laughing when we arrived at the Burton's Music Bar and Bistro. Oliver was quick with our favorite food and drinks while I look for a comfortable spot. But as I walk towards the corner, I heard an obnoxious voice of a man rumbling about his achievements and how great he is. His companions are obviously bored and irritated but were polite enough not to interrupt him."And that little b*tch who sued Albert for rape? Only a fool would believe her. She's using the victim card to screw Albert. I'll bet you my whole year's salary; she and her family are just after Albert's money." The man bluntly said.It's a spark ignited inside of me when I heard him say those words about my goddaughter. I remembered him from Sig and Fre
Theodore Burnett was invited to a convention by his old colleagues. He felt so entitled and recognized even though he was just requested as a guest like the others. His narcissistic behavior always gives him a sense of importance. Like he is always better than everybody else.But in reality, Theodore is haunted by his flaws and imperfection. He despises seeing people around him accomplish things that he couldn't. He's never happy when someone else takes the spotlight."Welcome one and all to the annual Engineer Convention." The host announced as the convention started.Theodore scanned his surroundings. He was studying his surroundings and the people around them. He watched as the top Engineers from all over the country chat with each other about their accomplishments, newly purchased properties, and so on. Theodore scoffed.As he scans the area, Theodore saw a woman who caught his attention. Her beauty is simple yet, elegant and sophisticated. She looks
When are you bringing a girlfriend home, Chris? When do you plan on getting married, Chris? Blah, blah, blah.Why is my love life a part of their problem? I haven't met the woman who would capture my heart, that's all. I don't want to be that guy who gets married this month and files a divorce six months after. When I get married, I want it to be permanent. Not just a phase that will pass.My morning started not so great because of Melanie's questions about my love life. Our mom and dad started asking me, too. They wanted to see their grandchildren. And Mark finally having a girlfriend didn't help my situation.Mark had a few girlfriends in the past. Jeffrey always has a girlfriend. Melanie is in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend, Andrew. While me? Nah, never mind."Hey, Chris!""Morning, Chris."My colleagues greeted me as I entered the station, but I just nodded at them. I'm not in the mood."Hey, bro. What's the matter?"
I don't why, but I feel happy. Oliver has been teasing me about this for the whole week. He kept asking me why I an being happy. Serious? Is there something about being happy? Why does it have to be a big deal? Honestly, I don't even know why I am in a good mood these days. All I know is that I feel great. "Hi, Chris! Good morning." Mary Sue greeted me. I almost bumped into her while buying some drinks before going to the station. "Hey, hi! How have you been?" I smiled widely. "We just saw each other yesterday. Are you okay?" Mary Sue responded, laughing lightly. "Huh? Oh, yeah! Haha! Duh? Right, uhm. Will you come to our house tonight?" I hesitantly ask while scratching the back of my head. "Oh, sorry. I have a date tonight." My smile disappeared with what I heard. "What?" I asked, trying not to sound too disappointed. "Yeah, I have this suitor who is so persistent. Anyways, see you around?" When Mary Sue left, I sighed.
My good mood has wholly disappeared, and I don't know why. So what if Mary Sue is entertaining a suitor? Why do I care? We're not even that close.I feel like I'm not in the mood and just wanted to go home, but I can't. I have a job and a town to protect. I can't let my personal problems hinder my capability as a detective. I need to act professionally.When I got to the station, I noticed so many people, and they were all trying to grab one person. The one being held by some of our officers. The left side of his head is already bloodied. It looks like some actions happened before he arrived."What the hell happened?" I asked Oliver when they finally took the suspect away from the finally"The guy molested their nine-year-old son. Totally sick, dude. I almost wanted to punch him myself." Oliver responded, breathing heavily. Right, Oliver hates pedophiles more than anything else."Good thing he got arrested," I answered sincerely. I just hate crimin