46

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Standing in the living room of Wesley and Angela's house, everyone is a tableau of determination and fear. The walls are adorned with happy family photos, a stark reminder of what's at stake. Lauren's eyes drift to a picture of Angela and Wesley, their smiles wide and genuine."La Fiera is holding Angela at a compound outside Guatemala City. I'm going to get her back, but I could use help," Wesley says, his voice strained with a mix of anger and desperation. Lauren's eyes lock onto his, her mind racing with the implications of his words. The realization of the danger Angela is in, and the urgency of the situation, sends a cold shiver down her spine."I'm in," Nolan says immediately, his voice firm and unwavering. Lauren nods in agreement, the unspoken bond between them stronger than ever. She knows he'll be a valuable asset on this mission, not just for his tactical skills, but for his unwavering support. The rest of the team follows suit, their voices a chorus of agreement that fills the room with a newfound determination."Hold on," Sgt. Grey says, her voice cutting through the murmurs like a knife. "The only people qualified to even think of doing this craziness is Bradford and Harper."Lauren gives Grey a look that could melt steel, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and determination. She knows Grey is just looking out for her, but she can't sit back and watch while her friend is in danger. "Are you saying we don't even try and save her?"Grey sighs, her expression softening. "No, of course not. But we can't just barge in like cowboys. La Fiera's got connections everywhere. She'll know the second we step off a plane.""So, we don't fly commercial," Lauren says, her voice firm, her gaze unwavering. Tim nods in agreement, a plan already forming in his mind. They've worked together long enough to read each other's thoughts, to anticipate each other's moves."Last I checked, LAPD doesn't have an air force," Grey says, her voice heavy with the reality of their limitations. "And the DEA isn't gonna lend us theirs." Lauren's shoulders slump, the weight of her sergeant's words sinking in.But before the silence can fully take hold, Lauren's phone starts to buzz in her pocket. She pulls it out, her eyes narrowing at the unknown number. With a quick look at Tim, she steps into the hallway for privacy, her heart racing with a mix of hope and anxiety. "Officer Clark speaking," she answers curtly, her hand resting on her gun instinctively."Hi Lauren," a little voice says on the other end, and her world stops. It's Liam, the little boy from the missile attack, the one she'd rescued and formed a bond with. The one she'd thought about often, hoping he was okay despite the chaos that had engulfed his life."Liam?" Lauren whispers, her hand flying to her heart. "What's going on?""I found your card," he says, his voice shaking. "In my foster parents' house. I miss you." Lauren's mind reels with the implications of his words. He's safe, he's reached out, and he remembers her. It's a lifeline thrown into the sea of despair she's been treading."Liam, I miss you too," Laura responds, her voice thick with emotion. "Are you okay?""I am." The words echo in Lauren's mind as she ends the call, the gravity of their conversation weighing heavily on her shoulders. She takes a moment to collect herself, the sound of her racing heart the only noise in the otherwise quiet hallway. Liam had found her card, a small piece of hope amidst the chaos of his new life."I have to go, Lauren. But don't forget about me," Liam says, his voice filled with a mix of urgency and hope before the line goes dead. Lauren's heart aches for the little boy she'd rescued, and she whispers a silent promise to herself that she never would. The call was brief, but it had been enough to remind her of the lives she's touched, and the impact she's had beyond the badge.Wiping the tears from her eyes, Lauren takes a deep breath and heads back into the living room. The tension is palpable as the team strategizes, their eyes on her as she enters. She knows they're waiting for her to fall apart, but she won't give them that satisfaction. Instead, she locks eyes with Tim, her resolve hardening."Nolan, you fold in with Bradford and Harper. Start a mission plan," Grey says, his eyes flicking over everyone. "Chen, you're with me and Clark at the station to work the murder case."Everyone turns around to leave, the gravity of their mission settling over them like a heavy cloak. Laura's hand is on the doorknob, her thoughts racing with the fear and hope that comes with the promise of action. But before the room can empty, Grey's voice stops them in their tracks."Nolan, come here." The words hang in the air, a sudden command that makes Laura's stomach twist. She turns back to see Nolan's expression, a mix of confusion and wariness. The room goes quiet again, the only sound the hum of the fridge in the kitchen and the distant wail of a siren. Lauren's eyes dart to Tim, who gives her a reassuring nod before moving aside to let Nolan approach Grey."Given everything that happened, it's easy to lose sight of what today signifies for you," Grey starts to say, her eyes boring into Nolan's. Lauren's heart swells with a strange mix of pride and sadness, knowing that today was supposed to be a day of celebration. A day that marked the end of Nolan's rookie status and the beginning of a new chapter in his career. But instead, it had turned into a nightmare, with one of their own still out there, missing."The end of your time as a rookie," Grey continues, her voice filled with a pride that Laura knows is genuine. "You accepted your punishment with grace and humility, and I'm proud to say you are officially a P2." Lauren watches as Grey reaches out and shakes Nolan's hand firmly, a symbol of his new rank and the trust that comes with it.One by one, the other officers line up to offer their congratulations. They've all been through so much together, and Lauren can see the respect in their eyes as they hug Nolan, patting him on the back and whispering words of encouragement. Despite the gravity of their current mission, there's a moment of camaraderie, a brief respite from the fear and tension that's been building all day.But the moment is shattered by Grey's sudden reappearance, his face ashen. "The DNA came back," he says, his voice firm. "We have an ID on Jackson's killer." Lauren feels the blood drain from her face as she turns to face her sergeant, her heart pounding in her chest. This is the moment they've all been dreading and hoping for in equal measure.

...

The sun peeks over the horizon, casting a soft glow over the bustling LAPD station as officers flood the hallways, their faces a blend of fatigue and determination. Lauren and Lucy sit in the briefing room, surrounded by a sea of blue, their eyes glued to the images projected on the screen. Grey and Caradine stand at the front, the gravity of the situation etched into the lines of their faces. The room is a cacophony of low murmurs and the rustling of paper, the weight of their mission heavy in the air."His name is Armando De León," Caradine says, his voice cutting through the room like a knife. Lauren's heart skips a beat, the name echoing in her mind like a curse. "17 years old. The gang unit says he was jumped into Malos Dorado six months ago. The murder weapon is outstanding, and he's considered armed and dangerous." Lauren feels a cold shiver run down her spine. The thought of a kid so young capable of such a heinous act is chilling."Swat hit his house twenty minutes ago, but he's in the wind," Grey adds, her eyes scanning the room. "That means we're following up with everyone he knows. Let's flush him out." Lauren nods, the adrenaline starting to pulse through her veins. She can feel the tension in the room as the team starts to mobilize, the urgency in their movements. This isn't just about catching a killer anymore; it's about justice for Jackson and finding Angela."And remember," Grey's voice booms over the clamor, "this kid comes in handcuffs unless there's no other choice. Is that understood?" Lauren nods, her grip tightening on her gun, the gravity of the words resonating through the room. The thought of bringing in a 17-year-old in cuffs is sobering, but the reality of his actions leaves them no choice."Yes, sir," everyone says in unison, their voices a testament to their collective resolve. Lauren shares a brief look with Lucy, the silent promise between them unwavering. They'll find Angela. They'll bring her home.The air outside is thick with anticipation as the officer's pair up and climb into their patrol cars. Laura slides into the passenger seat next to Lucy, her eyes scanning the horizon as they pull away from the station. The early morning light casts long shadows on the pavement, each one a stark reminder of the urgency of their mission.As they drive, Lauren's phone starts to ring. She glances at the screen and sees Tim's name, her heart skipping a beat. "Hey, how's it going at Nolan's?" she asks. Tim's voice fills her ear, "We are actually heading to Guatemala right now.""Okay, good. Be safe and call if you guys get anything," Lauren says into the phone, her voice a mix of concern and reassurance. She knows Tim, Nyla and Nolan are the best at what they do, but the thought of them going after La Fiera without backup sends a shiver down her spine.Tim's voice is firm and steady when he responds, "We will. I love you." The words hang in the air, a sudden declaration that takes Lauren's breath away."I love you too," Lauren whispers before hanging up the phone, her eyes misty with unshed tears. The simple words feel like a lifeline thrown to her in the midst of the chaos. She turns to Lucy, whose gaze is fixed on the road ahead."What did Tim say?" Lucy asks, her voice tight with tension. Lauren takes a deep breath, bracing herself for the next part of their mission. "They're on their way to Guatemala. They're going after Angela," Lauren replies, her voice steady. "We've got to hold down the fort here, find any leads on De León."As they pull up to the big building on Dozier Street, Laura grabs the radio, her hand trembling slightly. "Control, 7-Adam-12," she says into the receiver, her voice clear despite the fear coursing through her. "Show us code 6 at 1305 Dozier." The response crackles back immediately. Lauren eyes locked on the nondescript structure in front of them.They climb out of the car, their footsteps echoing in the early morning quiet. "Armando's cousin lives in 3C." Lauren murmurs to Lucy, her hand resting on her holstered gun. The thought of what they might find behind that door weighs heavily on her.As they make their way up the stairs, the sound of their boots on the concrete seems to amplify with each step, a stark contrast to the silence that envelops them. Lauren's mind is racing, replaying the briefing, looking for any clue that might give them an edge.They reach lobby, and Lauren nods to Lucy, the unspoken order to cover the right side of the hall. She moves to the left, her heart thumping in her chest like a drum. Each door they pass feels like a potential trap, a silent threat waiting to be triggered. The rustling sound that breaks the tension is faint at first, barely a whisper on the air, but it's enough to make her blood run cold.With her gun drawn, Lauren approaches the noise, her back against the wall. She takes a deep breath and rounds the corner, only to find Armando desperately trying to squeeze through a narrow window at the end of the corridor. His eyes widen in terror when he sees her, his hands scrabbling against the glass as he realizes he's trapped."Show me your hands now!" Laura yells, her voice echoing through the empty hallway. Armando's eyes dart to her, and then to the window, calculating his odds of escape. Lauren can see the fear and desperation in his eyes, but she knows she can't let him go.With a resigned sigh, the young man gets down from the pipe he was standing on and raises his hands, "All right. You got me." Lauren's grip tightens on her gun, her heart hammering in her chest. This is it, the moment they've been searching for."Step away from the window and keep your hands where I can see them," Lauren commands, her voice steady despite the chaos in her mind. Armando complies, his eyes darting around the room.The radio in Lauren's pocket crackles to life. "7-Adam-12," Lucy's voice is tight with tension. "B to A, what's your 20?" Her pulse quickens, her eyes never leaving the teenager in front of her. She knows Lucy is checking on her position, ensuring they have each other's backs.Lauren turns off her radio, the sudden silence in the hallway amplifying the beating of her own heart. She keeps her eyes focused on the boy in front of her, the one who had taken one of their own. The gravity of the situation weighs heavily on her, but she can't let it cloud her judgment. She has to remain calm, professional, and in control."I ain't scared," Armando says, his voice a mix of bravado and fear. Lauren can see the tremor in his hands, the sweat beading on his forehead. But she's seen it before, the false bravado that comes with desperation. She knows that deep down, he's terrified."You are though." Lauren starts, her voice low and measured. "And I bet you were scared when you pulled that trigger and killed our officer." Armando's eyes flicker with something that might have been fear before he sneers at her, the defiance clear in his stance. Lauren keeps her distance, her gun pointed at his chest, her heart racing."You gonna pull the trigger and kill me?" Armando asks, his voice a mix of challenge and resignation. Lauren's finger tightens slightly on the trigger, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. But she knows she can't, won't. Not like this."No," Laura says, her voice firm. "Because I'm not a killer. I'm a cop." With those words, she holsters her gun, a deliberate act that sends a message. They're here for justice, not vengeance.She steps forward and grabs his hand, spinning him around to face the wall. The sound of his wrists being snapped into the cold metal handcuffs is a stark contrast to the quiet of the hallway. "You're under arrest for the murder of Jackson West," she says, her voice clear and authoritative.Armando flinches but doesn't resist. Lauren knows the reality of the situation has set in for him now, the gravity of his actions finally crashing down around him. She nudges him out of the room, her eyes never leaving his back. As they step into the lobby, Lucy's eyes widen, the fear and tension in her grip on her gun palpable. Lauren can see her friend's mind racing, trying to process what just happened."Thank God," Lucy breathes out, the words a prayer of relief that hangs in the air between them. Lauren nods, her own heart still pounding. They've found their suspect, but it doesn't make the situation any less dire. They know Angela's time is running out.

...

After shift, Lauren's legs feel like lead as she climbs the stairs to Lucy's apartment. The echo of her boots on the cinder blocks seems to mock her exhaustion. As she walks down the hall to Lucy's front door, her phone vibrates in her pocket. She pulls it out, and Tim's name is lighting up the screen."Did you get her?" Lauren's voice is hopeful as she brings the phone to her ear. The line is static for a moment, and then Tim's voice, strained with emotion, fills her ear, "No. We're going to Plan B."The door to Lucy's apartment swings open, and Lucy stands there, her eyes red-rimmed and swollen from crying. Lauren's heart squeezes at the sight of her friend, the weight of their unspoken fears heavy in the air between them."I don't like Plan B." Lauren's voice is tight with tension as she steps into Lucy's apartment, the words carrying over the phone to Tim's ear."Join the club. It's what we got. Are you guys ready?" Tim's voice crackles through the speaker, and Lauren's stomach lurches. The words are a stark reminder of the camaraderie they've built over the months, the shared burdens and unspoken understanding that comes with the badge. She nods to Lucy, who gathers her composure and nods back, a silent affirmation that they're in this together."Yeah, just give us a minute," Lauren says into the phone, her eyes never leaving Lucy's. "Call me back when you're in position." She ends the call and turns to her friend, who is already setting up the computer with the cameras from the interstate.They sit in tense silence, sipping on the lukewarm coffee that Laura brought from the station. The apartment feels smaller, the air thicker with worry and the weight of the unknown. Lauren's mind races with the possible scenarios, trying to anticipate what Tim and Nolan might face.Lucy's eyes are glued to the screen, her fingertips tapping restlessly on the keyboard. The live feeds from the highway cameras flicker, a mosaic of headlights and taillights stretching out like a digital river of chaos. Lauren can feel her friend's anxiety, the way her shoulders are tense, her eyes darting from one car to the next, searching for the telltale signs of the black SUV that holds their colleague's fate.

The silence in the room is palpable, punctuated only by the occasional beep of the computer and the distant wail of a siren. Lauren's own eyes are fixed on her phone, willing it to light up with Tim's call. Every second that ticks by feels like an eternity, each moment a silent countdown to their next move. She's never felt so powerless, so far from the action, but she knows her role here is just as critical as the one the others are playing on the ground.Finally, the phone vibrates in her hand, the screen illuminating with Tim's name. She takes a deep breath and answers, "Hey, you got them?" The line is staticky, but she can hear the determination in Tim's voice as he responds, "Not yet, but we're close." Lauren feels her heart race, the excitement and fear tangling in her chest."No wait, they're right there," Lucy says, her voice tight with excitement and fear. Lauren's eyes dart to the screen, focusing on where Lucy's finger is pointing at. "Black SUV. Yellow stripes. They have a Guatemalan police car escorting them.""How far out?" Tim asks, the tension in his voice mirroring the tightness in Lauren's chest. She watches Lucy's hands fly across the keyboard, zooming in and out of the various camera feeds, tracking the vehicle's movement."Uh, five minutes," Lauren says, her eyes never leaving the screen. The distance between them feels like a mile, but their connection is stronger than ever. Tim's voice is a comforting presence, a reminder that no matter what happens, they're in this together."Okay thanks. We got it from here." Tim says, his voice a mix of confidence and urgency over the phone. Lauren nods, her eyes never leaving the screen. "We're on it," she responds, the words a promise that resonates through the quiet apartment.

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KATE SPEAKS!prepare for next chapter🧻😊(yes it will be a time skip butttttits all for the plot)