As we approached the PD’s location, I worried about the suburban's loud engine. I was positive anyone within a block of us could hear it. So as I turned down J street from 4th, I put the vehicle in neutral, shut the engine off and let it roll silently. I hoped I had left enough speed before shutting it down to reach the alley. However, we can easily change the plan to park a bit down the street if need be. Fortunately we didn’t have to. I rolled the vehicle into the alleyway and stopped it about fifteen feet from the street entrance. Not making any sudden movements, we listened for a moment trying to determine if anyone had heard us and was approaching our location. Not seeing or hearing anyone, we quietly exited the vehicle and began as planned.
Activating my sneak ability, I hugged the fence and the shadows it created as I made my way towards the court house. The other three, as quietly as they could manage, moved in the other direction towards the front of the house. I turned the corner at the courthouse and headed for my designated spot. Dog was directly behind me, staying in the shadows as I did. Just like I did when we rescued the girl in the alleyway. This amazed me yet again. We both made it to our predetermined location and took up a hiding place in the bushes.
I could see there were two officers standing in the back lot, which actually kind of surprised me. It didn’t dawn on me till now, but I really didn’t think there would actually be people here. They were young men I didn’t recognize. They must be new to the force, hired after I retired. I fired off an Inspect: Human, level 6, enforcer. Human, level 5, enforcer. I radioed Joe and advised him of the situation. “How close are they?" Joe asked.
“About seventy-five yards from the back of the house, closer to the containers, I responded. It’s your call.”
“It’s doable," Joe radioed back. Even if we only get the armor and equipment from the house, that’s still more than we had.”
“Copy," I replied. I’ll keep watch from here.”
A few minutes later, Joe radioed that they were in the house. They hadn't made enough noise to be heard on this side of the lot. The officers were still in the same location close to the containers. Just as I was starting to think things were going to be OK, a loud thudding crash could be heard coming from the area of the house. The officers turned to look in that direction. “What was that?" I radioed.
“The kid fell over some boxes,” Joe replied.
“Well look sharp, you’re about to have company,” I reported.
The officers had already started moving in that direction, but had not yet pulled their firearms. I decided to act. As the officers moved towards the house, Dog and I sneaked our way to the walk-through gate. Thankfully the code still worked as I originally predicted. I approached the officer’s position with Dog on my heels quietly stalking the officers. The officers approached the back door to the house and found the back door locked and secured.
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As they were about to walk around the front of the house. I had made it to the corner of the garage and pulled my firearm, cocked my weapon with an unmistakable “Click” and said in a low voice “don’t move.” I didn’t want to be as cliché and say “freeze” because that would be too hilarious for the situation. At my command of “don’t move,” Dog let out his patented low deep growl. That, more than my firearm cocking, froze them in their place. The door to the back of the house slowly opened and an AR-15 rifle barrel pointed directly in one of the officers' faces.
Giving quiet commands, I said “Ok boys, we're going to play this just like you did in the academy during cuffing procedures." Put your hands in the air and face away from me. If you reach for a weapon you will be shot. Officer on the left, back up towards the sound of my voice. When you’ve taken five steps back, get down on your knees.” The officer did as requested, took five steps backwards and went to his knees. I looked at Joe, who still held the barrel of his rifle in the other officer’s face and asked, "You got them?"
“Sure do,” he said as he winked and smiled at the still standing officer.
I approached the kneeling officer and ordered him to interlace his fingers on the top of his head. As the officer obeyed, I holstered my weapon and grabbed the officer’s hands locking them in position. I reached down and pulled one of the officers' handcuffs. Because why should I use my own when there is a free pair waiting to be used? I cuffed the officer’s right wrist, then twisted his arm down behind the man’s back. While still holding the cuffed arm down, I reached up and grabbed his other hand. I twisted it down behind his back and secured it in the cuffs.
I completed the same series of instructions with the second officer and soon had both handcuffed and seated on the ground. I asked the officers, "How many people are still in the building?" Neither officer would answer me, so I asked the question again. This time I knelt down to get eye level with them and pulled out my skinning knife.
One of the officers spoke up and said, “I know you were a cop before, you’re not planning to hurt us, so why should we answer your questions?”
I grabbed that officer by the back of his head and placed my knife on the man’s cheek. I cut a small line into the man’s skin that bled ever so slightly. “You’re right,” I said. I WAS a cop. I put my life on the line for random strangers that didn’t even appreciate it. Right now I’m trying to secure a way to protect my family. And if I put my life on the line for strangers, how far would I go to protect my family? Be realistic here boys. This isn’t some TV series or fantasy novel where you’re the hero and defying the bad guy. Now I'll ask again, how many people are inside?”
Obviously rattled by the speech, the officer answered, "Just one.”
“Good, I replied. Who is it?"
"Commander Watson," the officer replied.
“TJ?" I asked. Someone promoted that jack wagon?” The two officers glanced at each other and smirked. I took the keys off one officer's belt and tossed them to Johnny. “The oversized square key opens the gate lock. Grab the suburban and pull it into the driveway so we can load up.” I turned back and continued questioning the officers.
“So tell me, I started. Who’s in charge then? It’s not TJ, is it?" Both officers nodded their heads. "I'm sure he loves it," I said. And how many of you are there?”
“About ten, if we can get them all together at one time,” one of them said.
“And I’m guessing you guys being of lower seniority guard the ammo supplies,” I replied. Again they simply nodded their heads.