In the dead of night, with the two senior agents heading off for a conspicuous rendezvous, the rest of the team naturally dispersed, leaving behind a few lingering questions—chief among them on Hotchner's mind.
For example, why had Jack decisively shot the paramedic? Hotchner, still groggy from his concussion and blood loss at the time, hadn't fully grasped what had transpired. Even now, he wasn't entirely clear on the details.
Still, Jack's reputation was that of a meticulous agent. Despite his high kill count compared to other field agents, every shot he fired was justified—always adhering to protocol or driven by unavoidable necessity.
What Hotchner didn't know was that during Jack's time as a patrol officer with the LAPD, he'd occasionally sabotaged body cameras to carry out what he deemed "justice." Despite such moments, Jack's actions were typically exceedingly cautious, even in morally gray situations.
Hotchner decided the matter could wait. Accompanied by Emily and Reid, he returned to the hospital to rest and check on Joanna, who was still in surgery.
If strictly analyzed, Jack's decision to shoot the paramedic might have been slightly out of line. At that moment, the paramedic hadn't exhibited overt suspicious behavior or made any threatening moves.
But Jack had no choice. Joanna was under the paramedic's care, and Jack had already deduced that the ambulance was compromised. Any hesitation could have led to an irreversible tragedy.
Heroism is often judged by results, and Jack's actions had produced extraordinary ones. Even if his report contained minor inconsistencies, it was unlikely anyone would nitpick. After all, his "misstep" had uncovered a carefully orchestrated conspiracy.
When Jack learned from Joey Reacher that the Secret Service was protecting Bolivia's president, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place.
The civilian-posing terrorist had stayed near Hotchner and Joanna to confirm their injuries. The goal was to ensure that the bomb-laden ambulance—staffed by a terrorist impersonating a paramedic—would gain access to the injured FBI agents.
It was a failsafe. Whether or not the authorities connected the prior shootings to terrorism and locked down the crime scene, the attackers needed to guarantee their ambulance was the first on-site, carrying at least one injured federal agent.
The paramedic, doubling as a backup, could have donned a uniform and driven the ambulance himself if Hotchner and Joanna were incapacitated or killed. Even if Secret Service agents blocked hospital access, a dying FBI agent onboard would have been enough to persuade them—especially with nitroglycerin injected to amplify the urgency.
Jack's timely arrival disrupted the entire plan. Even if Joey Reacher hadn't revealed that Bolivia's president was the target, Garcia's alert about the suspiciously close tracking signal would have prompted Jack to act. He would have subdued the paramedic and inspected the vehicle regardless.
Writing the report would require some creativity. Jack could claim he noticed the paramedic's nervous demeanor or saw movements suggesting a threat to Joanna. In truth, Jack's confidence in his "healing ability" told him Joanna was in no immediate danger. The paramedic's unnecessary "rescue attempts" were the biggest red flag.
The following morning, Jack strolled into the command center, refreshed, only to meet the resentful gaze of Jim Aubrey. Aubrey had been dispatched as a temporary liaison to the NYPD before the explosions began.
Had he stayed by Jack's side, Aubrey thought, his chances of a promotion to senior agent this year would have been all but guaranteed.
Halfway through his morning report, Jack was interrupted by Rossi, who entered the office with a satisfied smirk. Rossi, still nursing a sore back from the night before, had some news.
"NSA and DHS came through for once," Rossi began. "Early this morning, they arrested the last 'Dark Jihad' operative involved in the attack."
Thirteen individuals had participated in the plot. The mastermind, Jack's bald paramedic, was the only member of the Durango Cartel present in New York. A demolitions expert, he was responsible for both the ambulance bomb and the explosive collar previously used. The NSA was still investigating his identity, though preliminary evidence suggested he had served in Venezuela's special forces and taught at the fabled "Hunter School."
Jack had seen a military action film, Amazon Outpost, in a past life, depicting the infamous "Hunter School" as an elite training ground. While he doubted this world's version was quite as dramatic, the bald man's skills were undeniable.
"On a related note," Rossi added, "Colorado's ADX Florence reported that Anthony Vargas died this morning in his single-cell confinement. Cause of death: heart attack."
"Well, isn't that convenient," Jack said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "A man who didn't flinch when a bomb exploded through reinforced glass suddenly dies of a heart attack in his cell."
"Delayed stress, perhaps?" Rossi's smile was equally sardonic.
"This has nothing to do with us," Rossi continued. "It might just be a coincidence—or maybe someone wanted to distance themselves from terrorism in light of last night's events."
Jack shrugged. "I hope this is the end of it. I'd rather avoid any cases involving bombs or terrorism for a while."
"Be careful what you wish for," Rossi said, then brightened. "I do have good news."
"What's that?" Jack asked, intrigued.
"You're being awarded the FBI Medal of Valor, and the entire BAU team will receive the FBI Shield of Bravery."
Jack felt a mix of surprise and inevitability. The decision wasn't official yet—such awards typically took months to process through the FBI's bureaucratic channels. Still, the Medal of Valor was the second-highest FBI commendation, below the Star Medal, which was reserved for agents seriously wounded in the line of duty. Above that was the Memorial Star, awarded posthumously.
"Looks like someone has decided to make it official," Rossi said, laughing at Jack's bemusement.
Dana Moje chimed in with a playful smile. "How about we celebrate? Last night was thrilling enough to warrant a drink, don't you think?"
(End of Chapter)
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