As the ambulance, sirens blaring, rushed the injured officers to the hospital, local SWAT teams and an armored vehicle finally arrived at the scene. Under the protection of the armored vehicle, the remaining three officer corpses were retrieved and transported away.
Then came the next phase: the armored vehicle started tearing the house apart. Standing next to Captain Luce, Jack listened as Luce coordinated the operation over the radio. A faint smile crept onto Jack's face.
This was standard procedure for American police dealing with dangerous suspects. Rather than recklessly storming in or dramatizing the situation with flashbangs, they dismantled the building piece by piece. It wasn't glamorous, but it was effective.
Most American single-story homes are primarily wood-framed, making them cheap to build, easy to maintain, and equally easy to demolish. The armored vehicle, equipped with a battering ram, effortlessly poked holes in walls and pulled down entire sections.
While flashbangs are highly effective, their misuse had become a concern in some areas. Their potential lethality, especially in confined spaces, had led to tragic incidents, such as injuries to children or infants when their presence was unknown. Some states had even banned tear gas and flashbangs outright.
Complicating matters further was the increasing prevalence of drug abuse in the U.S. Flashbangs could have wildly different effects depending on the individual. On the extreme end, a drugged suspect might shake off a taser or even survive multiple gunshot wounds, charging forward like they were unstoppable. On the other end, frail individuals could die from something as minor as being restrained.
As a result, police departments had adopted "distraction devices"—low-yield flashbangs designed for outdoor use. However, Jack wasn't convinced of their effectiveness; they seemed more like a compromise than a practical tool.
This inconsistency in policing capabilities highlighted the disparity between different departments. Underfunded departments often avoided risk and opted for passive approaches, while well-funded ones operated with impunity, using whatever tools they deemed necessary, from tear gas to pepper spray to flashbangs.
In the current situation, CMPD had handled things well. They fought bravely, with minimal mistakes. The Wanted Criminal Task Force had already done their part: taking down one gunman and rescuing a wounded officer. There was no need for them to further intervene.
The rest of the operation was left to CMPD and the U.S. Marshals to wrap up. This was both tactically and politically prudent—help where needed, but don't overstep.
Everything at the scene was being handled systematically. Roads leading to the hospital had been cleared to ensure swift transport of the injured. Nearby schools were closed, and two police helicopters hovered overhead to prevent any escape attempts by the suspects.
CMPD's overall competence was commendable. The officers were courageous, but they had been caught off guard due to the area's generally low crime rate. Many didn't routinely carry rifles in their vehicles. Jack wasn't familiar with their department's policies—perhaps rifles needed to be personally purchased or weren't standard issue.
In contrast, larger police departments often received surplus military equipment, such as the 600 M16 rifles and armored vehicles that the LAPD acquired after the infamous North Hollywood shootout in the 1990s.
An hour later, SWAT emerged from the partially demolished house with two young women in custody and one corpse with a gunshot wound to the head left behind.
CMPD's chief, dressed in a crisp white uniform, visibly relaxed as the situation deescalated. He personally thanked the FBI agents for their assistance and, upon learning that they were on another mission, helped coordinate with other departments.
Unexpectedly, this coordination yielded new intel. A local dance studio had reported a student, Emma Jennings, missing. She hadn't shown up for class that afternoon, and attempts to contact her had failed.
The chief's expression darkened upon hearing this. A quick database check revealed that Emma lived with her grandfather, who happened to be the pastor of a nearby church.
Pastors and priests differ slightly. While priests are generally associated with the Catholic and Orthodox traditions and are bound by celibacy, pastors are more broadly defined, often within Protestant denominations, and may marry and have children.
Regardless of denomination, a pastor holds significant influence in an American community. Given the FBI's earlier mention of their pursuit of two violent fugitives, the chief's concern grew deeper. His face, already pale, turned green with anxiety.
Though the scene at the house wasn't entirely cleared, the chief wasted no time. Under his direct orders, a convoy of police cars followed the two FBI Suburbans, sirens off but lights flashing, heading toward the church in Mineral Springs, roughly 20 kilometers away.
Before departing, Jack and his team shed their heavy ballistic vests, swapping them for lighter ones. Upon arriving at the church, they armed themselves with MDX508 rifles fitted with suppressors and stormed inside.
The MDX508, with its 8.5-inch barrel, offered better ballistic performance than the ultra-short 5.5-inch versions used by SEALs for extreme stealth. While slightly longer, it provided better accuracy, even at distances of 100-200 meters, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor operations.
Though the rifles and ammunition were expensive—approximately $30 for a box of 20 rounds and $2,000 per rifle—they were funded by the Joint Special Operations Command, so the team made the most of the sponsorship.
The MDX508 offered significantly more power and precision than traditional submachine guns, making it ideal for hostage rescue scenarios where accuracy was paramount. Jack's philosophy was clear: when dealing with dangerous fugitives, aim to neutralize rather than wound.
The church they arrived at was a typical community church, much larger than the small chapel where Jack and Clay had once faced off against cartel enforcers in Mexico.
As usual, Jack and Clay led the charge, entering through the front and systematically clearing each room. Aubrey and Hannah, along with CMPD officers, secured the rear and other exits.
"Clear!"
"Clear!"
Given their temporary partnership, everyone was on edge. Both the FBI agents and CMPD officers loudly announced their status during the room sweeps to avoid friendly fire.
"Hey! Over here!" Jack called out as he entered the kitchen, immediately sensing something amiss. Flour was scattered across the countertop, and a jar of tomato sauce lay shattered on the floor. The scene resembled a crime scene, messy and chaotic.
(End of Chapter)
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