Chapter 106-107 - The Lawyer and Policeman

Chapter 106 – "The Voice of the Victims"

6:45 AM – Central Hotel, Manhattan, NY

The gray light of dawn filtered through the gaps in the heavy curtains in the room. Gustavo stood in front of the mirror, wearing a dark blue dress shirt and dark jeans. Unlike the last few days, today he wouldn't be wearing a tactical vest or a weapons case. This morning would be about a different kind of combat—fighting sexual violence, child exploitation, and crimes that leave invisible but deep scars.

He looked in the mirror, took a deep breath, and reached for his jacket, where he'd discreetly sewn the LAPD insignia.

He picked up his phone, which was already vibrating with a text message:

Olivia Benson (NYPD SVU):

"Good morning, Officer Silva. We look forward to welcoming you to SVU. Meet you at the 16th Precinct at 9:00 AM?"

Gustavo responded immediately:

"Of course, Captain. I'll be there. Thank you for the welcome."

8:52 AM – NYPD 16th Precinct – Special Victims Unit

The facade of the 16th Precinct was austere and understated. Inside, narrow corridors with pale tile walls led to offices crammed with files, photo frames, and maps. The atmosphere was hushed, almost reverent. Gustavo walked with a young administrative officer to a glass-enclosed room where Captain Olivia Benson waited.

She was standing, leaning against the desk, a folder open in front of her. Her eyes lifted, and behind her firm expression, a welcoming smile appeared.

"Officer Silva, it's an honor to have you here."

"Captain Benson, the honor is mine. I've admired your unit's work for many years."

— "I've read about your career. And about what you've been doing in LA. Your name has been circulating quite a bit. Thank you for accepting our invitation."

They shook hands. Olivia gestured for him to sit.

— "Today we'll present a little about our structure, share recent cases—within the ethical framework, of course—and we hope to hear how you've handled the legal side, especially when it involves children, domestic violence, and institutional abuse. I know you've served as a consultant on similar cases."

— "Of course. With a heavy heart, I can say yes. In Los Angeles, SVU cases are never easy. But they're the ones that need the most attention."

9:30 AM – SVU Conference Room

The room was full. Sitting around the table or leaning against the walls were Detectives Elliot Stabler, Amanda Rollins, Odafin "Fin" Tutuola, Dominick "Sonny" Carisi—now a prosecutor—and Katriona Tamin. Everyone had focused expressions, many with half-empty coffee mugs in their hands.

Olivia made the formal introductions:

"This is Officer Gustavo Silva, from the LAPD's SWAT and Legal Division. He also serves as a consultant for the DOD. Today he'll talk to us about how legal and tactical preparation can work together to protect victims and strengthen our cases in court."

Gustavo nodded and smiled.

"Nice to meet you, everyone. First of all, I have immense respect for your work. I know that, unlike what we experience in CQB or on the streets, your combat is psychological, it's emotional. It's persistent."

Fin raised his eyebrows curiously.

"And you? Have you ever dealt with any institutional abuse cases in LA?"

— "Yes. Three years ago, a complaint against a foster home led to a six-month investigation. I joined forces with the local SVU. In the end, we uncovered a child trafficking scheme. Every legal step was a trap. The system was the first to fail those children. Then, the investigation restored their dignity. But not without scars."

Stabler crossed his arms, his gaze hardening with familiarity.

— "And did you ever have to pull a gun?"

— "Yes. In one of the operations, we obtained a search warrant and entered before two girls were transferred. One of the security guards tried to shoot. My partner neutralized him. I took care of the victims. I won't forget their eyes."

The silence in the room was thick for a few seconds. Everyone there knew exactly what he was talking about.

10:15 AM – Unit Tour

Gustavo followed Olivia through the hallways. They stopped in the interrogation room.

— "This is where we conduct the most sensitive statements. Sometimes with public defenders present. We work a lot with forensic psychologists. What about you?"

— "We have similar rooms. We've started using video recordings with integrated behavioral analysis. A system similar to Langley's. To validate whether the victim is in a state of dissociation, or if the suspect shows signs of emotional manipulation."

Olivia crossed her arms, surprised.

— "You do this at the police station?"

— "Since 2022. We implemented it as a pilot project. And we're seeing great results. Including less revictimization. I can share the data with you."

— "Please. This could change lives here."

11:00 AM – Evidence Collection Room

There, Gustavo presented some tactical suggestions for scene preservation, especially in domestic settings.

— "The first thing is to avoid contaminating objects with DNA. I usually tell patrol officers not to touch anything, not to walk more than necessary. And if the suspect is in the area, keep him visible but silent. What he says there can be invalidated if his legal rights are not guaranteed."

Amanda Rollins, taking quick notes, commented:

"This exact thing happened to me two months ago. The guy confessed informally, and the lawyer dropped the charges."

"Typical. That's why I insist that legal training for field officers is as important as learning to shoot."

12:00 PM – Break and Lunch

Sitting in the building's cafeteria, Gustavo and Olivia sipped coffee while chatting in a more personal tone.

"Have you ever thought about becoming a prosecutor? With your legal knowledge, your career could go that way."

"Some have asked me that. But honestly? I like being on the front lines." I think my place is among those who act, those who face danger to protect the most vulnerable."

Olivia nodded with a slight smile.

"You and I are similar in that sense."

"I noticed. You lead with humanity. The kind of leadership that transforms."

She looked away for a second, moved, but quickly regained her professionalism.

"Thank you. That means a lot."

2:00 PM – Analysis of a real case (with ethical and didactic changes)

In the conference room, Olivia opened a case that had already been closed, but had important lessons.

"This one was one of the most difficult. A teenager abused by a teacher. She was afraid to speak out. We only managed to break the silence when we brought in another victim. But the judge almost invalidated everything because there was an approach without a court order."

Gustavo examined the case files. He made some notes.

"The key would be to use an assistant prosecutor to mediate." And if possible, file a specific arrest warrant, based on the risk of reoffending. I have a legal application template I can send."

—"You would save lives with this."

—"That's why I'm here."

4:00 PM – End of Visit

Olivia led Gustavo to the exit. The hallway was quieter. The evening light filtered through the golden windows.

—"Officer Silva, today you helped more than you can imagine."

—"You can call me Gustavo. And I thank you. Your work here is an inspiration to all of us."

—"Come back whenever you want. NY will always welcome you."

—"And if you ever need legal, or even tactical, support from LA, call me. I'll be back in a heartbeat."

They shook hands firmly. A silent, mutual respect was established there—between two leaders from different worlds, united by the mission to protect.

Gustavo took one last look at the SVU building before getting into his car. He knew this visit would be memorable. Not only for the importance of what was discussed, but for the emotional impact.

Protecting the vulnerable wasn't just part of the job. It was his heart. And now, more than ever, he felt his mission was just beginning.

Chapter 107 – "Between Loyalties and Protocol"

6:45 AM – FBI Office – Federal Plaza, Manhattan, NY

The rhythmic click of SAC Isobel Castille's heels echoed down the hallway as she walked to the main conference room on the 26th floor. With folders in hand and her attention firmly fixed on what was about to happen, she gathered her closest team—Agents OA, Maggie, Scola, Tiffany, and Jubal were already there, drinking coffee and preparing for another day.

"Hey everyone," Isobel said, placing the folder on the table and looking each of them in the eye with a direct gaze. "Today we have a visit from Officer Gustavo Silva, LAPD. SWAT, Mild-Wilshire, law school graduate from Harvard, consultant to the DOD and other agencies—including, occasionally, the FBI itself."

Maggie raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"He does all this? And he still works in the field?"

Jubal laughed lightly, adjusting his coffee cup.

"It seems so. They say he not only managed to restructure the LAPD's weapons use, but also handles complex legal situations. A hybrid type. Half lawyer, half operator."

OA crossed his arms.

"I met guys like that at the FBI Academy. Brilliant, but rare."

Isobel continued:

"He's here to share experiences with us. Especially regarding the integration of tactical response and legal support. And of course, I want you to take the opportunity to exchange ideas. Learn from him... and teach him something, too."

Stuart Scola took a sip of his coffee.

"I've read an interview with him. Discreet, but with presence. The kind that when he walks into a room, you feel it."

Tiffany, fiddling with her cell phone, smiled.

"I've heard rumors among the intelligence teams. They call him 'War Counselor.' A bit dramatic, but... I like that."

Everyone laughed. The mood was light, but curious. Gustavo was already on his way.

8:15 AM – FBI Field Office Entrance – Manhattan

Gustavo stepped out of the black SUV that had brought him from the hotel. He wore a light navy blue jacket, dark dress pants, and a briefcase clutched in his hand. He passed through the security scanner with ease. His name was already on the access list.

An agent from the administrative section led him through the immaculate hallways to the main floor of the criminal division.

When he reached the door to the conference room, Isobel was waiting for him. She smiled professionally and extended her hand.

"Officer Silva. It's a pleasure to welcome you."

"Captain Castille. The honor is mine. I've heard a lot about your office's work."

"SAC, actually. But 'Captain' makes me sound like I'm on the deck of a ship."

They both laughed briefly. Isobel was matter-of-fact, but charismatic when she wanted to be.

"Come on. I want you to meet the team."

As they entered, the room filled with curious glances. Gustavo stopped in front of the group and nodded politely.

"Good morning. I'm Gustavo Silva. LAPD. And before you ask... no, I can't fly, but yes, I sleep. Sometimes."

The room erupted in laughter.

Jubal stood and shook his hand.

"Jubal Valentine. ASAC. Thank you for coming."

"Thank you for having me."

"This is Maggie Bell. OA. Stuart. Tiffany."

"A pleasure. I've heard of each of you. And I've read a lot about your operations in New York. Especially the case at the Queens high school in 2022. Exemplary work."

Maggie gave a brief, touched smile.

"Have you read our reports?"

— "I read everything I can. Information is power. And respect comes from understanding."

9:00 AM – Technical Presentation

In the tactical intelligence room, Gustavo connected his tablet to one of the monitors. The FBI had set up an informal presentation with coffee and water for the group. He opened slides with objective topics:

"Tactical-Legal Integration in Urban Operations: Lessons from the LAPD and National Applications."

— "I'm not here to teach anyone. But I want to share some tools that worked in LA. Mainly how we managed to improve our conviction rate without compromising safe entry, evacuation, and victim care."

OA, curious, asked:

— "Do you participate directly in the operations, or just as a consultant?"

— "It depends on the mission. When it's legal, I stay in the command center. When it's SWAT, I put on my vest and go in. On a mission in Echo Park, I went in with the team. I saved a child. I had to stabilize a victim with APH until EMS arrived. I do whatever it takes."

Stuart watched the projected data closely.

— "Did you create scene protocols that balance evidence preservation and tactical support?"

— "Exactly. And with that, we reduced evidence loss by 38% in one year. More convictions. Fewer dismissed cases."

Tiffany gave a soft whistle.

— "You should travel the country with this information."

— "That's what I'm here for."

10:30 AM – Tactical Simulation with the Team

In the basement of the building, there was a training area. With dummies, simulated doors, and obstacles. Isobel authorized Gustavo to demonstrate how the LA SWAT team performs sweeps with evidence priority and victim care.

He wore a training rifle and a fake vest, accompanied by OA and Maggie.

"When opening, focus on the three Ds: Defense, Dignity, and Detail. Protect yourself. Respect the scene. Observe everything."

They simulated entry. OA led, Gustavo covering the flank. They identified the victim. Maggie collected a fake gun from the floor with gloves, marking the evidence location with fluorescent marker.

Stuart watched from the glass counter, jotting down details.

At the end, OA removed his helmet and commented:

"This approach preserves much more of the scene. And it doesn't compromise security."

"That's it. Tactics and legality. Going hand in hand."

12:00 PM – Lunch with the Team

Sitting in a private area of the cafeteria, Gustavo and the agents chatted more casually.

Tiffany joked:

"You're like a functional superhero. When will the suit show up?"

Gustavo laughed.

"That's my suit." He pointed to the invisible mental vest all operators wore on their chests.

Maggie watched him closely.

"And why are you still in the field, Gustavo? With your track record, you could have been in a leadership position."

"Because..." he sighed, "it's in the field that change begins. It's by looking into the victim's eyes that you understand what they lost. And what they deserve."

Isobel, more reserved, murmured:

"And some of us weren't born to sit behind a desk."

They clinked cups of coffee. A real connection had been formed there.

2:30 PM – Formal Closing

In the SAC room, Isobel and Jubal officially thanked them.

"Gustavo, you not only impressed the team... you also planted a seed. We'll revise our own protocols based on what you shared."

— "I'm honored. If I can help, in any way, my line is always open."

Jubal handed over a small official card with a direct number.

— "This is my contact. In case of emergency, call us."

— "And vice versa."

Isobel shook his hand firmly.

— "Return to LA with the certainty that you've planted something strong here."

Gustavo smiled sincerely.

— "Thank you, Customer Service. It was an honor."

5:10 PM – Walking the streets of Manhattan

Leaving the FBI building, Gustavo took a deep breath of the cool city air. People hurried past, horns honked in the distance, and the rhythm of the metropolis pulsed around him. But inside him, there was silence. A kind of satisfaction. A certainty of mission accomplished.

He picked up his phone and texted Cris, still in LA:

"Honey, I'm done here at the FBI. They're amazing. You'd love to see their protocols. And I think I've planted some good ideas. I'm going to dinner. I'll call you before bed. Love you."

The reply came a few seconds later:

"I love you more. I'm proud of you. Come back soon. LA is waiting for you."

He smiled. With a light heart, he walked down the sidewalk, ready for the next chapter.

Full story on my Patreon

Chapter 47 - Chapter 106-107