JR SWAT 4: JunIor AdVocates

Chapter 24: Compassion

"LUCA! LUCA!" Street called, noticing the steam coming out of his left leg.

Once the shooting ceased for several seconds, he quickly dropped to his knees to assess the damage, while the ladies cried and Luca winced. The wounded officer grabbed his leg with one hand, while holding on to his weapon with the other. He knew their first priority was the well-being of the hostages, but...he was clearly in pain!

Luca let out a long cry of pain. "Ahhhh! Damn! It stings!"

Street looked around, trying to piece in what happened. The machine had tilted over, letting the mixture of water, oil and other dangerous hot liquids flow down.Street noted the hot liquid had spilled over his lower leg and foot, although his boot seem to have taken most of the impact. Meanwhile, Luca rested his back to the wall, with several small smoke clouds coming up from his lower leg.

One more glance at the back of the store, to make sure they were on the clear, then Street turned and slung his weapon back. He moved his hands quickly, detaching a medical aid patch from the side of his uniform with one hand, while taking off his shooting gloves. He ripped the top of the bag with his bare teeth and in a flash was able to retrieve a bundle of gauge and two alcohol pads. 

"You got burns, Luca! Don't move!" Street said. Just as he was about to treat the wound...

THUMP

POW POW POW

Everyone in the store turned to the back, where a loud explosion-like sound was heard. The ladies shrieked scared, while Street jolted up and lined up in front of Luca in a defense stance. He looked everywhere, pointing his weapon out. 

"LAPD! SWAT! DROP YOUR WEAPON!" they heard a familiar voice shout loudly.

Sigh. "Hondo!"  Street called.

The older officers quickly made their way to them, while keeping their formation. One step. Two steps. Three steps.

"What the hell happened?" Hondo asked, still in formation. Deacon came behind him and took a quick glance. 

"Perp shot something in the wall. The machine fell on Luca. He has burns in his leg."

"Help, please!" pleaded one of the ladies, while the other tried to help Luca sit up as straight as he could.

The wounded officer pinched his eyes, grimacing. "I'm ok, I'm ok." he said, attempting to get on his feet.

"No! No!" Street and Deacon said in sync, while Street stuck his hand out and pulled him down by the shoulder.

"Luca, sit yo ass down! You aint going nowhere!" Hondo insisted sternly, with his back to them.

"You're gonna need to clean the wound, use triple antibiotic, then burn ointment..." Deacon said in a hurry, keeping his eyes on Luca's leg. He turned to Hondo, "We gotta get him to a hospital!"

THUMP

THUMP

Everyone turned to the back of the store, from where sudden noise was heard. The door to the back office space was dwindling loosely. Silence.

"You know what?" Hondo said, breaking the silence. "We gonna switch it up. Deacon, you help Luca. Y'all get him and the ladies outta here. I got the shooter!"

"No, Hondo! Kid already shot a cop." Luca said quickly, taking quick breaths in between. "You can't go without backup. I'm fine. Take Street. Me and Deacon can get the ladies to safety."

"Luca!" Hondo complained.

"Hondo, I got this! Go!" Luca insisted annoyed.

"Luca, c'mon man! You're wincing. Those could be serious!" Street insisted.