Detective John Smith

Chapter 6

I rolled up on the crime scene in the warehouse district, flashing my badge past the uniforms keeping onlookers back. Under the tape lay three families mercilessly executed in their homes.

Kneeling by the first victim, a child no older than six, I clenched my jaw in anger. Who does this? They'd pay dearly.

My partner Sam joined me, reporting the M.E.'s findings - single shot to the head for each, no signs of struggle or theft. A message killing then. But for who?

As we canvassed for witnesses, Sam found a frightened neighbor. "S-saw three vans speeding off that way last night. Couldn't see colors in the dark."

I hopped in my unmarked, peeling down the alleys with sirens blaring. We had to cut these savages off before they vanished into the shadows again.

Up ahead, three vans fled my lights. I slammed the gas to give chase. They fired back through windows but I was in pursuit mode now. No escape this time, monsters.

The chase became a deadly dance dodging shots and obstacles, but I was closing in. Finally, bringing them to a halt, I leaped out guns raised just as backup arrived.

"It's over! Hands where I can see them..."

As my backup moved to cover the vans, I kept my weapon trained on the drivers. "Out of the vehicles, now!" I commanded sternly.

One by one, they emerged with hands up, sneering masks barely concealing their indifference to the suffering they'd caused. Clearly men without souls or remorse.

Just then, movement in my peripheral - a rifle barrel poking from the rear van. In an instant, a shot rang out amid a thunderous crack to my chest. I reeled, gaze dropping to find my shirt blossoming crimson.

Staggering on leaden legs as distilled fire tore through my body, I saw Sam rush to catch me before the darkness overtook. His screams seemed so distant now...

When I came to, the ambulance lights were wheeling me to the ER. Sam updated that my vest had saved my life, but I'd been pierced clean through the heart. A medical miracle I clawed back from death's door...

But those bastards had vanished without a trace in the chaos - a burning reminder of my own mortality and the city's corruption running too deep. How long before I faced them again? Only time...and my next case...would tell.

After weeks recovering in the hospital, I was finally discharged with orders to take it easy. But sitting on the sidelines wasn't my style, not while criminals still walked free.

I made my way slowly back to the precinct, greeted by a chorus of pats on the back and "welcome backs." The chief saw me and sighed, knowing arguing was futile.

"Alright Smith, but desk duty only until the doc clears you. No strenuous activity." I nodded reluctantly, already itching to hit the streets.

Pouring over old case files was torture until a familiar name jumped out - Vasco, a low level enforcer we'd picked up on a B&E awhile back. After some "persuading", he sang about his bosses.

Those same masked bastards who shot me and got away that day. I had them now. Grabbing my pistol, I ignored the Chief's shouts and crept down to the holding cells...

Vasco's eyes bulged seeing me alive. "T-they said you were dead, man! I swear I don't know nothin'!" Too late for that. Time to get some justice...

Vasco cowered against the cell bars as I stared him down, gun holstered but hand resting meaningfully on the grip. After months behind bars stewing, my would-be killer was finally within reach.