Guardian Angels

Chapter 16

During lunch, Clara found Sam in the same spot she usually retreated to, away from the prying eyes and ears of their colleagues. The air between them was filled with the usual buzz of the precinct at midday, but Clara's approach carried a sense of urgency that immediately signaled to Sam that this was no ordinary conversation.

"Sam," Clara began, her voice low, ensuring their conversation remained private amidst the cafeteria's din. "I thought you should know, I had a chat with the gang leader we picked up last night. The man is a wreck."

Sam feigned a casual interest, sipping her coffee. "Oh? What's got him so shaken up?"

Clara leaned in closer, her expression serious. "It's the vigilante. Our friend was ready to spill his guts about everything and anything. Said the vigilante threatened to burn him alive, said it with a kind of conviction... like he'd been through it himself. Like what the Taliban did to him."

Sam kept her face neutral, but her mind raced at Clara's words, confirming the narrative she had carefully woven into Alex Mason's mythos was taking hold.

"The most interesting part?" Clara continued, her eyes scanning the room before focusing back on Sam. "He was terrified, Sam. Said he'd rather be locked up for life than risk running into the vigilante again. Begged for it, practically."

Sam raised an eyebrow, the facade of surprise slipping on easily. "That scared, huh? Must have been some confrontation."

"It was what came next that got me," Clara said, a hint of satisfaction creeping into her voice. "With very little... persuasion, he gave up a name. Officer Henderson. Our mole, the one protecting the operations from the inside."

The revelation struck a chord in Sam, the pieces of the puzzle Clara had been trying to solve for so long finally starting to fit together. "Henderson," she repeated, the name leaving a bitter taste.

Clara nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Yeah. I'm handling it discreetly for now, but Sam... this is big. Something about it doesn't sit right with me. I might look into it further."

Sam placed her cup down, her mind already turning over the implications of Clara's revelation. "Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you," she commented, her tone light, belying the storm of thoughts raging within.

Clara sighed, pushing her tray away slightly. "Yeah, but it's progress. Anyway, just thought you'd want to know. This vigilante, Alex Mason... he's stirring up a lot of dirt, dirt we needed to see." Clara, pausing as if weighing her next words carefully, turned back to Sam. "Henderson is a problem, yes, but he's not the point. It's Alex Mason. He's becoming a symbol, and not necessarily a good one. What do you think about him? As a detective, I mean."

Sam, prepared for the question, responded with the calmness she had maintained throughout their conversation. "Well, from what I've seen online, opinions are mixed. Some see him as a hero, taking on the crime the police can't or won't touch. Others see him as just another criminal, no better than those he's targeting."

Clara listened intently but seemed disappointed by Sam's noncommittal response, seeking something more concrete. "And you? Where do you stand, Sam?"

"I think... it's complicated," Sam said, her tone remaining neutral. "He's taking risks, making waves. But at what cost?"

Clearly not satisfied but not pressing further, Clara leaned in, lowering her voice. "Look, Sam, between you and me, I'm considering forming a small team to look into this Alex Mason. Off the books, after hours. I could use someone with your... unique perspective. Interested?"

Sam hesitated for a mere second before shaking her head, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "I appreciate the offer, Clara, but I think I'm starting to really enjoy my nightlife. The... freedom it brings," she said, carefully selecting her words.