The Investigation

Chapter 1: The Aftermath

Locals were used to the wail of sirens and the flash of emergency lights. But this time, it was different. It was worse.

The Sergeant stood there, shocked at the scene unfolding before him. Blood-soaked bodies, dead—every single officer. Every.

The scene in front of him was one no policeman would ever want to see. Bodies littered everywhere like trash—both civilians and officers alike. There was nothing beautiful about the scene, nothing human.

"Sergeant," a voice from behind him said, "I'm truly very sorry."

He turned around, finally pulling his gaze away from the scene. He knew the voice behind him would see the tears in his eyes.

"Are you alright?" Detective Jamson asked.

"I will be," the Sergeant said, trying to pull himself together. "But..." He took a deep breath. "It will take time."

"I understand. Would you mind if I ask you a few questions?" Jamson asked.

"Not at all."

"Let's start from the beginning. Why did so many officers have to come to this block?" Jamson asked while pulling out his notepad.

"There was a call. They claimed there were heavy weapons stashed at this location. So... I... I... I'm sorry... It's hard," the Sergeant said, wiping his tears. "I told my guys to go there."

"You requested SWAT support, correct?" Jamson asked while taking notes.

The Sergeant took another deep breath.

"Correct. It went something like this..."

__________________________

Police Officer II Jim Graham was in his squad car—his "shop," as they called it. His partner, Officer III Looney, was looking through the windows.

They had received a call about heavy weapons being stashed in this neighborhood. The neighborhood itself was well-known among the police. It wasn't at the top of the list of places they wanted to be.

Looney was tapping on the MDT, trying to find more information about the warrant they were about to serve.

"Damn, Dispatch ain't giving us anything," said Looney.

"Hm, that's weird," said Graham.

He pulled over and grabbed the radio.

"Unit 21 to Dispatch, 10-2," said Graham into the car radio.

After a brief moment of static, the radio crackled to life.

"Dispatch, go ahead Unit 21."

"We are establishing a covert perimeter at 3345 Silver Oak Lane for a warrant operation. Suspected heavy weapons in the building, 10-96. Requesting additional units to maintain the security perimeter, 10-18. SWAT has not yet arrived. Over," Graham hurried through the report, finally catching his breath. He could see Looney grinning.

"Copy that, Unit 21. Covert perimeter established at 3345 Silver Oak Lane for warrant operation. Additional units en route, 10-4. Advise on any changes, over."

Looney took over the radio and began talking.

"This is Officer Looney. I'm requesting a supervisor. We'll keep our heads down and wait for SWAT. Unit 21 out."

"10-4."

That was the last thing Dispatch said. Looney put the radio back and leaned into his chair. He looked around and then at Graham.

"You okay?" Looney asked, concern evident in his voice.

Graham just nodded. He had no intention of speaking to Looney; he had his own thoughts to deal with.