Cold Case Chronicles: Bound for Justice

Chapter 6: The Raid

Section 1: A Breakthrough in Collins' Whereabouts

Jack's phone buzzed as he sat at his desk, going over the details of Sarah's legal framework. The caller ID flashed Danny's name. Jack picked up immediately, sensing urgency in the call.

"Danny, what's up?"

"Jack, I've got something big. I've been analyzing surveillance and traffic camera footage from the docks. Collins has been showing up at an old warehouse every night around the same time. It looks like he's using it as a meeting spot."

Jack's pulse quickened. "How certain are you?"

"Certain enough. Collins is careful, but he couldn't avoid every camera. He's been there between 11 p.m. and midnight, meeting with different vehicles each night. All the vehicles are registered to shell companies tied back to him."

Jack quickly called Sarah to relay the information. "We've got a lead on Collins. He's been using a warehouse by the docks. I'm heading there with Faith's team tonight."

Sarah's voice was steady. "That's great news. I'll stay here at the precinct and monitor everything from the command center. I'll also get Eleanor on standby for any warrants we might need. Let's bring him in, Jack."

After coordinating with Faith, Jack and the tactical team headed to the docks as the sun set. The warehouse was tucked away near the water, a perfect spot for discreet meetings. Faith's team positioned themselves strategically around the building, ready to move on Jack's signal.

Danny parked an unmarked van across the street, monitoring the live feeds from hidden cameras. Jack joined him briefly, watching as the scene unfolded on the screens. "If Collins shows up, we move fast," Jack instructed. "We can't afford to lose him."

The minutes dragged by, tension thick in the air, until finally, a black SUV pulled up to the warehouse. Collins stepped out, looking around cautiously before heading inside.

Jack spoke quietly into his radio. "That's our target. Faith, hold position until he's inside, then move in."

Another vehicle arrived moments later—a nondescript sedan. Manny Costa stepped out, his movements tense and wary as he followed Collins inside.

"That's our confirmation," Jack said. "Go."

Faith's team moved with practiced precision, surrounding the warehouse and breaching the doors in a coordinated maneuver. Jack followed them in, hanging back as Faith's tactical unit cleared the space. The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of old wood and oil.

They found Collins and Costa near the center of the warehouse, mid-conversation. Before they could react, the team had them on the ground, cuffed and ready for transport.

"Red Collins," Jack said, stepping forward as Faith's team secured the area. "You're under arrest."

Collins glared up at him, defiant even in defeat. "You've got nothing on me, Mercer. This won't stick."

Jack ignored him, signaling the officers to take Collins and Costa away. As they led him out, Jack radioed back to the precinct. "Sarah, we've got him."

Sarah's voice crackled through the line, calm but with a hint of satisfaction. "Well done, Jack. I'll make sure everything's ready for when you bring him in. We'll need to process him quickly and secure the evidence."

Jack glanced around the warehouse, already planning the next steps. "We'll bring him in now. Keep an eye on things there. We've still got a lot of work to do."

"Understood," Sarah replied. "Good job, Jack. I'll see you when you get back."

As they escorted Collins out of the warehouse, Jack felt the weight of the victory. It wasn't over yet—Collins had deep pockets and powerful allies, and the fight in court would be long and grueling. But for now, they had struck a significant blow against his empire. Collins was in custody, and Jack was determined to see this through to the end.