The Suspect

Chapter 1

[Willow: 20 Cases:1]

10 months later:

I take a deep breath, "All right, listen and listen good. I will not repeat myself," I look at the agents standing in front of me: My partner, Special Agent Kiara Anderson, Agents Cade Jackson and Elora Watson, and Field Agent Avery Woods.

They stand still, eyes fixed on me, and nod once before I continue, "Anderson, you cover me at all times. I want you right behind me, alright?" she nods in approval and I shift my gaze towards the other agents, "Jackson, I want you taking the west hallway and Watson I want you taking the east hallway, got that?"

They open their mouths to speak but I cut them off—unintentionally of course—and turn to the Rookie, "Good. Now, Agent Woods. I want you on cameras. I need you to tell me where the suspect is. You see a glimpse of his body you tell me or any one of these other agents. You see anything out of the ordinary, you are to report it with not a second to spare. Got that?"

I can see the fear in his eyes as he nods and I try to hold back a grin.

"Grab your gear and let's move now," I clap my hands together twice and head towards the equipment room. The clicking of guns being loaded and the noise of the various vests being strapped surround the room while I grab my equipment.

I watch my team as they put their gear on and move towards the van. Once we're all settled, I take out the blueprint of the apartment the suspect is at and lay it out in front of the agents.

Placing my finger right on the blueprint, I explain where I want Jackson and Watson to be and they nod in unison.

I turn towards the Rookie and he looks as nervous as he was, if not even more. His grey undershirt is now stained a dark grey by his sweat and his knee bounces up and down, while he frantically chews on his fingernails.

"Hey, look at me," he jerks his head up and I see a drop of sweat slowly making its way down the side of his head.

"There's no reason to be nervous. You're here for a reason and it's a damn good one," He looks like he's about to pass out any minute, "Do me a favor and take out your badge."

His eyebrows pinch together in confusion and he hesitantly reaches for his badge and takes it out of his pocket.

"Open it and tell me what the name says," I instruct him.

He opens it, slowly, and mutters something clearly inaudible to me.

"What was that?"

He clears his throat, "Field Agent Avery Woods."

"That's right. You have earned that name. Not everyone is able to get here as fast as you did," I smile remembering how it took him only eight months in training compared to the long fifteen it usually takes. "So you get on that device and turn that fear into confidence, you hear me?"

"Y-yes," he stutters.

"Do you hear me?" I repeat in a slightly more stern voice.

"Yes, I hear you," he replies with much more confidence.

"Good."

The van comes to a stop in a dim alley right behind the building and we slowly get out. I look at Woods, as he takes his place behind the computer and gives me a small nod and I smile in reassurance.

I look over my shoulder at the agents lined up behind me and point towards the back door. Gently opening it, I check both sides to make sure we're clear and nod my head in confirmation.

Jackson and Watson make their way towards the west and east respectively and Anderson tails right behind me.

I bring my wrist to my mouth—where my microphone lies—and check on Woods, "Any sign?"