Chapter 3

Half of the Burton Grove Police Department came to the southern border to secure the area and ensure that the kid will be rescued. We tried so hard to keep the media out of it because we don't want to tip the abductor that we already found them. That will put the kid's life in danger. I ordered every police officers to position themselves around the cabin. I wanted to make sure that he won't escape.

As soon as I receive the confirmation that everyone was in position, Oliver and I walked towards the house. I hide below the window as Oliver knock on the door. I volunteered to go to the back of the house because I saw a small window that looks like a basement, and Oliver is too fat to fit in. Besides, Oliver is always a great distraction because he's quick to think of reasons and lies that are believable to those who don't know him.

When I finally heard the front door open, I quickly ran to the back and used my combat knife to open the window. When the little girl saw me, she started crying, but I signaled her to stay quiet. I slid through the window when I finally opened it and turned on my radio to signal them that I got the kid. A few moments later, we heard a noise upstairs. I hugged the little girl and calmed her down.

"It's okay, sweetheart. You're safe now." I assured her. I was overwhelmed when she hugged me and started crying.

As soon as I heard Oliver shouting that the suspect has been neutralized, I picked up the little girl and brought her upstairs. When she saw the man who kidnapped her, she buried her face in my neck. She was trembling in fear, so I immediately brought her out.

The moment I carried her in my arms until we arrived at the station, Krishna never let go. I can feel that she's scared, like if I let her go, someone would kidnap her again. Who could blame her? At a very young age, she already experienced something that might haunt her for the rest of her life.

"Det. Angeles, Det. McKnight, how did you rescue the victim? What can you say about your new status as the city's heroes?" The moment we got out of the car, reporters from every local station piled in front of us like ants on sweet crumbs

"I'm sorry, but we have to get the kid inside first, please." I tried to excuse ourselves, but they refused to give away. Luckily, our entire department was quick to manage the reporters and pushed them aside so we can pass through. "Sorry, kid, but don't be afraid, okay? You're safe now."

When we entered the station, Krishna's parents ran towards us. They were crying out of joy for getting their daughter back safe and sound. I felt happy to be a part of the reason that this family was finally reunited with their little girl. Even their relatives and friends were here, and they were all happy to see her.

"Can we talk?" A familiar voice of a woman caught my attention. But this time, it was calm, almost shy, and hesitant.

"What? Are you here to lecture us on slow our progress was, and it took us longer than what's suitable for your taste to rescue the child?" I asked sarcastically.

I saw sighed heavily. She looked sad and stressed. What could be the problem? "No, actually, I'm here to apologize."

"Oh, right. You got suspended." I said when I remembered what I heard from one of our officers.

"Well, yeah, I got suspended, but because of that, I got plenty of time to think. It was so wrong of me to accuse or question you or any one of you here on how you do your job. And you were right. Because of my irresponsibility, because I failed to report a stranger roaming around the school, my student got abducted. I'm sorry." She sounded sincere, and I can feel she regret what happened.

"I understand you. But hey, I have so many things to do." I excused myself politely.

"Yeah, thank you for saving her." I smiled at her. I walked towards my desk to finish all the paperwork and my case reports. This will be one of the most memorable cases of my entire career.

"Angeles, come outside and state the reporters." I heard our captain said behind me, so I turn around.

"Do I really have to, sir? I asked. I wouldn't say I like speaking in front of the camera.

"Yes, come on."

When I walked out of the station, Krishna's family is giving their statement to the reporters. They are now calling Oliver and me the hero cops. The number of people outside the station doubled. Now, they are not just reporters; some vloggers and civilians who want to capture us and our statement on camera for their social media accounts are waiting for us, too.

After giving our statement, Oliver and I went back inside to finish our pending works. We heard a commotion in the lobby, but we decided to ignore it. After we spend our case reports, I heard Oliver complaining that he's hungry.

"You're always hungry, Oliver." I didn't know who it was so I kept my attention on my computer. "What's up, Chris? Still a mama's boy?" But when I those words, I immediately realized who it was. I purposely ignored him and walked out of the detectives' area because I know he would follow me.

"What? Don't tell me you are still a mama's boy?" He practically shouted so that everyone could hear him.

"Kevin Guzman. The kid I beat to unconsciousness. You didn't even land a punch back then, remember?" I smirked when I saw his face turned red.

"And don't forget, guys, this buddha right here loves his voice so much. He will always brag about his family wealth even though everyone knows that he's adopted, and he will never get a single centavo from his family's wealth." Oliver added. Kevin was stunned when everyone laughed.

"Trying to make fun of a newbie, Angeles?" Inspector Jerry Miller suddenly appeared outside his office.

"No, I'm simply putting him in his place," I responded confidently. Inspector Miller has always been pissed at me, and I would not be surprised if he and Guzman get along.

"What if I put you in your place, huh?" Inspector Miller tried to intimidate me by putting his face close to mine.

"Miller, knock it off if you don't want me to put you in your place." Captain Hansen called him out. So I smirked.

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Midnight, when most of Burton Grove falls asleep, a woman who just got off from work walks her way home. She's got her earphones on, listening to her favorite songs. She feels safe because she was born and raised in Burton Grove. But she failed to realize that her beloved city has changed drastically.

A shadow figure follows her like a predator stalking prey. Carefully, quietly, dangerously. The woman was oblivious to the presence of the figure. Then the woman stopped when a car parked on the side of the road. The figure stepped back into the woods.