🔞Trigger Warning/Graphic Content🔞
This chapter contains sensitive content such as suicide that may be triggering to some as well as blood. There is also mention of PTSD, anxiety and panic attack disorder. I marked off where the sensitive content starts and ends if you would like to skip it.
"Aw man...I got so messed up last night", Josh groaned.
"Just don't puke on my floor or couch", I said as I stayed focused on what I was doing.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna mess up your...precious office."
Our newest informant, Marco, has been a great help. We found out he got in contact with Cosen, one of the top members, a sub boss, one who works directly under the crime boss. While this is big news for us, this also ups the level of danger for Marco. So far we've kept him hidden and nothing has come up but we don't know how long that'll last. He said he saw the sub boss but does not know his name or where he lives. We tried running a search to see if he could recognize his faces but none of our suspects on our database was familiar to him. He might be in the same position as the crime boss, hard to catch. There can be a number of reasons why, my guess, he "doesn't exist".
"Hey...hey, hey, check this out", Josh said.
"What?"
He stumbled over to me, shoving his phone in my face. I looked to see it was a live news report of a hostage situation in a neighboring city, about 20 minutes away from here.
"When did this start", I asked.
"I don't know. I think like just now. They said some guy barged into the home of this couple and he's not letting them leave. They don't know why yet."
"How are the other officers handling it?"
"Nothing they can do right now. They are just getting set up."
This isn't my issue to deal with but, I feel like I should head over as this could be connected to the Cosen case. 20 minutes is a long time, anything can happen.
"You stay here, let the captain know where I am."
"You're going by yourself?"
"You're obviously in no shape to go, Remmy and Miles are busy doing their own thing."
"Okay...gotcha. Be safe."
"Like always."
I quickly headed out, I hope I can make it in time.
~
20 minutes later...
I arrived on the scene to see nothing's changed. That's good and bad. The hostages are still inside, but no news of them getting hurt or worse.
I crossed the police tape, showing my badge to the fellow officers.
"Detective Hanson, what are you doing here", a corporal officer asked.
"I heard about what was going on. I'm working on a case so I decided to come over to see if this connects with it. What's the latest update", I asked.
"The suspect is unknown but was an employee of the husband who is a CEO of a small supply company. We believe this might be some kind of revenge thing, like the suspect got fired or something and he's not for it."
"That makes sense. Did you guys get a glimpse inside", I asked.
"The windows are blocked off so no."
"Any attempts to call him?"
"Yes but no answer."
"What about crisis response", I asked.
"They are on their way, I doubt they will make any difference."
"Well, the priority is to get the hostages out alive. We just need to find out what he wants."
"We?"
I let out a sigh. I recognize that familiar voice though I haven't seen him in a while since the academy days.
"Detective Ron, glad you could make it", the corporal officer said.
"What is he doing here?"
"Unlike you, I think it's great having Tyler here, two great detectives will be good."
"I don't need any help."
"This isn't about you Ron, can't you quit making a show of everything", I snapped.
"Why you--"
"Enough gentlemen. Let's put our differences aside to get these people out safe and sound."
"Yes sir", I said.
"Yeah."
Ron gave me one last glare before walking away.
"Sorry about that. Ever since you had your T.V time, you know, all the glory, he became sour. I hate he's like that but there's nothing I can do."
"That's just how he is. He needs to get it through his head that it doesn't matter who solves a case or who saves the day. We don't work by ourselves, we always need a team."
"You're right."
"Corporal, the crisis team is here", an officer ran over to say.
"Perfect. Get on the phone with him now. We need to find out what he wants."
"If it's money, I can help with that", I said.
"Like the real stuff?"
"Whatever he wants, at this point I don't care. I can't have that couple murdered over money."
"True. I'm glad you're here, just in case he asked for a ridiculous amount."
"I have my ways."
"You're interesting indeed Hanson."
"I hate to brag, but that's how I got where I am."
He patted me on the shoulder. I'm glad I'm all healed up now, or at least I'm sling free. Not being able to run into action is the worst.
"We got him on the phone", an officer said.
"Good, let's go listen. Get Ron over for me."
"Yes sir."
We went over to the crisis team.
"What is he saying", I asked.
"We asked if he wants anything, he said nothing. He is mad though, he definitely hates the CEO."
"Let me talk to him", I said.
They gave the phone to me.
"Hello? This is Officer Hanson speaking. Listen, we want everyone to walk away from this. Are you sure there isn't anything we can give you in exchange for the couple in that house?"
"No! I said no you dumb ass! They took everything from me anyway!"
"What did they take from you?"
"My ideas. My ideas...they didn't pay me."
"What ideas? Did you invent something?"
"Yeah...yeah I did and...they just took it. They thought I was crazy, that I was a liar but I'm not...they are and now...they're gonna pay!"
"Hold on just a second. Could you please put them on the phone?"
He paused for a moment.
"Speaker only", he said.
"Of course. Thank you."
"H-Hello?"
"This is Officer Hanson speaking."
"O-Officer...oh...we...uh..."
"Hey, do you guys know anything about what he's talking about? Maybe you could give him credit for his idea, you know? He's worked hard coming up with that, all he wants is for you two to acknowledge him."
I have no idea what he's talking about but I hope the couple will just play along. All this guy wants is some acknowledgement. Easier than money.
"Yes...yes of course Sean...we are very sorry for taking your idea...we'll give you the credit you deserve", the CEO said.
"Really?"
"They spoke the truth Sean", I said.
I then started signaling with my hand for officers to move in to surround the house.
"What are you doing? If he sees the officers-"
My hand quickly covered the phone so they couldn't hear Ron.
"Do you have any better plan", I whispered back.
I went back to the phone.
"Sean?"
"Yeah?"
"We need you to do something really important, okay? We need you to let them go and then we will come get you."
"You'll kill me...I have a gun."
"You have a gun...okay. Well when the time comes, we'll ask you to place it on the ground and then you'll go on the ground too."
"I don't like cops...they were never nice to me. I don't trust them."
"I understand. These cops here are good, trust me."
"No...I-I just want you to come get me, 'kay? That's all I want."
I looked at Ron. He rolled his eyes at me.
Still being stubborn at this time.
"Yes, that's a great plan Sean. I'll go by myself to get you."
"You're a dead man you know", Ron whispered.
I moved away from him with the phone. I don't have time for him right now.
"You come in first and then...I'll let them go."
"Okay. I'm getting off the phone now so I can head in."
I handed the phone back to the crisis team.
"This is really dangerous Tyler", the corporal officer said.
"I know, that's why you guys need to be ready for anything. I trust you all."
He nodded at me. I looked over at the house to see the curtain move aside. He was watching us.
I started moving towards the house with my hands up. The officers held their positions around the house. They nodded at me as I headed inside. Once inside I could see that Sean had the couple sitting in chairs in the middle of the living room. I also saw their backdoor was broken into, that's how he got inside.
"Hello Sean."
He looked at me.
"Hi."
He did have a gun like he said and was pointing it at the CEO.
"So, just like we talked about...I need you to place your gun on the floor."
He didn't respond.
I knew this could be a trap or he could have a different plan in mind.
"Please Sean", I said.
"I...I can't because...they...really need to pay for what they've done. They can't go free."
"Well Sean...you know what will happen if you kill them. You just want to move on and live your life, right?"
He looked like he didn't think about that.
"I...I don't care. I don't care!"
He pressed the gun on the man's head. His wife let out a scream.
"Don't kill him, please!"
Suddenly, I felt fear. I felt a sense of panic. This scene is...familiar.
"Sean...please...take me. Okay. Please let them go because I know you aren't a killer", I said.
I started rambling, not really having a plan on what to say.
"Have you ever killed anyway", I asked.
He shook his head.
"No."
"Then, trust me...you don't. It's not good."
This all was really starting to get to me.
"Fine...fine...I'll let them go. Get up!"
He backed away with the gun still pointed at them. I went over, helping them get up. I put myself between them as they fled outside.
Thank God!
"Okay now, Sean. I need you to comply with me, okay? I need you to drop the gun, get on the ground and they I will cuff you."
He slowly lowered the gun.
I let out a breath, this is going well.
🔞Trigger Warning/Graphic Content🔞
"You're doing great. Just drop the gun and then-"
"NO! No, I won't...I won't go...not today not ever."
"Sean!"
He quickly placed the gun to his head.
NO!
"H-Hey...Sean...please don't do that. It's going to be okay...we just-"
"No! Don't come any closer. I'm not gonna spend my days behind bars. I'm guilty...I'm guilty of everything and so...this ends now."
"Sean...please-"
He looked at me, clearly scared but determined.
He looked straight into my eyes. My feet pushed me forward in my attempt to stop him, but I was too late. I watched his eyes full of life switch and go dull after the gun went off. A spray of red followed, and then his body hit the floor. I felt warm splots of blood fall on my face, I didn't flinch. I couldn't as I was frozen, only my eyes moved to see his lifeless body on the floor.
The smell of iron reached my nose, it's a nauseating smell as well as my fear. My heart started racing, my hands started trembling and my breathing quickened. I could hear voices in the background, they sounded muffled. I didn't know what to do, I felt like I wasn't here in reality.
"Tyler...Tyler...hey."
I turned my head to see the corporal officer approach me. He was talking to me but, I was having a hard time hearing him. After a few seconds, his voice became clear. His hands were on my shoulders, trying to shake me back to reality.
"Tyler...talk to me..."
"I...I-"
"Come on."
He guided me outside. Once I felt the sunlight, I awoke to my senses.
"I...need to be alone right now. I'm sorry."
"Yes, of course."
My legs felt heavy as I walked over to my car. Once in it I drove away, maybe a block or so before stopping. I had to as I was starting to not feel good, an all too familiar feeling.
I leaned my seat all the way back and folded my arms over my face.
Just calm down. Take deep breaths.
I repeated that to myself over and over again.
My hands were really shaking badly now. I was tapping my leg up and down quickly as a distraction for my anxiety. Nothing was working. I was feeing extremely overwhelmed. This is all a result of what I witnessed that day, it traumatized me to the point that I have panic attacks if I see something triggering.
The couple, Sean doing that...the blood, all of that was a trigger. I really thought I could do it. I could save the couple and Sean but...it didn't end up like that. I was standing right there and...I couldn't do anything.
"I just need to get back...", I said to myself.
I want to get to my office, I want this day to have never existed. I wish, I never came here to help.
"Tyler, I heard what happened. Are you, okay", Josh quickly said.
I couldn't speak. I composed myself just enough to drive back safely but I could feel my panic attack starting up again. Flashes of what just happened kept appearing in my head. I went straight to the couch to lay down.
"Hey, easy. Just slow your breathing", Josh came over to say.
I was now hyperventilating. I couldn't take back control of my body.
Damn it!
My arms came back over my face, my leg rocked back a fourth.
"I'm not going to call for an ambulance right now, I know you hate that but I will if it looks like you're getting worse."
Josh knows how this goes, he's the only one. It hasn't been this bad in years. It's embarrassing, I hate it. I know I need more help but I can never bring myself to let someone else know. I feel weak, the side of me no one else should see.
I don't know how much time had passed. It felt like an eternity. I got my breathing under control and was starting to calm down. Josh stayed by my side during the entire time.
After my episodes I usually feel very tired and sometimes emotional depending on the trigger. This time it hit me personally since it was so similar to what I witnessed 16 years ago.
🔞End of Warning🔞
"Here", Josh said.
I felt him stuff some tissues in my hand. I used it to wipe my eyes.
"You know you don't have to talk about this, at least right now. Get some rest", he said in a gentle voice.
I fear judgement, that's why I can't tell anyone. Josh is the only person I know who would never judge me.
~
I woke up after drifting off to sleep. I was exhausted from earlier.
"Still here."
Josh was sitting on the floor on the other side of my office.
"You could have left."
He shook his head.
"No way. I wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I am, don't worry."
"Good."
I wanted to speak about what happened. I was ready to.
"I...I broke down after he..."
I couldn't say it.
"Anyone would Tyler. Even I never witnessed that on the job."
"I wish I never went there to help. It was like...I was seeing it again. I'm just-"
"Don't let this stay on your mind, okay? I'll handle everything. I'm feeling much better now anyway. I wish...I wish it was me that went instead of you. I'm sorry I got carried away at the Fourth of July party."
"There's no way any of us would have foreseen the future. It's in my nature to jump aboard and help. I can't let these things get to me. I can't let personal incidence of the past make me fear certain duties on the job."
"Yeah but it wasn't just some small incident."
"Still no excuses. I don't allow that to my other officers. I have to always be a role model."
"Just don't push yourself. You're only human. You need to take care of yourself. If you're not feeling good, you always know to tell me. I can handle everything else."
"I'll be fine, I just need to write up my report and some other stuff since I pretty much ditched them just now."
I started right away writing up my report as well as reaching out to the department. I apologized for leaving so suddenly. The corporal officer, the one I worked with understood. I was lucky he was very understanding, he told me I didn't need to contribute my part to the case right away but I did anyway.
After I was done with that I got back to working on my main case. I know I should be taking a break but if I do my mind would wonder. I need to keep it busy and so I dive into work like usual. With any case I'm involved with or I find interesting, I ask for more information about to see if it will relate to any other case.
A few hours later after requesting more info on Sean, it finally arrived to me. Josh had already gone out a while ago so it was just me. I sat there, staring at the unopened envelop of Sean's information.
I can feel myself hesitating to open it.
"This is my job. Nothing more...just...chill out", I coached to myself.
My fingers moved to the tab that held it closed. I opened it, slowly pulling out a packet of paper, there on the top was his face.
I closed my eyes, taking a breath before pushing myself to move on.
I read over his information. He was an employee at the company of the CEO for a few years. It looks like he was let go due to some issues of employee confidentiality impeachment. He got hold of some of his peers information and started leaking it, the motive was unknown. He got fired about a few weeks ago.
Officers went to his home to see if he left a note or anything explaining why he did what he did. They came up empty. His record was clean, no criminal history or other issues at pervious jobs. Maybe this has no connection, just a man who snapped because he was fired. I definitely don't see any relation to Cosen.
I set the papers aside for now, feeling a bit relieved that I didn't have to use it any longer. I checked the clock, it was late in the afternoon. Maybe I should head home for once since I'm done for now. I need to take Josh's advice seriously anyway.
I started cleaning up and closing down. After that I gather my things and headed on out the office. Once in my car I heard my phone go off, a message. I reached in my pocket to check it out.
It was an anonymous message but I knew who, it was Marco. We gave him a burner phone just in case he needed to contact us.
M: I heard about what happened early, about Sean. I figure you already tried matching up his info with Cosen and found nothing. You're wrong. He is involved. Check out this website, make sure you use a good computer, this leads to the dark web.
"What?"
I rushed back inside, leaving my things in the car. As soon as I was back in the office I logged on my computer and then typed in the link Marco sent me.
"What the hell is this?"
It was a website, some type of revenge site to hire hitmen as well as a chat box where you could tell who you want to be killed. I scrolled through the website until I found what I was looking for.
"Sean...he...he planed their death. He didn't want to hire a hitman, he was here for motivation? By who?"
I kept on searching to see who set this all up. After spending a long time searching, I finally came across a username. I need to find out who created this.
Looks like I'm not going home tonight after all.
Sorry Josh.