A/N: The first instalment of Book 2! Hope you all enjoy and please review! I really appreciated them during Book 1.
There's a lot in this chapter that is going to be a central base for the rest of the book, and I thought I'd give you all an exciting opener RUSH never fails to give. A car chase!
Chapter 1 – The Disruption.
"Yeah, Lawson – he's just hit the Southbank area – we've got him turning left onto Southbank Boulevard now!" Leon's assessing voice called as he scanned his screens, looking on as a speeding suspect slid into a side street in his Mustang. A dangerous pursuit through St. Kilda and all the way through to Southbank had forced TR into a state of worry; the thought of the criminal escaping dawning on them at every turn.
"Did you get that, Josh?" Lawson clicked into his comm. signalling Shannon to turn TR1 into the side streets, "Go, go, go!" he pushed, moving uneasily in his seat as he watched the Mustang distance itself from the police vehicle.
"Yeah, we got it, Lawson. We're about three minutes off!" Josh assured, giving Stella the go ahead to plant her foot on the accelerator and speed off to intercept the target.
Leon was back at base pattering away at his keyboard trying to determine what exactly this guy was running from – and surprisingly – the plates on the car weren't stolen and hence, the Intel officer was able to get a clear track on the suspects history and past offences.
"Uh, Lawson." Leon hesitated; his eyes flashing from the computer screen down to his keyboard and back again.
"What's up, Leon? Have you got a track on this guy or what? That's what we're paying you to do isn't it? Maybe I should get Kerry back down here so that when I'm away from base you still do your bloody job!" Lawson shot back, an annoyed tone clear with his words.
"Actually, that's what I'm contacting you about. We called the owner of the car, and according to him, a James Vincent borrowed it and hasn't returned it since last night." There was a hesitation in Leon's words and a long pause shared over the comm's.
"Kerry's son?" Lawson piped eventually.
"Looks like it, mate."
"Alright, Shan – pull over – we're calling this off." Lawson signalled to the side of the road, "Josh, forget it – let the suspect through – we're not doing this." Lawson spoke into his comm. Shannon's eyes darted from the road and the car ahead to Lawson and back, as if questioning his motives; still clearly having the intention to continue the pursuit.
"Lawson, I think we should -…" Shannon tried.
"-Shannon. Pull. Over!" Lawson demanded, pointing to the side of the road, a more forceful tone in his voice this time.
With a look of reluctance, the Sergeant pulled TR1 over to the side of the road and disignited the engine, her eyes lingering ahead still as the suspect round the corner and raced off out of sight. Her hands were placed firmly atop of the stirring wheel and her breaths were fierce and uncontrolled. They'd allowed a criminal – whether it was Kerry's son or not, to escape without consequence. A big no-no in Sergeant Henry's books.
"This is bullshit, Lawson! I don't give a shit who was in that car – they're a threat to everyone!"
"Y'know what Shannon, leave it yeah? I give the orders and I make the final call. I think it's about time you remembered that!" Lawson forced, undoing his belt and opening the door forcefully before slamming it behind him. Clicking his comm. once more, Lawson called for Josh, "Mate, do you have any idea why Kerry's son would be on the run from us?"
"Nope." Josh responded simply.
"Right. I'm gonna' give Kerry a call. The rest of ya' head back to base and Shan and I'll see you all back there." Lawson murmured softly into his microphone, before clicking it off and searching a compartment of his Kevlar vest for his cell phone. Pulling it out and dialling Kerry's number, Lawson placed the phone to his ear and waited for the dialling to come to an end.
"Kerry? Yeah it's, Lawson. We need to talk."
ONE HOUR EARLIER; KERRY VICENT'S story
"Oh, Steven – you have no idea what kind of a person Venture is. He got a man killed, threatened to kill thousands of people on New Years and killed one of my own guys! You can't be serious about dropping the charges that tactical response have on this guy!" Kerry growled furiously, her eyes locked on the Commissioner as he passed through a set of doors, Kerry following in step behind him.
"On the contrary, Superintendant; I can do whatever I please. It comes with being in a position of power. Fact of the matter is, cop death or not, Miguel Venture has information, locations and is willing to testify in court to witnessing several key figures of interest to the police doing criminal activity. Furthermore, he's willing to out several corrupt, high ranking police officials – police officials which are very close to me. I can't have that." The commissioner uttered, not even the slightest regret lingering in his words. There was something about the police force and the way you advanced through it; the higher you got, seemingly, the more corrupt you became. The power either got to everyone's head, or, quite simply, the police force was full of dickheads; the later, Kerry Vincent's idea.
"Are you serious? You're going to let a man walk free who is dangerous so long as she stays quiet on some dipshit police officials and confesses to witnessing some mob families' illegal activities?" Kerry protested.
"That's right – and those dipshits are my friends, Superintendant. I'd suggest you pull your head in or I can have you back in an office with TR as quick as I had you promoted!" the Commissioner put bluntly, finding his way into his office and resting down behind his desk. "Truth be told Superintendant, Venture's a small fish in a much bigger world. I'd rather stop the big guys before I even consider dealing with the limp-dick who thought he could be the Grinch who stole New Years Eve."
Scrunching her face in clear distain, Kerry threw her hand forward almost as if she wanted to lunge at her superior and give him a good punch in the nose. Her frustrations were dispelled through one heavy and untimely sigh, and through it she hissed, "You're really something you know that, Steven?"
Storming out of the office and slamming the door forcefully behind her, Kerry felt the mobile in her pocket vibrating and so she pulled it out and answered it, putting it easily to her ear.
"Superintendant Vincent?" She uttered in greeting.
"Mum – it's – it's James! I need you to call up the coppers and tell 'em to stop pursuing a blue Mustang!" James' frantic and uneasy voice called as the sound of screeching tires and sirens were heard in the background. Kerry immediately jumped into a defensive mother mode and her heart was racing. Jogging out of the building she was situated in, her heeled boots clacking against the polished marble floor, Superintendant Vincent spoke back clearly into the phone.
"James? Where the hell are you? What's going on?"
"Mum – call VKC or whatever it is and tell the coppers to back off!" James' frantic voice punctured the line once again.
"James… if you're in a car running from the cops, you need to pull over – now." Kerry tried to plead in as controlled of a voice as she could muster.
"Mum – I can't. Just – you know what to do!" the line cut out and Kerry cussed away as it did, dropping her phone into her pocket and making for her car, but it was then that Kerry got a call from Lawson, her hand immediately racing to the phone in a hope that it was James. Answer it and pulling the device back to her ear, the Superintendant raced to say something.
"James!" she stopped, waited.
"Kerry? Yeah it's, Lawson. We need to talk."
"Oh, Lawson – I got a call from James just now. I need you to call off a chase for me…. He's…. he's in some serious shit…." She begged.
"I already did. It was us on his ass, Kerry. What I'm calling to find out is why we had to be chasing him from St. Kilda all the way to Southbank?" Lawson pushed forcefully, wanting to know answers. Kerry's eyes darted about with the sound of Lawson's unhinging tone and she sighed once more.
"Lawson – I've got no idea what's going on…."
"Kerry! Give me something straight here, for god-sake. What the hell am I gonna' put in my report? 'Stopped pursuit due to realizing it was my ex-bosses son'. It's not gonna' stand!" Lawson shouted back.
"Yeah, well – I didn't ask you to stop." Kerry rebutted, placing her finger on the hang-up button as if ready to end the call.
"Alright, alright. Look – we'll just leave it. But I can't do this again, Kerry. If we find his plates – we're going to have to respond to the call, yeah?"
"Oh, I know the drill, Lawson. But thanks – for letting him off this time around. I'll talk to him… I'll figure out what the hells going wrong. He probably wasn't even driving." Kerry uttered, pushing her hair back in a clearly stressed state. It was then that Superintendant Vincent considered whether or not now was the time to tell Lawson about the Dom situation. She knew how much the death was hurting him now – even still. She knew how much it had prevented the Senior Sergeant from doing his job to the full potential he used to. He didn't like putting his team in any hazardous situations as of late – he didn't like the thought of having someone die under him; and that was clear to be James, Kerry's son too. The old Lawson would've had no problems bringing him in and pressing charges; no if's or but's about it. The law didn't distinguish between the people you knew and those who you didn't. But it was now or never. Considering her new found profession, Kerry wasn't a regular visitor of TR anymore. Heaving in a deep breath, the Superintendant braced herself for what she was about to exchange with the Senior Sergeant.
"Look, Lawson – I uh – I just got out of a meeting with the Commissioner and…. Venture's most likely going to walk." A regretfully and genuinely sorry tone echoed through the phone, and Lawson was silent on the other end for a good several moments. It was clear that he was trying to understand the information; trying to allow it to sink in – but possibly most distinctly, trying to keep a firm hold of his emotions.
"Lawson?" Kerry spoke softly, as if trying to confirm that he was alright.
"I'll talk to you later, Kerry." He spoke simply and the phone ended with a distinct beeping sound.
...
The iconic TR vehicles arrived back at the garage and Josh, Stella and Christian all were waiting in the change rooms for Lawson and Shannon to join them. The phone call had put a delay on their arrival, but no less, they'd only been about five minutes later than TR2 had. Filing into the change rooms themselves, Lawson found himself in front of the team huddle and Shannon leaned on the fence, arms folded over; a trait she'd seemed to adopt from Lawson after all the time she'd spent with him.
"Alright," Lawson piped, grabbing everyone's attention, "From what we can tell, James Vincent was the driver of the Mustang – and pursuing wasn't an option any longer. We risked having James injured, or furthermore, with the reckless driving, someone else on the road. That's what the reports are going to say, clear?" the Senior Sergeant quirked, offering everyone a confirming look.
"Yup." Josh spoke without even a second thought.
"Good." Lawson put firmly, folding his arms and readying to inform everyone about Dom's situation. The two people that had been dealing with the whole loss the most severely were Josh and Lawson – and the fact of the matter was – Lawson was feeling just like Kerry before she'd told him. Pulling his lip to the side, contemplating how to word what he had to say, the Senior Sergeant 'ah'd' briefly.
"Look. I got a call from Kerry just before coming back to base and word has it that Venture's gonna' walk free."
"What!" Josh retorted fiercely, his eyes widening with the horror of what he'd heard. There was no fucking was that was happening – not on Josh's watch. If it did, there was nothing that was going to stop the Sergeant from finding the asshole and shooting him dead.
"Lawson – they can't!" Stella interjected.
"I know, I know. I had the same response. But there's not much we can do. If it happens, we can just hope that we can pin something else on him, yeah? I don't want anyone going out and taking the law into their own hands, yeah?" Lawson begged, offering Josh a look. But it was before anyone could respond that an unfamiliar face rounded the corner from the hallway leading to the offices.
"I agree. I don't think it'd be a good idea if any of you decided to go shooting people for no apparent reason." The man voiced, his eyes tracing the team over as he stopped in front of Lawson, dismissing the mans leadership presence.
"I think the death of our mates a pretty apparent reason, asshole. Who are ya' anyway?" Josh added in a defensive and straightforward tone, his eyes locked onto the newcomer.
"Sorry – excuse my rudeness. Senior Sergeant Charlie Lewis; your new boss." the officer smiled tauntingly, his eyes jumping from the team, over his shoulder to look at Lawson's completely and utterly pissed off expression. "Actually, it's thanks to the ordeal under Senior Sergeant Lawson Blake on New Years of last year that got me appointed. Apparently you guys... how did the Commissioner word it…? 'Fucked up'. That was it!" Charlie added, with a click of his fingers, his smart-alick smirk still playing on his lips. Charlie had a distinct accent; there were tinges of New Zealander in it but a clear Australian backing too. He stood around the same height as Lawson and his brown, smooth hair was combed neatly to the side. He was more slender than the Senior Sergeant who now fell under him, and his face in a sense was more pale and plain, his green eyes popping as a result of it. There was no doubting that the girls of the squad would find him attractive, but the fact of the matter was his personality was a dead put-off. His arrogance and clear lust for power; simply horrible. "So, whatever it is that Senior Sergeant Blake was discussing with you - lets just set that aside, because now, you lot respond and listen to me. I'm the central position of command, and Senior Sergeant Blake here falls under me. He can head the field ops to his liking, but first and foremost, he must run them by me and keep me informed. Now, before you whinging shit-heads get on my back, I'm going to lay down the law for you lot. I hear a word of bitching – you're gone. You disobey a direct order from me – you're gone; off the team. No second chances. Are we clear?" Charlie's eyes scanned the ranks, with each word his eyes enforcing the meaning with their distinct look and overpowering qualities.
"Can't promise anything." Josh spoke back emotionlessly, his eyes holding more on Lawson with the words. He knew his mate wasn't going to be enjoying this; not even in the slightest. He hadn't liked when Kerry came in over him, but at least she was appointed in a manner that made sense; this new asshole had come out of nowhere.
"Sergeant Joshua right? Yeah – I would've spotted your attitude from a mile away. Kerry may have taken your shit mate, but me, you've got no chance." Charlie added with a blunt look, his tone simple and demeaning.
"Wait a minute. I thought Lawson was doing a perfect job with running TR since Kerry left. Success rates are higher than ever and we're gelling as a team." Christian spoke in a sincere and soft tone; his youthfulness showing with every word.
Charlie's eyes snapped away from Josh and onto the Constable and immediately, Charlie had spotted the soft spot in the team; a figure that was loyal and loving of everyone.
"Constable – if you want to question the Commissioners orders – take it up with him directly. Until then, you just get used to blending in the background in doing what I ask you to do, alright?" Senior Sergeant Lewis added arrogantly. "Right. It was a pleasure meeting you all. Head home early for today. I'll be revising the team lists and determining whether or not you're all fit for duty." Charlie spoke, striding back in the direction he'd come from. The team exchanged unnerved and uncertain looks, but no one said a word. What was it that this Charlie Lewis planned to do? Diminish TR's ranks based on who he thought was needed in the team? He didn't know them all directly. He couldn't determine who was needed and who wasn't until he served with them on the field. No less, he seemed to be doing what he wanted, when he wanted and how he wanted too do it.
Lawson's eyes were immovable. They were centered straight ahead and his mind was clearly ticking away at how – and more to the point – why – someone had been appointed above him. The sound of his team moving out of their seats triggered his sight to land itself on them all. Their pitiful eyes were on Lawson and Lawson's eyes, frustrated and uncontrolled were on his teammates.
"Alright – go home all of you. I'll see you in here tomorrow." He dismissed easily, retreating back to his locker and sliding out of his work gear and into his casual garments. Reaching in for his keys, the Senior Sergeant pocketed them in his jean pocket and closed his locker over once sliding into his brown leather jacket.
Josh's considerate gaze was lingering from his own locker, and immediately once Lawson had made to escape the garage, the Sergeant had trailed nearby.
"Lawson?" he announced.
Turning, the Senior Sergeant's expression prodded Josh to ask what he needed to.
"May as well go out for a couple of drinks, aye? For Dom?" Josh offered with a solemn look – a sense of numbness to his words still with the mention of their deceased comrade. But Lawson simply shook his head; not today.
Continuing on his way the Senior Sergeant weaved into his vehicle and placed the key in the ignition, turning it and starting the chortling sound of the engine. Sitting motionless and silent for a moment, Lawson Blake rethought today. James' situation, the new boss, Kerry, the loss of Dom and still having Michael away from the team that needed him more than ever. Everything was going to the shit and there was nothing – even as its primary leader – that Lawson could do to stop it.
A firm hand patting on the window broke the silent mans concentration, and his eyes flashed up to the passenger window where Shannon was looking in. Winding it down from the inside, Senior Sergeant Blake offered his partner a look.
"Where are you going, Lawson?" Shannon asked, some worry in her tone.
"I've just go something I need to do. I'll be back at my joint before nine." He promised.
"If you need to talk, I'm here you know that right?" the Sergeant assured, a comforting look crossing her features.
Lawson nodded thankfully, "I know, Shan. It's just something I've gotta' do."
"Right. I'll see you at home?"
"Yeah."
The drive out of TR's base wasn't without its thoughts. Ongoing thoughts of Dom and how things could've been handled differently. How things being handled differently could've led to Dom surviving and being able to serve with the team – being able to spend quality, lost time with his wife and daughter. The time that Lawson himself felt responsible for taking away. It was why the Senior Sergeant made an effort to visit Sandrine and Dom's little girl at least two days a week. To check up on them. To make sure they were okay. To make sure they were coping with what Lawson seemingly couldn't cope with. Guilt, regret. Truthfully, as horrible as it sounded, Lawson felt at home with Sandrine. He felt that his regret and responsible-feelings for what happened were normal; according to the situation given. Lawson felt like family and he was dealing with the loss of Dom like family… something that no one at work seemed to understand; not even Josh. Lawson gave the final order and he'd got Dom killed. At least that's what it came down to in the commanding officers mind. It was dawning on Lawson's relationship with Shannon and his relationship with the team – and it was making him an obsessive force; bent on securing the safety of his team, no matter what the cost on his own person. With Dom's little girl in his arms, everything went away. It felt like Dom was still here. It felt like Dom lived on through his little girl because she looked so distinctly like him. She brought back everything Lawson had stupidly thrown away. With a gently kiss on her forehead, Lawson lay the little baby into her cot and gave Sandrine the first real smile he'd been able to muster for a long time.
"She's beautiful, Sandrine."