Authors note: I am only as good as my amazing Beta's and I owe (all three) a debt of gratitude! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help with this story. You are the wind beneath my wings!
Prologue: April 27, 2005
"We are looking for Gary Webster, wanted by Manhattan Homicide for the distribution of cocaine and the death of two teenagers. He is to be considered armed and dangerous. We have a no-knock warrant, no mistakes and we stick together and go home to our families," Detective Sergeant Andy Vasquez said.
"We go on my signal," Sergeant added, as his men were ready to move in.
Joe Reagan and the rest of the warrant squad rushed the door just as Gary Webster was heading toward the window. Joe tried to stop him before he went out the window, but Gary took a swing and landed a punch on the side of Joe's head, leaving the officer with a nasty cut. Joe punched him back. Webster then pulled out a knife and tried to stab officers, causing Joe to shoot him in the leg. Gary fell to the ground, and Joe cuffed him and walked him out the door.
"You're dead," Webster shouted. "When I'm out, your family won't be safe." He pointed at anyone else he saw with a badge, shouting, "and you're all dead too."
"Oh, good, we get to add resisting arrest to his charges," Joe said to fellow officer Sonny Malevesky.
"We always add resisting arrest," Detective Aaron Anderson, also of the warrant squad, piped up.
Later that night, as the guys on the warrant squad were celebrating with a few beers, they welcomed the new detective to their elite squad.
"So then I tell the guy, you can't bring that while I am arresting you," laughed Detective Doug Smith.
"Let's hear it for the rookie and his first collar." The sergeant welcomed the new detective.
"Hear, Hear," chorused the guys.
"Enjoy the paperwork," Andy said as he handed Joe a stack of paper.
"Hear, Hear," chorused the guys.
"Garrison Michael Webster you are hereby sentenced to 180 months to life in the state penitentiary for distribution of narcotics, assaulting a police officer, and resisting arrest" the judge ordered.
"Unbelievable that you got away with murder," Joe muttered as he watched Webster get handcuffed and taken away.
"Don't know what you're talking about officer," Webster shot back.
"I'm sure you don't."
"When I get out, you're dead Reagan. I mean it. Even your daddy won't be able to save you, because he will be dead too," Webster threatened as he stared Joe down.