Chip walked over. "What have you found?" He asked.
Randal pointed to the ambulance where Ugly Sonic was holding an oxygen mask while wrapped in a blanket. "We found him," He said.
Chip gave a look of astonishment. "That's incredible." He said.
Chip turned and proceeded towards Ugly Sonic but Randal stopped him.
"Um, actually, Chip I can't let you do that," Randal said.
"Why not?" Chip asked.
"You're under investigation by SIU in regards to that shooting earlier. I technically could be punished for even having you here. Best you go home and prepare yourself for that deposition." Randal said.
Randal walked away as Chip took one last glare at Ugly Sonic who was being treated by paramedics.
[The scene transitions to Chip sitting in front of four individuals who are a part of the Special Investigations Unit]
"Please state your name for the record." One female investigator stated.
"Chip Maplewood." Chip said.
"Can you walk us through the events leading up to the discharge of your service weapon this afternoon?" She asked.
"Well, um, I was with Dale looking for clues on a missing person case and an individual approached me and said he had evidence and led me and Dale down a dark ally where he then proceeded to aim a gun at us." Chip explained.
"What is Dale's relationship to you?" She asked.
"Dale is my half-brother." Chip said.
"You brought a civilian on a police assignment?" She questioned.
"Not entirely, ma'am. Dale had a close relationship with the victim and I believe he is an asset in finding him." Chip said.
"Are you aware that the individual who aimed the gun at you was using a plastic toy?" She asked.
"No, I was not aware." Chip answered.
"Are you also not aware that there is CCTV footage of the incident and it reveals that you shot Mr. Gruman against his own will as he disarmed himself?" She asked.
"That is not true." Chip stated loudly.
"Play the footage please." She said.
The doctored footage shows Chip shooting the individual who appears to no longer have a weapon.
"That footage is fake, I was there!" Dale blurted out.
"Please remove Dale from the room please." She ordered.
Dale was forced out of the room by two uniformed officers.
The investigators flipped through papers briefly and spoke quietly before reaching a verdict.
"Mr. Maplewood, it is in this board's professional opinion that you be placed on paid administrative leave while we pass this information along to the State Attorney General's office to see whether or not charges will be pursued. At this time, you are ordered to surrender your badge and any paraphernalia relating to your position here with the Los Angeles Police Department. This hearing is dismissed. " She said, banging a gavel.
Chip left the LAPD with Dale feeling defeated. The tension could be felt in the car on the way home as they remained silent for the entire journey. At home, Dale went inside to watch TV where Chip said down on the front steps. He moved a loose brick to expose a carton of Marlboro cigarettes.
Chip lights the cigarette and inhales it sharply before exhaling with a long sigh. "What has this world come to?" He muttered in disbelief.
Chip spent a few more hours outside until the sun eventually began to set. He reluctantly returned inside after he diminished the Marlboro carton. He removed his shoes and turned to see Dale sleeping on the sofa and the TV on a static station. Chip turned off the TV and picked Dale up, carrying him to his room. After putting Dale to bed Chip sat down in the quiet living room contemplating the day's actions.
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