SCAD Finale: Showdown at the White Fountain
Vinewood Bowl
Vinewood Hills
Later That Night
8:30 PM
A veritable army of Los Santos police vehicles, both marked and unmarked, pulled into the front parking lot of the Vinewood Bowl, a large and well-known performance venue on the corner of Vinewood Park Drive and Farewell Place in Vinewood Hills. Chief Detective Troy Harrison exited his Dodge Charger, clad in a plain gray cotton t-shirt, dark gray jeans and black sneakers. His t-shirt was covered by his LSPD tactical vest that had "POLICE" written in large white lettering across the front and his Chief Detective's badge was attached to the front upper right corner of the vest.
Meanwhile, Chief of Police Reynard Sacco arrived on scene and approached Harrison. He was dressed in a dark gray checkered shirt with khakis and white loafers. He too was also dressed in an LSPD tactical vest with his respective badge attached to the vest's front upper right corner. Members of the LSPD's Tactical Unit, all clad in full tactical gear and ballistic helmets, surrounded the two men.
"Chief Detective Harrison", Sacco said, "Would you mind telling me why I was called away from my daughter's engagement party to meet all you guys out here?"
Harrison then produced a copy of the fully-signed search warrant from the pocket of his jeans and unfolded it to show the Chief. "My sincerest apologies for interrupting your family's festivities, Chief" Harrison humbly replied, "But as you can see, that there is a fully signed warrant to search and secure the Martin Madrazo residence at Twenty-Eight-Eighty-Four Hillcrest Avenue."
Briefly looking over the warrant, Sacco looked back to Harrison and nodded. "I see", he said, "And I take it that you were able to connect him to those murder cases that you and Xander discovered, as well as the nearly fatal shooting of Ahron Ward."
"We were", Harrison replied, "Homicide got the results from the Ballistics Lab this morning. The thirty-eight-caliber revolver that I found when I pursued Vlado Marks in Grapeseed match the size and diameter of the gunshot wounds sustained by Ahron Ward. Additionally, the crime labs in Utah, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona reported that the ballistic striations from that same thirty-eight match the ballistic evidence from the other murder cases."
"He's right, Chief" Adam Xander chimed in as he stepped forward from the back of the group and moved up beside Harrison. Xander was dressed in a plain black t-shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. He also was wearing his LSPD tactical vest with his recently bestowed Lieutenant's badge pinned to it.
"Ah", Sacco said, "Lieutenant Xander. Good to see you, sir. I take it that Homicide will also be taking part in this raid?"
"We're just here as backup, sir" Xander replied, "As soon as Chief Detective Harrison and the Tactical Unit secure the residence, we'll move in and assist with the evidence search."
In response to this, Sacco nodded affirmatively. "Understood", he said before turning to address the entire group as a whole. "Then our primary objective is to locate and detain Martin Madrazo", he continued, "Our secondary priority is to locate Vlado Marks, who we believe is also present on the premises, correct?"
Dakota Michaels, who was also a newly-promoted Lieutenant like Xander, stepped forward and stood beside his two colleagues, dressed in full body armor and other tactical attire rounded out by a steel-plated ballistic helmet. "That's correct, Chief" he chimed in, "It's our mutual belief that after Chief Harrison spooked Marks out of his hiding spot in Grapeseed, he would've had no other feasible alternative but to show up at the Madrazo place. We also believe, based on a very reasonable theory that was floated to us, that Madrazo has several kilos of cocaine hidden on the premises in a series of old bomb shelters hidden under his three horse stables."
"And you're absolutely sure that these drugs are present on the property?" Sacco asked with a bit of skepticism evident in his tone.
"I have an outside team working on confirming that as we speak, Chief" Harrison replied.
Sacco sighed. "I have to be honest", Sacco said, "I'm taking a bit of an issue with your use of this so-called 'outside team', Chief Harrison. You told me yourself that those team members included Trevor Phillips, a known drug addict and gun runner who was once under suspicion for assaulting you, as well as Michael De Santa. I understand that, in actuality, Mister De Santa is a retired bank robber who's never really had any other occupation outside of that."
Xander raised a hand. "Respectfully, Chief" he interjected, "We all had our reservations when Chief Detective Harrison pitched this plan to us. More importantly, though, Troy is a smart, determined, and methodical investigator. If he feels that utilizing these guys will help this operation go smoothly, then it's my suggestion that we all support that and roll with it."
Chief Sacco took a considerable beat to ponder all that had just been said. "Fine", he finally said, "But I want a thoroughly detailed accounting of their every action when you all write this up later."
Residence of Martin and Patricia Madrazo
2884 Hillcrest Avenue
Vinewood Hills
8:45 PM
Trevor Phillips stealthily parked the now redone Ford Econoline van at the base of the Madrazos' winding driveway that led onto their vast property. He was dressed in heavy body armor with a military green camouflage shirt underneath, green camouflage pants, and brown combat boots with a camo print combat cloth face covering cleverly obscuring his face. He exited the van and started creeping up the driveway, with Michael De Santa following a few steps behind him.
Michael, also wearing heavy body armor, was dressed in black coveralls with an otherwise indistinctive black baseball cap and matching combat boots. He carried a long rifle case in his right hand which contained the tactical sniper rifle he planned to use to provide cover for Trevor while he carried out his half of the mission.
The two men continued their surreptitious trek up the winding driveway until they reached the main house, a large white Spanish-style mansion. A decorative running white fountain in the center of the mansion's bricked driveway area assumingly gave the house its nickname: "La Fuente Blanca". Trevor ducked down behind a large bush that sat parallel to the fountain, while Michael climbed a nearby tree and readied his makeshift sniper's nest once he reached the top.
"T", Michael softly said into the radio to Trevor below as he peered through the night vision scope of his now-assembled sniper rifle, "Heads up, bro. I've got eyes on three Hispanic subjects, all armed."
Trevor momentarily popped up from his hiding spot and took a look through a pair of night vision binoculars. He quickly noticed that there indeed were three Hispanic men seemingly guarding the front perimeter of the residence. One bald heavyset man, clad in a baggy white sweatshirt, appeared to be armed with an AK-47 assault rifle. The man's cohorts were two tall and lean shaggy-haired men. Both of them appeared to be armed with 12-gauge pump-action shotguns.
"Copy that, Mikey" Trevor softly replied into the radio, "Those two tall, skinny dudes seem to be guarding the field where the stables are."
"I second that notion, gentlemen" Lester Crest cut in from the radio as he held his position inside the van with Franklin Clinton. "I'm looking at some updated construction plans that Martin Madrazo had approved by the city last spring", he continued, "It looks like there are three newer stables in the right rear of the property. They were built over where those old bomb shelters would be."
"Got it", Trevor said, "I have an idea. Mikey, try and get some clean shots on the two skinny dudes with your rifle. I'll take down 'big man' over there in the sweatshirt. Franklin, once those guys go down, Michael will get word to you."
"Cool", Franklin said from the radio, "What happens then?"
"When you hear Michael call for you", Trevor explained, "Leave the van, make your way up here, and help me search those stables."
"No problem, homie" Franklin replied excitedly, "I got you."
"Lester", Michael added, "Once Franklin exits the van, get ahold of Harrison and the cops and tell them they can move in and secure the house."
"Copy that", Lester replied, "Good luck, boys."
Michael then honed in his shot on the first of the two skinny henchmen. A sharp squeak-like sound was heard as a bullet was fired from the silenced barrel.
The corresponding round struck the henchman in his right temple, at which point he dropped like a rock off a cliff, dead. Before the second henchman could even mentally register that his pal was down, a second silenced round struck him in his right temple. Within a second, he too dropped to the ground dead. "The two skinny guys are both down", Michael said into the radio.
Trevor then seized his opportunity and sprang up from behind the bush. He then ran at the heavyset henchman like a football player hustling toward a touchdown.
The henchman quickly turned in response to sensing something or someone behind him. "What the fuck?" he uttered just as Trevor quickly wrapped one arm around the man's neck from behind and, with the other arm, sunk the 6.5-inch blade of his tactical knife between the man's ribs and up into his lung, instantaneously collapsing it. The henchman dropped to a sitting position and gurgled on his own blood before Trevor laid him on his back.
"Sweet dreams, big man" Trevor coldly said to the choking and dying henchman as he looked into the rapidly fading gaze of his brown eyes, "It won't be long."
After the dying man had spewed out blood from his mouth and took his final breath, Trevor acquired his AK-47 and slung the weapon across his back in case he would have a later need for it. He then got on the radio. "Hey Franklin", he said, "The outer perimeter is secure. Come on up here and give us a hand."
"Roger that, homie" Franklin replied from the radio, "Be right there."
"I'll call your buddy Harrison so he and the cops can move in on the house", Lester chimed in from the radio, "Michael, why don't you climb down and help Franklin and Trevor check those stables?"
Michael took his gaze out of the sniper rifle's scope before taking the weapon off its tripod stand. "Got it", he said, "Be there in a few minutes."
Franklin exited the van as planned and hurried up the driveway. He was dressed in an outfit similar to Michael with black coveralls and black boots, the only differing item being a black wool knit cap that he wore on his head. He hustled through the now opened front gate and met up with Trevor as he made his way toward the furthest three stables on the right side at the rear of the property.
"Hey Trevor", Franklin softly said, "Where do we start, man?"
Meanwhile, the LSPD Tactical Unit quietly barreled out of their truck two by two. Chief Detective Harrison, Lieutenants Xander and Michaels, and Detectives Gwendolyn, Clayton and Wolf Claw were at the forefront of the group. They all crept up the driveway, guns out in a tactical stance, and soon reached the mansion's front door. Lieutenant Michaels then stepped to the front and loudly pounded on the door.
"Martin Madrazo!" Michaels announced, "Los Santos Police! We have a search warrant! Come to the door immediately or we will force entry!"
The group waited a few seconds. Getting no response, Michaels turned and nodded to Tactical Officer Rodriguez. Rodriguez accordingly stepped forward and readied a large black steel battering ram in preparation of breaching the door.
"Okay", Michaels whispered, "Let's hit it!"
Rodriguez slammed the ram into the door, at which point the door flew open and the Tactical Unit headed inside. The detectives fell to the back of the group and rushed in behind them.
"POLICE!" Various officers repeatedly announced as they made their way into the Madrazos' spacious living room. It was at this point that Harrison caught sight of a very familiar face bolting up from the Italian silk sofa.
"HEY!" Harrison hollered, "VLADO MARKS! FREEZE!"
Vlado Marks paid no mind to the Chief Detective's command as he headed toward the kitchen and its back door. "He's running!" Harrison yelled as he sprinted toward the kitchen, "Adam! Back me up, man!"
"Got it!" Xander yelled back as he ran toward Harrison.
Harrison and Xander soon caught up to Marks as he reached the backyard, at which point the former grabbed the back of Marks' coat. Marks cruelly countered with a sucker punch in Harrison's direction which, luckily, didn't land. Harrison then yanked Marks to the ground facedown before pinning him down with his knee on the fugitive's back.
"Vlado Marks", a panting Harrison said as he produced his handcuffs from his back pocket, "You're under arrest for assaulting a police officer and the attempted murder of Ahron Ward. I'm also detaining you as a suspect in several murders across several other states."
Snapping the handcuffs securely, Harrison and Xander stood Marks up off the ground. "You have the right to remain silent", Xander chimed in, "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law…"
Vlado Marks' Miranda warning was interrupted by the sound of Franklin Clinton's voice coming over the radio. "Yo, Harrison!" Franklin said from the radio, "Do you copy me?"
"I'll take Marks back to the car", Xander said, "Do what you have to do, boss."
Harrison nodded. "Thanks, Lieutenant" he said before turning away and keying his radio mic. "I copy you, Franklin" he replied into the radio, "What's going on?"
"Bad news, bro" Franklin said from the radio, "We secured those bunkers, but there are no drugs here, man!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" a perplexed Harrison asked into the radio.
"There's nothing but horse feed here, Harrison" Michael cut in, "Nothing but bags of oats, barley, and corn."
"Copy that", Harrison replied, "I'll be right over." The Chief Detective then clipped his radio back onto the belt loop of his pants and let out an agitated growl. He then headed over to the three aforementioned stables. Michael, Franklin, and Trevor were just coming out from each of the underground bunkers.
"So, no drugs?" Harrison inquired in a very perplexed tone.
Trevor shook his head. "Nothing but a shit-ton of fifty-pound horse feed bags", he straightforwardly replied, "Sorry to burst your bubble there, Piggy."
Harrison chuckled at that. "Damn it, Trevor" he said, "Would it fucking kill you to call me either 'Troy' or 'Harrison'?"
Just then, Detective Steve Gwendolyn's voice came over the radio. "Unit Twelve-B to Charlie-Oh-Two", he said from the radio, "Be advised, Chief Harrison, I just heard what I think was the sound of a car starting up coming from the garage, over."
Harrison then traded looks with Michael, Trevor, and Franklin. "Madrazo!" he exclaimed, "Fuck!"
The four men then booked it toward the attached two-car garage located at the front of the residence just as the sound of a car being revved was heard. A white 2013 Mercedes C250 sedan then crashed straight through the first garage door and sped down the driveway.
In response to this very unforeseen turn of events, Trevor aimed his acquired AK-47 at the fleeing car and discharged a burst of rounds, all of which seemed to strike the driver's door and shatter the driver's window.
Harrison, meanwhile, quickly drew his Sig-Sauer P-226 handgun and fired his own five-round cluster of bullets. He had intended to blow out one of the C250's rear tires, but instead hit just one of the taillights, shattering its outer cover.
"Okay", Harrison announced, "Tactical Unit, seal the house and call the Crime Lab now! Detective detail, let's get in our cars and pursue this asshole!"
As he hustled toward down toward his Dodge Charger, Harrison keyed his radio mic once again. "Charlie-Oh-Two to any available Vinewood patrol units", he said, "We have a vehicle fleeing from Twenty-Eight-Eighty-Four Hillcrest Avenue in Vinewood Hills. It's a white late-model Mercedes sedan, San Andreas plate number Two-Six-Nine-Zebra-Frank-Two-Six-Three. Suspect is wanted on multiple felony charges, so approach with caution. Plainclothes detectives are in pursuit at this time in unmarked vehicles, over."
[Author's Note: I just want to take a moment to apologize for this chapter taking longer than I had originally intended. A very sudden, tragic event recently occurred in my personal life that really floored me and took the wind out of my sails. No worries, though, I'm doing what I can to get through everything. Thank you all for your support and understanding! This story's final "Epilogue" chapter will be done and posted within the next week or two. Stay tuned and thanks again to all of you for your support with this so far!]