Chapter 51

Laurent dreaded coming in. It was now that he realized just how confused the department was and just how little Dixon truly cared for it.

There was never a number two. It was always Dixon in charge and everyone filed in behind. Then their loving deputy went AWOL and they were all left scattering.

Much to his surprise...or chagrin, because of his work at the gala, most of the men immediately threw him to the front.

Still a rookie himself, he wondered why all his peers assumed he'd be ready for the task. It was trying times, more attacks were happening. Then, of course, the fact that they were working with...uncouth individuals left a foul taste in everyone's mouth.

"He's in the other room if you're interested." One of the men from the gala had been captured for questioning. Laurent knew better than to try and question the man himself. It wasn't his forte.

Sitting on a bench outside of the interrogation room, he stroked the top of his Growlithe's head when she placed it on his knee.

"I'm not sure what to do girl." Literally overnight he went from a small, insignificant cog to the main man and he wasn't sure how to process it. He joined the academy to help train their K-9 recruits, just like his father and grandfather before him. This wasn't what he had planned.

Perhaps he was only meant to be a place holder until they moved someone up from a different region. (Hopefully someone with more experience.)

"How's the questioning?" Laurent asked when one of the men came out of the room.

The officer in question shook his head. "Not well I'm afraid. We can't get him to crack."

"Maybe you should send Pete in. He was always the best at breaking people down."

"That was my intention."

Planted in his seat, Laurent tried to collect his thoughts. Whatever information they got, they'd have to pass on to Riker.

Not that he really wanted to.

It was like walking a tight rope. They had to work with those types but at the same time, they had to be careful not to let too much information slip. (Lest it be used against them once all of this nonsense was over).

He knew he couldn't trust any of them. He'd be surprised if their kind had a decent drop of humanity.

What about that girl...

Yes that girl...what was her name?

Breccia I think

She seemed different. Both her and her guy friend did. When they were in that hotel and one of Laurent's k-9's ran up to them, he believed they were trustworthy. Growlithes are always a good judge of character, that's why they are so sought after for the academy. Watching Breccia scoop his trainee up the way she did, anyone from the outside would think she had experience with Pokemon.

But for her to be one of them. It didn't make sense.

All the laws they broke, all the things their kind has done in the past. He couldn't imagine Breccia doing anything remotely similar.

Perhaps some people are good at putting on a front.

"Sir." Another officer interrupted Laurent's thoughts.

"Yes?"

"I received news from Birtan. Dixon wasn't seen anywhere in the region."

Laurent sighed. "He must've jumped the boarder." There were still men in the department who were in denial about all that happened with Dixon. For him to throw away decades of hard work and dedication just to get petty revenge. It didn't make any sense.

Regardless, he put hundreds of lives at risk. He broke the law for one pathetic shot at getting back at their enemies. As far as Laurent was concerned, he needed to be held accountable.

As they spoke, the door to the interrogation room opened and Pete stepped out, folder in hand.

"Here you go." He handed it to Laurent.

"That didn't take long."

"It never does]. Do you want me to put him back in holding? He's refusing to speak any further than that."

"Probably until he gets a lawyer." Leafing through the written statement, Laurent skimmed over it quickly before standing. This was the information they needed. It wasn't too much, but it was enough to go on.

He didn't have an exact number to get through to Riker. But he knew how to get a hold of Kelly. All that mattered now was getting this information to the right people before it was too late.