Chapter 2

The next morning at parade Sam spotted Andy slink in at the last moment. Frank had a big case developing and needed all hands on deck. He turned his attention to Frank as he stepped up to the podium.

"Ok coppers, we've got a big one today. We've located a link of a heroin ring. We were notified by the daughter of one of the transporters. Her dad left some information out and she called us. Our first objective is to bring in the father and question him. We need his help to get to the center of the heroin ring. We have no idea how dangerous this guy is, so we need to be careful. Collins and Epstein will go pick up the father and bring him in so Swarek and Nash can question him. The rest of the assignments are on the board. Alright, gang, serve, protect, and stay safe.

"McNally. Looks like we're partnered together today." Cruz said.

"Alright, let's get going. I'll drive."

"Let's go Epstein. Time to bring in another scumbag." Collins grabbed the keys and jumped in the driver's seat. They had no problem finding the place and Ray Tolbert gave them no problems at all. He complied with every request. He only wanted out of the ring and 15 promised him and his daughter, Lydia, protection for his help in busting the heroin ring.

Back at the station, Dov told Swarek that Ray would be an easy case.

"The man's an open book," Epstein said. "He'll tell you anything you want to know. He just wants out."

"Alright thanks Dov. Good work".

"Trace, I'll let you handle this one. Epstein said he's pretty easy. No tricky mind games, just ask him for what we need."

"Okay Sam."

Ten minutes later Traci had the address she needed and had organized arrangements for Mr. Tolbert and his daughter, provided that his address was accurate.

McNally and Cruz had a pretty slow morning but had responded to two noise complaints by time Sam called with the address for the center. The address was sent to every patrol car and 15 was to make a division wide bust at 2:00. Cruz was anxious to get to the location and scope it out before the bust. Everyone would be heading to the address soon, but Cruz and McNally were the closest. Andy wanted to wait until the scheduled time but Cruz wanted to get over there. Since she was a new officer at 15 she needed to prove herself. She wanted to be accepted at 15 and fit in with everyone else. Against Andy's better judgment she drove over to the address Sam had given them. Ten minutes later they rolled up to an empty warehouse. She drove around back and parked behind an abandoned trailer. McNally took one look at the place and shuddered. She did not want to be here without any back up. But before she knew it Cruz was out of the car and headed toward some empty milk crates along the side of the building.

"Cruz!" Andy hissed. "Get back here." But Cruz was already out of hearing distance.

"Shit," Andy said and got out of the car to follow Marlo.

Marlo was stacking up milk crates by the time Andy got to her. She had just enough to reach the window. Andy gave her a boost and she pulled herself up to peer in the window.

Because Andy's attention was focused on Marlo she didn't notice the burly man come up behind her. Her grabbed her at the waist and pulled her backward. Andy went tumbling backwards and Marlo clung to the window unsupported. She quickly clambered in hoping that there was nothing worse on the inside.

Outside, Andy was struggling with the man who had surprised her. She managed to land a solid punch in the guy's shoulder before he gained the upper hand and grabbed her gun. The last thing Andy saw before being knocked unconscious was the man's small beady eyes.

As soon as Marlo had surveyed her surroundings and determined that there was no immediate danger she radioed in to the station.

"1519 requesting back up at bust location. Officer has been taken."

"Excuse me? Officer has been taken? Who is this?"

"Cruz. Please send back up."

Sam and Traci were on their way to the warehouse for the bust when they heard the radio from the station.

"1519 requesting back up at warehouse. Officer in trouble."

"Damn it," Sam said.

"What? Who is that?" Traci asked.

"Andy and Marlo," Sam replied as he slammed on the gas and headed off towards the warehouse.

Oliver and Dov were the first car on the scene after the radio had come in about 1519. They were barely out of the car before Sam flew in, squealing the tires. Sam jumped out and yelled at Oliver to secure a perimeter. He practically screamed into the radio, "Cruz! McNally! Is anyone there?"

The response came almost instantly from Cruz. "Sam. I'm here. I'm okay but I'm trapped."

"Where is McNally?"

"I don't know. All I know is that she was attacked while she was lifting me up to a window. I tumbled into the window before I could see anything."

"Okay Cruz. Sit tight. We're going to clear the warehouse and then we'll come get you."

Sam immediately started yelling out orders to anyone who would listen.

"We need to clear the building. Ollie has the perimeter secured. Cruz is trapped inside somewhere and McNally is missing. It's likely that she is being held in the building so be sure to clear carefully. Let's move in."

And with that Sam, Traci, Gail, Chris, Dov, Nick, Chloe, and Frank all charged into the building.