When Jack and Hannah returned to the Joint Operations Center, Jubal and Dana Mozhe were preparing to deploy a SWAT team for an immediate raid on Stepan Teshak's residence on City Island.
"I don't think this is a good idea," Jack objected decisively.
"Let's hear your thoughts," Dana Mozhe said, focusing on Jack, but her gaze drifted briefly to Hannah's hands, which Jack had recently treated with iodine for her battered knuckles.
"According to Boar's confession, Stepan Teshak personally deals with any girls who disobey or become sick for too long to work. He also wanted to silence the doctor since the doctor was the only 'outsider' who knew about the villas," Jack explained.
Hannah, who had already discussed this with Jack on their way back, eagerly added, "So if he feels that the girls' presence poses any threat to him, we're concerned he'll act against them."
Dana Mozhe nodded in understanding. "Continue."
"All the girls are currently being held together—almost 30 of them. Boar was sent alone to eliminate the doctor, and Inelisa Holyman has also gone into hiding. Since we don't know the location of the new hideout, it's not the best time to make a move and risk tipping them off. At least not until we confirm where the girls are."
Jubal looked unsure. "Can we trust what Boar said?"
Jack and Hannah exchanged a glance, and Hannah smirked slightly. "It's probably reliable. After getting beaten to tears by a girl half his size, he was completely broken and answered every question we asked."
She continued, "Boar said Stepan Teshak gave him some money and told him to go lay low in Las Vegas after killing the doctor. Clearly, the NYPD's questioning of Inelisa Holyman gave them a false sense of security."
"Stepan Teshak thinks the FBI is still investigating that cemetery on Long Island. The exposure of the villas seemed like a routine NYPD operation, and they're still taking clients, only now all the services are offered on an 'outcall only' basis."
Dana Mozhe raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, what's your suggestion?"
"The media only reported on an elderly man's tragic fall, so the arrest of Boar has been kept under wraps. Stepan Teshak still thinks he's in control of the situation. So, why don't we schedule a service ourselves?"
Jubal, catching on, stuck a pencil behind his ear, his eyes lighting up. "We could catch the person transporting the girls. Once we get him to talk, we'll know where they're being held."
"A sting operation? I like it," Dana Mozhe smiled. "I'll handle the warrant. Jubal, go change and get ready to go undercover."
"Huh?" Jubal froze, as did Jack and Hannah. Jack had assumed he would be the obvious choice for the operation.
"Who do you think looks more like a client who'd require 'special services'?" Dana quipped. "Besides, Jack's been in the papers recently, so we might as well put Jubal's unused muscles to work."
Dana looped her arm through Hannah's, inspecting her hand injuries with a curious look. "Did you really handle Boar all by yourself?"
Jack and Jubal, both looking baffled, exchanged glances. Jubal shrugged in resignation, "Alright, well, the ops center's all yours, boss."
He turned toward his office to change, muttering to himself, "You could've phrased that differently."
—
"This place isn't half bad," Jubal said, placing a hidden panoramic camera disguised as an alarm clock on the dresser. "Kind of like a honeymoon suite. I never knew motels could have such nice rooms."
"Keep it up, Jubal. You're really getting into character," Hannah encouraged from her position in the motel parking lot, holding a tablet to monitor the operation.
Beside her, Jack shook his head in mild exasperation. Jubal hadn't stopped muttering to himself since he'd walked into the motel. It was unclear if he was trying to get into the right headspace or quietly complaining about being seen as a sleazy middle-aged man by his boss.
Jack's car had been switched out again. After his complaints that the Suburban was too conspicuous, the logistics office had arranged for him to have a Dodge Hellcat equipped with hidden police lights. Though not the latest model, it was enough to make him happy. The price of the specially modified undercover car was rumored to be double that of the regular factory version.
While not fully bulletproof, the car's armored doors, extra fuel tank, and integrated communication system—seamlessly linked to the operations center and the NYPD—made it well-suited for most situations.
"There's movement," Jack said, watching as a black Mercedes pulled into the parking lot.
Three girls, all dressed provocatively, got out of the car. Hannah, leading this temporary operation, calmly reported into the channel.
"Jubal, three girls just got out. The driver's staying in the car. It's up to you now."
Having had more experience with these operations during her LAPD days, Hannah knew the best timing. The ideal moment to act would be after the girls entered the room and began the transaction. Once they messaged the driver, he would drop his guard and relax.
"Time to show you all why they call me the 'romance expert,'" Jubal smirked at the camera, fully committed to redeeming his reputation.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
Jubal unfastened the top button of his shirt, took a deep breath, and opened the door quickly. "Come right in, ladies."
The three girls strutted into the room, shutting the door and forming a line in front of him.
"Ready, sir?" asked the lead girl, smiling as she started to pitch her services.
"Are you choosing one of us, or would you like all three?"
"Well, it's my third divorce, so I figure, why not celebrate with all three of you?" Jubal's eyes gleamed as he gave them an approving once-over, especially when he noticed the crown-like tattoos on the left side of each girl's chest.
"Ready to make a move?" Jack, observing from outside, spotted the tattoo too, pulling out his Glock eagerly.
"Hold on. The car outside hasn't turned off yet," Hannah pulled him back.
Inside the room, the transaction continued. Seeing that she had encountered a generous client, the short-haired girl smiled in a placating manner but kept a hint of wariness.
"First, you need to pay upfront. It's 500 dollars for half an hour, 900 for an hour. Once you pay, I'll notify the driver to stay put."
"You're not leaving, right? You notify him by text, don't you?" Jubal made a gesture as if operating his phone.
The girl nodded as she watched him pull out his wallet and start counting the bills.
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