Hearing the three potential outcomes his boss mentioned, Jack felt a bit lost. "Is NYPD really this unable to shield itself?" he asked curiously. "Who's behind this?"
"It's not just one person but rather multiple factions," Dana explained. "NYPD has been a Democratic stronghold for years, but some recent moves by the party have alienated a lot of people. Now, there are forces trying to pull NYPD into the Republican camp."
Jack nodded, beginning to understand. New York had long been a Democratic stronghold, with most major media outlets aligned with the party as well. Even though this world hadn't experienced the "I can't breathe" incident, many Democrat-backed initiatives, like the push for decriminalization, had already rubbed law enforcement the wrong way.
No officer enjoys seeing suspects they fought hard to catch being immediately released. And while NYPD might have just under 40,000 employees, meaning 40,000 votes at first glance, the reality was different. Even if many officers complained about their pay, NYPD's wages and benefits were still above average, representing nearly 40,000 middle-class families with influence over hundreds of thousands of votes.
This influence is what allowed Frank Reagan to stand up to the mayor, often playing the role of the apolitical public servant solely concerned with the people's welfare.
Only those without real power run to align with others. True players maintain a neutral stance, waiting for others to make offers. But people aren't fools. Power isn't something you can fake, and holding a position is one thing; maintaining it is another.
Frank Reagan was currently being tested in precisely this way. Some were stirring up internal dissent within NYPD, while others were setting traps to force a conflict between him and the mayor. Different methods, but all with the same goal—to see if he could handle the heat.
Jack couldn't help but glance at his boss. This "mentor" of his knew exactly when to lend a hand in a crisis—a master move.
"Got it. I'll go have a chat with Danny." Jack downed his coffee and left. While he disliked politics and all the scheming at the top, he knew he was far luckier than most lead characters in crime dramas who were constantly betrayed by their superiors.
Driving out of the Federal Building parking lot, Jack called Danny to find out where he was, then turned toward the courthouse.
---
"What do you think you're doing?"
"What am I doing? I saved a little girl's life!"
"So what? That pervert can still go after another girl! What are you going to do, follow him around 24/7?"
"The judge only agreed to hold him until Sunday, which means he could be released by Monday afternoon—and it's all because of you, you reckless idiot!"
In the courthouse's underground parking garage, a sophisticated brunette who bore a strong resemblance to Danny was locked in a heated argument with him.
Jack awkwardly stood by a nearby pillar, listening to every word, a thermal container in hand.
"Stay out of my case! I'll find enough evidence on my own," Danny snapped, visibly frustrated.
"Suit yourself," the woman, dressed in a professional skirt with an air of authority, replied as she clicked away in her high heels and got into her car. "You're my brother, and if this case actually makes it to trial, I'll have to recuse myself. But good luck with that," she added before driving off, leaving Danny fuming alone.
"Is that your sister?" Jack stepped out after the car left and handed Danny the thermal container.
"Yeah. Erin, an assistant district attorney. The only one in the family who's not a cop. Too bad she's not a kid anymore, or I'd smack her around a little." Danny scowled.
"What's in here?" he asked, opening the container. Inside was a large butcher paper-wrapped bundle with two ice packs on top.
"A prime Texas beef shoulder, already marinated. Take it out of the fridge four hours before cooking, then roast it low and slow in the oven for two hours. You'll love it."
Jack smiled. He'd racked his brain for an appropriate gift but found inspiration from Danny's dad's call. What could be better than showcasing his culinary skills?
"You just saved my butt, man. Thanks a ton! I nearly forgot about this." Danny gave him a grateful hug.
"So, what's going on with the case?" Jack asked, a bit uncomfortable with the embrace but letting it slide.
Danny's expression darkened as he explained. Donald Bens had somehow gotten himself a high-profile lawyer who filed an emergency motion, alleging that police had used coercive methods, demanding the charges be dropped.
"The judge actually agreed?" Jack raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you insist he resisted arrest?"
"Tried that. Didn't work." Danny looked defeated. "I went a bit overboard at the toilet, left some blood stains. The lawyer even produced post-arrest photos of Bens's injuries. Legally, even though he confessed to the girl's location, any information obtained through coercion is inadmissible. So now there's a hearing set for Monday. If we can't present new evidence, the judge will release him."
"Damn procedural justice." Jack clenched his jaw, feeling just as frustrated. It was one thing to handle things quietly afterward, but if the court let this guy walk, who knew how the media would spin it.
As for the internal investigation Dana mentioned, that was small potatoes. NYPD's Internal Affairs wasn't exactly independent—it was ultimately under his father's oversight. Danny might get a slap on the wrist, but that would be about it.
"There's always a way, but next time, let me handle it," Jack said, patting him on the shoulder.
"What about the van? Any forensic results from CSI?"
Danny scratched his head. "Nothing. The van was scrubbed clean inside and out before being painted. No fibers, no hairs, not even a fingerprint on the tape stuck to Teresa's face. Maybe I really did screw this up."
------------------
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Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
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Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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