Shortly after noon, Jack arrived at Commissioner Frank Reagan's home. In the dining room, he found Erin Reagan and the elderly Henry Reagan, now over 80 years old, seated at the long table covered with piles of documents. Both appeared to have stayed up all night, with dark circles under their eyes, as they reviewed stacks of communication records.
Seeing Jack arrive alone, Erin looked surprised. "Where's Danny?"
"I left him at the precinct, trying to get him to rest a bit in the lounge. He's exhausted."
"We're not much better," Henry muttered, removing his reading glasses and rubbing his temples. Despite his advanced age, the elder Reagan still had remarkable stamina, staying up through the night until midday.
This dedication reflected the Reagan family's deep concern for their loved ones and Linda's importance to the family.
Jack stepped forward to help Henry to his feet, seizing the opportunity to convince the old man to rest while stealthily giving him a long-lasting "buff" of encouragement. "Danny confirmed through questioning members of the Elmar Gang in prison that their boss does have a mole within the police force, though they couldn't identify who it is.
"He also got a few addresses, but so far, they haven't led to anything. I have an idea I'd like to discuss with Frank."
Henry, visibly weary, accepted Jack's help and cane, shuffling toward his bedroom. Before leaving, he pointed toward the study. "Frank's in there on a call."
"I'll join you," Erin said, standing up and leading Jack to the study.
Ten minutes later, after hearing Jack's plan for setting a trap, Frank raised a hand to stop Erin from speaking. He opened a desk drawer, took out a box of cigars, handed one to Jack, and lit one for himself before pacing the room. The cigar's rich aroma filled the space as Frank mulled over the plan.
After a long pause, Frank finally spoke. "Your plan is solid overall, but it's a bit rushed. If you or Erin approach Lyle Greenie too directly, it may tip him off. He might not take the bait so easily."
Jack had anticipated this, which was why he specifically sought the commissioner's help. With Danny's wife just abducted, the sudden appearance of a new witness needed a plausible explanation to avoid arousing suspicion.
"That's why I think you should handle it personally. A highly respected, desperate father stepping in for the safety of his family would make everything seem perfectly reasonable."
Frank nodded, his expression softening. However, he soon seemed to recall something troubling, and the hand holding his cigar trembled slightly. "But this plan hinges entirely on Lyle Greenie being the mole. Have you considered the possibility that he's simply an incompetent, attention-seeking politician?"
Jack froze. Truthfully, he hadn't thought of that. There was no concrete evidence that Lyle Greenie was the mole—just suspicion and speculation. If Frank's concern was valid, this elaborate setup might amount to nothing more than wasted effort.
Thankfully, Erin, who had been silently listening, finally interjected. "I don't have direct evidence, but I've found something that supports Jack's theory."
Both men turned their attention to her.
"When we captured Raimondo Salazar, we also obtained his phone. Many numbers were from unregistered prepaid phones, but I noticed a pattern by comparing the stores where these phones were purchased."
Erin pulled out a list filled with circled entries. "Several prepaid phone numbers were sold at an electronics store on Barrack Street. Guess who happens to live in an apartment on that street?"
"Ha! Well done! That's my daughter—I'm so proud of you," Frank exclaimed, pulling Erin into a hug and showering her with praise.
Erin winced at the smoke from his cigar, covering her nose in distaste. "I sent someone to investigate that store. Although Lyle Greenie was careful to pay in cash, the store owner recognized him immediately from his photo."
Frank stubbed out his half-smoked cigar in the ashtray, wasting no time. "I'll arrange a car right now and schedule a meeting with this prosecutor."
As he picked up the phone, he paused and turned to Jack. "Would you mind being my driver for this trip, Jack?"
"Gladly, Commissioner."
---
The Dodge Hellcat came to a screeching halt in front of NYPD headquarters. Frank clutched his chest, still shaken, as he unbuckled his seatbelt.
"It's been a while since I've felt like this. Reminds me of my younger days, back when I was just a beat cop with the NYPD."
Jack wore an innocent expression, as if Frank hadn't been the one urging him to drive faster.
"You should also make your arrangements. Lyle Greenie will be here within half an hour," Frank said as they rode the elevator to his top-floor office. Gesturing for Jack to make himself comfortable, Frank seated himself behind his desk and began giving orders over the phone.
Jack settled onto a couch, pulled out his phone, and called Sylvia. Fortunately, he had left her a prepaid phone for emergencies. The conversation went smoothly. Sylvia didn't need to know the full details—she just had to play her part, which mostly involved being herself.
Shortly after, both men hung up their phones almost simultaneously, locking eyes. Before they could exchange words, the office door was gently knocked. Jack quickly flashed an "OK" gesture to Frank, who nodded and called out, "Come in."
Frank's secretary entered, followed by the so-called "Special Prosecutor" Lyle Greenie.
"I heard you wanted to see me, Commissioner Reagan?"
Frank stood and extended his hand. "Thank you for coming. This is FBI Senior Agent Jack Tavor, whom you've already met."
Jack rose to shake hands with Lyle. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three men took their seats on the office's guest sofa. Frank hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat.
"Lyle... May I call you that?"
"Of course, Commissioner," Lyle replied, feigning modesty while inwardly gleeful. He had a good idea why the NYPD Commissioner was suddenly so deferential.
"The situation is this," Frank began. "Detective Danny Reagan—my son—may be unable to attend tomorrow afternoon's hearing due to unforeseen circumstances." His expression was tinged with embarrassment.
"What?!" Lyle exclaimed, barely suppressing his delight as he leapt to his feet, feigning shock. "Danny's testimony is crucial! He's the only key witness who can incriminate Raimondo Salazar. This is unacceptable!"
"Sit down and let me finish," Frank said, his commanding presence forcing Lyle to bite back his words.
"Yesterday afternoon, an incident occurred. We can't risk losing a family member over this. I hope you understand."
"But this is our only chance to convict Raimondo Salazar," Lyle protested, putting on a show of righteous indignation. "Without Danny's testimony, he'll walk free, and we'll lose the opportunity for further charges."
Frank sighed, his expression a mix of regret and sorrow. "I understand the effort you and your team have put into this case, but this decision is unavoidable. I need your discretion. Tomorrow, Danny will be admitted to the hospital for a sudden illness. I trust you can keep this confidential until the hearing concludes."
Internally elated, Lyle pretended to reluctantly agree. After a dramatic sigh, he said, "I suspected this might happen. I even warned Danny about how the Elmar Gang operates. Still, this goes against our commitment to justice."
"Exactly," Frank nodded. "That's why I've coordinated with Senior Agent Jack Tavor to provide you with a new witness."
Lyle's joy turned to shock. "What? A new witness?" he stammered, his voice faltering.
------------------
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