For well-known reasons, including but not limited to federal-state rivalries, the judicial system of this country is extraordinarily complex and chaotic. Conflicts between federal and state laws are commonplace.
It's not unusual for federal law to override state law one day, only for state law to be reinstated the next day due to public protest. Although, in theory, federal law takes precedence in conflicts, reality often paints a different picture.
This dynamic even extends to the naming conventions of New York courts. For instance, the building Jack was currently in was named the New York State Supreme Court. Despite its lofty title, it was merely a trial court rather than a higher appellate court.
The court's Classical Revival architecture resembled a temple. Its facade was adorned with ten Corinthian marble columns, crowned by three statues representing Law, Truth, and Equality.
Above the entrance was an inscription declaring, "The firm administration of justice is the foundation of good government." However, what truly caught Jack's interest was a statue across the plaza.
In the well-known Greek myth, the demigod Perseus beheaded Medusa. This iconic moment has been immortalized in numerous sculptures, paintings, and films. Among them, the most famous is the Renaissance bronze sculpture Perseus with the Head of Medusa, depicting Perseus triumphantly holding Medusa's severed head in his left hand.
Yet the statue Jack was looking at presented the exact opposite. Standing tall was a fully nude Medusa, holding Perseus's severed head aloft.
This statue was apparently a tribute to a recent guilty verdict handed down by the New York courts against a notorious Hollywood producer. Roman interpretations had conflated Medusa with Minerva, who had been violated by Zeus, and later transformed into a monster by Athena. Thus, Medusa evolved from a menacing villain into a tragic figure of victimization, while Athena became, in some interpretations, a symbol of patriarchal complicity.
Appreciating the artwork from an aesthetic perspective, Jack had a casual critique: "A bit too realistic—gravity took its toll."
At that moment, an ESU armored police vehicle pulled up in front of the court. Danny Reagan, impeccably dressed in a suit, emerged and lingered at the vehicle door, sharing an intimate moment with his wife, Linda, before reluctantly parting.
"Tch, aren't they sweet? Even at their age, they're still so lovey-dovey," Jack muttered, dressed sharply himself, feeling like a third wheel. "Come on, Romeo, don't miss the most dramatic moment."
Out of respect for the couple's harrowing ordeal, Jack gave them a bit more time before pulling Danny into the courthouse.
Inside a third-floor courtroom, a grand jury of ordinary citizens, hastily assembled with remarkable efficiency, sat in tense silence. The clock on the wall ticked past six.
Lyle Greenie, the Special Prosecutor for Narcotics, paced between the defendant's bench and the jury, glancing at the clock with a barely perceptible smirk. Turning back to the jury, he adopted a regretful tone.
"Apologies, everyone. It seems our witness has failed to appear."
He then turned toward the defendant, Raymundo Salazar, and his attorney. "Mr. Salazar, given the prosecution's inability to present evidence linking you to the murder of David Telly, we have no choice but to release you—"
"Sorry, I'm late!"
The courtroom doors burst open as Danny, drenched in sweat, stumbled in, barely avoiding a fall. Steadying himself, he straightened his suit and addressed the court with grave formality.
"I am Detective Reagan, a witness in the David Telly murder case."
Behind him, Jack strolled in at a measured pace, flashing a wolfish grin at the dumbfounded Lyle Greenie and the now-sullen Raymundo Salazar.
---
Two hours later, back at NYPD headquarters, the scene was reminiscent of earlier events. Frank Reagan, Lyle Greenie, and Jack were gathered in the Commissioner's office.
"Congratulations, Lyle. You've finally put Raymundo Salazar behind bars," Frank said, gesturing for Greenie to take a seat. Frank leaned casually against his desk, while Jack stood by the door with his arms crossed.
Greenie's composure was impeccable. He responded with a natural smile, nodding in agreement. "This prosecution is a significant victory for both the NYPD and the District Attorney's Office."
He feigned a puzzled expression. "While I'm pleased that Detective Reagan fulfilled his promise to testify, could this not invite... complications? Especially regarding the family members you mentioned earlier, Commissioner."
Jack silently admired Greenie's verbal dexterity—his words were impeccably chosen, leaving no room for incrimination.
Frank answered bluntly. "With the FBI's cooperation, we apprehended Salazar's lieutenant, Lupino. From him, we learned the location where my son's wife, Linda, was being held. She has been successfully rescued."
Greenie adopted a look of freshly discovered outrage. "Those monsters kidnapped your son's wife? That's... appalling."
Frank's tone remained conversational, but his words carried a sharp edge. "Aren't you curious how we captured Lupino? Or what else he confessed to?"
The old fox's smile turned predatory. "We will be filing charges against you, Lyle. When you appear in court, we'll present a key witness—Lupino is willing to testify against you and Salazar. We also have ample evidence, including recordings of your conversations with Lupino."
"That's preposterous slander!" Greenie shot to his feet, but Jack was already by the door, opening it.
Danny entered with his sister, Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan, followed by two NYPD officers. They held out a warrant.
"Lyle Greenie, you're under arrest for bribery and abuse of power," Danny announced, signaling for the officers to cuff him.
Frank wrapped an arm around his youngest daughter's shoulders. "Would you like to read him his rights, sweetheart?"
"Of course." Erin stepped forward, reciting with practiced precision:
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you before questioning begins..."
---
"Thank you, Jack. Thank you for everything you've done for our family." Danny, visibly moved, turned to embrace Jack as Greenie was led away in disgrace.
"All right, all right, save the hugs for Linda," Jack replied, prying Danny's arms off him. "She's not too shaken up, is she?"
"Not at all. She's a Reagan, strong as ever. The first thing she said when she saw me was, 'I knew you'd find me.'" Danny beamed.
"Son," Frank interjected, clapping Danny on the shoulder, "this week's family dinner is moving to your place on Staten Island. How does that sound?"
Danny's face lit up. "That'd be perfect. Linda will be thrilled."
Turning to Jack, Frank added with a knowing look, "You're coming too, Jack."
------------------
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
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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