Chapter 77 – "Neighborhood Ties"
Saturday – 10:12 AM – Residential Neighborhood, Los Angeles
The sound of a lawnmower echoed in the distance, mixed with the gentle rustling of leaves stirred by the warm morning breeze. Gustavo calmly parked his car in front of house number 1378, on a street that held a piece of his essence: his roots lay there.
He wore dark jeans, a basic gray t-shirt, and comfortable black sneakers. Underneath the shirt, discreetly hidden in the concealed holster on his inner waistband, was his Glock loaded, but with the safety on. Part of habit. Part of who he was.
He took a deep breath, his eyes roaming the surrounding houses each with its own story. And then, with a slight smile, he climbed the two steps to his parents' house.
Before he could even knock on the door, it opened.
"My son!" exclaimed Carla Silva, opening her arms.
Gustavo smiled, hugging her tightly, feeling the warmth of her mother's skin, the familiar lavender scent she always wore.
"Hi, Mom," he said, his voice naturally soft with her.
"You're thin. I knew you'd show up if I made cheese bread."
"You know me." He laughed.
Leandro Silva appeared soon after, in his electric recliner, a proud smile on his face. Already gray, but with lively eyes.
"There's my boy. Our television hero," he joked, referring to the recent FBI operation that was briefly reported.
Gustavo laughed, putting his hand on his father's shoulder as he entered.
"Media exaggeration. I was just doing my job."
"That's what heroes always say," Leandro replied, winking at his wife.
The house smelled the same as always: fresh coffee, polished wood, and the subtle hint of spice wafting from the kitchen. He sat at the table, watching the kettle whistle on the stove.
"Angela came by the other day, you know?" Carla commented, pouring coffee.
"She said you told her to come get cake," Gustavo said, taking a slice of cornmeal cake.
"And I gave her two pots. That girl is skinny, she needs to eat more." Carla laughed.
"She runs every day, Mom."
"Yeah, but she needs some sustenance."
11:10 AM – In the front yard
After eating, Gustavo went out into the garden with Leandro. The sun was shining softly, and the freshly cut grass filled the air with that fresh scent. Next door, the Dunphy house still looked exactly the same.
Gustavo stared for a moment.
"You should go there. They'll love to see you." Leandro said, fiddling with the herb pot.
Gustavo nodded. He took his cell phone out of his pocket and checked the screen nothing urgent. He glanced at the Glock concealed at his waist. Always with him. Always ready.
"Yeah. I'll stop by."
11:23 AM – Dunphy House
The doorbell rang with its sharp, unmistakable sound. A few seconds later, the door opened with the same spontaneity as always.
"Gustavo?" Claire Dunphy asked, surprised, her eyes lighting up. "My God, look at you! You've grown taller?"
"I think it was just your posture," he joked, smiling.
She opened her arms, hugging him warmly.
"Phil! Come here, look who's alive!"
Phil Dunphy came running from the hallway, wearing a Lakers jersey and overly baggy shorts.
"My favorite padawan! How's the city protector doing?" — he said enthusiastically.
—"Hey, Phil." Gustavo laughed, accepting the hug. "Just stopping by to visit you guys."
—"Do you still live next door?"
—"Not anymore, I'm in an apartment closer to the police station now. But my parents are still there. I came to catch up."
Claire looked at him fondly.
—"You were always so mature... even as a kid. Now look at you, officer. Phil always said you'd end up becoming a secret agent or something."
—"Well... he wasn't that wrong," Gustavo said with a subtle smile, remembering his missions with the DOD.
Phil looked at him, his eyes instinctively dropping to the side of his shirt, where the discreet bulge of his holster indicated what he was carrying.
—"Is that a...?"
—"Yes," Gustavo confirmed, slightly lowering his shirt to reveal the butt of his Glock. "Concealed holster. Only when I'm off duty."
"You're like the Brazilian Jack Bauer!" Phil exclaimed, fascinated. "I need one of those. Claire, do you think I can carry a gun?"
Claire rolled her eyes.
"Only if it's a toy, Phil."
They laughed together. Gustavo accepted the invitation to come in, and soon they were in the living room, surrounded by childhood memories. Old photos, a volleyball trophy of Haley's still on the shelf, and the same couch where he spent afternoons watching movies when he was little.
12:00 PM – Heartfelt Conversations
"You've always had this sense of duty," Claire commented, watching Gustavo fondly. "I've always wanted to protect people."
"I think I grew up with good examples. My parents, and you... always showed me the value of being honest, of caring for others. I just followed that."
Phil took a sip of his soda and tilted his head.
"Have you ever... you know... had to use this?" He pointed subtly at the holster.
Gustavo took a deep breath, considering his answer.
"Yes. On duty, unfortunately, sometimes it's necessary. But it's never easy."
Claire touched his arm.
"You have our respect. You always have. We're very proud of you."
12:45 PM – Back at his parents' house
Leaving the Dunphys' house, Gustavo walked slowly to his parents' house. The sky was now clear, the sun warming his face. He felt at peace.
His mother was on the porch, sitting with Leandro. He joined them, sitting next to his mother, the Glock still firmly and discreetly under his shirt.
"How was it there?" Carla asked, smiling.
"As always. Phil trying to become a secret agent, Claire trying to stop him," Gustavo said, laughing. —"But... it's good to know that, even with everything changing, some things remain."
Leandro looked at him carefully, a sparkle in his eyes.
—"You've changed, Gustavo. But for the better. The city is lucky to have you. And we're lucky to call you our son."
Gustavo didn't answer right away. He watched the birds landing on the power lines. The quiet street. The smell of bread still wafting from the kitchen. The vivid memory of what shaped him.
—"Thank you, Dad. And thank you, Mom. I just hope I continue to make you proud."
Carla took his hand and squeezed it.
—"You already have. Just by being you."
Chapter 78 – "Coffee with Memories"
Saturday – 2:08 PM – Dunphy House
After leaving his parents' porch, Gustavo glanced at the house next door again, hesitated for a moment, and then, on a quiet impulse, headed toward the side door, where he knew Haley Dunphy usually stayed when she was back especially on weekends. It was a side part of the house with a separate entrance, remodeled by the Dunphys a few years ago to provide more privacy for their adult children who came and went.
He knocked lightly.
A muffled sound of indie music escaped through the cracks. It was soft, with piano and female vocals, and Gustavo almost smiled. Haley always had unexpectedly good taste in music.
A few seconds later, the door opened.
Haley stood there, wearing a baggy Rolling Stones sweatshirt and holding a cup of coffee. Her eyes widened at the sight of him, and a look of genuine surprise crossed her face.
—"Gustavo?"
—"Hi, Haley."
—"Wow... You look... different. In a good way." She smiled, her eyes roving him up and down.
—"I hope so. May I?" He pointed inside.
She stepped aside, making room.
—"Sure! Wow, come in. What a surprise!"
2:15 PM – Inside Haley's living room
The space was small but very cozy. Boho-chic style, with colorful pillows, a soft floor lamp, and a scent of vanilla and cinnamon in the air. There were framed photos of her in Paris, New York, and other cities probably during her influencer phase or while traveling for work.
Gustavo sat on the couch, and she grabbed another mug, pouring him coffee as well.
—"Are you armed?" she asked casually, glancing at his shirt, which slightly showed the holster.
—"Always. But just in case." — he replied with a smile.
—"You're officially the most dangerous guy who's ever walked into my room. And I used to date a punk drummer," she joked, throwing herself onto the couch opposite.
—"I'll try not to disappoint you, then." — he laughed.
2:25 PM – Conversation Between Memories and Presents
—"You know, it's funny..." — Haley began, stirring her cup. —"I grew up with you and never imagined you'd become... this. A police officer, a lawyer, and who knows what else."
—"A lot of people didn't imagine it either," he said, relaxing. —"But I guess life showed me the way. And you? I saw your photos. Paris, Tokyo... You've experienced what many people only dream of."
—"Yes, I did... But I also came back." — she shrugged. —"Now I'm focusing more on local campaigns, trying something with sustainable fashion. And sometimes helping my parents with the twins."
"It still feels like a hurricane. But a good hurricane," he said sincerely.
She stared at him for a second longer than usual.
"You've always been different. Even when we were little, you were kind of... quiet, but observant. A little mysterious. Like the boy everyone expects to become a hero in a movie."
"And you were the girl who danced in the backyard like she was in a music video," he countered, and she laughed, throwing her head back.
"Wow! You remember that?"
"I remember everything, Haley."
The silence that followed was comfortable. They both drank their coffee in sync, as if no time had passed. A light breeze blew through the window, making a curtain move gently.
2:40 PM – Questions That Were Never Asked
"Were you ever afraid?" she asked suddenly.
"Of what?"
—"Of dying. Of being out there, armed, taking risks…"
He thought for a moment, letting the weight of the question settle on him.
—"Yes. The first time I had to shoot… my heart almost jumped out of my chest. But fear isn't a problem. The problem is letting fear paralyze you. And I've learned to live with it. Training, preparation, and… believing I'm doing the right thing."
Haley looked at him with an unusual attention. It was a look of genuine admiration, unfiltered by social life.
—"You're kind of… a silent hero, aren't you?"
—"No. I'm just someone who chose to protect."
She scooted closer to the couch, resting her arm on the back, her head slightly tilted.
—"Have you ever thought about coming back here? Like… living around here?"
—"I do think about it sometimes. My parents are still here. And now, seeing you again… it reminds me that sometimes roots are stronger than we imagine."
Haley smiled, a small smile, with a touch of shyness.
"I think it would be nice to have you around more."
3:10 PM – A Farewell That Isn't Over
After more conversation, laughter over childhood stories, memories of shared Halloween parties, and scares in the basement, Gustavo got up. It was time to go.
"Come back more often," Haley said, accompanying him to the door.
"I'll be fine. Now that I know where your secret cave is, I won't disappear for so long."
She hugged him. It was a firm, lingering hug that said more than any other words spoken that afternoon. When they pulled away, their eyes remained one second too long trapped in his.
—"Oh, and Gustavo..."
—"Hm?"
—"If I'm ever in danger, you'll come, right?"
He smiled. Seriously, but tenderly.
—"You know I will."
And then, as if time were spinning again, he walked down the sidewalk again, the lowering sun casting long shadows on the asphalt. The Glock was steady, as always, but his heart... it was slightly warmer.
Chapter 79 – "Tactical and Legal Convocation"
SWAT Headquarters – Metro Division – 8:42 AM
Cold morning light filtered through the armored windows of the second-floor conference room at Los Angeles SWAT Headquarters. The air held a tense, heavy silence, typical of moments when something big was about to be discussed.
Commander Hicks, with his rigid posture and clinical gaze, sat at the head of the conference table. Beside him, Captain Jessica Cortez, impeccable as always in her dark uniform, had a folder open in front of her, filled with printed documents marked with yellow and red Post-it notes.
Jessica frowned and let out a soft sigh, turning another page of the report.
"This is a legal nightmare waiting to happen, Commander."
Hicks nodded slowly, drumming his fingers on the dark wood of the table.
"We have no room for error, Cortez. If this warrant is misinterpreted or if we move forward without proper support... it could wipe out months of work for our division."
Jessica leaned back, taking a deep breath.
"The problem is that the city's legal department is overwhelmed and... honestly? They don't have the sensitivity to understand the operational side of our actions."
"We need someone who speaks the language of tactics and law. Someone who understands the real risk of a dynamic entry and also knows how to navigate a federal hearing."
The silence lasted only a few seconds, until the door opened.
Hondo, Deacon, Tan, Luca, and Cris entered.
All of them had serious, but not tense, expressions. It was one of those entrances where everyone knew they had something to contribute, something to defend.
"Commander, Captain," Hondo greeted, giving a slight nod. "We've heard about the situation."
"And we think we have a solution. A name," Deacon added.
Jessica arched an eyebrow, interested.
"I'm listening."
Tan was the one who stepped forward, his hands in the pockets of his tactical vest.
"Officer Gustavo Silva. Mild-Wilshire. He worked with us on that bank raid a few months ago. Remember?"
Cris smiled lightly.
"He's the one who replaced Tan. The guy is absurd. Calm, precise... and guess what?"
Jessica leaned in.
"Go ahead."
"He's a Harvard-educated lawyer. With experience in DoD operations. He once defended a police officer from our own city and got a full acquittal."
Hicks raised his eyebrows.
"Wait. That rookie officer who joined you on Operation 7C-21... is he a Harvard lawyer?"
Luca nodded with a proud smile.
"And he's not just any lawyer. He specializes in constitutional and criminal law, has worked in federal courts, and according to him has participated in legal analysis groups for joint actions with JSOC and agencies like NCIS."
Jessica looked genuinely surprised.
"Why aren't we using this guy already?!"
Hondo laughed briefly.
"Good question."
Hicks leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.
"Call him. Today. If he's everything you're saying... SWAT just found their ace up their sleeve."
Mild-Wilshire Police Station – 10:17 AM
Gustavo was finishing organizing some reports when the common room phone rang. He answered casually, the pen still clutched between his fingers.
"Officer Silva, Wilshire."
"Silva, this is Commander Hicks of the Metro Division. I need you to come to SWAT headquarters today. We have a situation that requires your legal expertise."
Gustavo froze for a second.
"Yes, sir. I'll be there in twenty minutes."
SWAT Headquarters – 11:01 AM
Gustavo entered in his charcoal gray suit, clean-shaven, and focused expression. He was serious, prepared and impressively calm.
In the room, the SWAT members were seated around the table. Hicks and Cortez at the head, and now also the city attorney, who seemed clearly uncomfortable with the presence of the newcomer—one who came with too much of a resume to ignore.
Jessica was direct.
"Officer Silva, thank you for coming. The sergeants here spoke very highly of you."
Gustavo nodded, opening his briefcase.
"Glad to be of assistance. What's the matter?"
Hicks quickly explained the situation: a search warrant for an armed cell linked to human trafficking, operating in three different residences. A judge had authorized the entry, but the language of the warrant was ambiguous it didn't make clear whether the entry could be dynamic (without warning) or if it would require verbal notification.
"The point is that a forced entry without proper support can invalidate the entire process," the city attorney said irritably.
Gustavo looked at him respectfully but firmly.
"Yes. But the 9th District Court's case law allows dynamic entry if there is an imminent risk of destroying evidence or endangering law enforcement. What is the cell's history?"
Deacon stepped forward.
"Two of the targets have criminal records for homicide charges. One has already attempted to kill a police officer. They're linked to the illegal captivity of Latina women in the Eagle Rock area."
Gustavo looked at the warrant, flipping through it with impressive speed.
"Based on this, we can draft a supplemental affidavit, arguing the exception for security risk to the team. If we include intelligence gathered during the investigation and criminal records, we can ensure full legality upon entry."
The city attorney looked at him suspiciously.
"You're not from the city's legal department."
Gustavo looked back, without arrogance.
"No. But I'm a California barrister, licensed to practice in state and federal courts. And right now, my job is to protect your operation."
Jessica exchanged a look with Hicks, who smirked.
"Can you draft the document, officer?"
"I'm already working on it." — he said, typing quickly on his laptop.
1:15 PM – Document ready
With the legal review ready, solid arguments, well-cited precedents, and an appendix highlighting the tactical risks, Gustavo printed the statement and handed it to the city attorney.
Although reluctant, the man read the text and... little by little, his expression changed.
— "That... that's excellent."
— "You can take it to the substitute judge of the 4th Court. He's already tried cases like this. If you want, I can accompany you to the oral argument."
Hicks looked at Jessica.
— "From now on, Silva is our liaison with legal in all operations that require high tactical risk."
Cortez nodded, almost with a smile.
— "Officer Silva, welcome to the SWAT radar."
3:00 PM – SWAT Common Area
After the meeting, Gustavo was back in the operators' room, now dressed again in his basic black t-shirt. Hondo walked past him, patting him on the back.
"We knew you were good, but this was a whole new level."
Cris, sitting at one of the tables, looked at him respectfully.
"Can you believe this guy has saved lives with gunfire and paperwork?"
Tan laughed.
"Multipurpose."
Deacon approached, extending his hand.
"If you ever want to change divisions, SWAT always has room for people like you."
Gustavo smiled.
"For now, I'll stay on patrol. But if they call, I'll come."
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