Carles walked in front, Felix following a step behind. The three of them entered a briefing room where several people were already gathered — Deputy Chief Robin, Sergeant Collis from another unit, and a few officers working at their computers.
Robin gave Collis a nod to present the situation.
Pointing to one of the officers, Collis said,
"Our team, using the account provided by the dealer we picked up earlier, added 'Night Angel' through the department's covert profile. We posed as teenagers, asking whether he had product, the price, the location, the time, and the method of the deal.
We expected this to be a drawn-out, difficult engagement. Instead, Night Angel replied almost immediately. He's in Irvine and has various cannabis and cannabis-based products. We settled on thirty dollars for an eighth of an ounce, and told him our school was holding a party — that we might need more product — so he should come today. He agreed.
The deal's set for the parking lot behind Happy Sparrow Café on Jean Road. Based on the distance, he should arrive no later than two or three in the afternoon."
Robin turned to Carles and Collis.
"Take your teams and get into position early. Have full plans for both interception and arrest. I'll keep up the contact with Night Angel to ensure he doesn't suspect a thing. Once his arrival is confirmed, officers on scene must immediately verify his identity and take him down. Under no circumstances do we let him get away. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
Felix followed the two sergeants out. They walked ahead, discussing personnel assignments and coordination. None of that concerned him. With so many officers in play, too many eyes on the scene, there was no room for shooting a target unless absolutely necessary.
This would be a routine op. Just follow orders and do the job.
Ding.
His phone buzzed.
A message from Rachel: I'm already back at school. When are you coming to pick up the car?
Felix thought for a moment, then typed back: I've got a patrol car and I'm busy. Just keep it for now — we'll talk later. Putting my phone on silent.
Rachel read the reply and clenched her teeth. Bastard.
Felix didn't care what she thought. He greeted Mark and Frank, who had just returned, and the two teams moved quickly toward the meet location.
The officers parked their vehicles far off in concealed positions while the sergeants scouted the lot and its surroundings.
Mark wandered over with a smirk.
"Killer with a Badge — you've been on fire lately, buddy."
Felix rolled his eyes.
"Drop that nickname and we can still be friends."
"What's wrong with a nickname? It means people respect you. Three in a matter of days — that's unprecedented."
"Don't give me that. If you really respected me, you'd make up your own nickname instead of using one from the papers." Felix wasn't buying it. Killer with a Badge didn't sound cool at all.
Before they could continue, Carles's voice came over the radio:
"All units, listen up. There are two streets in front of the Happy Sparrow Café. Four officers, in pairs, will monitor them. If you see a suspicious vehicle, report immediately. If the arrest fails and the suspect flees onto the street, pursue at once and do not let him escape.
Behind the café is the parking lot where the deal will take place. Felix, you and Mark will be in a concealed vehicle there. Keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles or individuals. Once the suspect is confirmed, on my order, block his car immediately and prevent escape. Stay safe.
There are several side streets next to the lot. The suspect is from out of county and likely unfamiliar with the layout. Other officers will conceal themselves along these streets, and, on my order, rush in to block all escape routes.
Collis and I will be inside the café in plain clothes, posing as customers, and directing from there. Lunch is on your own, but ensure at least one person stays on station at all times. Clear?"
"Clear."
"Clear, sir."
"Move out."
"OK, we're paired up. Let's head back to change into plain clothes, then take our own cars. Hey, buddy, how about your XT4? I've never driven it — come on, let me." Mark held out his hand for the keys.
Felix batted his hand away and climbed into his patrol car.
"Nope. Someone else has it. We're taking your Corolla."
"I remember you paid for that car in full. How'd you let someone else take it? Ohhh, I get it — it's a woman, right?" Mark grinned as he drove.
"So what if it is? I'm a perfectly normal adult with normal needs." Felix twisted open a bottle of water from Mark's cup holder.
"Yeah, normal. But here's a word from experience, brother — women are tigers."
Pfft.
Felix sprayed water, choking and coughing.
"Cough—cough—man, you're twenty-eight, not married, and that doesn't sound like something a high school grad should be saying."
"I can't have experience? And for the record, I only didn't go to college because my family was broke. My grades were great — I ranked 287 in my year."
"Yeah? I don't buy it."
"You can walk home, then!" Mark snapped.
Mark had always been sore about not going to college, telling himself that if he had, he'd be a top lawyer or doctor by now. In reality, with his grades, he wouldn't have made it into any good law or medical program.
They changed clothes, then took Mark's Corolla to the parking lot behind Happy Sparrow Café, picking a spot that gave them both a clear view and the ability to block an exit instantly.
"Mark and Felix in position."
"Copy. Keep watching — no sign of the suspect or vehicle yet."
"Understood."
They reclined their seats and waited. Felix went out for some fast food, and they ate in the car.
From their vantage point, they could see Carles and Collis through the café's window — eating steak, pasta, and sipping drinks. Felix figured if the op didn't forbid alcohol, they'd be having a toast.
"All units, be advised: we've confirmed the product and cash with Night Angel. He could appear at any moment. Stay alert."
Carles had just stuffed a forkful of pasta into his mouth when the update came through. He gulped it down with a drink, coughed, and keyed his radio:
"Units at the street corner, report. Any sightings?"