Page 71 of Fanatic

Richards leapt into his spiel and walked right into my trap. He showed a video of the attack and me firing on the firstman. I already had this, but I didn’t need to show my own now. Richards ran his mouth as I sat calmly. At the end of his statement, we heard the exchange between me, him, and Jimenez. Then, footage played of me shooting the second perp. Richards wound up, looking triumphant.

“As you can tell, ASAC Ware identified herself and then shot immediately both times. Neither time did ASAC Ware give the suspect time to put their weapons down,” Richards concluded.

“Done? Good. My turn.” I picked up the remote-control Richards had used and wound back to where the first guy burst out with the female hostage.

“Ready for this?” I asked. I zoomed in on the perp’s hand and pressed slow motion. Everyone leaned forward as the suspect’s finger tightened on the trigger. Then he squeezed, but before he completed the action, my bullet took him out.

“That’s bullshit!” Richards exclaimed, sitting up straight.

I replayed it several times, and each time, the perp squeezed the trigger to shoot the hostage.

Unconcerned, I sped up to the second shooting. Once more, focusing on the gun hand, we all saw the Fang jam the nozzle harder into the hostage’s head. Moments later, his finger began squeezing, and the bullet jammed.

The Fang snarled and yanked on the trigger again.

A split second before the weapon fired, my bullet took him out, and his shot flew high and wild.

There was silence as Richards ground his teeth. To rub shit in, I replayed the video twice more to ensure everyone saw what I had and turned and stared at Richards.

“My presence isn’t needed. That’s a lawful shooting.” Ventor stated and gathered his files together.

“Well, Richards. I expect your resignation in the next hour,” Markin said.

“No, I’m not resigning! What I said can’t be held up in a court of law!” Richards exclaimed.

Amused, I stood up and turned to Ray. “Perhaps you’d like to explain what grievances I can lay on him and that he’ll be fired. Richards either resigns, or I’ll push my complaints. Considering Richard’s been bad-mouthing me as a murderer to hide incompetence… Shit, don’t look good!”

“You can’t do this!” Richards cried.

“Ray, I suggest you suspend Richards immediately and take statements from those below. I bet half will confirm he’s been slandering me and making accusations,” I said and rose to my feet. “You ready Jimenez? We’ve got interviews, which we’re now late for.”

Markin remained impassive as we left the meeting room. Richards’ voice rose, and I heard shouting as we hit the lifts.

Jimenez looked at me.

“Problem?”

“Nope. Glad you had evidence.”

“Me too.”

“You’d have still found a way to shoot them,” Jimenez said.

The elevator door pinged, and I stepped out and placed my hand on the doors to stop them from closing. Quietly, I leaned into Jimenez, and he stood his ground.

“Over two thousand of those assholes attacked my home. Venomous Fangs had no right to. Greed, ambition, a lack of morals, ethics, and a disregard for the law drove them. Fangs took my fiancé, my future, family, friends, allies, and colleagues from me. Damn straight, I want them dead and will do whatever is necessary to ensure justice is served. You and I might not see eye to eye on that, Jimenez.

“There’s no shame, and you’ll still be promoted if you wish to leave. This time, I was justified. But make no mistake, I’m of the firm opinion those vermin should be eradicated. If you can’twork with that, Jimenez, walk, and I’ll ensure you get the role you want. Yes, I believe in justice and the law. Just not where Venomous Fangs are concerned,” I murmured.

“Officer Sally Kenner. We were dating. Boss, I planned to ask Sally to marry me. Kill as many of those fuckers as you like. Because I’ll have something in my eye each time,” Jimenez said. “No, I don’t want to talk about it either. Now, can we interview Worrell?”

“Sure thing, Jimenez.”

Fanatic

Gladys had Danny today, as Willow had hired her as a childminder. Danny adored the woman, and neither of us saw the point of upsetting Danny and leaving him with strangers. Several times Gladys had sent videos and Facetimed me when I called her at lunch. Gladys was doing the same with Willow.

I hoped Willow’s first day was going okay. She’d been a bit distant Saturday evening and Sunday, almost as if she was working things out in her head.

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