Page 9 of Close Protection

As Julia approached, the chief glanced up and beckoned her in with two fingers, still speaking into the phone. "I understand your concerns, Councilwoman, but my department operates independently of political pressure. When I have something to share, you'll be the first to know."

She hung up without waiting for aresponse and fixed her attention on Julia. "Close the door and hit the privacy screen."

Julia complied. The glass walls frosted over, cutting them off from curious eyes in the bullpen. When she turned back, the chief was studying her with narrowed eyes.

"You requested me, Chief?" Julia remained standing, hands clasped behind her back, the posture of attention ingrained since the academy.

"Sit, Scott." Diana indicated the chair across from her desk. "I've got a protective detail for you. High-risk witness in a developing case."

Julia sat, keeping her back straight, expression neutral. "Yes, ma'am."

The chief tapped a file on her desk. "What do you know about the Seraphim Syndicate?"

The name sent a jolt of recognition through Julia. Every officer in Phoenix Ridge knew of the syndicate—a shadowy organization that had wormed its way into the city's infrastructure over the past decade. Real estate fraud, money laundering, political corruption. They operated with near-impunity, protected by their web of influenceand the difficulty of tracing their activities.

"Major criminal enterprise," Julia replied, mentally cataloging what she knew. "Led by Vincent Knox, though he maintains a legitimate public face. Specialized in financial crimes, particularly real estate development fraud. Multiple investigations have failed to gather sufficient evidence for prosecution."

Diana nodded, unsurprised by Julia's thorough knowledge. "Until now." She slid the file across the desk. "We have a whistleblower. Forensic accountant who's uncovered evidence linking Knox directly to multiple fraudulent developments and bribes to city officials. She turned everything over to the DA's office yesterday."

Julia opened the file, scanning the first page. "How credible?"

"Rock solid. She's a specialist in financial forensics with a reputation for meticulous work. PhDs in both Mathematics and Financial Forensics. Previously consulted for the FBI on high-profile fraud cases."

"Dr. Ivy Monroe," she read aloud.

"She's received threats," Diana continued. "Office break-in two days ago. Message leftwas clear enough to spook her into requesting protection. Given what she knows and who she's testifying against, those threats should be taken very seriously."

Julia turned the page to review the threat assessment. "Syndicate enforcers?"

"Likely. Knox doesn't tolerate betrayal, and he views anyone opposing him as a personal affront. Monroe's testimony could bring down his entire operation. We've already moved her to a temporary safe location downtown, but we need a more secure arrangement."

Julia nodded, processing the information with methodical precision. "Why me specifically, Chief?"

Diana leaned back in her chair, fingers steepled. "Your record with witness protection is impeccable. No losses on your watch. Plus, I need someone who can't be bought or intimidated."

The unspoken implication hung in the air between them. The syndicate's tentacles reached far, possibly even into the department itself. Julia felt a familiar cold resolve settle in her chest.

"You don't know who you can trust," she said simply.

"I trust you, Scott." The chief's gaze was unwavering. "Your grandmother saved my career when I was a rookie. Your mother trained me. And I've watched you closely enough to know you're cut from the same cloth."

Coming from Chief Diana Marten, it was high praise indeed. Julia inclined her head slightly, acknowledging both the compliment and the responsibility it carried.

"What's the plan?"

"Initial assessment at the downtown safe house. Detective Rivers is with her. You'll take primary responsibility for her protection, with Rivers as backup. Once you've evaluated the situation, we'll move her to a more secure location." Diana's expression hardened. "This case is compartmentalized. Information flows up to me only. If anyone else asks, you're on administrative leave following that shooting review."

Julia absorbed the orders, mentally adjusting her plans. "Timeline for testimony?"

"DA's office is building the case now. Grand jury in approximately three weeks, ifall goes well." Diana tapped a finger on her desk. "Keep her alive, Scott. She's not just our best chance to take down Knox; she's our only chance."

"Understood, Chief."

"One more thing." The chief's voice dropped slightly. "Dr. Monroe has a…strong personality. She's not accustomed to following orders or restrictions. Handle her carefully. We need her cooperation."

Julia allowed herself a small, tight smile. "I can manage difficult witnesses."

"I'm sure you can." Diana rose, signaling the end of the meeting. "Check in with Rivers at the safe house. Address is in the file. And Scott?"

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