Page 16 of Strays
“The suspect, later identified as John Mackenzie, white male, age 22, barricaded himself in Classroom 2-C with twenty-three students. Negotiators were en route, SWAT inbound. Aegis Unit was ordered to approach and hold position outside the classroom door, pending crisis negotiation.”
He doesn’t even look at us as he continues.
“At 0948 hours, the suspect exited the classroom holding a student — male, fifteen years of age — with a firearm pressed to the student’s temple. Witnesses and ballistics confirmed the weapon was a Glock 17, previously discharged at least seven times.
“Despite a hold-fire directive issued over radio, Officer Shane Larsen discharged his sidearm at 0950 hours. The round struck the suspect at the base of the skull. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The student was unharmed, cleared by EMS for minor superficial injuries.”
Johan closes the folder in front of him. “This board will now proceed with direct questioning.”
Balls wastes no time.
“Officer Larsen,” he says, “did you receive the hold-fire order directly through your radio?”
“Yes, sir,” Shane replies.
“And you fired approximately sixty seconds after that order was issued?”
“Yes, sir.”
“In your statement, you claimed you knew the suspect was about to fire. You have some kind of psychic ability we don’t know about, Officer Larsen?”
Shane doesn’t blink. “No, sir. The student tripped on a backpack. The suspect’s posture shifted, arm tensed, trigger finger moved. I made the call.”
“So you fired a lethal round based on a twitch?”
“Yes, sir.” His tone is flat. Balls gets nothing from him, and I couldn’t be prouder.
The psych doc jumps in. “Officer Larsen, what was your emotional state at the time of discharge?”
“Focused.”
“Even after a twelve-hour overnight shift?”
“Yes, sir.”
He turns to the doc. “Doctor Morsel, any hormonal irregularities?”
She keeps her eyes down. “Hormonal levels are within standard post-incident range. That said, we can’t conclusively rule out a transient spike during the event itself.”
It’s absolute bullshit, but the psych nods smugly. “Then I believe we’re done—”
The door opens with a soft click.
“Apologies for the delay,” a familiar voice says. “Travel issue.”
Commander Eneas.
The whole room turns. This time, he’s not alone. His brothers, Deputy Commanders Julius and Leon Eneas, follow closely behind. The presence of the full Eneas pack ripples through the room like a shockwave.
“Commander,” Balls says quickly, “this is just a routine review—”
“I’m aware.” Eneas brushes past him without a glance and takes a seat, his brothers settling in on either side of him. “Where are we?”
“Questioning phase.”
“Then let’s get to it,” Eneas replies, turning to Shane. “Officer Larsen, did you have a clear line of fire?”
“Yes, sir.”
