Page 103 of Redeeming Melodies

Just a box.

Small. Plain. Lightweight when I lifted it with gloved hands. The kind of package that screamed trouble to anyone with a badge.

Brought it inside, every instinct screaming trap. But couldn't leave it out there, risk some kid finding it tomorrow.

The watch inside looked ordinary at first. Then recognition hit like a punch to the gut.

Jimmy's watch. The one he never took off, said his grandfather gave him. Face cracked now, band stained dark with what could only be blood.

The note underneath felt like fire in my hands: "The man needs to be taken back."

Fuck fuck fuck.

The phone was in my hand before conscious thought. "Smith. Hospital. Now. Ramirez is making his move."

I didn't wait for acknowledgment. Already running for my cruiser, heart trying to punch through my ribs. The watch kept flashing in my mind - broken glass, bloodstained leather. A message and a promise.

Not this time, you bastard.

The hospital corridors stretched endless, fluorescent lights making everything feel surreal. Found Liam and Caleb in thewaiting room, their faces going pale at whatever they saw in mine.

"What's wrong?" Liam stepped forward, always the brave one. "Jake?"

"Ramirez." The name tasted like copper in my mouth. "Anything unusual tonight? Anyone who shouldn't be here?"

I watched the color drain from his face. "The orderly. About thirty minutes ago. Said he was doing med checks but Jimmy's nurse had already"

I didn't hear the rest. Already moving, gun drawn, badge forgotten because this wasn't about law anymore. This was personal.

The door to Jimmy's room stood half-open. Wrong. Protocol kept them closed at night.

Then I saw him.

Ramirez. Bent over Jimmy's bed like some nightmare come to life. Pillow pressed down where it shouldn't be.

Time slowed. Stretched. Snapped.

"Get the fuck away from him."

He turned, eyes wild, nothing left of the man who'd worn my badge. Just darkness wearing a stolen uniform.

"Should've stayed away, Jake." His voice came rough, desperate. "Some stories need to end."

"Only story ending is yours." Kept my gun steady even as rage made my vision blur red. "Step back. Now."

He moved faster than I expected. The pillow dropped but something metallic flashed in his hand. Not playing anymore. Coming for blood.

I met him halfway. His weight slammed into me but training took over. Redirected, absorbed, countered. His blade caught my cheek - sharp bright pain that barely registered through the adrenaline.

We crashed into monitors, equipment screaming protests. His fist found my ribs but I had him now. Had the angle, had the leverage born from righteousness and rage.

"You don't understand." He spat blood as we grappled. “Jimmy needed to taken care of or else he’ll come for me instead.”

"Don't care." Slammed him harder against the wall, feeling something give. "You're done hurting my people."

Smith and Rio burst in like avenging angels, weapons drawn. Ramirez saw it too - saw the end coming. Made one last desperate move.

The syringe appeared from nowhere, aimed at Jimmy's IV line. Not happening. Not on my watch.

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