Page 52 of Special Agent Jennie

That they hadn’t trusted the police to call 911 first registered as unacceptable and needed an explanation. She meant to get to the bottom of it. Only after they’d caught the burglars, locking them into a bathroom, had they called in for help from the authorities.

Making arrangements to meet Reed at the house, she changed course and drove directly there, arriving in time to see the police car pulling up and Reed right behind them.

Entering with the cops, hearing swear words screamed, she watched as the two officers made their way to the hall where a door had been blocked by a piece of plywood effectively locking in the culprits.

Three Chinese fellows were standing guard by the nailed-up plywood making sure the bodies being thrust against the barrier wouldn’t break out. The older of the men stepped forward, directing his words to the uniformed officer. “Thank you for coming, sir. We hold the bad men here for you to arrest. Mr. and Mrs. Chen wait to make a statement in kitchen.” He pointed behind him.

“What’s going on?”

“I watch them sneak into house and know we need to stop them. Already we late but we bring bats and chase them to bathroom. Mr. Chen is renovating house. We see plywood and nail up wall to make a prison until you come.”

“Very ingenious. You did good. But now you need to move aside, and we’ll get these two off your hands.”

Jennie stepped up to the older of the cops. “What’s your plan, Officer Cooper?”

The man turned and recognition lit up his features. “Hey, Agent Sarnowski, good to see you again.”

“Backatcha.”

“I’m thinking if they had a gun, they’d have used it. Don’t see no bullet holes and no one has been shot. So, we’ll open the blockade and be prepared.” He held up his taser and grinned. “I hope they try something stupid; I really do.”

Nodding, Jennie added, “Reed and I will stick around to be sure you have backup. Then we’ll go and talk with the victims.”

By this time, the other officer had taken the hammer offered by the neighbor and had loosened the half dozen nails holding the wall in place.

Officer Cooper called out. “Don’t try anything funny, boys. We’ve got you covered. Just come out with your hands where I can see them.”

The neighbor helped the police officer slide the plywood away from the door and Jennie watched as two young fools decided to try using their brawn instead of their brains.

Taken unaware, the younger officer still focused on the barrier was caught by surprise. One of the youths pushed against it violently, throwing the poor man back against the wall with the heavy board now on top of him.

Officer Cooper made good use of his taser with the taller of the two. The idiot clutched a chrome toilet brush in his hand, brandishing it like a weapon. A few zaps and he lay useless.

Before Jennie had a chance to prepare, the other boy, heavyset, droopy drawers… scared and mean as sin, rushed toward her intending to thrust her aside and run for freedom.

Her foot came out, tripping the loser. Following up, she landed a swift kick to his ass, forcing him into the far wall. Dazed but furious, sloppy pants rolled to his side, hopped to his feet, and turned to swing at her face.

In seconds, she’d bent the thrust-out arm behind his back and with her knee in his spine effectively trapped him. Grinning, Reed stepped forward, handcuffed the idiot, and peace finally reined.

Officer Cooper handed his own dazed charge to the other cop who’d recovered and looked sheepish. Grinning at Jennie now straightening her clothes, he voiced exactly what she’d been thinking.

“Bloody waste of skin. These racist brats are a menace to society. Should be in school or working rather than on the streets, harassing good people to get drug money.”

Jennie nodded in total agreement. “With any luck, they’ll be in an orange outfit for a while… maybe teach them some manners.”

“Yeah, if only. Probably harden them worse.”

Sad but true.Jennie nodded. “Uh-huh, it’s a damn shame.” Motioning to the kitchen, she added, “I’ll go and see the owners, get the rundown of what went on here… and hope they’ll press charges. Gotta say though, it’s good to see these people looking out for each other.”

“Yeah, and you know why. Because some of the uniforms like to take their time coming out on calls to this neighborhood. Bastards should be written up.”

Jennie turned serious now. “You gonna make the complaint to get the ball rolling?”

Sheepishly, Copper shook his head. “Nope. Got two more years to retirement and I have a sick wife. I need my pension. Can’t take the chance of screwing that up.”

“And there’s a chance it could happen?”

Officer Cooper nodded his head in remorse, his mouth forming a grim scowl. “More like a certainty. A lot of the bosses look the other way. Don’t take well to anyone pointing fingers.”

Heart heavy, Jennie spoke softly, backing off from an unsolvable topic. “Stay safe, Coop.”

“You too, Jen.”

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