From Hawk's account, Dean learned more about the mother and son who had abducted Sarah's child.
The woman was named Sama; she was a full-time mom.
The teenager who had pulled out a dagger, held it to his mother Sam's throat, and attempted to intimidate Dean was Ta Kel. He was only fourteen, around the same age as Dean's younger brother.
Sama's husband was an ordinary patrol officer in Hawk's squad. While stopping a speeding car, he was suddenly shot, his body riddled with countless pieces of crude metal shrapnel. Though fortunate enough not to die instantly, he developed severe infections and was now in the hospital, barely clinging to life.
As Hawk spoke, his gaze on Dean was pleading.
"I don't know why they'd do such a foolish thing, but their situation is a bit special. Dean, my buddy is still in the hospital. If we send his wife and child to prison, the folks at the precinct will have something to say."
Upon hearing this, Dean fell silent for a moment before nodding. "I can let it go, but you'll need to appease Harry and the child's mother."
Hawk let out a sigh of relief and affirmed, "Don't worry, Harry will definitely understand me!"
"I know he will understand. But the child's mother won't! By doing this, you're essentially strong-arming Harry. I won't get involved; I'll stick to protecting my partner!"
Dean shrugged and said no more.
He knew Hawk was so certain because of the unspoken rules within the police force.
Compared to other countries, the United States isn't just a society driven by relationships; often, those relationships take precedence over the law.
Although it's different from what's advertised, that's the reality.
The PBA card, also known as a 'connection card,' is a prime example.
As members of the police force, their families can obtain a PBA card identifying them as relatives of a Los Angeles Police Department member.
Law enforcement in the United States is very flexible.
If an officer's family member is stopped for a minor offense like speeding, showing the card often means they'll be let off as if nothing happened.
Dean's mother, Sheila, had a PBA card from Dean. The word 'Relationship' was printed on the front in a prominent, bold black font.
Below this, it stated she was a relative of a Detective Captain in the bureau.
So, if Sheila were ever stopped by a patrol officer, even for more serious issues, the officer seeing her PBA card would undoubtedly be 'exceptionally courteous' rather than quick to draw their weapon.
That's the harsh reality.
The bald-headed Hawk, true to his reputation as a senior officer with over ten years of experience, was highly efficient.
About ten minutes later, a frustrated Harry sidled up to Dean. He lit a cigarette, took a few puffs, then sighed and said, "Sarah has decided not to press charges against the mother and son."
He had wanted them sent to jail. But his position meant that doing so would cost him many of his informants—those 'friends'—and undermine his greatest asset to the detective bureau. That's why it was better for Sarah to handle it. Unfortunately, Hawk had persuaded her. Now, while the mother and son wouldn't escape punishment entirely, if they could prove coercion, their chances of going to prison were slim to none.
Seeing Harry's frustration, Dean changed the subject. "How's your daughter?"
"She's still feeling the effects of the medication, but thankfully, her vital signs are normal. Nurses are monitoring her constantly, so she should be fine."
Guilt flickered across Harry's face as he spoke of his daughter. He hesitated, then asked, "Dean, do you think I should propose to Sarah?"
He barely remembered Sarah. But his one-year-old daughter, whom he'd only seen twice, stirred a confusing, powerful protectiveness in him. The moment he'd heard she was taken, his instinctive reaction had been to draw his gun.
Dean nodded. "Sarah is probably committed to being single. Originally, you wouldn't have had a chance. But now, with her brother missing and her daughter nearly abducted, she must be feeling incredibly vulnerable. She'll recognize her own powerlessness and subconsciously seek someone to rely on. If you can help find her brother, even if your proposal isn't successful, becoming the child's acknowledged father shouldn't be an issue." Follow current novᴇls on NovᴇlFɪre.nᴇt
Harry rolled his eyes and cursed with resignation, "FK! This damn women's protection!"
Legally, a woman can freely choose whether to acknowledge her child's biological father. And the father, despite his biological contribution, isn't allowed to privately contact or approach his child if the mother doesn't consent. To do so would be illegal.
Because his child's future was at stake, Harry, for the first time, showed the dedication of a model employee when it came to solving a case. After calming Sarah, he immediately forwarded the chat records she had brought to Daisy. Then, he stood vigil by the mother and son who were receiving medical treatment.
Surveillance footage showed the mother and son had tailed Sarah into the hospital. They were well-prepared and had even planned an escape route, indicating premeditation.
This showed their target had been Sarah's child all along.
This led Harry to realize their actions might be connected to the disappearance of Sarah's brother!
But all of this would have to wait until the pair regained consciousness to uncover the secrets behind their unusual behavior.
Dean's methods had been quite harsh.
Ta Kel, the fourteen-year-old, had suffered a joint fracture in his knife-wielding right hand and a minor concussion. It would likely take him one or two hours to regain consciousness.