Police in America

The once deserted campus now resembled a chaotic scene, with police and ambulance sirens blaring together, causing nearby residents to fear another school shooting. Leading the way, Hotchner, along with the BAU team and Hannah, moved swiftly through the first-floor corridor of the school building. They held their guns pointed downward, divided into two groups, followed by seven or eight detectives and officers from the LAPD's Southeast Division.

As they reached the entrance, they heard three rapid gunshots from inside, instantly putting everyone on edge.

Though they all had confidence in Jack's abilities, the gunshots were disconcerting. Two crisp shots from a Glock were followed by a dull shotgun blast, causing everyone to imagine the worst.

"Bang!"

As they neared the end of the corridor, the men's restroom door was kicked open before them. Gison emerged, holding his daughter, Lindsay, close. Seeing over ten gun barrels pointed at them, the pair quickly raised their hands.

"What happened in there, Jack?"

Without hesitation, both JJ and Hannah rushed past the two and into the restroom.

"Hey, ladies, this isn't exactly the place for good girls."

Seeing Jack crouched safely beside a corpse, the two women finally breathed a sigh of relief and holstered their guns.

Hotchner and Rossi entered right behind them. When they saw the corpse on the floor, missing half its head, their expressions relaxed slightly.

"I did my best," Jack said, feigning innocence.

Rossi shook his head, unconcerned. After all, the hostages were safe, and the culprit was dealt with, making this case a success.

However, Hotchner frowned, his gaze shifting between the two girls and Jack, as if he wanted to say something but ultimately held back.

They left the "cleanup" to the LAPD. As the group exited the school building, Jack noticed that Gison and his daughter hadn't left yet. Instead, they waited by a police car, accompanied by Pat Manan, who had already changed into a marshal's uniform.

Seeing Jack, Gison let go of his daughter and took a couple of steps forward, extending his right hand.

"Thank you, and of course, thanks to your colleagues as well, for everything you did for my daughter."

Jack smiled and shook his hand. "You're welcome. It's our duty. You have a brave daughter, and I wish you all the best."

Understanding Jack's implied message, Gison smiled and nodded. "We will. You're an interesting young man. If we meet again, I hope we can sit down for a drink."

Unexpectedly, Pat Manan also stepped forward to face Hotchner. Despite his sour expression, he sincerely expressed his gratitude.

"Although I don't particularly like the way you operate, I must admit, without your efforts, things would have gone very badly."

"I hope we can build more trust between us in the future." Hotchner's flawless response made Pat Manan awkwardly pull at his mouth, forcing out a smile that looked halfway between a grin and a grimace.

This case turned out to be the simplest one for the BAU team since their reformation, yet Jack spent two whole days writing the report.

Since the final confrontation happened in a restroom without surveillance, Jack's report, along with the testimonies from Gison and his daughter Lindsay, became crucial evidence for the District Attorney.

Sometimes, necessary procedures still need to be followed, even without body cams.

After reading the flawless report, Hotchner sighed lightly and set it aside, his expression slightly complex as he watched Jack.

The intense scrutiny made Jack nervous. Finally, Hotchner sighed again. "Go see Rossi; he has something to discuss with you."

"Huh?"

Confused by Hotchner's strange demeanor, Jack left, making a right turn out the door to Rossi's office. He knocked on the door.

"Hotchner said you wanted to see me?"

"Huh? Oh, yes, that's right. Come in." Rossi's expression grew even stranger.

He looked like he was trying to say something but hesitated for a long time, making Jack anxious. Did Gison or his daughter say something they shouldn't have during their statements?

"So, what's this about?"

Rossi hesitated for a long time, finally finding the right words. Carefully, he said, "Jack, you know we usually don't interfere in our colleagues' personal lives."

Jack's heart skipped a beat. A voice in his head screamed that his days as a playboy were over—his cover was blown.

"We don't encourage overly intimate relationships between colleagues, but Hotch and I understand that as time goes on, working closely together can make such things inevitable. After all, you're some of the finest young people I've ever seen."

"???"

Jack found Rossi's words odd. Was this not what he thought it was?

Seeing that Jack hadn't reacted with anger or resistance, Rossi seemed to relax.

"Our special team is unique within the BAU. We need to maintain good working relationships with all the local offices."

"And Ms. Stephens (Hannah), as the 'rising star' of the FBI's Los Angeles office…"

Half an hour later, Jack left Rossi's office, feeling dazed.

"Hey, Jack, it's time to clock out. I've got my physical training…"

Reid, no longer the scrawny guy he once was, had gradually built a normal physique thanks to Jack's relentless feeding and insistence on working out. He had even improved enough to handle a couple of street thugs.

Enjoying the benefits, Reid now had a habit of hitting the gym after work every day.

"Uh, my mind's a bit scrambled. You go ahead today; I need to talk to someone."

Shaken by Rossi's words, Jack quickly left, leaving Reid staring after him in confusion.

Late that night, at Maureen's house.

"Hahaha!" Maureen was laughing so hard she curled up on the bed.

"Really? That old man David talked to you about that?"

"Hahaha!"

"Smack!" Jack slapped her increasingly rounded rear in annoyance.

"Can you help me figure out what Rossi was trying to say?"

It took Maureen a while to stop laughing. Out of breath, she asked, "Do you know what David's nickname was in the FBI?"

Jack shook his head, looking puzzled.

"BAU's James Bond."

"Do you know how many women in the FBI fought over that Italian guy back in the day?"

The romantic subplot will remain like this going forward; I won't be adding any more regular female leads. I just can't write that stuff anymore—it's driving me crazy.

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