Every entrance and exit covered. District Attorney Eleanor Grant shook her head. We should cancel the town hall entirely. It's too dangerous. Canceling plays into Simmons' hands, Marcus argued.
He wants to disrupt the community dialogue to show he still has power. And you're willing to risk civilian lives to prove a point, Eleanor challenged. No, Marcus countered. I'm suggesting we use this opportunity to end this situation before someone else gets hurt. Captain Laura Reeves, who had arrived 20 minutes earlier, stepped forward.
He's right. Simmons is escalating. He's planning something dramatic whether this meeting happens or not. Eleanor turned to her suspicious. And how exactly do you know his state of mind, Captain?
Because I trained him, Laura replied evenly. I know how he thinks, how he operates under pressure. Marcus studied Laura carefully. After Wilson's visit to her home, he'd been uncertain where her loyalties truly lay. Her presence here suggested a decision had been made.
If we proceed, Wilson said, redirecting the conversation, we need absolute control of the environment. Limited attendance, full security screening, no exceptions. We also need to consider Simmons's likely approach, Marcus added. He knows standard protocols because he helped write them. We need to be unpredictable.
Laura nodded. He'll anticipate the obvious security measures, perimeter checks, metal detectors, ID verification. But he's resourceful. If he wants in badly enough, he'll find a way. What are you suggesting, Wilson asked.
Let him in, Laura said simply. The room fell silent. Controlled access, she clarified. We identify his most probable infiltration methods and monitor them specifically rather than trying to block every possible entry, we channel him toward options we're watching most closely. That's extremely high risk, Eleanor objected.
So is allowing him to choose the time and place of his next move, Laura countered. At least this way, we set the parameters. Marcus's phone chirped with a message from Sophia. Jamal insists on participating. Says he won't hide.
Another complication. Marcus texted back. Tell him we're discussing security options. We'll call soon. Wilson was already coordinating with tactical commanders, Laura's strategy gaining traction despite Eleanor's objections.
The chief's priorities had shifted from controlling the narrative to ending a situation that grew more dangerous by the hour. There's another factor to consider, Marcus added, further. Based on the community impact documents, we have reason to believe Simmons has been receiving assistance from other officers, current and former, who fear exposure if the investigation expands. You're suggesting police complicity? Eleanor's tone sharpened.
I'm suggesting we can't assume everyone with a badge is on the same side, Marcus clarified. Not with what's at stake. Laura's expression betrayed nothing, but her slight nod confirmed Marcus's suspicion. The battle lines within the department were already drawn. Security teams will be limited to officers I personally clear, Wilson decided.
No one else gets operational details. As the planning continued, Marcus stepped out to call Jamal, finding a quiet corner away from the strategic discussions. I know what you're going to say, Jamal began before Marcus could speak, "that it's too dangerous, that I should stay hidden." "It is dangerous," Marcus confirmed. "Simmons has essentially announced his intention to target the town hall."
"All the more reason I need to be there," Jamal insisted. "This started with me. I'm not letting fear keep me from seeing it through." Marcus recognized the resolve in Jamal's voice, the same determination that had sustained him through the trial, the shooting, and its aftermath. "If you participate," Marcus said carefully, "it will be under the strictest security protocols.
You'll be wearing a vest. You'll have officers with you constantly." "I understand." "No improvising, Jamal. No heroics.
Simmons isn't rational anymore. He's dangerous in ways that go beyond what happened during your arrest." "I know what he is," Jamal replied, his voice hardening. "I've always known." After ending the call, Marcus returned to find the command center reconfigured.
Large monitors displayed the community center's layout, with security positions marked and zones of responsibility assigned. "We've established a communication protocol," Wilson explained. "Dedicated channel, code words for different scenarios. If Simmons appears, we move immediately to contain and neutralize the threat." "Without endangering civilians," Eleanor emphasized.
"Of course," Wilson agreed, though his expression suggested he understood the potential complications of such a promise. Laura approached Marcus privately. "There's something else you should know. The USB drive Simmons mentioned, his insurance policy, it's real. I've seen parts of its contents.
What exactly does it contain? Records of every operation the task force conducted outside proper protocols. Audio recordings of planning meetings where explicit instructions were given to target specific neighborhoods and demographics. Financial records showing how seizure assets were distributed. Names?
Everyone, Laura confirmed. From patrol officers up to the former chief. Dates, locations, specific incidents, enough to reopen dozens of cases and end multiple careers. Marcus absorbed the implications. And if something happens to Simmons?
The information is set for automatic release, Laura revealed. That's why certain people are working so hard to find him first. It's not about bringing him to justice. It's about containing the damage. Including you?
Laura met his gaze directly. I've made my choice, counselor. I'm here, aren't I? Across town, Derek Simmons studied architectural plans of the community center spread across a motel room table. Ray Donovan watched nervously as Derek marked entry points, security positions, and blind spots.
This is suicide, Donovan warned. They'll have the place locked down tight. They'll try, Derek agreed, but they'll follow standard procedures. Predictable. By the book.
Even if you get inside, what's your plan? You can't expect to walk out again. Derek looked up, his eyes reflecting a disturbing calm. Who said anything about walking out? Donovan paled.
Derek, this isn't you. This is stress and exhaustion talking. This is exactly me, Derek contradicted. The real me. The one who understands what's at stake.
He pointed to the town hall announcement. Brooks is dismantling more than my career or the task force. He's attacking the entire system that keeps order. That separates the good people from the predators. So, your solution is what?
Martyrdom? You think that solves anything? It sends a message, Derek replied. That there are consequences for betraying those who protect you. For siding with criminals against cops.
Donovan studied his former colleague with growing apprehension. The composed, methodical officer had been replaced by someone unrecognizable. A man whose grievances had calcified into dangerous conviction. I'm not helping you commit suicide by cop, Donovan stated, backing toward the door. Derek's hand moved to his weapon.