Chapter Fourteen

Trinity

The words coming out of Lachie’s mouth were starting to scare me. Who would have thought things would spiral out of control like this? I couldn’t help but wonder what might have happened if that night had gone differently. But hindsight is always 20/20, isn’t it? How were we supposed to know that we weren’t the ones under investigation, but just pawns in a game played by a corrupt police precinct?

My thoughts were interrupted by the rising voices in the room.

Stephen said, “Look, I get it, okay? But if you want me to uproot my entire life, you need to give me more information. This is a big deal. I need to go home and talk this over with my wife.”

I reached out and squeezed Stephen’s hand, trying to calm him down. “Can you help us understand why?” I asked. “I think that’s what my husband is trying to say.”

“No,” Stephen said, “I’m not trying to say anything. I want to know everything. I’m not making a decision based on half-truths. I’ve done that before and it got us nowhere. Benji, Lachie, I hope you understand where I’m coming from. I have a wife and three kids to protect. Any decision I make affects not just them, but my extended family—Clint, Mia, and their kids.”

Lachie said, “What I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this room. I’m not saying this to scare you. I’m telling you this because it needs to be said. If this information gets out, you’ll be arrested. Is that clear?”

Stephen nodded. “Understood.”

Lachie continued, “The officers in question have been under investigation for some time. They’ve been violating people’s civil rights, using excessive force, and filing false police reports. There are several rogue officers in their precinct who are willing to commit any number of crimes at Captain Grounds’ behest. They’ve been stopping cars and searching properties without justification, then stealing cash and other valuables from the occupants and sharing it amongst themselves.”

Stephen said, “I saw that firsthand when they smashed my car after a stop.”

Lachie went on, “There have been countless reports of police brutality that Captain Grounds and the Internal Affairs Bureau have ignored. But what’s even more alarming is that we have a body count of four that we know of. These people were last seen in police custody and then they disappeared. The precinct claims they left and were never seen again. CCTV footage shows people coming and going from the station at the time, but nothing that confirms their identities.”

Benji said, “Tell them everything, Lachie.”

I asked, “What haven’t you mentioned yet?”

Lachie said, “We have evidence to suggest that the Chief of Police is also involved. They’re scrambling to cover their tracks since Benji approached him. They think they’re safe because Benji went to them, but that was the catalyst for us to confirm the Chief’s involvement. You’re not privy to all the case findings, but there was a lot of chatter on the back end before the sting operation on Grounds and Peters.”

Clint asked, “Such as?”

Lachie said, “Detective Grounds and Peters are just small players in this. They were sent to meet you that night as pawns. The real heads of this operation are the Captain and the Chief. Which brings me to why you’re being moved. If you don’t cooperate, I’ll have no choice but to take you into protective custody against your will.”

Stephen asked, “What does that mean exactly?”

Lachie said, “There’s been a hit placed on all of you. The Chicago Police Department has ordered your arrest on sight.”

I said, “You’ll have to excuse my skepticism, but why should we believe you? Aren’t you a cop too?”

Benji said, “I’ve seen the order myself.”

Stephen said, “Fuck.”

Benji said, “I know, mate. I’m sorry.”

Stephen said, “Okay. We move then. Where?”

Lachie said, “That will be discussed with our protection team. It will be undisclosed even to us for now.”

Stephen asked, “What about Dave and Felicity?”

Benji said, “Lachie is working on protocols for them too. Even though there’s no credible threat against them, I’ve explained the concerns about their potential involvement and the risk of them becoming targets if they stay behind.”

Clint said, “We won’t leave a man behind. You know that, Benji.”

Benji said, “I know, mate, and—”

Lachie said, “We’ll do everything we can to make sure it happens.”

Mia asked, “Where will we be moved to?”

Lachie said, “Out of the country until we’re sure the threat is no longer imminent.”

Stephen asked, “Will we be moved together?”

Lachie said, “Yes. It’s safer in numbers right now.”

Clint asked, “And how long will it take to know about Dave and his family?”

Lachie said, “I hope to have an answer for you tomorrow so you can all leave together. Any other questions?”

Stephen said, “I’m sure there are. I’m just having trouble processing everything right now. It’s a lot to take in. I need some time to discuss this with my wife and family before I can think about it any further.”

Lachie said, “I understand, but time is of the essence. I need an answer by tomorrow at lunchtime or I’ll have to make a call.”

Stephen asked, “Meaning?”

Lachie said, “Meaning, in the worst-case scenario, we may have to forcibly remove you against your will if the threat escalates. I don’t want to do that, especially with young children involved. But this is a serious situation and my job is to keep you all safe.”

I said, “Thank you.”

We finished up and headed out to our cars to go back to Clint and Mia’s.

I asked, “Well?”

Clint said, “Let’s get back and I’ll roll a blunt. This is a family decision, right? So let’s decide as a family.”

Stephen said, “Okay.”

I said, “Okay.”

Mia said, “Okay.”