Chapter Two

Inside the black unmarked Chrysler 300, the smell was bad—like old coffee and new car air freshener. It made NYPD cop Nathan Luke feel sick. At only twenty-five, he was young for a detective, but right now he felt like he was a hundred. He leaned back against the worn leather of the driver's seat, looking up at the gray, fuzzy ceiling. He wore his NYPD vest, and the weight of it felt like a constant pressure on his chest. The black Glock 19 gun in its holster, attached to his pants just above his left knee, felt heavy— like it was holding him back from a normal life that felt like it was far away.

"You look like death warmed over, kid," his partner Lane said from the passenger seat, not looking up from the case file. The pages flipped, making noise in a world that had suddenly become too loud. "Is it the chemo side effects again?"

Nathan swallowed hard, feeling sick to his stomach. "Yeah," he mumbled, closing his eyes and trying to breathe through his mouth. The bright, green streetlights of Queens were flashing across his closed eyelids, making the feeling of sickness worse. He hoped he could hold it together until they reached the precinct. They could wrap this up and go back to the precinct.

The captain knew he was... he'd understand. "And let Vasko get away while I'm in the bathroom?" Nathan opened his eyes, forcing a grin that wasn't really a smile. "Not a chance. This guy is slick, and we're close. Besides, the paperwork for a rain-out would probably make me feel worse than the medicine." Lane gave a quiet laugh.

"Just warn me before you redecorate my dashboard, okay? The smell of bile isn't easy to get out of the seats." Nathan managed a slightly more real laugh. He focused his eyes back on the building they were watching, pushing the physical discomfort to the side.

The job was a better distraction than the pity. He tried to concentrate on the case, keeping his mind sharp. "Keep your eyes open, Forrest. I think he's going to move tonight." Lane nodded, reaching for his water bottle.

"Let's see. We need to see what other crimes this guy has committed." Lane sighed, typing on the Mobile Data Computer in the unmarked car. "Ah, he's been charged with also committing crimes like assault and battery. Possession of a firearm, and drug possession. He's also been involved in gambling scandals and now he's been involved in credit card fraud," says Lane. "Hmm," answered Nathan.

The city buzzed around them, a constant noise in the silence of the stakeout. An NYPD detective such as Nathan would engage in an undercover operation to investigate credit card fraud by first establishing a fake identity along with a convincing background story. This helps them blend in with the suspect's social circle or network. Nathan would then interact directly with the suspect, possibly by engaging in minor fraudulent activities under the suspect's direction, all while carefully recording and collecting evidence to support a future legal case.

Various methods might be used, such as using fake documents or forming a genuine bond with the suspect like Gordon to understand their modus operandi. The process of conducting an undercover operation involves several critical steps. First, Nathan creates a new identity, including a fabricated history and proper documents, to appear credible. Next, they use this identity to integrate into the suspect's circle by interacting socially, attending events, and engaging in shared activities.

This helps in developing a level of trust with the suspect and their associates. To earn Gordon's confidence, Nathan may observe their behavior, listen to their conversations, and gradually participate in minor scams. This allows Nathan to learn about the suspect's fraudulent practices. Throughout the operation, the detective gathers all relevant evidence, such as audio or video recordings, documents, and statements from witnesses.

Every action and interaction is thoroughly recorded and documented by a detective like Nathan. This detailed record ensures that the collected evidence is reliable and usable in court. Upon completion of the undercover mission, the detective hands over all the evidence to the district attorney's office to pursue legal action. Nathan must conduct their activities within legal boundaries, avoiding any actions that could lead to a violation of the law.

Additionally, the safety of Nathan is a top priority, requiring them to be well-prepared and have a support system available in case of any unexpected situations. There is also a significant risk that the suspect might discover Nathan's true identity. To mitigate this risk, Nathan must take all necessary precautions to remain undetected and ensure their cover is maintained throughout the operation.

"So, about Milo, he says that he wants to be a policeman like you?" Lane asked.

Nathan said, "Apparently he does. He also wants to be a baseball player, I will be taking him to his baseball game tomorrow," Nathan said.

"While you're feeling sick? You can hardly move around. The chemo is weighing you down," says Lane.

"I know. But I'm doing this for him. One day I am not gonna be around anymore. Hmph. I have cancer of course," says Nathan, sighing.

"Okay, well uh, are you gonna tell Ella? She needs to know that you're sick," says Lane.

Nathan nodded his head and said, "No, Lane. She can't know. I don't want to let her down anymore," says Nathan.

Lane nodded his head and said, "Okay. Your words, not mine," says Lane. Lane, sitting in the passenger's seat, was worried about Nathan.

Lane noticed Vasko coming out of the building of bank building. "Hey, there's Vasko," says Lane. Nathan opened his eyes and he looked at Vasko. Nathan sighed and he leaned up in his seat.

"So why did Mrs. Foremost not tell us who he was. Why did she lie about the fact that she doesn't know why Gordon Vasko has stolen her son's five thousand dollars out of his credit card," wondered Nathan.

"I mean she could be helping him take money from her son, due to maybe revenge or something," says Lane.

"Yeah, that's a possibility," answered Nathan.

Nathan grabbed his gun in a gentle gesture not knowing if he needed to pull it out of his holster as he couldn't tell that Gordon was gonna pull out his gun since he had met up with Scott.

Nathan was thinking Scott might be in trouble since he met up with Gordon and they'd look like they were both arguing. Until Gordon pulled out his gun and shot Scott in the chest. Gordon ran off after shooting Scott and Nathan and Lane immediately got out of the car at the same time they'd grabbed their guns and they'd both started running away from the car and running after Gordon. Nathan and Lane ran together and followed Gordon as they ran after Gordon—although Nathan had stopped running to catch his breath and he was panting at the same time he was wheezing and he began coughing.

He knelt over his knees and he closed his eyes trying to catch his breath. Lane had stopped running after he turned around and noticed Nathan looking pretty sick. "Are you alright?" Lane asked. "Yeah," answered Nathan, nodding his head, opening his eyes, and he continued panting and then continued to cough. "I'll go get him," says Lane, before he runs off to catch Gordon Vasko.

Nathan stood straight up and he continued panting. Nathan put his gun back into his holster before he kneeled over facing the ground once again, and he touched both his knees and he leaned straight back up once again. His breathing had finally settled down. Nathan turned and he noticed Lane walking up to him with a handcuffed Gordon along with him. After Lane and Vasko walked up to Nathan, he said, "Hey Vasko, we've been searching for you." Gordon rolled his eyes. "Come on," says Nathan, continuing the conversation. After he and Lane, and Gordon started walking together headed toward the car.

Eventually Gordon was taken into custody and on Saturday afternoon Nathan came and was with Milo walking down the sidewalk of the elementary school walking towards the baseball field and Nathan was feeling a bit more tired than usual after his first round of chemo. Milo was holding Nathan's hand and Milo could tell that his daddy was tired.

Milo was looking up at Nathan before he even spoke to his father. "Daddy?" Milo said. "Hm?" Nathan asked. "Are you gonna be taking me to all the baseball games from now on every Saturday?" Milo asked. "I don't know buddy, if that's what your mommy wants," says Nathan. "Oh," answered Milo, in a gentle tone as he looked down at the ground.

Nathan looked at his son Milo and noticed he looked a bit upset. "But I can try to convince Mommy for me to take you to every game," says Nathan. Milo looked at Nathan.

"Really?"

Nathan smiled at Milo, "Yeah." Nathan nodded his head.

"You will do that for me?" Milo asked.

"Yeah," answered Nathan.

"Promise?" Milo wondered.

"Mm-hm," answered Nathan.

"Okay, daddy," answered Milo.

Nathan said, "Hmph," and he looked away from his son. Milo sighed before he asked Nathan if he was gonna live with him and Ella together again.

"Milo, your mommy and I are kind of just friends now," answered Nathan.

"What do you mean?" asked Milo. Nathan sighed and said, "Let's just focus on winning your game; can we do that?"

"Okay, daddy," answered Milo.
Nathan and Milo continued heading towards the baseball field. Milo met up with his coach and his teammates. He sat down at the bench, and Nathan sat down at the bench next to the other parents.