The van was getting pretty crowded. Angie suggested they step outside. She briefed the brass on the status of her team and the heroic efforts of the FBI agent, Erin Langston and Detective Lucy Holloway. She described the ongoing search for the two men who had tried to blow up the house and what they had found so far.

"They dropped off the first car inside the perimeter, ran through a couple of backyards and drove off in a car they had stashed outside the perimeter. The thing is, sir," Angie paused, then continued. "We think they had inside information. We found mylar coveralls and hoodies in the car they dumped. That's how they avoided the infrared drone camera. They knew we were going in tonight and prepared for it. They got there ahead of us, and they set a couple of traps. We were just lucky that no one was killed."

"There's more," Angie continued. "We got a guy who is willing to testify against the trafficking ring but he needs to be protected. If we have a leak, how can we do that?"

"Where is he now?" Jenkins asked.

"Don't tell us," Miller interjected. He pulled out a notebook and his phone and copied a number. "Call this number. They'll arrange to protect your witness. The Trafficking Task Force will take over the investigation from here, except for your homicide, of course."

Angie was expecting that but some disappointment must have shown on her face.

"Sergeant Hill, I have other plans for you. The task force is very good at what they do, but their focus is on human trafficking. This goes much deeper than that. There is a group behind this that is much bigger than a trafficking ring. They don't shy away from murder, and I suspect you're right that they can reach into the APD when needed."

"I want you to find these bastards, wherever they are. You tell me what you need, and you'll get it."

Captain Miller looked out at the collection of cop cars, fire trucks, news vans and bystanders that filled the street in this normally quiet, staid neighborhood. White flood lights lit the area, creating pockets of darkness that were pierced by red and blue strobes from the emergency vehicles.He shook his head, "This could have been so much worse."

Damien was at Emory. It took him a while to find his niece because he couldn't ask anyone. He wasn't surprised at her condition when he finally entered her room. He had interviewed trauma victims many times with his job at the DA's office. But it was disheartening to see her connected to machines and looking so frail. 

With nostalgia, he remembered her as a vibrant little girl, running from the swing set to the slide and back; fearless.

He covered her hand with his and murmured to her that she was going to be alright. He hoped he was right.

A while later, two nurses came in. They checked her connections and machines, made a few notes, and conferred. It seemed like it was probably a shift change. The tired looking one advised, "The mother is on the way. She should be here within the hour."

Damien said, "Did you hear that Mel? Your Mom is coming. I'll stay here with you until she gets here." He couldn't be sure, but he thought he saw her face relax.