Cuffed By The Devil (Mafia Romance) Prt 3

 

Chapter 3  

Hanne POV

I stepped out of training school with a resolute vow: to protect and serve my neighborhood, wherever I might end up. It had always been my dream to be involved with the law. While becoming a lawyer felt out of reach due to the costs, being a police officer seemed like a more attainable goal.

At least that's what my father always said. Still, I often found myself wishing I could pursue a career in law. Working in a District Attorney's office would be preferable to what I witnessed a few hours ago.

"You can't keep quiet all day," Angela said as she parked the car in the lot of Dreadies Gas Station, which is known for its exceptional donuts. I didn’t want to be the cliché cop who eats donuts and drinks coffee, but at least it keeps the energy up.

"I'm not talking to you. I'm sorting things out with our boss," I replied, pushing through the glass door as the bells jingled overhead. I approached the counter. "A medium black coffee, please," I ordered before wandering down the snack aisle.

"That's just how this city operates," Angela remarked.

"Yeah, like Gotham City, right? Corruption is on the rise here," I said, grabbing a box of Giggly glazed donuts; my personal favorite. "Only, there’s no Batman around to take care of the villains, like that woman back there."

I couldn't shake the events of earlier from my mind. She had accepted a bribe from a criminal to dispose of a potential body that might have led to crucial information about gang violence.

Now I understood why Los Angeles ranked among the cities with the worst crime rates. The police department was compromised.

"The Isak family—"

"I’d rather hear about it from the database," I cut her off, knowing she would only glorify the criminals. I wanted the raw details of their dirty deeds.

"Look, everyone is on the Isak family payroll."

"I don’t want any part of it. I refuse to kiss anyone's ass but my boss's. Is he involved too?"

She didn’t respond.

"Come on, cut me some slack here." This city was nothing short of corrupt. "Our boss can’t possibly be involved," I said as I returned to the cashiering counter.

"Just don’t go running your mouth about this," Angela warned.

"I want to know who isn’t under her control—her tight grip."

"A lot of people are currently under her thumb. Look, if you see something, just turn a blind eye. It’s easier that way," she pleaded.

I paid for the coffee and donut, and we stepped outside. I rested the coffee on the top of the car and pulled out my donut. "So what does a cop do around here? Just drive around? I know there are residents who definitely aren’t under her influence."

"None of them are safe; everyone is under her thumb, from Beverly Hills to downtown."

"Now that’s unfortunate because I plan to take her down."

"Come on, give me a break. She owns everything: the strip downtown, the restaurants, all the hotels."

"I’m going to kill her, even if it costs me my life," I said, tearing into the soft donut with frustration. Powdered sugar scattered over my mouth, reminiscent of a greedy addict digging into a sack of cocaine. "And I’ll bury her."

I leaned against the car, sipping the bitter coffee as Angela shook her head. I wasn’t sure why I was confiding in her; after all, she was essentially a cop on the wrong side, and it felt like the entire police department was allied with this woman.

"You’re just a rookie," she remarked.

"I don’t care. I made a vow," I replied firmly.

"Take her money or leave town."

"Neither. My plan is to stay in the city and fight. That’s why I became a damn cop."

"Look, we were all once like you, fresh out of training, eager to change our city, no matter where they sent us. But you'll soon realize that these criminals are not to be trifled with. You’ll just find yourself parking your car on the side of the street and watching the chaos unfold."

"Well, I'll be damned."

Suddenly, I heard tires screeching against the smooth pavement, reminiscent of the morning when Amund's car approached. I looked up, my eyes widening as I saw her car speeding toward the abandoned warehouse. My instinct told me they were returning there, and I intended to follow.

“Let’s go," I urged.

"No." Angela took a step back.

"Why not? Maybe we could catch them doing something incriminating. I mean, I technically saw her doing something shady today."

"Let her be. She paid us off."

"She paid you off!" I shouted, heat flared in my chest as frustration took hold. "Because you’re a damn dirty cop. I’m not. Let’s go, Angela."

"You’re making a big mistake."

"You’re the one making a mistake by accepting a criminal's money. Give me the keys!"

With a growl, she ripped off her cap and rushed to the driver's side. I grabbed my coffee and donuts and slipped into the passenger seat, pulling out the siren.

"What are you doing?" she asked, panic in her voice.

"What does it look like I’m doing?"

"Would you like them to know you're approaching?" she asked.

"Damn, you’re right. At least you’re thinking straight," I replied, retracting the siren.

"You just have to be persistent."

"Just drive. Fast!" I urged, spotting the car ahead on the straight road.

"What's your plan?"

"If I see anything suspicious, I’m cuffing her."

"That’s not a good idea, you know?"

"It’s a brilliant idea."

"These people are not to be messed with."

"I don’t care. Just drive."

************

Angela parked the car out of sight. Whatever Amund was up to, she moved quickly and was soon out of the warehouse.

As she drove past, I leaped out, my gun drawn.

"Get back here!"

"I need to see what’s in there."

"Nothing is in there. You promised we’d just watch. Look, she’s gone; let’s get out of here," Angela said, trailing behind me.

"She’s gone, but I need to know what happened. I think something went down," I replied, pressing my back against the wall.

"I know you want rank, but going about it this way is just foolish."

"Then what's the alternative?"

"Serving the community?"

"That’s exactly what I’m doing," I shrugged as I stepped inside, only to find a body lying motionless in a pool of blood. I glanced around, gun aimed, but saw no one, so I slowly lowered my weapon while staying alert.

"Well, this is unfortunate. I hope it isn't the same body as before," I muttered sarcastically as I approached the remains. The fresh blood still oozed from the gaping wound, and as I drew closer, I realized the body was decapitated.

"Shit."

Angela gagged beside me, turning her head away from the gruesome sight.

I reached for my radio.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Calling it in. What else am I supposed to do?" I replied, directing my mouth toward the radio pinned to my vest.

"You can't. Report everything else, but we don’t mention anything related to the Isak family. It's the rule."

I nodded. "Last time I checked, that rule was supposed to include locking up all the bad guys, not letting them roam free. I’m calling it in."

"You’re going to report a case you won’t be assigned to? You know the detectives will take over."

"I don’t care. I’m bringing it in."

She stepped away as I began notifying the authorities about the potential crime scene. I knew I had a mountain of reports to write.

"You’re being so foolish," she muttered as we waited for the crime scene squad.

"How so?"

"If you think this little stunt is going to earn you a raise or a promotion."

"It’s not just about rank. When I get back to the station, I want a new partner. You’re supposed to be guiding me in distinguishing right from wrong."

"I am showing you right from wrong. I’m trying to keep you alive, to keep that little empty head on your shoulders. In Los Angeles, it's all about survival. You better learn that. You can get another partner, but it will be the same story."

Stay tune for next chapter or subscribe to my Patreon. This book is complete on patreon. Click here

NEXT PAGE