Chapter 101-102-103 - The Lawyer and Policeman

Chapter 101 – "Armed Efficiency"

7:30 AM – Morning Briefing | Mid-Wilshire Police Station

Sergeant Wade Grey walked around the conference room with a satisfied expression. New Safariland ALS/QLS holsters were lined up on the table, Glocks 17s and 19s distributed among the officers on duty, and the watchful eyes of rookies and veterans alike.

Beside him, Officer Gustavo Silva was making final adjustments to a presentation slide:

"Today we completed a week with the new equipment operational in real service. And reports show an average 16% faster response time when drawing and using weapons, zero malfunctions, and increased accuracy in defensive fire, as demonstrated by simulated field tests."

Lopez, standing next to Lucy Chen and Jackson West, smiled:

"It seems you weren't exaggerating, Silva."

"I never exaggerate when it comes to weapons." he replied, with a touch of humor.

Grey intervened:

"We'll divide the patrols according to the areas of highest incidence. And remember: efficiency is no substitute for caution. State-of-the-art weaponry doesn't mean haste. It means preparation."

Captain Zoe Anderson entered the room at precisely 7:31 AM.

"Officers. Just an update: We've already had three reports from other districts requesting access to our performance data. If things continue at this pace, we may have this model expanded to the rest of the city. And that's thanks to you."

Gustavo discreetly adjusted his holster, but his eyes were alert. He knew: good equipment isn't everything. Tactical, psychological, and ethical use is what transforms a tool into protection.

9:00 AM – Patrol Underway | Area 6 – South La Brea

Lopez and Chen were paired up. It was the rookie's first shift with all the new equipment. The Glock 19 MOS was perfectly seated in the Safariland holster, adjusted to Lucy's right hip. Lopez looked at her with almost maternal attention.

"Do you feel a difference?"

"Completely. Lighter, firmer, the holster doesn't move on the car seat, even when I get in and out quickly."

The radio crackled:

"Unit 6-A6, armed man in supermarket parking lot. Suspect threatening security with a knife. Address: 9342 Venice Blvd."

Lopez quickly activated the panel siren.

"Let's go."

They arrived in 3 minutes and 9 seconds, a time shorter than the old standard.

As soon as they exited the patrol car, Lopez took up position with the Glock 17, red dot aligned with her dominant eye. Lucy covered with alternating angles, as practiced. The suspect, a middle-aged man, waved the knife while holding his torn shirt.

"Drop the knife! Now!" Lopez shouted.

The man hesitated, turning toward Lucy.

"FREEZE!" Lucy shouted, but firmly, both feet planted, her Glock 19 in a perfect isosceles position.

It was the firm holster and quick draw that allowed her to keep the weapon in line, without hesitation. The man dropped the knife.

Lopez ran, handcuffing the suspect.

"That's the power of preparation. And of a weapon that never fails."

Lucy, sweating, nodded.

"It was automatic. As trained."

11:45 AM – SWAT Operation | 20-David | Warehouse in Boyle Heights

Hondo was with Gustavo, Cris, Tan, Street, and Deacon on a high-risk mission. A criminal group was holding hostages in a warehouse after stealing a shipment of diamonds. The information came from headquarters: at least five armed men, two of whom had military backgrounds.

Gustavo was checking his SIG MCX inside the SWAT vehicle. The magazine was locked, the gas system adjusted, the red dot aligned with the laser. Beside him, Cris Alonso was checking the MK18 with surgical perfection.

"How's your breathing?" she asked.

"Controlled. I heard yesterday my mom called yours. They're planning a barbecue together."

Cris laughed:

"Latinas."

Hondo interrupted them over the radio:

"Tactical entry through the side of the warehouse. Gustavo, Cris, you guys go ahead with me. Deacon cover the emergency exit with Tan and Street."

BOOM. The diversion bomb was thrown. They entered.

Gustavo's MCX responded with precision. Two suspects were armed behind makeshift barricades. A controlled shot hit one in the arm, causing him to drop his weapon. Cris acted in sync, neutralizing the second with a non-lethal shot to the leg.

"Hostages to the right!" Gustavo shouted.

Street and Tan provided cover while the hostages were evacuated. It all happened in less than four minutes after entry. Hondo looked at the team:

"Zero civilian injuries. Zero collateral damage. Zero weapons failures. This... is excellence."

Deacon touched Gustavo's MCX:

"This toy is responsive. Now I understand why you insisted so much."

Gustavo nodded, taking a deep breath.

"When the weapon responds to your mind before your finger even pulls the trigger, you gain precious seconds. And lives are saved in those seconds."

2:00 PM – Report and Statistics | Command Room

Zoe, Grey, and Gustavo were sitting analyzing the day's events so far.

"If you continue keep going at this pace, our rate of incidents with peaceful outcomes will exceed 90% this month," Zoe said, scanning the data.

Grey lit an e-cigarette, just to ease the tension:

"Silva, the truth is, you didn't just bring weapons. You brought a culture of conscious efficiency. You brought responsibility along with technology."

Gustavo looked at the graphs.

"I just translated what I learned abroad—at the DOD, with the feds—to our reality here. And I adapted it with the heart of someone who experiences it on the street."

Zoe smiled, her hard expression softening:

"And the best part is that the troops are accepting this with enthusiasm. No resistance. No vanity. Only commitment."

6:00 PM – Night in Progress | Patrol on Crenshaw Boulevard

Gustavo was now in a patrol car with Bradford. They had been assigned to a patrol. The sun was setting, and orange reflections pierced the old buildings.

Bradford adjusted his new holster:

"Funny. I spent years training soldiers, recruits, and officers. I never thought a lawyer would join the police force and make such an impact."

Gustavo laughed:

"Me neither. But one thing I learned: the pen protects the Constitution. The gun protects those who believe in it."

The radio interrupted the conversation:

"Unit 2-A4, possible hijacking of vehicle with victim inside. In progress. 4050 Crenshaw Blvd. License plate: 8VZK223."

Gustavo replied:

"Unit 2-A4 en route. ETA two minutes."

They arrived quickly. A gray SUV was careening dangerously through traffic, running lights. Gustavo accelerated, and Bradford read the license plates. The SUV crashed into a pole.

Before they could react, the driver got out, gun drawn. Gustavo got out of the moving car, rolling onto the side of the hood, drawing his Glock smoothly. His training and his holster responded.

THUD! THUD!

Two shots. Non-lethal. One to the arm and the other to the shoulder of the suspect, who fell. Bradford moved forward to handcuff him. Gustavo ran to the car and opened the back door.

A young woman trembled, bound with duct tape.

"You're safe now. Breathe. I'm Gustavo, LAPD. Everything's okay."

She looked him in the eye and, for the first time since the kidnapping, let out a relieved cry.

9:30 PM – Equipment Room | Mid-Wilshire Police Station

The officers returned. Sweaty clothes, tired faces, but bright eyes.

Lopez, sitting next to Lucy and Jackson, calmly cleaned her gun.

—"Today you used equipment that will be with you for years. But more important than the gun… is the head. Never forget."

Bradford touched Gustavo's shoulder:

—"It was a good day, Silva."

—"It was a safe day, and that's what counts."

Zoe appeared in the doorway, Grey at her side.

—"Officers. Congratulations. Keep up the good work. Every gun we handed out came with the responsibility you honored today."

Gustavo remained silent, just observing.

He knew there was more to do. But for today, the city was a little safer.

And that was enough.

Chapter 102 – Mission New York

7:12 AM – Mid-Wilshire Police Station | Captain Zoe Anderson's Office

The sound of the coffee machine was soft but constant. A day beginning with paperwork. Captain Zoe Anderson leafed through recent reports, while Sergeant Wade Grey, standing beside the desk, stared at a specific document with a slight expression of surprise.

"It's official, Zoe," Grey said. "This came directly from the NYPD commissioner. As much as it surprises me, they want it."

Zoe closed the folder, her eyes fixed on the name printed at the top of the page: Officer Gustavo Silva.

"They saw the reports. The drop in negative response in tactical operations, the success rate with proportional use of force, and the improvements in equipment. They don't just want the weaponry, Wade. They want to understand the logic behind the choice. And only Gustavo can explain that."

Grey crossed his arms.

— "Then it's time to call him. Let's see if he's ready to take the mission from Los Angeles to New York."

8:01 AM – SWAT Equipment Room | Headquarters 20-David

Gustavo was finishing adjusting the frame strap on a SIG MCX rifle, freshly cleaned after the last simulation. With him were Luca and Street, each calibrating their equipment.

Cris Alonso came through the door with a coffee for him.

"Your morning dose of courage," she said, handing him the thermal mug.

Gustavo smiled.

"You're already my daily dose of courage."

She laughed, leaning against the cabinet next to him. Before they could continue their conversation, Cris's radio crackled:

"Officer Silva, please report to Captain Anderson's office immediately."

Street raised an eyebrow.

"Uh-oh. Officer called, name and all. Must be serious."

Luca joked:

"Maybe she discovered you're too good at choosing weapons. She'll ask you to become a fabricator now."

Gustavo gave a tight smile and nodded.

"Let's see what this is about."

He gave Cris a quick kiss on the forehead.

"I'll tell you later."

8:25 AM – Captain Anderson's Office

Zoe was sitting, Grey standing beside her. Gustavo entered, adjusting his uniform and looking attentive.

"Captain, Sergeant. I've been called?"

Zoe stood.

"Sit down, Gustavo. This is important."

Gustavo sat, folding his hands on his knee.

"Did something happen?"

Grey took a printed sheet and placed it on the table.

"You've been requested."

Gustavo raised his eyebrows.

"Requested by whom?"

Zoe calmly replied:

"By the NYPD Commissioner's Office. They were impressed with how Mid-Wilshire and SWAT have operated since the introduction of the new weapons and equipment. They want you to go there, visit some stations, and share the selection, implementation, and training process. More than that, they want to understand how you managed to integrate all of this into the patrol culture."

Gustavo took two seconds before answering:

"New York...?"

Grey nodded.

"The city that never sleeps wants to learn from a Californian."

Gustavo took a deep breath.

"This is big. Do they want a presentation? A hands-on demonstration? A command meeting?"

Zoe handed him a flash drive.

"All of this. You'll be meeting with lieutenants, sergeants, and patrol and specialized unit commanders. They want to see what you considered when you chose each piece. And more importantly, they want to understand the philosophy behind it."

Gustavo leaned back in his chair, processing.

"I accept."

Grey smiled.

"We knew you'd say that."

Zoe stared at him.

"But don't forget. You represent our city now. Go with pride. And with attention to detail. You're our link between what works here and what can work there."

9:45 AM – SWAT Headquarters | Office of Commander Hicks and Captain Cortez

Gustavo went straight to his second stop of the day. As soon as he entered, he was greeted by Jessica Cortez, who smiled when she saw him.

"You heard?"

"Yes. Zoe and Grey called me."

Commander Hicks emerged from a nearby meeting, holding a tablet.

"Silva. You've been requested by the NYPD. Do you know what that means?"

"That I'll freeze in the winter?" Gustavo replied, half-laughing.

Hicks laughed too.

"It means your influence as an operator, lawyer, and instructor has rubbed off on you. They want to know the brains behind our efficiency."

Cortez added:

"And we're supporting you. You'll represent both Mid-Wilshire and SWAT. We're proud of you."

Gustavo nodded in thanks.

"Then it's time to pack."

11:10 AM – Gustavo and Cris's Apartment

Gustavo turned the key in the apartment door. The space was cozy. Photographs of missions, diplomas, law books, and police tactics decorated the shelves. In the living room closet, custom-made holsters and equipment were neat and organized.

He put his backpack on the couch and went straight to the bedroom.

Cris was sitting on the bed, applying protective wax to her ballistic vest. She looked at him.

"So?"

"Confirmed. I'm going to New York."

She raised an eyebrow.

"When?"

"In two days. I'll be there for a week. Several meetings, briefings, maybe some practical training. Representing Mid-Wilshire and SWAT."

She smiled proudly.

"I knew this was coming. You don't do anything halfway."

He opened the closet and began sorting out clothes. Ceremonial uniform, civilian uniform, and technical uniform. A set for each type of meeting. He placed the suitcase on the bed and began folding carefully.

"And you? Will you survive without me for a week?"

She moved closer and hugged him from behind.

"If it's for a mission like this, I'll survive. But you owe me dinner when you get back."

"Deal."

1:30 PM – Los Angeles Mayor's Office

Gustavo, alongside Captain Anderson and Commander Hicks, was personally authorized by the Mayor. A symbolic but important gesture.

The Mayor shook Gustavo's hand:

"You don't just represent us, Gustavo. You show that innovation and courage can go hand in hand. Have a good trip."

7:00 PM – Night at Home

With their bags packed, documents reviewed, and hearts racing, Gustavo and Cris shared a last meal before the trip. She cooked rice and beans and grilled chicken—homemade food, a taste of home.

During dinner, she touched his hand.

"I know you'll make a difference there too."

"I just want police officers in every city to have the right tools to come home alive."

She nodded.

"And that's why I fell in love with you."

Gustavo looked at her. His heart was at ease. New York awaited him. But his base, his home, was here.

And he would return.

Chapter 103 – New Connections

7:03 AM – Manhattan, New York | NYPD Headquarters - Commissioner's Office

The New York sky was overcast, a pale gray tinting the skyscrapers. The wind carried the city's characteristic chill, even in spring. Gustavo wore a navy blue overcoat over his business suit, a tight tie, and polished shoes. The LAPD crest shone on the badge on his chest.

Entering NYPD headquarters, he was greeted by an institutional relations officer who led him directly to Commissioner Frank Reagan's office.

Frank, the legendary commissioner, waited behind his large, dark wood desk. His gaze was steady but not aggressive. The kind of presence that made someone straighten their spine upon entering.

"Officer Gustavo Silva, welcome to New York," Frank said, standing to greet him with a firm handshake.

"Commissioner Reagan. It's an honor. I've been following you since my days at Harvard. Your interviews on police reform were part of my thesis."

Frank smiled lightly.

"I'm glad to know there are still police officers who study before they act."

They sat down.

"Let's get straight to the point," the commissioner said, opening a folder in front of him. "I've read the LAPD reports, spoken with Captain Zoe Anderson and Commander Hicks. You didn't come here just to show off weapons or procedures, right?"

Gustavo nodded calmly.

"No, sir. Weapons are just tools. What I'm here to share is an operational philosophy: to give officers the best possible conditions to return home alive, to act efficiently, and above all, responsibly."

Frank raised an eyebrow.

"Responsibility?"

— "Yes, sir. Every piece of equipment, every updated protocol, reduces response time and improves judgment. This means less excessive force, fewer lives lost, fewer mistakes. When an officer has confidence in their resources and training, they perform better. The result is safety—for the team and the public."

The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable, but reflective.

Frank Reagan leaned back in his chair and folded his hands.

— "Gustavo... you remind me of my son Jamie. Disciplined, focused, ethical. I want you to go to the 12th Precinct today. It's a good team. They'll benefit from a fresh perspective."

Gustavo smiled.

— "The 12th? Captain Kate Beckett, right?"

— "Exactly. Beckett is solid. Intelligent. And has one of the most efficient teams in the city. But... they're overwhelmed. They'll want to hear what you have to say."

Frank stood and extended his hand again.

"Be honest. Be clear. And keep your California accent. They'll appreciate it."

Gustavo smiled.

"Yes, sir."

10:30 AM – 12th Precinct | Lower Manhattan Precinct

The facade of the 12th Precinct was imposing, made of old but well-preserved brick. The NYPD – 12th Precinct sign reflected the dim light of the cloudy morning. Gustavo entered accompanied by an administrative officer, who led him to the main room.

Inside, the famous clue and investigation boards dotted the walls. The sound of phone calls, keys clicking, hurried footsteps. It was a living ecosystem.

Captain Kate Beckett was waiting for him beside one of the boards. Elegant, with a firm posture and alert eyes.

"Officer Silva. Captain Kate Beckett. Welcome to the 12th."

They shook hands.

"It's an honor to be here, Captain. I've heard a lot about your team."

"And we've heard a lot about you. The commissioner informed us that your work in LA is revolutionary. Come, let me introduce you to the team."

Gustavo followed her to a table where they sat:

Richard Castle, wearing a casual shirt under a blazer, leaning back in his chair, watching Gustavo with genuine curiosity;

Detective Javier Esposito, with the usual suspicious look of someone who's seen a lot;

Detective Kevin Ryan, with a friendly smile and professional demeanor;

Dr. Lanie Parish, the medical examiner, with a serious expression and curiosity in her eyes.

Beckett introduced each of them, and everyone shook hands firmly.

Castle was the first to break the ice:

"You're actually a cop... and a lawyer? That's kind of like a cross between Batman and an ethics professor."

Gustavo laughed sincerely.

— "I hope I look more like a good instructor than a masked vigilante."

Esposito looked at him.

— "They say you brought new weapons to SWAT. And that you helped resolve situations with the Secret Service."

Gustavo nodded.

— "True. But I'm here today for another reason: to share why these changes worked. And how you can adapt something similar to the reality of New York."

Ryan asked:

— "Will it be like a lecture?"

— "More like an interactive seminar. I want to hear from you too. No one knows the inner workings of a city better than those who patrol it."

11:00 AM to 1:30 PM – Tactical and Philosophical Seminar with Gustavo Silva

The 12th Division meeting room has been adapted. A projector showed slides created by Gustavo with comparisons:

Before and after the implementation of new holsters and Glock pistols;

CQB entry tactics with SIG MCX;

Reduced draw time;

Occurrences with minimal intervention and efficient results.

But it wasn't just technical.

Gustavo interacted, provoking reflections:

"How many of you here have hesitated because you felt your equipment would fail?"

A few hands raised. Gustavo didn't criticize—he simply nodded.

"This is a real problem. And preventable."

Lanie Parish asked questions about reducing injuries to suspects and officers. Gustavo showed data:

"With the use of more secure holsters and better ergonomic pistols, the number of accidental discharges has dropped 87% in Mid-Wilshire. This saves lives—including those of officers."

Castle, impressed, commented:

"You should write a book. 'How to Arm Better Without Killing More.'"

Beckett laughed and added:

"Or better yet: 'How to Save More Lives with Fewer Shots.'"

At the end, Gustavo left a document with suggested suppliers, procedures, and exercises for the team to practice.

2:00 PM – Break and Feedback

As the officers returned to their routine, Beckett accompanied him to the entrance.

"You surprised me. Castle hasn't praised anyone like that since Ryan brought him coffee."

"I'm glad. My mission isn't to bring weapons. It's to bring ideas. And you have an excellent foundation. You just need a few adjustments—and support from high command."

She crossed her arms.

"Well, here you go."

He extended his hand.

"Thank you for making me so welcome."

She shook his hand firmly.

—"Come back whenever you want, Silva. New York needs people like you."

5:40 PM – Brooklyn Hotel | Room 1104

Gustavo entered the room silently, feeling the day's weariness weigh heavily on his shoulders. He took off his jacket, loosened his tie, and opened his suitcase, taking out a notebook where he wrote down the day's main lessons.

He sat at his desk, turned on his laptop, and began writing his report for Captain Anderson and Commander Hicks.

In the middle of writing, his cell phone vibrated. It was a video call.

—Cris Alonso.

Gustavo answered, smiling as soon as her face appeared.

—"Hi, love."

—"Hi, genius. How was the 12th?"

— "Amazing. Castle is as eccentric as they say, Esposito is skeptical, Ryan is sensible, and Beckett is a true leader. They listened to me. They asked incredible questions."

Cris smiled.

— "I knew it would work."

— "There's more tomorrow. I'm going to another precinct. But... I wanted you here."

— "Me too. But for now, take your heart with you."

Gustavo touched the screen, as if touching her face.

— "Always."

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Chapter 45 - Chapter 101-102-103