Episode 30 The Shuffle Alliance (part 2/3) (Patreon)

Zoe Andersen Routh

She watched her husband pace in front of her desk. She could see how frustrated he was after he had just delivered the news from their new chief, Susan Coleman.

“You’re still getting paid, love.” Her term of endearment looked to have calmed him somewhat as he finally sat on the chair in front of her. Technically, paid leave was not really a punishment, since Jack still received his benefits and salary. It was simply put in place to ensure that an investigation could be conducted without any concern for interference or bias. Chief Susan Coleman just used it to send her a message.

“There’s more.” Jack placed his phone on her desk. She leaned over and saw it was a message from Hondo.

“They’re investigating D-platoon?” She couldn’t help but open her mouth in shock. What the hell was Coleman doing?

“Apparently, she’s worried about the lethal mindset within the squad.” Jack explained. “That’s the most stupid explanation I have ever heard.”

This was a problem with Coleman and officers like her. They came from a softer and political background and had ties with special interest groups. They thought they were smarter and were determined to make significant changes to appear superior to their predecessors.

Williams was an old pervert, but he knew better than to interfere with the men and women who actually knew how to do their jobs. He listened to his men, stood up for them when needed, and took responsibility for failures, though those were rare. That allowed him to become Chief for more than a decade, and they all turned a blind eye to his wandering eye as long as it was harmless.

She needed to ask questions. She was already busy with Armstrong after she wrote him a letter of reprimand, and that was another mess. The senior detective from the 77th was making noises of favoritism and unfairness and that brought in the union. She called in Internal Affairs to counter that.

“Why don’t you head home?” She suggested. “Go make us some nice dinner for later.”

“Do I have to surrender by badge and gun?” Her husband asked.

“You watch too many Hollywood movies.” She rolled her eyes. Those only happen during incidents related to their actions or suspected abuse of power. Jack just killed a snake and a few boars for food.

“I’ll just sit back for the moment. I’ll focus my new free time with you and the house.” Jack remarked as he moved around the desk to get closer to her.

She stood up and smiled, happy that he was focusing on more productive things. She let out a gasp when she felt a hand squeeze her ass. Her man was seemingly taking a rebellious tone in his actions. He was never this reckless with her inside her office during the late morning, when her station was the busiest. 

“Go on.” She tilted her head and enjoyed a quick but wet kiss with Jack. He always liked slipping a little tongue between her lips, and damn it, it worked. She shifted in place as her body responded.

She left early for lunch break with a plan in action. She knew Mayor Stevens liked a particular restaurant since it was near Central and had private rooms. She could only hope there were still seats available since it was popular with the older crowd.

She arrived at a perfect time, and there were tables still available. It was a fancy restaurant that served Mediterranean cuisine, which also had private rooms on its second floor. She made sure to get a table near the entrance so that Stevens would see her when he arrived.

She was still waiting for her Halibut, which cost more than she expected, when Stevens arrived with a couple of city councilors whom she only knew by face.

“Zoe!” Stevens smiled and headed to her table. “What brings you here? And where’s Jack?”

“I heard it was a good place for lunch, Mayor Stevens.” She exchanged quick greetings, Stevens was one of those who preferred cheek-to-cheek kisses instead of handshakes. He always mentioned his Italian heritage and claimed he preferred the practice, but she had never seen him do that to his older constituents during events.

“Jack’s busy.” She replied and sat back down at her table.

“What are you doing sitting alone then?” Mayor Stevens shook his head. “Just join us upstairs! I reserved a private room.”

“I couldn’t possibly do…”

“Nonsense.” The mayor brushed off her concerns.

She gave a quick but polite greeting to the two council members and joined them on the second floor. The decoration was more elaborate here, and she could tell the owners really made an effort to bring in that Mediterranean vibe. She was sure Jack would be able to tell her more if she brought him here.

Stevens asked simple questions at first, asking if she enjoyed the surprise they prepared for her. He then moved on to other topics before shifting to her husband.

“How’s Jack by the way? Is he still working on his short game?” Stevens asked.

“He might have time now.” She replied in a bitter tone. “Coleman placed him on administrative leave.”

“She did what?” Stevens looked surprised by the news. One of his aides leaned close and whispered in his ear.

“I see.” Stevens looked uncomfortable for a moment and shifted his gaze away from her. “That’s too bad, but it’s just an administrative leave, isn’t it? It will all go away once the investigation is finished. Susan can be… passionate and thorough about her beliefs.”

 “She was worried about his cruelty to animals.” She responded. “In that show that the department asked him to participate.”

“Yes, well…” Stevens wiped the sweat that had formed on his head with a napkin. “Jack did well on the how, right? I was impressed by his outdoor survival skills.”

That was a blatant change of topic, but she didn’t comment on it and merely nodded. She knew she’d find no support from the Mayor. Their lunch quickly ended, and Stevens had a parting word before she left.

“Maybe I could speak with Susan.” Stevens whispered in her ear. “I was disappointed when you didn’t show up at the club. Williams was really looking forward to the two of you.”

She merely nodded and quickly left, feeling disgusted after she saw how Stevens' gaze lingered on her chest. The club was a discreet group of swingers that she and Jack were invited to join months before. She read the message loud and clear. Fuck that. She and Jack had a wonderful and active sex life, and they didn’t need any swinger group to get their jollies on.

It was like what Jack had said before he left her office. They just had to sit back for the moment and watch as the new people in power dig the foundations from under their own feet and then stand back and watch them get crushed by their own actions.

Nick Armstrong

He crumpled the letter of reprimand, signed off by Internal Affairs, and threw it on his desk. The damn bitch was more serious than he thought. He knew a scolding was about to happen, but to receive a letter of reprimand and an extension of his probationary status by three months in Mid-Wilshire was stupid.

His useless union rep was unable to defend him, with the mountain of evidence presented against him. Commander Percy West looked annoyed when he had to be summoned to look over his protest, and gave him a stern warning, and that he knew better.

The only thing that calmed him down was seeing what the bitchy captain was beneath the skirt and blouse. She was a complete slut, a freak in the sheets like he dreamed she would be. The smile never left his face throughout the meeting. It was a pity Reuben refused to have copies made of the photos. The man was infatuated with his bitchy boss, and the idea of having a pretty police captain on his payroll made him impatient with their plan.

His work with John Nolan stalled ever since the older rookie started dating the doctor. He was no longer invited to help out in the house and was unable to plant evidence for his escape plan if things went south.

The letter of reprimand wasn’t a big deal, to be honest, it was what it came with. A week-long suspension, without pay, and because the bitch ran a tight ship, it automatically meant a temporary revocation of his credentials. He couldn’t log in and look up Jack Routh or search for their house, and Serj was getting on his nerves.

His phone rang, and he shut off his computer before answering it.

“No, I didn’t get it!” He replied. He didn’t like Serj’s tone. The prick thought he was top dog because his brother was the leader.

It was a good thing he had privacy in his own office, and his suspension would officially start tomorrow or else he might have attracted unwanted attention.

“You’ve got contact of your own.” He replied when Serj suggested he use his favors with some cops in the station. No, that would be a bad move, and he was certain it would expose him faster than their elaborate plan intended.

“Prick.” He muttered when Serj ended the call without even a word. They needed to shuffle a few things back into their plan. Ruben was being too optimistic and impatient.

Serj Derian

Jack Routh was an enigma.

Despite his massive popularity and connections from his research, the man did not have a personal online presence. No facebook, Cliptok or Instargram. His contacts, highly experienced hackers, were equally befuddled.

A friend who owed him a favor who works in the government got scared. He remembered seeing how the color drained from the man’s face when their query was suddenly blocked.

“Fuck! Shit!” The man panicked and started running what looked like a program to erase his recent activity. “This is a black project type of security!”

“Black projects?” He asked.

“Serj, I have a security clearance thanks to my work. I should be able to get the file of a simple LAPD cop and a police captain’s.” The man explained. “It was encrypted by something even I have never even seen before, and I got detected despite the numerous VPNs I used.”

He raised an eyebrow as the man he had known for years took out a valuable part of his PC and then began trashing what was left behind. He even started spraying the case with what looked like lighter fluid. Was he planning to set the thing on fire?

“Damn, I really like this place.” The man released a sigh and gave him an annoyed look. “You should have told me of his background before I agreed. Now I have to find a new place.”

“They’re that dangerous?” He asked. He mentally reviewed all the things he touched before he came here. Door knob, the table, and the armrest.

“They’re the type that can make sure you disappear, without anyone knowing. All known records, both physical and digital, just gone like you didn't exist.” The man replied. “You don’t fuck with people like that.”

 “Thanks for the advice.” He didn’t have to worry about the sound since they were in a basement. His contact didn’t suspect a thing as he carefully took aim and shot the man at the back of his head. That was two hours of his afternoon gone. At least he was able to recover his initial investment plus some extra.

He wasted his time, and his big brother was going to get pissed. He had another task, Erin Cole had the audacity to suggest that she could pay her loan. The little bitch didn’t realize that she couldn’t back out now, they had an agreement.

Armstrong was able to provide her patrol schedule before his suspension. Luckily, the station she was based at wasn’t as secure and rigid as Mid-Wilshire. It was time to pay her a visit.

Erin Cole

She shifted under Jack’s gaze as he sat across from her in her favorite coffee shop. Lucy told her of a new foundation that helped cops in financial trouble after she admitted that she was struggling to pay loans. She didn’t realize Jack financed that foundation.

“I thought I could pay it, you know?” She continued sharing her plight, observing Jack’s face for any reaction, but the lone wolf of their batch only remained impassive.

“Two things.” Jack replied after she finished her tale.

“One, you’re not telling the whole truth.” He held up one finger, causing her to freeze in her chair. “Two, you keep looking out the window as if you’re scared someone will see you.”

“What makes you say that?” She asked.

“You’re doing it again.” He reminded her, and her eyes snapped back from watching the window back to Jack. “Did you borrow from a loan shark?”

She slumped back on her seat, defeated. There goes her only chance at getting out, and she even told Serj that she could pay back her loan to them an hour ago. She felt like crying and held back the tears that threatened to fall down her face. She felt stupid.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered. “I wasted your time. Yeah, I got the money to pass the LAPD’s check on our credit rating from loan sharks.”

“I’ll lend you the money.” She sat up, surprised at Jack’s decision.

“You said your father was a sheriff in Iowa, right?” She couldn’t believe Jack remembered that tiny tidbit when they all introduced themselves in the academy on their first day. Shame filled her chest, and she shook her head.

“No, I couldn’t do that to you.” She whispered.

“Accept it.” Jack insisted. “My lawyer Camille will get in contact with you.”

“Thank you.” Unable to control her gratitude, she hugged her large batchmate.

She arrived at her apartment with a spring in her step. Her smile grew when she spotted Chris waiting by her door with what looked like takeout.

“Good news?” Chris asked.

“You know that foundation Lucy talked about?” She quickly dug in. Chris always knew her favorites, and the recent news only made the buffalo wings taste better.

“Yeah, what of it?” Chris asked. “Your request got approved?”

“It did!” She smiled. “The money should come through tomorrow, with very generous payment terms. It came from a charity foundation Jack founded for cops. Those are his proceeds from his work with Taylor Swift.”

“Damn.” Chris whistled in appreciation. “That’s generous. He could have retired with that money, but he used it to help us and those who really need it.”

“You'd better buy his album when he releases one.” She reminded him.

“I’m glad you're back, Erin.” Chris gave her one of those smiles. She felt her heart skip a beat.

“What?”

“This is the Erin I fell in love with.” Chris added. His smile was different from the cocky one he used to project to the public. “We’re about to graduate the FTO soon. You know I’m always waiting. So do you think we can… ”

“Yes!” She leaped into Chris arms and she immediately kissed him, hard.

“Isn’t this sweet?”

They both moved apart at that voice. She turned around, and her eyes widened in horror at the sight of Serj Derian standing at her door, with a gun in his hand.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

“Now this is what I’m talking about.” The large bald man that Jack introduced as Hondo declared as they surveyed the property. Her friend Jack manned the barbecue, while several others played catch in her new, large backyard.

She finally bought a home, but she needed to transport her furniture and belongings from her rented apartment to the one-story bungalow.

She had joked to Zoe that she needed a group of hunky men to help her, but she didn’t expect her friend to take her statement seriously. Jack appeared, alongside three large and muscled men, along with a woman who looked like she could take care of herself if she were ever to be mugged in a dark alley.

A quick introduction, and she learned that they were part of the famous SWAT unit of the LAPD, and that the members standing inside her apartment, ready to transport furniture, were the ones who rescued the hostages on the plane.

They were efficient, courteous, and in barely a few hours she had finished moving into her new home, just a block away from Zoe’s. They refused to accept her money, but Jack did mention they would appreciate a cold drink and a snack. If that were the case, she would splurge some of her signing bonus on them. They were far better than any moving service, and they were cops too. That meant better protection, and if they are Jack's friends, that meant they were trustworthy.

Projects and endorsement proposals poured in after her show with Jack, and that allowed her to raise her budget for her house hunting.

What was supposed to be a stressful day turned into a party as more of her friends came in, from celebrity friends like Jessica and Nickolaj turning up and followed by Zoe with Pam and Reese.

“We’re under investigation.” Hondo joked. “The new chief thinks they were too dangerous.”

She snorted at her beer. The very notion was ridiculous. These friends of Jack were funny and down to earth, and she did enjoy watching their muscled, sweaty bodies hard at work lifting her furniture. She paid them back by ordering the best food available, plus premium drinks.

“We don’t have jobs right now.” Jim Street added from beside her.

“It looks like this new chief is breathing down your necks.” She observed. She hated directors and executive producers who acted like that. It only made her and other actors give bad performances, unable to show off their skills and talent because they were never given any wiggle room.

“Fuck them.” Chris, the only woman in the elite unit joined in. “I say we hang back and let her hang in her own rope.”

“I didn’t know you could play?” Jessica held up her old electric guitar that was currently hooked up to her amp. That and her base guitar were unearthed from the process of moving in, and Jessica and Reese decided to play with them with her permission. The sight of her instruments reminded her of her time singing in concerts at bars, and even one in New York. Those were fun times.

“I did sing on the island after Jack’s performance.” She reminded the redhead. Of course, her performance was overshadowed by Sugar’s Amber. Even she played that song from time to time.

“Yeah, about that, don’t you think it’s unfair?” Hondo asked. “We’ve known this idiot for many months now, and he didn’t even give us one song!”

“Booo!” Street called out to the laughter of her guests.

“Don’t be selfish!” Chris added.

“You want a song?” Jack, as always, looked handsome as he wiped the sweat from his brow and handed his duties at the grill to Nickolaj by passing over the tongs and the apron.

“Fuck yeah!” Hondo nodded. “A song for us jobless cops.”

“Something kickass!” Chris added.

She felt bad for these police officers. They were doing a good job in her opinion, but a change in administration forced them to be on administrative leave as part of an ongoing investigation. Zoe had been very vocal about what happened to the group and her husband.

Speaking of Jack, her TV husband was calling her to where he was standing with the amps.

“You still good with a bass?” Jack asked her.

Her smile grew and she nodded. Is Jack planning to include her in his latest performance? She recognized that look on his face. He quickly showed her a sequence on the bass guitar, and it was simple enough in her opinion.

“Just keep doing that.” Jack told her when she practiced the sequence. “Then you can do your own thing once you grow familiar with the song.”

She quickly adjusted the strap and noticed that word had got around that Jack was singing. Nickolaj’s daughters were at the very front along with Zoe and Jessica. She felt bad for Taylor for missing out and decided to help the pop star.

She video called the blonde, and a sleepy face appeared on the screen.

“What is it?” Taylor mumbled. “It’s Sunday, and it’s too early Liz!”

“Jack is about to perform a song.” She stated. She noted how Taylor’s features quickly transformed. Her eyes sharpened, and it looked like she sat up quickly from her bed.

“What!?”

Instead of answering she turned the phone around to show her surroundings. Jack was adjusting the volume of the amp since he was singing without a microphone.

“No way!” Taylor looked upset.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep the call live so you can listen in real time.” She propped up her phone by her old music stand so that Taylor could see both Jack and the audience.

“What’s the song called?” Taylor demanded.

“Jack said it’s called In the Summertime.” She replied. She gave the pop star a wink and headed back to the spot beside Jack.

 “This is for my buddies in Metro.” Jack stated. He then turned to Zoe who was eagerly recording with her phone. “I hope you like this one, Honey.”

Jack gave her a nod and started playing on the electric guitar. She immediately followed with Jack’s instructions and played her part with the bass.

Taylor Swift

Was Liz stealing her spot?

She narrowed her eyes when the pretty brunette winked at her. She cursed herself for ignoring Jessica’s message that morning and went back to sleep, and now she was paying the price.

Liz placed her phone at a good spot, and she could see both Jack and part of the small audience, including Jessica and Zoe.

She had never seen Jack play an electric guitar before, and she wondered what song he was about to play.

He started with the electric guitar, playing a catchy intro. Liz joined in with the bass, and she started to nod her head to the tune. This gave her an idea… if it worked, then it would be the biggest thing ever.

 Christina Alonso

She was frustrated. She spent so many months working her ass off to get to Metro, and then to be treated like shit. When Street called that morning to tell her that he would be busy to help out one of Jack's friends move, she basically invited herself. She needed physical activity, a healthy outlet to release her frustration and anger.

It turned out that the friend Street mentioned was the famous actress, the one who accompanied Jack on that TV show. She was a bit star-struck at first, but she quickly relaxed upon realizing how down-to-earth the pretty celebrity is around them. She was warm, genuine, and carried the same amount as her during the move, showing that Mary Elizabeth Winstead did work out.

Then the party started, and two more celebrities showed up. Nickolaj was so handsome, and she was pretty sure Victor was smitten with Jessica Chastain. The environment was a good distraction from her darker thoughts about their current situation, but soon the topic came back.

Hondo jokingly demanded a song for them, and surprisingly, Jack agreed. He couldn’t possibly make a song that quickly?

Then he started playing. The sound of the electric guitar through the amp covered the large yard along with Liz’s bass guitar, and she started nodding her head. Yeah, this rock and roll type of music mirrored what she was currently feeling.

Then Jack opened his mouth and started singing. Her eyes widened in shock, and she became still, earnestly listening to the first few verses in his song.

 [In the Summertime- Thirsty Merc]

I don’t have a job…

I never liked them…

I just wanna play in the sunshine

They said I was wrong

But I know better,

I live my life like I’m dying…

“Hell yeah!” She heard Hondo hold a beer high above their heads as her sergeant nodded his head in approval to the song. Damn.

Gimme a chance…

I’ll do my best to kick and scream and dance

When winter comes I’ll turn around…

She didn’t realize she was standing. All her attention was focused on her squad mate. Jack was singing what they all felt in their hearts when they heard the news from the new chief.

Take me back to the…

Sweet times! The hot nights!

Everything is going to be alright

In the summertime…

Baby in the summertime!

And even if I have to wait ‘til

Next year, I don’t care!

All I know is that I’ll meet you there

In the summertime

Baby in the summertime!

That is where I’ll be!

Someone was screaming as Jack started on his guitar solo. Wait, that was her. Holy shit, she had never been taken by a performance like that before. She wasn’t alone, they were all standing, clapping and cheering a Jack continued with his performance.

“This is sick!” She heard Jim Street shout.

She just nodded and kept her eyes on Jack, no Sugar. She finally understood why so many women were taken with him, and why his songs were so popular.

I can’t complain

‘cos I’m still breathing,

There’s nobody breathing down my neck now

Give me a go,

Like an open furnace setting fire to snow,

When winter comes I’ll ask the crowd…

With the chorus coming up, she wasn’t the only one to sing with Jack. His song was very catchy, and the lyrics were simple yet powerful.

Take me back to the…

Sweet times! The hot nights!

Everything is going to be alright

In the summertime…

Baby in the summertime!

She could feel liquid dropping down her face. It wasn’t raining. It was Hondo spraying them with beer by shaking the bottle vigorously. It looked like Jack’s song affected him as strongly as it did her. They wanted to rebel and release their frustration. Listening to Jack’s song helped a lot.

And even if I have to wait ‘til

Next year, I don’t care!

All I know is that I’ll meet you there

In the summertime

Baby in the summertime!

That is where I’ll be!

Yeah!

Jack played a solo once more, and their small crowd turned into a beer spraying party. Her friend just smiled at their antics and continued playing a sick solo with the electric guitar.

So let me run,

I’ll dream until my head weighs 16 tons

And when I wake up some time in June,

I’ll say…

This time they were all singing the lyrics. Wait, was anyone recording? Fuck! She needed to listen one more time to this song. She breathed a sigh of relief when she noticed Jack’s wife was capturing the moment, not caring that she was soaked in beer. She even had a smile on her face, and she would, too if she were married to a kickass hunk like Jack.

Take me back to the…

Sweet times! The hot nights!

Everything is going to be alright

In the summertime…

Baby in the summertime!

And even if I have to wait ‘til

Next year, I don’t care!

All I know is that I’ll meet you there

In the summertime

Baby in the summertime!

Take me back to the…

Sweet times! The hot nights!

Everything is going to be alright!

In the summertime…

Baby in the summertime…

Baby in the summertime…

Baby in the summertime…

Baby in the summertime…

That is where I’ll be!

They were loud even for a small crowd. They all yelled themselves hoarse as soon as Jack and Liz finished playing.

Jack received a quick bro hug from Hondo, Street, and Victor and she followed with one of her own.

“Damn man!” Hondo was all smiles. It looked like he had grown younger with the happy expression on his face. “I needed that! Thanks!”

“Anytime, Sergeant.” Jack grinned. “That felt good.”

“It felt fucking good.” She replied with a smile. Her eyes were stinging a little bit, thanks to the beer rain courtesy of Hondo, Street, and Jaimie Lannister.

 Okay, she was a new fan of Jack’s music. If he could sing songs like that and reach her, then his other compositions must be the same.