Chapter 16
The Real Jordan Slade
Two years earlier
Jordan
“Sit down, Agent Slade.”
“Captain,” I said, sitting across from him.
“First, I would like to thank you for serving your country. The battle for Sommet province was a bloody massacre. It says in the folder that you have been critically injured and spent three months in the hospital?”
“Yes, sir.”
I kept a blank face, trying to push away the memories that flooded my brain. Men lying around me, wounded, dead, or dying. Good men. Fathers. Brothers. Sons. Too often, I regretted that I was the one who survived. Too often, I asked myself whether someone else was more deserving to be in my place.
“We are honored that you have chosen to join Internal Affairs,” he continued, leafing through the folder in front of him. “Your skills and character profile fit the requirements.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“We are launching a major operation next month, and we want you to be a part of it. Have you heard of The Loser’s Division?”
“No, sir.”
“It’s a moniker for the unpopular police department stationed in Smitsville. The officers who end up there are not exactly an upstanding bunch, if you get my meaning. What Grangetown Correctional Facility is for criminals, the Loser’s Division is for the policemen.”
He slid a folder across the desk. “Here are the details and the name of the person of interest. He’s not the only suspect, and we have other agents infiltrating departments across the state. Your mission is to blend in, observe, and keep your head down.”
I opened the folder and leafed through the documents, pausing on the photo of a man with a scar on his face and piercing blue eyes. I have never seen eyes so blue, or a man as formidable as this one, and I served under many formidable men.
“He’s a senior detective,” I said, scanning the document.
“Affirmative. I’ve heard that he's a real piece of work, so you’ll be in for a challenge. Are you easily provoked?”
“No, sir.”
“Good. Use it to your advantage. By the way, you report directly to me. No written trail. The instructions are in the notes.”
I looked at the photo once again before closing the folder. “Understood.”
“Good man. I’m here if you have questions. Otherwise, welcome to the operation Codename: Salome.”