Chapter 620 Unauthorized Action
"No way, Mr. Montgomery said it's too dangerous," Craig, their boss, said firmly.
"But we can't just let this guy Jared get away. If we catch him, we'll all get credit and a big bonus. That way, I can finally afford my daughter's surgery," one of the officers pleaded, desperation clear in his voice.
Craig hesitated, then replied, "No, we have orders to follow Mr. Montgomery's lead."
"Mr. Montgomery doesn't know how bad the storm is right now. I'm just gonna scout ahead. If I catch Jared, it'll be a major achievement."
Others chimed in, "I think it should be fine. There's no activity. Let him go."
"Yeah, Craig, we're cops. We should be brave. I'll volunteer to go too!" another officer added.
"Alright, Paul, you go ahead and check it out. You're good in the water, so you can sneak in," Craig finally relented.
"No problem!" Paul, the volunteer, was generally a good guy and did everything well. This time should be no different.
Whenever there was an opportunity for recognition, they let Paul take it. His family was struggling, and they wanted to help him out.
As he left, everyone reminded him to be careful.
But after a while, there was still no word from Paul.
"What's going on with Paul? Why can't we reach him?" one officer asked, worry creeping into his voice.
"Yeah, this is worrying. Should we send someone else to check?" another suggested.
"No, it's too dangerous. We don't know what's happening with Paul. We can't risk sending anyone else," Craig said.
"But you all know Paul's situation. His young daughter is seriously ill, and his wife doesn't work. If something happens to Paul, his family will be devastated," another officer pointed out.
Everyone fell silent. Then someone said, "We can't just sit here. I'll volunteer to go check. I'll go too!"
So, two or three more people went, but there was still no news, and no one returned. They started to panic and immediately contacted Xavier.
"What? Didn't Mr. Montgomery tell you to keep watch and not act rashly?" Xavier's voice was filled with frustration.
Even Mason was angry this time.
This was a critical situation. How could they act on their own? What should they do now?
"Mr. Montgomery, we know we were impulsive, but now our team members are missing. We don't know what to do. Paul's family is in a dire situation. He went because he wanted to catch Jared and help his sick daughter and elderly parents. If something happens to him, his family won't be able to bear it," Craig explained, his voice heavy with concern.
Xavier frowned deeply. "Come back."
"But Paul and the others..."
"Come back!" Xavier ordered firmly.
This meant Jared was indeed on that ship. He might use the captured officers as leverage to demand his release.
These were human lives. If Jared threatened them, Xavier couldn't ignore it.
Craig and his team hurried back, but three or four of their colleagues were still missing.
Then, Xavier received a video call from Jared.
Jared's image appeared on the screen.
Behind Jared was a luxurious cruise ship. It seemed Jared had indeed boarded the vessel.
"Xavier, long time no see. Well, not really. We've seen each other these past few days. You've made things tough for me," Jared said, looking refreshed and confident in clean clothes.
"I thought I wouldn't make it, but it seems luck is on my side. You even sent me some cops. These guys are pretty good, and they are young too. Want to see them?" Jared turned the camera to show the captured officers, all tied up with guns aimed at their heads.
"Xavier, let's make a deal. You let me go, and I'll release them. Otherwise, we all die together."
Mason was frantic. This might be their last chance. Could they really let Jared escape?
"Mr. Montgomery, no..."
"Alright, how do you want to negotiate? How do I let you go?" Xavier's expression remained calm and unreadable.
No matter Jared's threats, Xavier's thoughts were impossible to discern.
Mason felt it was a shame. How could Jared be so lucky?
"Simple. Have your people withdraw. I'll leave by helicopter. Then the people on the cruise will be released."
"I need time to think," Xavier said.
"Fine, I'll give you time. How long do you need?" Jared thought he had Xavier under control and smiled.
"Half an hour."
"No problem," Jared agreed.
After ending the call, Xavier sent the video to the police. They confirmed, "That's Paul, Cliff, and Andy."
"That damn Jared. If he kills my partners, we'll make sure he pays!"
"But what do we do? They're all in tough situations. Paul is the breadwinner, Andy just graduated college, and he's his parents' only child."
Each person was crucial to their families. Any mishap would bring lifelong pain to their loved ones.
Xavier looked at the satellite showing the cruise ship's location and said to Mason, "Do we have smaller boats?"
"Yes."
"Prepare several empty ones to confuse Jared. Also, get some sailors to approach from the sea, avoiding detection. I'll sneak onto the cruise ship and take Jared down."
By "take down," Xavier meant kill.
Jared was already a wanted criminal. Now he had kidnapped officers. Killing him would be justified in rescuing hostages.
Especially since these officers were under his command.
"No way, Mr. Montgomery. It's too dangerous. Let me go instead," Mason said.
"It's precisely because it's dangerous that you can't go. Mason, you have a family too."
"But Mr. Montgomery..."
"No buts. This is an order. If Jared contacts you, stall him. I'll stay in touch. Our call won't be disconnected. Once reinforcements arrive, focus on rescuing the hostages." Xavier was determined.
Every life was equally important to Xavier.
Especially now that he had his own family and a baby. He understood the significance of each person to their family.
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