FIELD OPS

From the R.M. Dolin novel, "Trophic Cascade" 
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Chapter 20: Field Ops

It’s way beyond dark by the time Preston, Dwayne, Dominic, Jon, and Theo arrive at Marcos’ house with a sense of solemn responsibility they haven’t matched since discovering their Mind’s Eye technology had been bastardized by the Watchers. Waiting are Jake, Armando, and the entire Sandia chapter of the Americans for a New America (ANA). Jake wastes no time calling the joint session to order. “Gentlemen, you know our charter, you know our boundaries, we don’t need to sort through reminders of what can and can’t be done. Protocol seven has been activated, which means standard operating parameters are out the window as we’re in survival mode. There’s a whole lot we have to work through, so I urge all of you to suppress your sense of sarcasm and focus on the seriousness of what’s before us. First off is the matter of Alvarez, for those who don’t know, he ran an Op through Mandy today.”

Armando’s seriousness is so outside of character, it cast an even heavier darkness on the mood. “If not for el hefe’s keen observation, Cabrons, I’d be on my way to Mexico.”

“Mandy’s not exaggerating,” Jake continues, “the point of the Op was to arrest and detain him, which means Alvarez has some kind of leverage he needs Mandy isolated to apply. We must operate as if we’ve been made because in all likelihood we have.” he pauses for a moment to allow the extreme significance of everything sink in. “If that weren’t enough, the real problem with all the poking around Alvarez is doing, is it hobbles the other thing we’re here to discuss.”

Preston awkwardly raises his hand uncertain if that’s the new protocol, “I have a question,” he waits, hoping one of his colleagues might jump in; when no one does, he continues, “where’s Dario?”

“Keeping our second agenda topic occupied. Why?” Jake flatly states.

“We need to discuss what to do about Dario?”

“What?” Jake asks off balance but not liking where this is heading.

“The four of us were talking on the way down. We all like Dario and he’s an asset, but he’s also combative, often unstable, and his behavior puts all of us in jeopardy.

“I’ve known you longer than anyone, Preston, all the way back to Purdue. Your kind, compassionate, and it worries me that you, of all people, would be bringing this up,” Jake stares hard at his dearest friend, “especially now?”

Uncomfortable and perhaps even a little ashamed, Preston pushes on. “You know how much I respect you; you kept my secret even in the face of polygraph punishment. This unfortunately, has risen to a level that can’t be ignored. I mentioned on the drive down that I’d sent Dario a list of names he requested, and he wrote back that, ‘things had been taken care of.‘”

“Then I asked,” Jon interjects, “what kind of list?”

Preston continues, “Remember when Dario took the collars from the dogs you shot, we mostly assumed it was some sort of hunter’s trophy, but then, he asks me to use them to find the names of the people who own the dogs. At the time I didn’t think much of it, but then-.”

“I told him I’d read a bunch of valley dog owners were beaten.” Dominic adds with equal solemnness.

“That’s when we put two and two together,” Dwayne concludes.

“So, we’re rallying pitchforks based on valley gossip?” Jake quips.

“He confessed, Cabron, at least to me. I never said anything because it’s no one’s business. We do things different in the valley. Those dog owners didn’t get anything that wasn’t coming and the whole valley’s talking about how finally someone did something about these Cholos and their macho dogs. Someone had to take these punks out behind the woodshed for a little old fashion set down. Good for Dario I say.”

“It’s not just that,” Theo chimes in. “It’s all those casino and bar fights. Every time he draws attention to himself; he draws attention to us. Now with this whole Alvarez thing, Dario’s antics are something we can little afford.”

“You know he struggles,” Jake sternly defends. “He’s a combat vet for crying out loud. He’s getting better, the bouts are lessening in both intensity and duration.”

“Look,” Dwayne interjects by clearing his throat, “I like Dario as much as anyone, but he’s a loose cannon. It’s one thing to pop a guy over poker but to track down dog owners and beat them, well-,” he thinks about a diplomatic way to make his point, “it’s a bridge too far.”

“I applaud Dario,” Dominic dissents. “Dog control, DUI, there’s no difference. Who else is out there protecting the innocent?” He can’t help but get emotional as he thinks about his wife’s tragic incident. “I wish someone like Dario was there before Denali got murdered.” Dominic’s words trail off with such anger and sadness it takes him a moment to regroup. No one has a direct response, how could they after the trauma he went through.

“What Dwayne’s saying,” Theo restarts with delicacy. “Is Dario’s vigilante actions, while noble, beg some pretty obvious questions, like what’s the next thing he comes unhinged over and how does that impact ANA?”

“I share Theo’s concern,” Preston adds, “but am not advocating action against Dario, just suggesting it’s an issue. The danger with Dario is he’s too focused on what’s right in front of him, which we all respect, that’s how he’s been trained. But it’s not enough for the environment we operate in, especially with Alvarez poking about; he has to understand that.”

The rest of the ANA nod their consensus to Jake’s stoic stare. “Once Protocol seven’s retired, I’ll talk with him.” Glad to have the near mutiny put to rest, Jake moves on to more pressing matters. “Our next item of business, will probably be just as controversial, but once you hear me out, you’ll see it makes sense.”

“That’s a bit of a build-up, Cabron.”

“Here’s the deal, I think we should read Chance in.” Immediately the room erupts in grumbles.

“Isn’t he like wanted for murder?” Gilbert from the Sandia ANA asks.

“Technically,” Jon corrects, “but only because of a misunderstanding.”

“I don’t see how you misunderstand someone being dead?”

“Not what I meant. We looked into it and it’s clear Chance didn’t do it; the evidence doesn’t line up.”

“Which is why we rehabilitated him,” Theo adds.

“You did what?” another Sandia ANA member asks.

“We wiped his name from law enforcement databases.” Dominic explains. “It wasn’t hard, and we needed to run a beta test.”

“Then we set him up with a PhD,” Jon proudly states. “You know, so we could dry run our academia protocols.”

“In what and from where?” Gilbert grimaces with an awaiting grin.

“Political Science from Harvard.”

Gilbert stares sternly at Jon. “You guys can’t keep doing shit like this.” Unable to hold his stern facade, he breaks into a smile, “but in this instance, well done”

“It’s not like Harvard’s a legit school anyway,” Marcos adds. “It’s the place you take daddy’s big check to buy your degree.”

“I’m not advocating we read Chance fully into ANA,” Jake refocuses, “just the Miguel operation. He’s already helping, and we can’t really involve him further unless he’s read in. Frankly, we need him as much as Dario to get Sympatico back.”

“The only real risk, Marcos adds, “is later identifying us as a group. Even then, he can’t tie us to subversion, we’re just a group of concerned citizens trying to rescue a friend. If anything, it shields us from suspicion.” He addresses his Sandia colleagues, “I’ve met him and Jake’s right, for what happens next we’re gonna need him. He’s a calmer more rational Dario.”

“I ran his background,” Preston contributes, “except for that one night in Worland, he’s clean, and Jon cleared that up. I vote yea.”

“Any objections?” Jake asks the larger group. “Hearing none, the motion carries. Our next item of interest is circling back to Alvarez, which Marcos will brief you on while I call Dario.” Jake exits to the back courtyard.

“Okay guys,” Marcos begins, “just to get everyone on the same page, Agent Alvarez is a Watcher. We don’t yet know what agency houses him since he seems to move around and appears to be multiple layers deep in cover.”

“So the Watchers are now watching the people who watch the Watchers, sweet Cabron?”

“It appears so. His cover story is he’s working under Justice as regional cyber-security chief. From what we’ve gathered, his real mission is investigating subversive activities. For some reason, he’s taken a keen interest in what happened at the Ranch.”

“Maybe linked to the Texans?” Preston speculates.

“Doesn’t appear to be. Gilbert ran background on the four of them, thanks to Mandy holding their beer bottles. They’re just good ol’boys with no ties to government or subversion.”

“Or they’re just as stealth as we are,” Dominic offers.

“Considered that, but nothing in their backgrounds or network of known affiliates suggests anything.

“Maybe Alvarez wants them cause their Texans, Cabron, that’s good enough for me?”

“Possibly, but Alvarez hasn’t really dug into their nickers. It appears his interest is in trying to figure out who was there the night of the incident. Even we don’t know that other than what Mandy and I saw for ourselves. The events at Miguel’s are not his only interest, he’s expended considerable effort quietly reviewing regional government personnel files. He started with the Air Force, then moved to ICE. He hasn’t touched local law enforcement, the Guard, or politicians, his angle’s federal workers. We keep feeding him bureaucratic breadcrumbs to see if he bits but nadda; it’s as if he’s got an insider guiding him.”

“It’s not like insider subversion’s new,” Dwayne states. “Look at the Admiral’s Revolt from the fifties. While McCarthy’s witch hunt has everyone’s distracted, their military coup almost succeeds. It’s why with every new administration the top brass gets purged.”

Marcos continues, “The thing we have to ask ourselves is why Alvarez came to New Mexico? Kirtland’s not large nor strategically significant.”

“They have Manzano Mountain,” Theo points out.”

“Exactly!” Marcos is relieved they arrived at his same conclusion. “Manzano’s a DC clone. Should anything happen to Washington, continuity of government is assured within the mountain’s seemingly impenetrable bunkers. I’ve been kicking around the possibility Alvarez is here to stop an attempted coup, not the kind we’re planning, a militant takeover of government. Since Manzano’s a fully functioning command and control center, able to deploy military, manage infrastructure, regulate commerce, maintain communications, ensure food supply, and keep contact with our allies and adversaries, the quickest and easiest way to seize control of government is to bring down DC while simultaneously taking control of the mountain, it wouldn’t take much to blow past the wingnuts.”

“You’d involve Texans for something like that, Cabron.”

Marcos laughs, “Jake said you say that. But if Alvarez is here to interdict a hostile plot, that’d explain his interest in the Ranch; it doesn’t, however, explain his interest in you?”

Armando forces an awkward smile, “Perhaps he knows of my family’s proud place in New Mexico history?”

Marcos dismisses Armando’s hypothesis. “Why would a man like Alvarez, potentially tasked with saving the nation, want you isolated? I think he believes you and the Texans, and possibly Miguel’s ranch, are co-conspirators; ya have to admit, the Al Azar seems a natural feeder for the Ranch.”

Armando’s clearly uncomfortable at the suggestion. “If Alvarez is as good as you think he is, he already knows there’s no way in hell I’d collaborate with Texans.”

Marcos is about to respond when a buzzer sounds, alerting everyone someone’s approaching. Within seconds, a booming knock on the door signals the abrupt end of their ANA meeting. As Gilbert goes to the door, Marcos imparts on last thought, “It’s just a theory guys; could easily be wrong so keep brainstorming.”

Gilbert opens the door and Dario steps in giving the complete ANA their first look at Chance. The boys use ANA stoppage to take a bio-break, refresh their beverages, and introduce themselves to the newbie, who has no clue what he’s about to be read into.

“Gentlemen,” Jake announces. “I assume you introduced yourself to Chance.” He smiles at Chance, “Hope you were paying attention cause there’s a quiz later.” Chance smiles uncertain, as weird as Jake can be, there could actually be a quiz later. “Gentlemen,” Jake restarts. “We’re here to figure out how to rescue Sympatico from Miguel and his boss; a very dangerous guy called Ramon with ties to the Cartel.” Jake surveys his somber audience finding silent trepidation, he addresses Chance. “Before this is done, you’re gonna see things, hear things that may seem fantastic. If you want in, we need your solemn oath that nothing goes beyond this group. No talking about it with friends, no bragging about it to impress women, no telling your dad.”

The ANA study Chance for signs he either can or can’t be trusted; unfortunately, no tells are revealed. Not because Chance is that emotionally stealth, but because he already suspected, given everything going on, this was coming. “Yes,” is all he offers.

“Be very sure, it’s not easy keeping secrets, just ask Dario.”

“One time, Doc. You ever gonna stop bird-dogging me?”

“Dude, you’re our permanent security share.” Dario hangs his head in shame knowing he screwed up and has no viable excuse. He understands Doc isn’t angry, just looking for ways to re-enforce his need to be better.

“I can keep a secret.” Chance adds, surveying the room for acknowledgment. “I have no friends and don’t need to impress anyone. And I might add, between manning the post and constantly being told to keep an eye on Sympatico, I’ve been wondering when exactly you guys were going to get around to cluing me in on what’s what.”

“What’s going on,” Marcos gently suggests, “is a rescue operation against a viscous syndicate, everything beyond that’s strictly need to know.”

“It has to be that way for now,” Jake offers as reconciliation; you understand.” Chance nods in agreement. “Okay then, according to the outstanding Sandia Tracker App, Miguel’s hold up somewhere in the North valley. Our assumption is, wherever he is, or wherever he goes, that’s where we’ll find Sympatico. Marcos sent Calvin and Michael to recon.

Marcos flips on his laptop projector displaying an image of Ramon’s North side Hacienda on the wall. “I downloaded this from Planning & Zoning. It’s a three-acre compound with six-foot perimeter walls. There’s a main gate in front and small exit in back tracking into a drainage ditch.” He shows a map of the Albuquerque aqueduct system. The closest two places to exit the ditch are here and here. According to Calvin, there’s at least six men in addition to Ramon and Miguel, and quite possibly more. Michael’s drone’s up, but no other information at this time.” Marcos shows an architect’s drawing of the Hacienda. “Reviewing a recent building permit, the Hacienda’s easy to defend, hard to penetrate.” He shows a goggle-earth view of the compound. “You can see some work’s been done off the books, like this garage/bunkhouse out back. We don’t think she’s there; probably somewhere in the house.”

“Then let’s go get her,” Dario says jumping to his feet.

“Whoa cowboy,” Jon intercedes, “we can’t just rush the compound guns a blazing, not only is it suicide, it’d get her killed.”

“Jon’s right, this requires a more subtle extraction method.” Jake pauses to allow Dario to calm down. “What we need, is to get Miguel and Sympatico isolated; this entire operation hinges on Sympatico being with Miguel.”

“You guys already have a plan,” Dario assumes, upset he’s been left out.

“We’ve kicked around some ideas,” Jack responds, “but as always, your operational experience is crucial.”

Dario feels better Jake highlighted his value in front of everyone. “Damn straight,” he sternly confirms, “I assume I’ll be leading the extraction team?”

“There won’t be one,” Marcos announces bringing everyone back to his presentation. “Our plan, per Occam’s Razor is, since we can’t go in, we need her to come out.”

“How about we burn em out?” Chance offers as his first uninitiated contact with his contentious debate prone compadres.

“Cliché, at best,” Dwayne counters. “Not only do they expect it, it’d bringing police, fire, and the media.”

“What wrong with that?” Chance fires back, “I’d having them on scene’s a good thing.”

“Scrutiny’s something we prefer to avoid,” Jake informs.

“Why?”

“Well, that, Cabron,” Armando elaborates, “is complicated.”

Frustrated, Chance at least understands now’s not the time to make a stink. “You can’t keep me in the dark and expect intelligent contributions.”

“In good time,” Jake offers to soften the impact before addressing the larger group. “We must act tonight, no telling where Ramon may go and we lose track of her, possibly forever. We’re activating the Avatar Protocol, which means as of this moment, we each have alter egos, except you Chance, we’ll build you an avatar after.”

“What Jake’s saying,” Jon teases, “is don’t get caught.”

“This shit just gets better and better,” Chance mumbles under his breath.

“It doesn’t get better,” Dario quietly caveats, “I’ve been on enough of these Ops to know that.”

“Our plan, fellow avatars, is to create a rouse that gets Ramon to evacuate in a hurry. During the confusion, he’ll be focused on securing his drugs, cash, and whatever else he values. He’ll probably assign Sympatico to Miguel.”

Marcos pops a new image on the projector screen. “If Miguel exits through the front gate, we’ll following him to here or here, depending on which direction he goes. We’ll have roadblocks set up to stop him. If he exits out the back, we’ll wait for him to leave the drainage ditch here or here, then pull him over. No matter which avenue he takes, a team led by Dario, will pursue, with Calvin driving an unmarked patrol car, since that’s his avatar.”

“And once you pull him over?” Preston questions.

“Dario and his team will arrest whoever is in Miguel’s car, leave them handcuffed alongside the road, and phone Albuquerque Metro. They’ll get Sympatico and rendezvous here.”

“So, what’s the rouse,” Chance asks, daring to sound ridiculous, “or is that need-to-know?”

“Don’t know yet,” Jake intervenes, “but it’s not need-to-know. Here’s the deal guys, we have to get into position now and hope one of us comes up with a workable rouse in-situ. Dario and Chance will join Calvin and Michael as the extraction team. The other teams are listed here,” he says pointing at the projector screen. Only Dario is to engage Miguel, tagged in your roadblock, Dario’ll do the rest.”

“Question, Doc,” Dario says studying the assignment list, “where you gonna be?”

“With you.”

“Hell you are! We got Calvin whose former Ranger, and Michael’s a Marine; both combat vetted. After this afternoon, I’m confident Chance’ll hold his own. We don’t need you Doc, can’t risk it.”

“I need to be there for Sympatico.” Dario knows from Jake’s authoritarian tone there’s no point arguing. “Yes, sir,” is all he can diminutively muster.

From Marcos’ foothills home to the Hacienda is a fifteen-minute drive. Dario, Chance, and Jake are met two blocks from Ramon’s compound by Calvin and Michael and immediately transfer to Calvin’s unmarked patrol car. “Dude,” Dario says to Calvin as they shake hands, “Impressive costume.”

“That’s Officer Hernandez to you,” Calvin fires back.

Michael shakes his head in disbelief. “You’re telling me we’re moments from ‘go-live,’ and have no idea what the hell we’re doing?”

“Figure we get positioned waiting for someone to propose something,” Jake answers.

“How about we burn em out?” Michael suggests.

“That idea only gets you ridiculed,” Chance responds.

“We did something once in Iraq that might work,” Calvin offers, “Suppose I roll up to the gate and inform them there’s been a report of gunfire inside and SWAT’s on their way? They’ll know they have to evacuate quickly because SWAT will go room by room looking for threats.”

“And when SWAT doesn’t show up,” Dario questions.

“Oh, they will,” Calvin answers, “cause your gonna call them.” He hands Dario a burner phone. “Wait until I’m talking to the gate guard, and sound crazy convincing, like your sister’s inside and you know her jealous boyfriend’s got a gun. Tell them you’re going in, that always lights a fire under their ass.”

“I like it,” Jake says. “Minimal risk, maximum impact. All we have to do is figure out which vehicle Miguel’s in and follow it.”

Calvin approaches the front gate with his police lights flashing while the rest of the boys get back in their car and drive to a spot a hundred yards away with a clear line of sight. Calvin strategically parks to the side of the entrance providing a plausible path for escaping vehicles. He then gets out and commences Operation Rescue. As soon as he initiates contact with Ramon’s gate guard, Dario places his call, which by the way he retells it, is worthy of an Oscar. It takes four minutes and fourteen seconds for the first escape vehicle to burst out of the compound heading right. Twenty seconds later a second vehicle flies past Calvin heading left; easily traveling sixty miles per hour by the time it passes Jake’s car. Two other vehicles race out next, one going right and the other left. Using his Miguel tracker, Jake confirms the black SUV barreling toward them is the one they want. Calvin pulls up alongside and gets everyone quickly transfers in mere moments before SWAT rolls into the compound.

Given Miguel’s direction of travel, he’ll approach the roadblock manned by Gilbert, Preston, and Jon in about two minutes, which does not give them much time to prepare. The location for the roadblock was chosen based on the fact that it’s the first intersection after the Hacienda. However, what the planners failed to appreciate is the utility service road two hundred feet before the roadblock. Seeing the roadblock gives Miguel’s driver no alternative but to take his chances down the service road even though he’s unsure where it leads. By the time Miguel’s SUV starts down the service road, Calvin’s caught up, but rather than risk cornering them down a dead end, they pull over long enough for Jake to look at the goggle-earth image on his tablet to determine their most likely exit point.

The service road snakes along the drainage ditch for a mile before providing an entry onto the paved road leading toward the Sandia Casino. Rather than pursue, Calvin cuts through a residential neighborhood and onto a commercial thoroughfare to arrive at the intersection point ahead of Miguel. “What do we do now?” Calvin asks pulling the car to the side of the road and turning off the lights.

“We wait,” Jake calmly states. “When they come out, they’ll likely head toward the interstate. We let them get a mile or so up the road, then pull em over.”

“And then?” Chance asks

“Calvin’ll tell the driver there’s an issue with his registration and he has to come back to the patrol car where he’ll be cuffed without incident. Then, one by one we’ll do the same to each passenger.”

“Then what?” Chance persists.

“We get Sympatico and leave them cuffed at the side of the road while Calvin calls Metro. What could possibly go wrong?”

“Plenty, Doc,” Dario ominously states. “Ops never go off without a hitch. Also, what happens if Sympatico’s not there?”

“The other cars were stopped at our check points, and she wasn’t in any of them. If they kept her at the Hacienda, SWAT’ll find her. Smart moneys on her being with Miguel.” Before Dario or Chance can add any more worry to the moment, the headlights of an approaching SUV along the service road bounce around the deep dark night. As predicted, the SUV turns onto the paved road heading toward the interstate. Calvin waits for it to dip below a hill before turning on his headlights and starting after them.

“Think he’s heading back to the ranch,” Dario distractedly asks looking forlornly out window mentally preparing for what’s about to go down.

“That’d be my guess,” Jake answers. While Dario’s voice remains calm and steady, Jake’s betrays a growing nervousness. He’s never been involved in a military Op, and it’s a bit harrowing. Before he thinks much about it though, Calvin flips on his flashing blue lights and begins the process of pulling the black SUV over. He knows from military training that the first thing you do in a situation like this is wait. It’s best to let the bad guys have a moment to clear their heads, calm down, and think about how they’ll react. In a previously agreed to maneuver, the instant Calvin turns on his high-beam search lamp, to focus on the SUV and blind its occupants, Dario opens his door and rolls into the ditch, where he lays perfectly still.

Calvin calmly walks up to the driver’s window holding his hand on his revolver. “License and registration please,” he says to the driver who’s not Miguel. The drive promptly produces the requested documents, which Calvin studies in detail. “Do you know why I pulled you over?”

“No sir.”

“Because I saw you come out of the service road back there. The SWAT team raided a place along that road. I’m gonna need you to come back to the patrol car with me.”

“I don’t see why?”

“Sir, I’m going to ask that you place both hands on the steering wheel,” Calvin orders. “Then using your right hand turn off the engine, return your hand to the steering wheel and then when I open the door, I want you to step out and walk back to the patrol car. If you do not comply, I will arrest you. Do you understand?” Calvin hears someone in the back seat order the driver to “do it,” at which point the driver complies. Calvin follows the driver to the open front passenger side of his car. “I want you sit down inside and place both hands on the front dash.”

As soon as the driver complies, he hears the unmistakable sound of a pistol being cocked behind him. “I’ve got a 45-caliber pointed at your head, make any sudden moves, and they’ll be your last.” Chance is satisfied his threat is believable enough to hold the driver. Calvin is now in his seat and promptly cuffs victim number one. Once done, Michael exits the car and approaches the passenger side of the SUV lightly tapping on the window. “Sir, my name is Officer Madison, and I’m going to ask you to step out of the car.”

“What’s the problem officer?”

“This vehicle’s not registered to the driver, and we have some questions you can confirm to establish if the vehicle’s been stolen.” The passenger pauses, unsure what to do. “Sir, that’s a direct order. If you do not comply, you will be arrested.” Faced with arrest, the passenger exits his vehicle and proceeds to walk toward the patrol car with Michael close behind. As soon as Michael clears the back bumper, the rear passenger door of the SUV quietly opens, and a thin man covered in tattoos steps out raising his revolver. Just as the pistol takes aim at the back of Michael’s head, a shot rings out. Miguel jumps out of his side of the SUV to complete their premeditated ambush. It’s at that instant, Miguel comes face to face with Calvin’s revolver, “drop it,” Calvin calmly says, “or you don’t have a face anymore; your choice, I’m good either way.”

Knowing he can’t win; Miguel drops the pistol. “Now place both hands behind your head, walk to the back of the car, and get down on your knees.” Miguel complies. As soon as Miguel falls to his knees, Calvin cuffs him. As Miguel’s guided face down on to the gravel shoulder, Michael marches his prisoner to the back of the patrol car and laid down. Next Chance brings the SUV driver over and places him face down on the ground beside the other two. “Everyone remains face down and no one gets shot.” Calvin commands.

Dario drags the dead tattoo covered guy over and lays him face down beside the others. One by one Calvin handcuffs the prisoners to each other, with the driver cuffed to both Miguel and the dead guy. Meanwhile, Jake rushes to the back door of the SUV, where he finds Sympatico barely awake, badly beaten, completely naked, and wrapped in a blanket barely covering her. “I’m here,” he gently whispers, brushing hair from her swollen face. “I couldn’t keep you from this, but I’m here now.”

As Jake slowly guides Sympatico out of the SUV and toward the unmarked patrol car, Dario, Chance, Calvin, and Michael finish staging their prisoners in the dirt where they intend to leave them until real police arrive. They’re careful to clean prints off everything and since no one’s driven along the road or likely to, they’ll be untraceable. This time, it’s Chance who uses a burner phone to call in Metro PD.

Sympatico’s only thought as all of this is going down, and the only thought she’ll have for quite some time is, ‘I knew you’d come.’ It’s not a thought that leads to peace or any sense of safety, because both are unobtainable. There is a least a small feeling of comfort in knowing Jake is here and that he came for her and will protect her.