Detective Hunt was livid with the leaks in the police department. Conquistador knew they were coming and had time to hide his trophies. Almost as if he knew exactly what they were looking for. Rebecca asked The Captain to order an investigation into every member of the department’s finances to find any large deposits to clue her off to who was receiving payoffs from Conquistador. As a result of the investigation 4 detectives were suspended and Rebecca hand selected the officers who were responsible for guarding Tyrone around the clock. Despite the 4 detectives being suspended, Rebecca realized that they were most likely the only cops stupid enough to put their payoffs into their own account and not a dummy account. Corruption in the police department was rampant and Rebecca trusted nobody besides The Captain.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Josephine has been working for months as a legal intern for the District Attorney’s Office. Pouring over the tiniest details of Conquistador’s known past and legal records. Superwoman has been making random appearances throughout the city on her nightly patrols, but since Conquistador actually refused bail the city has been relatively quiet. Whether it was ordered by Conquistador or a true decline in crime is anyone’s guess. The trial was a week away and it has been a media circus. With the trial so close the city’s nerves are peaked and tensions are high as so much is riding on the outcome of the trial. The future of Delta City hinged on this trial.

“The police have turned over every rock, every known associate, every possible hiding spot and still no “trophies”. That’s half our case right there.” D.A. Brannon said.

“We still have Tyrone Jenkins and his testimony. He’s under special guard at the police station. Guards personally chosen by Detective Hunt.” Josephine replied.

“Thank God. He’s our ace in the hole. If we had the trophies it would be a slam dunk, but Tyrone’s testimony will be hard to refute. You’ve done great work, Josephine. Exceeded my expectations. You should be proud.”

“Thank you, sir.” she said.

“Sir, I just wanted to let you know I found something. Judge Holt signed the order to originally release Tyrone Jenkins from prison. Judge Holt’s name also shows up on every order that might have Conquistador attached to it. As you know, Judge Holt was just selected to preside over this trial. Do you think we should be worried?” Josephine asked.

“No, Judge Holt is always available. That’s why he’s always signing orders. I wouldn’t worry about it.” Brannon said.

“Also sir, one more thing. I re-watched the Superwoman execution video and I noticed the suit that the masked gunman is wearing is a custom Sergio Antoni from 1995. I took the liberty of calling the company and they said they only made two that year. One for actor Burt Reynolds and the other for Alonzo Moralez of Delta City.”

“My God, Josephine! That’s amazing work! That tape has been poured over endlessly for years and nobody came up with that!”

“Sir, I also dug through the archives and found this picture. It’s Alonzo Moralez in the suit at a topless boxing event being held in his casino from 1995. The picture was taken the day before Superwoman’s body was found on the steps of city hall. I think we can use this.” she said.

“You’re damn right we can! Great work! This is the evidence we need to convict! Things just got a lot easier thanks to you, Josephine!”

Just then Mayor Chambers made a surprise visit to the DA’s office.

“DA Brannon! I’m hoping for a slam dunk next week! Let’s get this piece of garbage behind bars for good!” He said.

“Ah, Mr. Mayor! so good of you to come by! I’d like you to meet my new superstar intern, Josephine Cirmia.”

“Hello, sir.” she said with a big smile.

“The legal eagle! I’ve heard you’re top of your class at DCU Law! Brannon better watch his back or you’ll have his job one day. I’ll be keeping my eye on you!” The Mayor quipped.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

THE TRIAL

After all the hype, speculation and rumor trial day is finally here. Conquistador has been photographed in leaked photos from prison in an orange jumpsuit. Although bail was granted and he could more than afford it, nobody could understand why he chose to stay incarcerated. The prosecution laid out it’s agenda to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Alonzo “The Conquistador” Moralez was responsible for the murder of 5 women. The defense laid out it’s claim that the DCPD is full of corrupt cops who are overzealous to change their tainted reputation and willing to railroad an honest businessman to salvage their image. Witnesses for the prosecution included surviving family members of the murdered women which was a powerful message to the jury. The defense was able to refute each one calling on the prosecution to provide concrete evidence. The prosecution has the murder weapon, they have a witness in Tyrone who will testify that the gun was given to him by Conquistador. Given that Tyrone was barely an infant when some of these women were killed it would be a stretch at best for the defense to claim Tyrone was the murderer. DA Brannon, Josephine and the rest of the prosecution team were confident of a guilty conviction for Conquistador.

As the case steamed ahead, Conquistador was called to the stand as he agreed to be cross examined in his own defense. DA Brannon relished the thought of tearing apart Conquistador on the stand.

“Mr. Moralez, can you please tell me about this suit you’re wearing in this picture?”

“It looks like a very old suit, I no longer wear this style. I only wear my suits once then throw them away.” He said.

“Thanks for that Mr. Moralez. Let’s remember you said that. Now can you tell me why it is that this custom suit you had made in Italy, one of only two made that year and you were photographed in, is the exact same suit being worn by the masked gunman who murdered Superwoman 20 years ago?” He said as he flashed a picture of a video still from the infamous murder tape. “This photograph is from your topless boxing event that year taken the day before THIS man murdered Superwoman! You murdered Superwoman, didn’t you Mr. Moralez?!”

The courtroom gasped as the first concrete evidence of Conquistador’s involvement was dropped like a bombshell.

“OBJECTION!!!” The Defense screamed.

“No need to object! I’m done with the witness your honor.” Brannon said dismissing the infamous crime lord like a used tissue.

The Headlines for the trial that day were blazed across the city as news outlets reported the devastating bombshell the prosecution dropped.

Meanwhile, Conquistador was stunned by the turn of events.

“You!…I pay you a lot of money to do your fucking job! And you allow this DA to ambush me on the stand? Conquistador admonished.

“Sir, I’m sorry. Word is his new intern came up with it. She’s remarkable, don’t worry…we can still win this. You won’t be going to jail.” He said.

“You’re damn right I’m not going to jail! Who is this intern he has?” he asked.

“Her name is Josephine Cirmia, still in law school.”

“Ah, I know this name. She is the one who was told not to be a hero. That bitch! Bring me all her information. Family, friends…everything.”
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

As the trial rolled on the Defense did an excellent job of keeping the prosecution at bay on four of the five murders, but the murder of Superwoman and the evidence dropped in court was looming over them like a hangman’s noose. It seemed unlikely that Conquistador would be able to slip away from this one.

Finally the prosecution called Detective Rebecca Hunt as a witness.

“Detective, can you tell me exactly what you expected to find when you arrested Mr. Moralez?” Brannon asked.

“Yes, I expected to find a set of “trophies” on a hidden mantle behind his desk.”

“Can you explain these “trophies?”

“Trophies like articles of clothing that were stolen from the deceased as a memento.” she said.

“OBJECTION! SPECULATION!”

“Granted, keep the questions to evidence you actually have, prosecution. The Jury will disregard all mention of any trophies.” Judge Holt ordered.

“I’m done your honor.” Brannon said.

Conquistador’s lawyer stood up to cross examine Detective Hunt when Conquistador stood up to speak.

“Your honor! I would like to fire my attorney and represent myself!” He said aloud as the courtroom gasped in shock. Immediately the news was tweeted out online by court reporters.

“Mr. Moralez, that is certainly your right, but I don’t think it’s a wise idea. I recommend you leave your lawyer on for guidance as you represent yourself.”  Judge Holt said.

“Yes, your honor. So Detective Hunt is mine to question?”

“You may proceed.” Judge Holt said.

“OBJECTION! Sir, this is highly irregular. It’s obviously some sort of stunt. Detective Hunt is a respected member of the police department and this is obviously an attempt to intimidate her!” Brannon said.

“Overruled. It is his right, prosecution. I’m allowing it.”

Josephine noticed Conquistador grin at the Judge and the slightest nod of approval from the Judge. She thought it was odd.

Rebecca looked at Conquistador, ready for his questions. She knew he was desperate now and she was enjoying this feeble stunt.

“Detective Hunt, you enjoy wearing short skirts and fine hosiery to work. Would you say your sexuality plays a big part of why you became a cop?”

“No.” she replied.

“And would you say that you are obsessed with Superwoman?”

“No.”

“Detective Hunt, have you ever been brutally raped?”

“OBJECTION! What does this have to do with the case?” Brannon shouted.

“Your Honor, I assure you this is leading to something important.” Conquistador said.

“overruled, continue. Answer the question, Detective.” Judge Holt said.

Brannon, Josephine and the entire staff sat stunned that this was being allowed.

“I…I…don’t have to answer that.” Rebecca replied.

“Ah, yes. You are referring to this case from 1999, Detective Hunt. The college Halloween party? Sound familiar?” Conquistador asked.

“I was 16, I was a minor. That case is sealed. It can’t be entered into the court!” Rebecca said.

“I unsealed it.” Judge Holt said, grinning ever so slightly at the sexy detective.

“OBJECTION! This is insane! request a sidebar!” Brannon said.

As Brannon and Conquistador approached, the Judge motioned for Josephine to come over as well.

“What the hell is this? This is illegal for christ sake! You can’t just introduce sealed evidence!” Brannon said to the Judge.

“It was included in discovery. I have it right here in my packet and so does the Defense. Maybe your “superstar” intern missed it.”  Judge Holt said looking at the sexy Josephine in her blue skirt suit and hose with high heels.

“No, it wasn’t in there, I swear. I wouldn’t have missed that.” Josephine said, defending herself.

Conquistador turns to look at Josephine “Perhaps the prosecution shouldn’t be employing incompetent little interns?” he said condescendingly.
 
Judge Holt looks at Conquistador, smiling. “I agree, she is incompetent. The questioning of Rebecca will proceed.” He said, grinning.

Brannon was stunned. Returning to the table Josephine defended herself again to him.

“It wasn’t in there, sir. I swear!” She said.

“I know, Josephine. It’s okay. We’re in trouble. The Judge is in Conquistador’s pocket. I should’ve listened to you when you told me about Judge Holt’s signature on those orders.” He said.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
THE PUBLIC HUMILIATION OF REBECCA HUNT

Conquistador glared at Rebecca. “Please describe in detail the evening in question, Detective Hunt.” He said.

“I was at a Halloween party at college. I was a freshman, two months into school.”

“Yes, describe your costume.” He asked.

“I was dressed as Superwoman.”

“So you went, at the age of 16, to a college party dressed in the provocative outfit of a woman who had been raped and murdered?”

“That’s not what Superwoman represents!” She shouts.

“Detective Hunt, you will refrain from outbursts and answer Mr. Moralez’s questions, respectfully.” Judge Holt ordered.

“Thank you, your Honor” Conquistador said.

“Tell the court what happened.”

“I was having fun. There was beer. I got a little drunk. Some boys, they owned to the Frat house, told me they had something cool they wanted to show me upstairs. They were nice and I was impressionable so I went. They walked me into a bedroom and then locked the door behind me and guarded it.” Rebecca said with a quivering voice.

“And what did these young men do to you? In detail, what did they say?” Conquistador asked.

“They said. ‘looks like we’ve got the great Superwoman, now’ then they acted like my powers were gone and taunted me.”

“What else did they do?”

“They grabbed me, pulled off my brunette wig and said ‘We’re gonna fuck a blonde Superwoman tonight!’ then they slapped me and started punching me in the belly. Saying ‘you’re nothing now, Superwoman’ then they threw me on the bed. They took off my boots then tied my hands and legs to the posts.”

“Did you offer any resistance?”

“Yes, I screamed for help. I told them no.”

“Then what happened?”

“They stuffed a dirty sock into my mouth to shut me up. Then they beat me until I was too hurt to scream. Then they each got on top of me, told me how weak and pathetic I was.”

“Did they rape you?”

“What the fuck do you think?” She shouted with tears starting to well up in her eyes.

“Your Honor, she’s being insolent again.” Conquistador said.

“You will answer Mr. Moralez respectfully, Detective!” Holt ordered.

“Yes, okay? They raped me. They ALL raped me. They all got on top of me and brutally raped me. Is that what you want to hear? They beat me, fucked me, dominated me and broke me!” She said as the tears begin to stream down.

“Oh, Detective. That is horrible. You did not have to go into that much painful detail. I would like to enter into evidence the pictures of 16 year old Rebecca Hunt taken by the frat boys as she lay helpless on the bed.” Conquistador says as he pulls out the photos taken as trophies by the young men.

“please…don’t show those…” Rebecca begs, her eyes tearing.

Conquistador distributes the pictures of young Rebecca, making them public. Her mask ripped off, nylons torn, dried cum stains on her face and clothing. She refuses to look at them.

“So Detective. You were brutally raped by a bunch of young men in a Superwoman costume. Then you become an angry detective with a vendetta against men. So you try to solve the murder of Superwoman obsessively and now want to pin it on me. I say you’re judgement in this case has been compromised in terms of being able to think clearly and unbiasedly. I think you’re not really this hard cop you portray, but this scared little girl hiding behind your badge! You’re just a weak, scared little girl, aren’t you detective?

“…I…I…” Rebecca stammered.

“ANSWER MY QUESTION!” He shouts.

“I’m not weak. I’m Detective Rebecca Hunt.” She says.

“No, Detective. You ARE weak. I have just taken all your power.” He says.

“I’m done with her….”

“You may step down, Detective.” Judge Holt orders.

Rebecca, still with tears in her eyes, steps out of the witness box. Visibly shaking and clearly rocked from the examination she steps down, holding the railing. The courtroom watches as Detective Hunt takes two shaky steps and falls to her hands and knees, unable to walk. Josephine jumps up from her seat and runs over to help Rebecca….

“Sit down! Ms. Cirmia! She will get back to her seat under her own power!” Judge Holt orders.

Josephine glares at the judge. “Hell, no!” She says defiantly as she makes her way towards the crawling and crying Rebecca.

“Bailiff! Escort the incompetent intern out of the courtroom!” Judge Holt orders.

The bailiff grabs Josephine, enjoying her struggling and pulls her towards the exit. “No! You can’t treat her like this! You can’t do this to her!” She yells as she’s tossed out of court.

Rebecca looks up to see Josephine fighting for her, her only true friend. She rallies and gets to her feet trying to be strong. Conquistador looks on smiling at his work. The courtroom watches the defeated detective walks slowly to the exit.

“Your Honor, I would like to rehire my lawyer.’ Conquistador says.

Outside the courtroom Josephine sits holding Rebecca’s hand. “He eviscerated me. He ruined me.” Rebecca says staring blankly at the wall in front of her.

“No Rebecca, that’s what he wants. You already survived this and became an amazing cop. Don’t let him take that from you now.” Josephine said.

“I won’t” she replied determined.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

TYRONE JENKINS

The Captain stood outside the courtroom with Tyrone and his guards. The time had come for Tyrone to be a witness for the prosecution.

“I nervous, Captain.” He said while taking a sip of his bottled water.

“You should be, son. But once you do this Conquistador will be in jail and you’ll start your new life. This is the right thing to do.” He said.

Just then Josephine walked into the waiting area from the courtroom. “We’re ready for you, Tyrone.” She said.

Tyrone looked up at Josephine. “Miss Josephine, I just want to say sorry about hitting you them times. I been reading the good book since I been in the cell. I wants to turn my life around. Get a job, meet a nice girl like you and maybe start a family someday. I been a real asshole all my life. I just want to be a good person now.”

Josephine took his hand and held it. “This is the first step to being that good person, Tyrone. Stay strong in there.” She said.

“Miss Josephine? When you see Detective Hunt again can you tell her I’m sorry for what I done to her. I regrets it everyday and I wants her to know I sorry.”

Suddenly Detective Hunt walks up to Tyrone as she was with the guards.

“Oh Detective Hunt, I sorry about hurting you…” He says.

“I heard you. Just do your job today and put that scumbag away.” She says.

“Ain’t you gonna call me dickhead or something?” He asks.

Rebecca smirks at him. “No, not today.” she says. That was the most of an acceptance for an apology anyone could’ve received from Detective Hunt.

Tyrone walks into the courtroom in a suit paid for by the prosecution so he would look respectable. He looks over at the jury then looks over at Conquistador. Conquistador smiles at Tyrone. Tyrone starts to break into a cold sweat. He places his hand on the Bible and swears to tell the whole truth.

“Mr. Jenkins. Does this gun look familiar?” DA Brannon asks.

“Yes, sir. It’s the gun I was given to shoot Detective Hunt with.” Tyrone says.

“Let the evidence show that ballistics on this gun has proven it to be the same gun used in 5 separate murders.” Brannon declares. “Now Mr. Jenkins is the person who gave you that gun in the courtroom today?” He asks.

“Yes.” Tyrone replies as he begins to sweat profusely and starts to slump in his chair.

“Please point this person out to the court.” Brannon requests.

Tyrone begins foaming at the mouth and grabbing at his throat. Unable to breathe he stands up in a panic as blood starts to drip from his nostrils. He falls down and out of the witness box. The courtroom turns into pandemonium as people scream and shout.

“Jesus Christ! Call a medic!” Brannon shouts.

Josephine runs over to Tyrone cradling his head. He looks up at her terrified and confused. She holds his hand as life slips from his body. Tyrone is dead.

Josephine looks up to see Conquistador sitting in his chair laughing. He catches Josephine looking at him. She puts Tyrone’s head down as the EMT’s arrive and stands up glaring at Conquistador. He looks right at her and smiles. Their eyes stay locked. She wanted to change into Superwoman right then and knock Conquistador’s head off. She resisted the urge. The star witness was dead, the case was suddenly in danger.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

CLOSING ARGUMENTS

The Defense reasserted it’s claim that the DCPD was filled with corrupt cops who were trying to railroad Mr. Moralez. They also reminded the jury of the fact that the prosecution was unable to link the gun to Mr. Moralez and the “coincidence” of a suit being worn on a certain day was hardly the admission of guilt the prosecution was hoping it would be.

The Prosecution claimed that the suit “coincidence” was not a coincidence at all as the records show it was a custom tailored job. They also claimed, but could not prove, that the gun was given to Tyrone Jenkins by Mr. Moralez with the intention of killing Detective Rebecca Hunt. The same gun used to kill 5 women. The prosecution urged the jury convict him.

The Jury was sent to deliberate the case and come to a conclusion. 5 hours later they had reached their decision:

“On the count of murder of Suzanne Stark in the first degree we find the defendant: Not Guilty.”

“On the count of murder of Michelle Conley in the first degree we find the defendant: Not Guilty.”

“On the count of murder of Barbra Ramsey in the first degree we find the defendant: Not Guilty.”

“On the count of murder of Laura Neal in the first degree we find the defendant: Not Guilty.”

“On the count of murder of Superwoman in the first degree we find the defendant:….”

The world froze hanging on the words about to come out of the jury leaders mouth. The city was watching, the world was watching. The hopes of a city, optimistic in their recovery hinged on what was said next. Everyone was holding their breath.

“Not Guilty”

Conquistador jumped from his seat and raised his hands in victory. Hugging his lawyer shouting “INNOCENT!!!”

The world was stunned. Given the amount of evidence provided, legal experts were sure a guilty verdict was coming down for the murder of Superwoman. Josephine looked over at the jury. Their heads hung low as if ashamed of what they had done. She looked around at the people in the courtroom, the murder victims relatives, and saw how they had lost hope.  The city stood silent at the verdict, the collective optimism of a city dashed away with two simple words: Not Guilty.

Conquistador stood up and addressed the Jury. “You should all be proud of your decision here today! An innocent man walks free thanks to you!” He says to them.

The Jury leader, a thin old black man with white hair, looks at him. “We ain’t proud of letting a murderer like you walk! You and your dirty lawyer muddied up the law and we had to follow it! Far as I’m concerned, you guilty!” He shouted.

Conquistador glared at the old man. “Perhaps you should sleep with one eye open tonight.” He threatened.

The old man and the rest of the jury were visibly frightened as was the rest of the city. A madman had just escaped the clutches of the law and they knew he would exact his revenge on them now. Josephine knew what Superwoman’s purpose was at that moment. The old man at the statue, Chuck, Rebecca, they all had hope. Superwoman was there to inspire, not just save, the people of Delta City.

“ORDER IN THE COURT!!!” Judge Holt bangs his gavel. The courtroom fell silent.

“Mr. Moralez, on behalf of the citizens of Delta City we apologize for the inconvenience. You are free to go.” He says.

DA Brannon begins packing up his belongings. “Let’s go Josephi….” He realizes she had already walked out.

Conquistador and his lawyer go outside to a crush of media. Screaming and shouting coupled with people protesting his verdict. It was complete chaos. Police weren’t able to control the crowds. Conquistador stops to speak with reporters. The crowd fell silent as he motioned for them to be quiet.

“So, I see you protesters there. Holding your signs, calling me a murderer! If I am a murderer then perhaps you should cover your faces because a murderer will not forget what each of you looks like!” He says as the protesters begin to cower. “Delta City is not YOUR city…it is MY city! I AM the most powerful man in Delta City! If you think I am such a madman perhaps you shouldn’t anger me! There is no telling what a “madman” will do while you sleep, while your children play, while your loved ones are alone! If you want peace then…..” Conquistador’s terrifying monologue was cut short by a surprise appearance.

“IT’S SUPERWOMAN!!!” The crowd cheers as Superwoman floats down from the sky. The reporters immediately notice she changed her costume. No longer the fully covered 1995 costume, she was far more stylish. Josephine had changed it the night before intending to debut the new look after Conquistador’s conviction, but it was too late to change back and she needed to make a point. Her full leotard was replaced with a sleek red sports bra and low cut, high leg bottoms exposing her amazing abs and perfect body. Her legs still glazed in shimmering pantyhose and red boots. Her gloves gone to reveal her french manicured nails. The eye makeup still smoked out with mascara to elongate the stunning woman’s lashes behind the perfect red mask to conceal her true identity. Her long hair flowing in the wind as the light from the sun picked up sparkles from the hint of body glitter she had rubbed onto her skin.

As she lands the crush of media leave Conquistador to inundate her with questions. Superwoman motions for the crowd to be silent. Staring directly at Conquistador she begins to walk slowly towards him. The crowd parts as a path directly to Conquistador is open before her. She walks slowly towards him talking to reporters, keeping her eyes locked on him…

“I’ve been back for months and haven’t addressed the citizens of Delta City properly. I’m going to fix that now. I’m here to tell you all that you don’t have to be afraid of those who would do you harm. Don’t be afraid of common thugs and so called Crime Lords. Don’t let these petty, greedy men scare you into thinking they own you. THEY DON’T! Because I’m making it my mission to rid the city of these kinds of men. I’m taking them down. All of them…I promise.” She said as Conquistador begins walking away from her.

He walks to his waiting black armored SUV as Superwoman walks slowly in his direction, the crowd parting and cheering for their heroic champion. The Police stop the media from going any further as Conquistador and Superwoman are now out of range of the microphones. Conquistador gets into his SUV and rolls down the tinted window to see Superwoman standing face to face beside him. The cameras rolling with no audio the crowd sees the two exchanging words.

Conquistador looks Superwoman up and down, smiling sadistically. “New costume, I see. Very sexy, Superwoman.”

“You escaped justice today, that won’t happen again.” Superwoman said.

Conquistador still checking her out. “Same belt and choker, I see. I look forward to holding them in my hand while you suffer, bitch!” He said, letting her know he knows he can defeat her.

“Don’t hold on too tight, wouldn’t want to lose your other hand.” She said, letting him know she knows more than he thinks.

Conquistador looks down at his prosthetic right hand. “Whoever you are, you will beg me to let you live, this I promise you, bitch!” He says.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” She says.

“Neither should you.” He says nodding to the people she just promised to protect.

“Drive.” He says as the window goes up and his black SUV pulls away.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Detective Rebecca Hunt is in The Captain’s office.

“How the fuck did Tyrone get poisoned? Who poisoned him? How the fuck did that happen?” Rebecca screams.

“Rebecca, it’s over. You need to decompress.” he says.

“No! It’s not over! Someone in this department got to him! Someone here poisoned him!!!” She shouts.

“You checked everyone’s financials, Rebecca. You hand selected his guards! There was nothing more you could’ve done!”

“I didn’t check yours, Captain.” She says.

“What did you just say, Detective? You accusing me of something?” He asks annoyed.

“Tyrone knew I was on mandatory vacation the day you put me on it. How the hell did he know that?” She questions.

“Are you serious? This department has leaks all over it! You think the most feared Detective in Delta City getting mandatory leave isn’t going to hit the streets in a second?” He says. The Captain opens his desk and pulls out a report of his financials. “Here. I ran them on myself because I knew you’d question it. Like a good detective should.”

Rebecca reads over the report and puts it down. “I’m sorry, sir. I’m just grasping at straws here.” she says.

“It’s okay Rebecca, you’ve done your best and I’m proud of you.” He says.

“It’s just that me and Superwoman have been so optimistic about his conviction.” She says.

“Superwoman? you’re friends with her?” The Captain asks.

“Yes, we talk. We’re kind of a team. I guess she’s like my unofficial partner.”

“That’s a good partner to have, Detective. Look, I’ve been wanting to let you all know….I’ll tell you first. I’m retiring next month.” The Captain says.

“Retiring? You can’t retire, sir we still have  a lot of work to do. Conquistador for starters.” Rebecca says.

“No Rebecca, me and Martha have decided it. We’re going to spend a year at our vacation home in the country. Then I was thinking of maybe running for Mayor in the next election cycle.” He says.

“Mayor? You’d have my vote, sir. I really don’t want you to leave.” She says.

“Thanks, Detective…Rebecca, you’re the only cop I really trust here. I have something crazy in mind. Something risky. Something that could bring down Conquistador for good”

“I’m all ears, Captain.” She says, her interest peaked.

“Hang tight, you have to trust me on this. Give me time to put this together. Until then, we never had this conversation.” He says.

“Yes, sir!” Rebecca says.

Detective Hunt walked back to her desk. The Captain watched her through the slats in his window shade. She was jittery, she wanted Conquistador and he knew she wouldn’t stop until she got what she wanted. That was Detective Rebecca Hunt, relentless and fearless. She was the only cop that could carry out his idea.

The Captain walked over and sat back at his desk. He pulled up his computer and opened a file on Officer Frank Price. Everything on Officer Frank Price is classified after 1989. The Captain enters his authorization code and the classified files are unlocked.

“Officer Frank Price, DCDC001. Delta City Deep Cover Unit. Infiltrated organized crime gang in 1990. Street Name: Buckshot.”

The Captain picks up his secure line and dials the code numbers listed….

“This line is secure. Authorization CPT001….” The Captain says.

“This line is secure. Authorization DCDC001…” The voice says.

“Buckshot, it’s time we ended this nightmare once and for all.” The Captain says.

TO BE CONTINUED