THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

CHAPTER 36

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Leo, Riley , Sam and Martinez made their way into the precinct building. Officer Martinez adjusted the collar of his crisp navy blue uniform, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the precinct. The Central Precinct pulsed with energy, a hive of activity where every officer had a role to play in the intricate law enforcement. The scent of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, mingling with the sound of ringing phones and the hurried footsteps of officers on their way to various assignments.

They started making their way to their own post while greeting and saluting other fellow officers.

“ You two should return to your post, before you are sanctioned”, Leo orders Riley and Sam.

“ Okay sir”, they echoed together, returning to their post.

Just then, Officer Collins, a veteran cop whose straightforward demeanor commanded respect. He approaches Leo and Martinez with a serious look in his eyes, his brow slightly furrowed.

“Hey, Leo, Martinez” he said, his tone low and urgent. “The Chief is waiting for you in his office. Didn't you receive a message about this already, why are you two still here. He indicated it’s important, so I suggest you make your way to his office.”

“Do you know what it’s about?” Martinez asked, trying to read Collins' expression.

“I’m not sure, and you shouldn't be asking me what in the mind of the chief officer” Collins replied, glancing back towards Martinez.

“Understood,” Martinez said.

“ After you”, his hands stretching towards them, indicating Collins to take the lead.

The three of them made their way through the precinct hallway leading to the chief’s office. This hallway is lined with plaques and award, each gotten from their dedication and hardwork. Weaving among colleagues and navigating busy corridors adorned with photographs of past officers who had died from serving their country. Leo didn't feel shaken at all when their presence was needed.

Upon reaching Chief Peterson's office, Collins knocks lightly on the door and opens it at the Chief's inviting gesture. The office radiated authority, it was tastefully decorated with a large desk at the center where Chief Peterson sat behind his desk, his unyielding gaze fixed on the officers as they entered. On the walls, hung of the president of the country and previous chiefs who had taken charge.

Martinez, Leo and Collins saluted the chief after entering his office. The chief also got up and saluted in response to them.

“Thank you for coming,” Chief Peterson began, his tone steady, ushering them to seat.

“Have a seat”, He said referring to Leo and Martinez.

“Officer Collins you can leave now, thank you for bringing them here”, Peterson stated.

Collins saluted the chief in response and made his way out of the office, shutting the door as he left.

The two settles into the chairs across from him, each staring at each other. Martinez mind unrelaxed.

“ If this is about detective Ling, she is stable now. She is also now allowed to receive guest”, said Leo firmly looking at the chief, his arms on the desk.

“ Leo is right. We came from there earlier this morning, her family is probably still with her”, Martinez added, feeling a bit of bit of relief.

“You always catch up with my words”, the chief said, referring to Leo.

“ I'll see to it that her hospital bills are covered for, and I'll also make time to see her. It a good thing we didn't lose her. You should let her family know that”.

“ Yes sir”, Martinez responded, his voice a little louder.

“ She wouldn't have been in the hospital if not of how you were persistent of her joining”, Leo argues Martinez.

“ I said I was sorry. If there is anything I can do for you to forgive me then say it. You keep singing that all the time, who knows maybe you could go about that as your ringtone”, Martinez replies facing towards Leo.

“ I don't see a reason for an argument about this. Ling is also in the force, she choose this job even when her family were against it”, the chief added, staring at the two, trying to shove off the topic.

Martinez became surprised that even the chief was aware of Long going against her family.

“ Why are you pushing the blame to me then. You and the chief knows about this, if anything happens to Ling, you will be the first to be blame”.

“ About the drug raid, we were able too…”,

Martinez eyes widens on the sudden change of topic. He had planned earlier to cover up this from Leo.

“ To not get any evidence, since it was all planned by them, the building was empty. There was nothing we could get. I forgot to tell Ling that”, said Martinez, adjusting his seating position as he interrupted the chief from his sentence.

“ What is wrong with you?”, Leo questions, tilting his chair towards Martinez.

“ What is wrong with me?”, Martinez replies pointing at himself, glancing away from Leo.

“ Nothing”, he concludes, crossing his arms.

“ Why didn't you allow the chief to finish up with his sentence. Are you trying to be like me”, Leo chuckles, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk.

The chief understood why Martinez did what he did. He straightens his back in his chair.

“ That will be all for now. Leo you may leave, I need to ask Martinez some few questions since he was still at the raid when you helped Ling to the hospital”.

Leo suddenly felt awkward at the request of the chief.

“ Did I do something wrong just now”,

He quickly stood up, bowing his head towards the chief.

“ I should be punished then”.

“ You didn't do anything wrong. What I am to discuss doesn't involve you, so I don't want to waste your time. You may return to your post”, the chief explains.

Leo was in no position to argue. He addresses his seat into the desk, saluting the chief and glaring at Martinez whose head was down throughout before taking his leave.

“ Thank you chief for not disclosing this to Leo”, Martinez said, raising his head and now facing the chief.

“ Why do you want this to be kept from Leo”, Peterson questions, glaring at Martinez, his fingers tight together on the desk.