American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

“SWAT team, prepare to enter,” Lynn ordered. “We may need to move in immediately.”

“Roger that, deploying,” Rick Sanders responded. “Give us five minutes to complete the encirclement.”

Just then, a new conversation came through the listening device.

“Victor wants to speak with you personally,” a different voice said, one that was more authoritative and cold.

“I just want my sister to come home safely,” Taren said, his voice filled with despair.

“Your sister is safe, she’s upstairs,” the other person said, “but whether she can go home depends on your behavior.”

This information is important. Sarah is in the same building, which makes a rescue operation possible.

"All units, the target hostage is confirmed to be in the same building," Lynn reported to each group. "SWAT team, accelerate deployment."

“We’re in position,” Rick reported. “The building has three entrances, and we have them all under control. Thermal imaging shows there are approximately eight to ten people inside.”

"Technical team, is there still a signal?"

“The signal is very weak, but we can still hear some conversation,” Martin replied. “It looks like they’re having some kind of meeting.”

Lynn needs to make a decision. Continuing to wait might yield more information, but it also increases the danger for Taron and Sarah. Acting immediately, while riskier, will ensure the safety of the hostages.

Just then, a worrying sound came from the listening device.

"You think we don't know?" an angry voice roared. "You're bugged!"

“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Taren replied in a panic.

"All units, move out immediately!" Lynn shouted the order. "They've discovered listening devices! The hostages are in extreme danger!"

The SWAT team immediately began their assault. Rick Sanders led the first group in through the front door, the second group stormed in through the back door, and the third group was responsible for controlling the high ground and providing support.

“FBI! Hands up!” Rick’s voice echoed through the building.

Immediately, a chaotic cacophony of sounds arose: footsteps, shouts, and the clatter of objects.

"The first floor has been cleared, and three suspects have been found and apprehended," reported the first team.

"The rear area has been cleared, and two suspects were found attempting to escape. They have been apprehended," reported the second team.

"Target Taren found in the basement, rescue underway," the third team reported.

But there has been no news about Sarah yet.

“Attention all teams, female hostage Sarah Johnson has not been located yet,” Lynn announced over the radio. “She should be somewhere upstairs.”

“Received, searching the upstairs area,” Rick replied.

Lynn personally entered the building to ensure every detail of the operation was handled properly. The building was larger inside than it appeared from the outside, with multiple rooms and passageways. The SWAT team was systematically clearing each area.

In the basement, Lynn found Taren. The young man was tied to a chair, with obvious signs of beatings on his face, but was conscious.

"Taren, are you alright?" Lynn asked as she untied his ropes.

“It’s alright, but Sarah,” Taren said worriedly, “they said she’s upstairs, but I don’t know exactly where.”

“We will find her,” Lynn reassured her. “You are safe now.”

Just then, good news came over the radio.

“A female hostage has been found in the room on the east side of the second floor. Rescue efforts are underway,” a SWAT team member reported.

"How are the hostages?" Lynn asked immediately.

"He is conscious, has minor external injuries, but is in good overall condition," the team member replied.

Lynn breathed a sigh of relief. Finding Sarah meant the rescue operation was basically a success; now it was time to ensure all the criminals were apprehended.

"Each group, report your results," Lynn demanded a full report.

"Three suspects were apprehended on the first floor, including Mark Williams," reported the first team.

"Two suspects attempting to escape have been apprehended in the rear," the second team reported.

"The basement area has been cleared, and no other personnel were found," the third group reported.

"The second and third floors have been cleared. No one else was found except for the hostages," the support team reported.

A total of five suspects were apprehended, fewer than expected. The primary target, Victor Rodriguez, did not appear.

“Where is Mark Williams?” Lynn asked.

"They've been brought under control in the main room on the first floor," the team member replied.

Lynn went to the main room on the first floor and saw Mark Williams sitting on the floor, handcuffed. He was a man in his thirties, with a strong build and obvious tattoos on his face; he looked like a typical professional criminal.

“Mark Williams, you are arrested on charges of kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking,” Lynn read the arrest warrant. “You have the right to remain silent.”

“Save your breath, Inspector,” Mark interrupted him. “I know my rights.”

“Where is Victor Rodriguez?” Lynn asked directly.

Mark scoffed. "Do you think I'd tell you?"

“You’ve already been arrested, so cooperating will be in your best interest,” Lynn said.

“I won’t say anything,” Mark replied firmly.

Lynn knew that getting information from Mark wouldn't be easy, but tonight's operation had yielded significant results. Two hostages were rescued, five criminals were captured, and a large quantity of drugs and evidence were seized.

With the help of medical staff, Taron and Sarah both underwent basic medical examinations. Sarah, a seventeen-year-old high school student, looks very much like her brother, with the same eyes and features. Although frightened, she acted bravely.

"Sarah, are you alright?" Lynn asked with concern.

“I’m fine, thank you,” Sarah’s voice trembled slightly but was clear. “Did you save us?”

“It was my team that saved you,” Lynn said. “Your brother was very brave; he took a huge risk to save you.” Sarah looked at Taren, her eyes filled with tears. “Brother, I’m so sorry, because of me you…”

“No, Sarah, this isn’t your fault,” Taren interrupted her. “It’s my choices that have led us into this situation.”

Looking at the brother and sister, Lynn was reminded of his own childhood. He understood the importance of family responsibility and the feeling of making difficult choices to protect one's family.

“Taren, while you did possess drugs tonight, considering you were coerced and cooperated with our operation,” Lynn said, “I will reflect these circumstances truthfully in my report.”

“What does this mean?” Taren asked.

“This means that prosecutors will consider these factors when deciding to prosecute,” Lynn explained. “You may face a lesser charge, or you may have the opportunity to reduce your sentence through a plea agreement.”

This is not a complete exemption, but it is much better than what Taren originally faced.

“More importantly,” Lynn continued, “we will help you find legitimate job opportunities and ensure your and Sarah’s safety.”

Tears of gratitude welled in Taren's eyes. "Thank you, Inspector Hall. I know I don't deserve this help."

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” Lynn said. “The key is how you use that chance.”

By 1 a.m., the cleanup was largely complete. The five criminals were sent to different detention centers, while Taren and Sarah were given medical examinations and then placed in a safe place to rest.

On the way back to the precinct, Lynn and James discussed the successes and shortcomings of tonight's operation.

“Although we didn’t capture Victor Rodriguez, we destroyed one of his key strongholds,” James analyzed, “and most importantly, we rescued the hostages.”

“Yes, but Victor is still out there,” Lynn said. “He’ll reorganize, looking for new bases and men.”

“Will those who were arrested talk?” James asked.

“Mark Williams seems stubborn, but the others might cooperate,” Lynn replied. “We need to interrogate them separately to see what useful information we can get.”

“Tonight’s operation proved our strategy was correct,” Lynn wrote in his report. “By working with the coerced perpetrators, we were not only able to rescue the hostages, but also to dismantle a larger criminal network.”

At three o'clock in the morning, Lynn finally finished the basic report work.

The following morning, Lynn received a call from FBI headquarters. Assistant Director John Harrison congratulated him on the previous night's operation.

“Lynn, excellent work,” Harrison said. “A successful hostage rescue, zero casualties, and the capture of several key criminals. This is a textbook operation.”

“Thank you, sir,” Lynn replied, “but the work isn’t finished yet; Victor Rodriguez is still at large.”

“I know we’ll continue the investigation,” Harrison said, “but you’ve already dealt him a heavy blow. Keep up this level of work.”

In the afternoon, Lynn went to visit Taron and Sarah. The siblings were resting in a safe house, under the care of dedicated protectors.

"How are you feeling?" Lynn asked.

“Much better than last night,” Taren replied. “I’m still thinking about last night; it feels like a dream.”

“This isn’t a dream,” Lynn said, “and you’re safe now. I’ve contacted some legitimate aid organizations that can help you get back on your feet.”

“Can we go back to a normal life?” Sarah asked. “I mean, will no one threaten us anymore?”

“We will ensure your safety,” Lynn promised, “and as more criminals are caught, the threat will further decrease.”

“I want to go back to school,” Sarah said. “I don’t want this to affect my studies.”

“You should go back to school,” Lynn encouraged. “Education is the best way to change your life.”

“I also want to find a decent job,” Taron said. “I don’t want Sarah to be in any danger anymore.”

“I will help you,” Lynn said, “but most importantly, you must believe that no matter what difficulties you encounter, there are legal solutions. Don’t be tempted by criminal activities again.”

In the evening, Lynn had just finished the follow-up documentation for the Talen case and was about to leave work when his phone rang. Seeing that the caller ID showed Emily, he couldn't help but smile.

“Hey, Emily,” Lynn answered the phone.

“Lynn! I saw the news report about your rescue operation,” Emily’s voice was filled with excitement and pride. “The FBI successfully rescued the hostages and apprehended members of the criminal group. Although the report didn’t mention the specific agents’ names, I know it must have been the case you were in charge of.”

Lynn was somewhat surprised. "How did you know it was me?"

“Because I know your working style,” Emily said with a smile. “The report mentioned the humane treatment of coerced criminals and the follow-up support for the victims’ families, which perfectly aligns with your law enforcement philosophy. Besides, I met James’s wife yesterday, and she told me that James has been praising your leadership abilities for the past few days.”

“Looks like there aren’t any secrets inside the FBI,” Lynn joked.

“So,” Emily’s tone became more excited, “I’d like to invite you to dinner to celebrate another achievement. Besides, we haven’t had a proper chat since we got back from Hawaii.”

Lynn thought about it and realized it was true. Since returning from Hawaii, he had immediately thrown himself into his busy work schedule. Although he had kept in touch with Emily, he hadn't had the chance to have a deeper conversation about the wonderful time they had spent together.

“That sounds good. Where do you want to go?” Lynn asked.

“I know a great Italian restaurant in Little Italy called ‘House of Victoria,’” Emily suggested. “It’s very cozy, and their seafood pasta is said to be the best in all of New York.”

"Okay, what time?"

“How about 7:30? I’ve already made a reservation,” Emily said, clearly having planned ahead.

"Are you sure this is just to celebrate my work?" Lynn asked in a teasing tone.

“Of course!” Emily replied with a smile, “but perhaps I also miss the wonderful time in Hawaii a little bit.”

At 7:30 p.m., Lynn arrived at the "Victoria House" restaurant on time. It was an elegantly decorated Italian restaurant; dim lighting, red brick walls, and hanging grape decorations created a warm and romantic atmosphere. Soft Italian folk music played in the background, making the whole environment both comfortable and charming.

Emily was already waiting for him, wearing an elegant navy blue dress and her hair loosely styled in a bun, looking both professional and charming. When she saw Lynn, a radiant smile lit up her face.

“You look great,” Emily said, standing up to greet him. “It seems that successfully completing the mission has made you radiant.”

“Or perhaps it’s because I’m about to have dinner with a beautiful lady,” Lynn replied, pulling out a chair for Emily.

“Oh, when did this FBI agent become so good at sweet-talking?” Emily joked. “Looks like the Hawaiian sun really has changed you.”

After they sat down, the waiter came over to recommend the evening's specials. Emily chose lobster pasta, while Lynn ordered steak with red wine sauce.

“So, tell me the details of this operation,” Emily said after pouring red wine into her glass. “News reports only provide a brief overview.” (End of Chapter)