บท 214: Chapter 214: NYC Morning (2)
[Edward POV]
After a moment of contemplation, Sarge hesitantly spoke, "It might seem baseless, but we believe that there's going to be an attempt to harm you today." Rosa felt the urge to intervene but decided against it.
I responded casually, "Should I increase the number of security guards here? Also, how do you like your eggs?" As I prepared breakfast, I playfully served Sarge some bacon and made a frittata for Rosa.
Sarge blurted out, "Many on a plate–" before continuing, "Do you understand the seriousness of the situation here?"
Maintaining my nonchalant demeanor, I replied, "I can figure that out. But, it's not confirmed yet, right? And people need to eat. But I promise, after that, I will be more serious in dealing with the matter." I smiled mischievously, creating a mix of agitation in Rosa and surprise in Sarge.
Handing them their plates, I joined my fans at the table. Rosa expressed her annoyance, remarking, "See. All child celebs are the same. They have no respect for others and only care about themselves."
Sarge shook his head and responded, "I don't think so. See what he's doing?"
Confused, Rosa asked, still angry, "What?"
"He's trying not to cause a panic," Sarge replied, somewhat impressed.
Engaging with my fans, I suddenly mentioned, "Ah, I have to be at the airport to fly back home. I know that it's sad, but I only have 10 more minutes to eat with you guys."
Disappointed, the fans exclaimed, "Awww." I laughed and suggested, "So, why don't we make it a game? The first 10 people to finish their food, I will wipe their mouth with a napkin–"
Before I could finish my sentence, the fans eagerly started gobbling up their food. I laughed and added, "Don't choke! Eat at your own pace! I won't be responsible if you guys get a stomach ache."
The first girl, a red-headed 14-year-old with freckles on her face, approached me shyly after the enthusiastic eating contest. "I'm so embarrassed. I feel like a pig," she said self-deprecatingly.
"You shouldn't be," I reassured her. "You know what? I really love watching people enjoy the food I cook. And seeing you enjoy it so eagerly made me really happy this morning." With affection, I gently wiped her lips with a clean napkin.
In the background, some girls grumbled with jealousy, while others shouted in excitement, capturing the moment on their phones to share on Instagram as they couldn't share videos on Twitter yet.
The fan event moved quickly and after the last girl had their reward, I said goodbye to all of them when suddenly Robin chimed in, "Boss. 3 hostiles are entering the hotel through the main entrance."
Sarge received a phone call from Jake at that very moment and went to protect me immediately.
I turned to the Sarge and said seriously to my fans, "Everyone. I'm going to ask you guys for a favour. Please leave the hall through the left exit, only the left exit, and go straight to the pool."
Sarge and Rosa took charge and escorted the fans out of the halls quickly. Before they could explain the situation to me, I said, "3 people are coming through the main entrance, carrying 3 rifles."
Sarge was shocked, "What? I didn't think that they'd be brave enough to go through the paparazzi outside."
"Rifles? Damn, these guys really want to kill you." Rosa said with disbelief. She grabbed my arm and said, "Come on, we need to get you someone safe." As she wanted to get me through the left exit, I stopped her and said, "Actually, we should go in a different direction than my fans. If things do get bad, then I don't want to implicate them."
Rosa was silent for a while before she replied, "Got it."
"Rosa, we need to wait for backup. We don't have our bulletproof vest." Sarge said.
"Is Jake coming here with the cavalry yet?" Rosa replied, a bit agitated.
…
[General POV]
As the hostiles, three African-American men dressed in white tank tops, black bandanas, and low waist jeans, entered the hotel lobby, they forcefully incapacitated the security guard by striking them with the back of their rifles.
"Nobody moves!" they shouted, firing a few warning shots into the air and at the hotel lobby, causing glass shards to rain down. "All of you, get on the ground, right now!"
The short haired Russian hotel receptionist, the two Mexican bellboys, and other guests obeyed the command, quickly dropping to the floor in fear and compliance.
Despite their outward appearance as common thugs, the leader of the trio's military-style command for one of them to stay in the lobby and control the crowd revealed their background and professionalism in military tactics.
Meanwhile, the other two intruders made their way towards a private hall adjacent to the lobby. Pushing through the paparazzi who had gathered there, the nosy photographers thoughtlessly captured images of the armed men.
The hostiles opened fire at the paparazzi's directions, causing some of them to fall to the ground with serious injuries, and the others to scatter only a few metres away. However, that didn't stop the news hungry paparazzis.
They kept taking pictures of what happened without thinking about their lives, but this time, they turned off the light flashes. The paparazzi lives by the motto of bigger news, the bigger they can pay out.
The duo entered the hall and unleashed a hail of bullets, shattering lights and demolishing furniture. Chaos ensued as the room erupted in panic. A stray bullet struck the gas line of the omelet station, resulting in a massive explosion.
"Stop! Where are the people?" the leader demanded with a deep, commanding voice, after he was taken aback by the explosion.
"They've cleared out the hall. They might be onto us," the younger follower responded hesitantly.
"Damn the cops!" the leader growled in frustration, realising that their plans might have been compromised.
"FIND HIM!" The leader said urgently. "Shoot anyone who tries to get in the way!"
"How?" The follower asked. The leader was taken aback when he noticed the paparazzi writing in pain on the floor. He walked to the fallen man and took his camera from him. After he reviewed the pictures, he gave the camera to his follower.
It showed Edward walking away with Rosa and Terry, and to which direction they were walking towards. "The rest of our members will help you." The leader said. "Go. Now. If you still can't find him, then capture his manager or his boss, make him come out on his own!"
…
During the morning news, the NBC station provided extensive coverage of the incident that unfolded at the MTV Awards the previous night. Nadia, the poised and professional brunette anchor, delivered the latest updates.
"Despite the unsettling events of last night, popular teen celebrity Edward Newgate has demonstrated his unwavering spirit by continuing to engage with his fans this morning," Nadia reported, her voice steady and composed, and she spoke with a smile on her face.
"He is currently hosting a heartwarming event where he can connect with his dedicated supporters."
The news then transitioned to a scene where Edward, ever gracious, was captured on camera gently wiping a fan's mouth with a napkin. The crowd erupted in cheers, showcasing the enthusiasm that surrounds the young celebrity.
Just as Nadia was about to proceed with further details, an urgent message came through her earpiece, causing her expression to shift into one of concern. With a professional demeanor, she swiftly relayed the breaking news to the viewers.
"Breaking news. We have received reports that XX hotel has become the target of a terrorist attack," Nadia announced, her voice conveying the gravity of the situation. "Three individuals, armed with rifles and firearms, have managed to infiltrate the premises."
She continued, her words measured and deliberate, "Eyewitnesses in the vicinity have informed us that this attack appears to be specifically targeted at Edward Newgate, who is currently hosting his fan meeting at the hotel. The hostiles are reportedly conducting an intense search for him."
Nadia paused briefly, allowing the weight of the situation to sink in for viewers. She concluded with a tone of reassurance, "Law enforcement authorities have swiftly responded, cordoning off the area and implementing necessary security measures. We will be closely monitoring the situation and providing you with further updates as soon as they become available..."
In Los Angeles, Ted found himself in the office at the port, engrossed in watching the news on the television. As the NBC breaking news flashed across the screen, a sense of unease washed over him and the ten captains and crew members present in the room.
Glen, a crew member with a distinct muppet-like voice and a beer gut, abruptly stood up and exclaimed, "Those motherfuckers! Let me go to New York, right now!"
Gina, a stern office lady positioned nearby, scoffed at Glen's outburst. "You? Going to New York? And what purpose would that serve? To join the list of casualties? No! I'll go instead!"
With determination in her eyes, Gina revealed a pair of concealed Desert Eagles she had stashed in the file cupboard. Glen, not one to be outdone, reached into his bag and produced an UZI. As if a spark had been ignited, the others in the room followed suit, arming themselves one by one.
Dwayne, a burly individual, brandished a pair of brass knuckles labeled with the words "PAIN" on the left and "DEATH" on the right. He donned aviator glasses and defiantly tore off his captain's uniform, revealing a gray tank top underneath.
Within moments, an impromptu army had formed within the confines of the room. Ted, equipped with an MP3 rifle and a baseball bat wrapped with sharp wires, exuded confidence as he adjusted his sunglasses. "Let's go," he declared.
However, Frankie stepped forward, halting their progress before they could leave the room. "STOP! Are you guys crazy!?"
"Frankie. We need to go save Ed. Right now." Glenn said.
Ted turned his gaze towards Frankie, anxiety etched across his face. He called out to her, pleading, "Frankie... I need to go--"
She interrupted him, making her point clear. "I'm not saying you can't go! But those firearms need to stay. I have contacts in NYC who can help you all get what you want. I'll book the earliest airplane tickets for you right now."
Ted was taken aback by Frankie's unexpected offer and couldn't help but grin. With a burst of gratitude, he wrapped his arm around Frankie's waist, pulling her in close for a heartfelt kiss. "Thank you," he whispered.
Frankie, though appreciative, quickly reprimanded him. "I told you, no PDAs in the office. Now go!"
In Jay's house, Mitch and Cam were excitedly helping Gloria to decorate the living room and to bake 3 celebratory cakes for Edward. The party was planned to be held at 4 today after Edward returned home from NY.
They were smiling and giggling as they watched the news of Edward having a nice time with his fans, and then suddenly froze when the breaking news came in.
Cam, without any warning, fell to the ground limply as he lost his consciousness. However, no one bothered to help him as they were still haunted by the news.
Jay walked into the living room casually and said, "Hun, I've been thinking, why don't we get a baker to make his cakes– Um, what's going on?" He was confused as to why Gloria looked like she was going to murder someone, and Mitchell was on the brink of tears.
In the Dunphy's house, Claire dropped the cup of coffee she was having, causing it to shatter on the floor. Phil and Alex quickly rushed to the living room and asked, "What happened?"
Claire was pale and she turned to Phil before rushing to hug him. However, she didn't respond to Alex's question just yet.
Back to NYC, Abby was anxious and was doing whatever she could by deep diving the perpetrator's phone while trying her best to hold back her tears. Suddenly, she froze as she managed to find out an important information.
The surrounding of the hotel was being blocked by the police as the hostiles were still roaming free inside.
"S.W.A.T Team, go!" The commanding officer of the operation, the deputy commissioner of the NYPD himself, came to take charge of the scene. "My god, I don't know what will happen to us after this." He silently muttered, fearing the fate of the NYPD from the public's backlash from their handling of this event.
"Holt, you're the only captain left inside One Police Plaza. I need you to briefly take over the command in precinct 99 until their captain wakes up from his coma." The deputy commissioner said to the African American police captain standing next to him.
"Affirmative Deputy Commissioner." Captain Raymond Holt said robotically.
Inside the hotel, the security guards standing in front of Edward's, and Selena and Vanessa's shared suit, was quadrupled. However, there were still no signs of Edward getting back to his room.
Edward had followed Rosa and Terry to the kitchen instead and was hiding inside.
"You know, they only have 3 people. I think Sarge could take them." Edward said jokingly as he reached for the cereal there and made himself a bowl.
"You still haven't had enough?" Rosa asked angrily.
Terry said, "Come on Diaz. He's a growing boy. He needs nourishment."
"Yeah, listen to Sarge, Diaz. By the way, do you have a niece in LA? Especially a niece that goes by the name Selena?"
"We're in no time to discuss familial relationship Brat. And especially not about my family. Ever." Rosa warned.
Edward shrugged and said casually, "So I guess you really do have one. Selena will be glad to hear that I met her aunt."
Rosa was taken aback a bit and said, "You know her?"
"She's dating my team's fake captain." Edward answered casually.
Sarge was confused, "Why is he a fake captain?"
Edward answered smugly, "Because I'm the real captain of the team. Anyway, 1 bogey is coming here right now." He casually pointed to the east door of the kitchen.
Terry was confused as to how Edward knew about it, but he listened and set up an ambush. The young follower opened the door slightly before he was tackled by Terry, causing his rifle to be thrown away.
Rosa picked up the rifle and aimed it to the guy while Terry pinned him to the ground. Terry asked, "Why are you here? Why are you aiming for Edward?"
"Je le fais pour l'argent, ne me frappez pas !" The young man blurted out in fear.
"What?" Terry asked, confused.
"That's french." Rosa said. "I get a little–"
Edward interrupted and said, " 'I'm doing it for the money, don't hit me!'. That's basically what he said. 'Qui vous donne l'argent ?' (Who is giving you the money?)"
The young man was hesitant, but Terry shook his collar and threatened him, "TALK! Or I'll squeeze your head like a melon!"
"K! K! K! K!" The young man shouted.
"K did it?" Terry was astonished.
"No. It's not K. He didn't have the balls to do something like this." Edward said dismissively before turning to the young man and crouched next to him. He then said whisperingly to the perp.
"Je suis impressionné(e) que tu puisses encore mentir dans cette situation. Je suis vraiment étonné(e) en ce moment. Je suppose que ce grand gaillard qui te tient n'est pas assez menaçant, n'est-ce pas ? Hmm, j'imagine que c'est vrai. Il est comme un gros nounours. Il ne ferait pas de mal à une mouche."
("It's impressive that you can still lie in this situation. I am very amazed right now. I guess that massive guy holding you isn't threatening enough right? Hmm, I guess that is true. He's like a big teddy bear. He won't hurt a fly.")
"Malheureusement pour toi, celle qui se tient derrière lui n'est pas aussi clémente que lui. C'est le genre de fille qui te poignarderait juste pour s'amuser, qui te sectionnerait tes parties intimes avant de les recoudre sur ta tête si tu essaies de lui tenir tête. Alors tu ferais mieux de nous dire la vérité. Sinon, on te laissera seul ici, avec elle."
("Unfortunately for you, the one standing behind him isn't as merciful as he is. She's the type of girl, who will stab you just for fun, and rip off your balls before sewing them to your head if you try to cross her. So you better tell us the truth. Or else, we'll leave you alone here, with her.")
Edward glanced at Rosa, emphasizing her menacing presence. Rosa responded with a chilling grin, causing goosebumps to rise all over the young man's body. He shouted in an honest panic, "It's Mikael! Mikael hired us to do this!"
"Who is Mikael?" Terry asked, but before he could get an answer, Edward tackled him to the side. Bullets tore through the kitchen door, one of them finding its mark in the young man's neck. Rosa swiftly returned fire and urgently exclaimed, "WE NEED TO LEAVE! SARGE!"
"Come on, Newgate. Let's go," Sarge said as he helped Edward to his feet. The trio made a dash from the kitchen through the main door and rushed towards the restaurant. However, their options were limited as the only way out of the restaurant was through the lobby or the window.
Hearing the commotion emanating from the restaurant area, a man in the lobby made his way towards the source of the sound. The bellboys and the hotel receptionist, who had been forced to lay on the ground, also hurried in the same direction.
Finally, the SWAT team entered the hotel and found the hotel visitor lying on the lobby floor.
"GO GO GO!"
Sarge threw a chair to shatter the hotel window, while Rosa provided cover with her rifle. Sarge overturned some tables to create a makeshift barrier, offering protection for their escape.
"We're on the first floor. Do you think you can make your way along the edge?" Terry nervously asked.
Edward smiled and replied, "What about you guys?"
"This is our job. Go," Terry said with a reassuring smile, even though he knew the odds were stacked against them. "Crouch when you pass by the windows—Wait, is that?"
Terry noticed the receptionist and the bellboy waving at them from the room adjacent to the restaurant. He felt a sense of relief and said, "Go, they will help you. Once you get there, go and hide out in the third floor VIP room. There's a safe house there. Only come out when I give you the password. Go, these employees will keep you safe."
"Doubtful, but I guess I should listen to you," Edward said jokingly, before carefully making his way along the narrow one-foot-wide edge.
Rosa was under fire from two directions that she had to take cover. "I'm out." She said as she threw her rifle to the side.
"Damn it. I'm out too." Terry said as he checked his handgun. "We should've listened to Jake."
"Too late for regret now." Rosa said.
As the two hostiles moved closer towards the barricade, suddenly, SWAT came in at the perfect time to prevent Rosa and Terry from going through the worst situation.
They immediately shot the perps and killed them quickly before pinning the ones that surrendered to the ground. Rosa took a breath in relief while Terry raised his hand up and quickly said his identity, "My name is Sergeant Terry Jefforts. I'm an NYPD officer of the 99 precinct. This is my subordinate, Detective Rosa Diaz."
"We know. We've been briefed." The SWAT member said. Terry finally breathed in relief. Jake and Amy finally arrived and they rushed towards Sargent jefford.
"Sarge. Thank god." Amy said as she was fearing for the lives of her colleague.
Jake said anxiously, "No time for emotional drama right now. Sarge, where is the kid?"
"Oh, I asked him to move first." Sarge said, "He's with the hotel receptionist, hiding out right now."
Amy was shocked, "YOU DID WHAT?!"
"What's wrong?" Rosa asked.
Jake's face frowned in frustration as he said, "THEY ARE THE BAD GUYS TOO!" Abby managed to get that information from the suspect's phone before this.
A few minutes before, when Edward finally reached into the next room, the Russian receptionist held out her gun and pointed it to Edward's head, "You're coming with us."
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