Chapter Two: Another Day,Another Case

Luke opened the door of his cruiser, the familiar hum of the engine waiting to come to life. He leaned back against the car for a moment, feeling the weight of the day settling in. It wasn't just the case that had been on his mind; it was the mounting tension that had been building over the last few weeks. But, for now, it was just another day, and Ghost was there to keep him grounded.

The dog bounded over, jumping into the passenger seat as Luke pulled open the door. Luke chuckled, making sure Ghost was settled in before sliding into the driver's seat himself. Ghost let out a soft huff, already sniffing at the air, eyes scanning the dashboard as if he had a personal stake in the journey ahead.

"Alright, settle down," Luke muttered, ruffling the dog's head as he buckled in. "We've got work to do."

He started the engine, the low rumble filling the space of the car, and pulled out of the driveway, merging into the quiet morning traffic. The road was still empty at this hour, with only a few early risers out and about, the world still not fully awake. But it wouldn't stay that way for long.

As Luke navigated the streets, he felt the routine set in—the familiar turns, the quiet stretch of road that led to the precinct. He could almost do this with his eyes closed, his thoughts already shifting to what awaited him at the station.

Ghost settled in, leaning his head on the armrest, eyes half-closed as though he too was preparing for the grind ahead. It was a good thing the dog had become such an expert in this—Luke would need all the focus he could muster.

The drive wasn't long, and soon enough, the silhouette of the police station came into view. The building stood tall and imposing, a place of endless paperwork, unresolved cases, and quiet conversations with weary officers.

Luke pulled into the parking lot, finding his usual spot near the entrance. He shifted the car into park, the engine's hum cutting off as the world outside started to return to its full volume. The sounds of distant chatter, footsteps, and the occasional siren made their way to Luke's ears as he turned to Ghost.

"Ready to get to work?" he asked, his voice quiet but serious.

Ghost's tail thumped once, a soft, reassuring sound, and Luke couldn't help but grin. "Alright, let's go."

The door to the cruiser opened with a creak, and Luke stepped out, the cool air of the parking lot greeting him. He took a moment to grab his gear—radio, cuffs, phone, and, of course, his gun—before heading to the back of the car to let Ghost out. The dog jumped down with ease, ready for whatever task the day might bring.

Luke led Ghost inside the station, where the buzz of officers coming and going greeted them. A few officers nodded as he passed, some offering brief greetings, but Luke's focus was already on the task at hand. The case would still be hanging over him, as would the mounting pressure to get answers.

"Morning, Callahan," a voice called from behind the front desk, drawing his attention.

Luke turned to see Officer Tanner, a younger cop still learning the ropes but eager to impress. "Morning, Tanner," Luke replied, his voice friendly but focused. "You seen Carter around?"

"Back in the break room, I think," Tanner said, pointing down the hallway. "Said something about a new lead. Sounds like you might want to catch up."

Luke gave a brief nod of thanks before turning to Ghost. "Stay close," he said, before heading down the hall toward the break room. Ghost padded beside him, as always, keeping a watchful eye on everything around them.

Inside the break room, he found Officer Carter hunched over a stack of papers, a mug of coffee in hand. Carter looked up when Luke entered, his eyes sharpening with recognition.

"Callahan," Carter said, his voice low. "Got something for you. Something big."

Luke's heart skipped a beat, his focus sharpening. "What is it?"

Carter leaned forward, his voice dropping even lower. "It's about the missing person. We got a tip. A guy named Marcus Grey... says he's got information on where the victim was last seen. But something's off. The tip came in anonymously, and it smells like a setup."

Luke felt a pulse of adrenaline shoot through him. This was the break he had been waiting for, but it came with a catch—nothing was ever straightforward in their line of work.

"Set up how?" Luke asked, eyes narrowing.

Carter shrugged, his expression serious. "That's what I need you to figure out. But be careful. Whoever's behind this isn't playing around."

Luke exchanged a look with Ghost, who stood at attention, his tail still.

"Alright," Luke said, his voice steady, "Let's move. Thanks, Carter."

With Ghost by his side, Luke left the break room, his mind racing. This could be it—the lead he'd been waiting for. But it wouldn't be easy, and it certainly wouldn't be without risks. Whatever was waiting for them, it wouldn't be simple.

It was time to see where this trail led.

Luke stepped into his office, the familiar scent of coffee and worn leather greeting him. Ghost trotted straight to his bed in the corner, circling once before settling down with a contented sigh. Luke smirked, shaking his head. "Lazy ass. You wake me up at 4:30, and now you're already calling it a day?"

Ghost cracked an eye open but didn't dignify him with a response.

Luke chuckled as he shrugged off his jacket and dropped into his chair, rubbing a hand over his face. The weight of the day hadn't even fully settled yet, but he could already feel it pressing down on him. He reached for his phone, unlocking it to check his messages.

A string of texts popped up from Izzy.

Izzy 💙

Morning, handsome. You survive your run, or did Ghost finally stage his coup?

Izzy 💙

Also, before you ignore me and go into 'serious cop mode'—you're coming to dinner tonight. No excuses. My parents are making carne asada, and if you don't show, they'll assume we're getting divorced.

Luke snorted, shaking his head as he typed back.

Luke: I don't ignore you. I prioritize national security.

A few seconds later, three dots appeared, then disappeared. Then appeared again. He could practically see her narrowing her eyes at the screen.

Izzy 💙

National security my ass. Get your stubborn self here by seven, Callahan. Also, don't forget to bring beer. Dad specifically said, and I quote, 'That güero better not show up empty-handed.'

Luke sighed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He could handle gang members, drug busts, and shootouts, but disappointing his father-in-law? That was a death sentence.

Luke: Copy that. Beer, carne asada, avoiding divorce. Got it.

Izzy 💙

Good. Love you, idiot.

Luke: Love you too, bossy.

He locked his phone, shaking his head with amusement before exhaling slowly. A brief moment of normalcy before diving headfirst into whatever chaos the day had in store.

Ghost huffed from his bed, glancing at him.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Luke muttered. "Time to get to work."

He straightened up, rolling his shoulders before reaching for the case file on his desk. Whatever lead Carter had, it was time to follow up.

Luke flipped open the case file, scanning the details with a practiced eye. The victim—a local business owner—had reported a string of break-ins at his warehouse, but nothing of high value had been stolen. Just supplies, tools, and oddly, bags of dog food. The pattern was strange, almost too deliberate.

Frowning, he logged into the police database and started running a search. He cross-referenced similar reports in the area—other break-ins, stolen goods, and any known suspects with a history of theft. A few names popped up, mostly small-time criminals, but nothing that stood out.

He drummed his fingers against the desk, thinking.

Then, something caught his eye—a recent arrest report. A known petty thief, Diego Marquez, had been picked up two nights ago for trespassing, but he'd been released on bail. His usual MO involved stealing to fund his drug habit, but dog food? That didn't fit.

Luke leaned back, rubbing his chin. Maybe it wasn't about the stolen goods. Maybe it was who they were stealing from.

Ghost lifted his head, ears perking up as if sensing Luke's shift in focus.

"Something's off here, buddy," Luke muttered, clicking over to surveillance footage from the warehouse district. "Let's see if we can find ourselves a ghost in the system."

As the footage loaded, Luke grabbed his coffee and settled in. It was time to put the pieces together.

Luke leaned forward, eyes narrowing as he slowed down the footage. There it was—a dark sedan idling near the warehouse, headlights off. A few minutes later, two figures emerged from the shadows, carrying bags before tossing them into the trunk. Then, as they pulled away, the rear plate came into view.

TXM-4827.

"Gotcha," Luke muttered, quickly typing the plate into the police database.

A moment later, a hit came back—registered to a William "Billy" Ortega. Known associate of local gangs, history of petty theft, and a couple of assault charges. Not a big-time player, but enough of a repeat offender to raise red flags.

Ghost let out a soft chuff, almost like he could sense Luke's shift in energy.

"This guy's got some explaining to do," Luke said, grabbing his phone. He quickly fired off a text to his partner, Carter.

Luke: Got a lead. William Ortega—his car was at the scene. Running background now. Meet me in the lot in 10.

Carter's response was almost immediate.

Carter: On my way. You thinking stakeout or knock and talk?

Luke smirked, grabbing his badge and gun.

Luke: Let's see if Billy wants to chat first. If not… well, Ghost loves a good chase.

He stood, rolling his shoulders. The morning had started slow, but now? Now things were getting interesting.