Police in America

"You son of a bitch!" Jason Vaughn flew into a rage but was blocked by Jack.

Rossi and Reid had already positioned themselves behind Jack before things escalated, confident in Jack's combat skills.

Although the exact reason was unclear, the various signs in the room indicated that something was seriously wrong with this father-daughter pair. Of course, Reid's claim of sexual abuse was merely a provocative statement to unsettle Vaughn.

Previously, at the scene where the body was found, everyone noticed Jason Vaughn taking pills. While they didn't know the exact type, his well-trained physique suggested they weren't for heart conditions.

This left the possibility of psychiatric medication to control certain impulses.

Their goal in provoking Jason Vaughn was simple: to shift the power dynamics.

Previously, Vaughn was seen as a victim's family member. Without solid evidence, the FBI had to rely on his cooperation or conduct non-intrusive background checks. However, Garcia's background investigation yielded suspiciously clean results, likely fabricated.

An assault on an officer would change everything. This would give them leverage to make deals or apply for search warrants easily.

This "dirty" tactic was agreed upon by Rossi, Reid, and Jack with just a few exchanged glances.

Their plan was nearly thwarted, though. As Jason Vaughn attempted to rush forward, the chubby man, Pat Mannan, surprisingly held him back.

"Don't do it! They're trying to provoke you!"

"No, let me go! I'll kill these bastards!"

Jason Vaughn was completely out of control, and even though Pat Mannan was taller, he struggled to restrain him.

"Gun!"

Jack's shout made Rossi and Reid step back and draw their weapons.

During the struggle, Pat Mannan's coat was pulled up, revealing a Glock tucked in his waistband.

But Jack didn't retreat. He stepped forward, swiftly grabbing Pat Mannan by the back of the neck. A slight squeeze rendered Mannan immobile, and Jack quickly disarmed him, pressing him against the wall.

"Hands where I can see them, both of you, don't move!"

Unable to speak due to Jack's grip, Pat Mannan wheezed but obediently raised his hands.

On the other side, with two guns pointed at him, Jason Vaughn quickly calmed down, raising his hands with a resigned expression.

"Left pocket," Mannan struggled to say, indicating Jack should check his pants pocket.

"Stay still," Jack kept his grip firm, then holstered the confiscated gun in his own waistband before reaching into Mannan's pocket. He pulled out a wallet and tossed it to Reid without looking.

Reid caught it, opened it, and found a badge and ID. "U.S. Marshal?"

Jack slightly eased his grip on Mannan's neck, allowing him to speak normally.

"Yes, Jason and Lindsay are under my protection. Can you let me go now?" Mannan struggled to say, annoyed.

"What's going on here?" Reid's question seemed to clarify things as he and Jack simultaneously spoke.

"Federal witness?"

Before the BAU team was fully assembled, during the case of the kidnapped twins, they had dealt with a family under the Federal Witness Protection Program. 

This complicated things. As Jack mulled over the situation, Rossi called Hotchner, urging him to come over quickly.

Seeing Mannan about to speak, Jack gave him a fierce look.

"Shut up and wait for our team to arrive. I know what you're planning. Hope you're ready to explain this to your superior."

Mannan opened his mouth but couldn't utter a word.

Within an hour, Hotchner arrived with JJ and Hannah. The two women looked weary, their makeup thicker than usual to cover their fatigue.

"What happened here?" Hotchner asked the two men on the couch directly.

"Jason has been a federal witness for ten years," Mannan replied sullenly.

"Why didn't you tell us immediately?" Hotchner, also a federal agent, wasn't buying any excuses.

"Because the case he's involved in is too important. His identity is under the highest level of protection, at any cost."

Mannan turned to Jason Vaughn. "Listen, Jason, this likely has nothing to do with that case."

"Nothing to do with what? His past? Can you guarantee that?" Rossi's sarcasm was palpable.

Mannan opened his mouth but found himself speechless once more.

"Listen, Jason, everyone in this room, except for this guy, is here to find your daughter."

Hotchner's firm tone was always convincing.

Jason Vaughn hesitated, then finally spoke. "If... if this really has to do with me, then it should be from Boston, Irish, at least two people."

Mafia, hitmen, informants—such words flashed through everyone's minds. Jack sighed inwardly, hoping it wouldn't come to the worst.

Though Irish mob families had lost their former glory, their operations were messy and something Jack wanted no part of.

Despite Hollywood's romanticized portrayal of the mafia, the reality involved human trafficking, guns, drugs, bloody turf wars, and brutal exploitation of vulnerable groups.

"Take them back to the station. They can't leave until we solve the case."

Before Hotchner finished speaking, Mannan stood up and blocked him, his tone threatening.

"You have no idea who you're dealing with or what's at stake."

Hotchner's patience was exhausted. He stared Mannan in the eye, his tone calm.

"Either tell me or get out of the way."

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