Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Aftermath and Interrogation
Suddenly, the line connected, and Katon heard Alice's sleepy voice.
"Choco Girl, are you okay?" Katon asked, worried.
"Yeah. I'm fine. Why...?"
"Choco Girl, secure your house. Make sure your family locks up tight and keep your phone close, okay? Call the police if anything seems suspicious," Katon said.
"What's going on, Katon?"
"I think Brad's still not done being mad at me. He sent another gang to my apartment."
"What?! Katon, are you okay?"
"Please, Choco Girl. I'm as strong as Superman. Brad's friends are turning into mush. I'm hanging up, sweet baby. I need to call the cops." Without waiting for Alice's reply, Katon ended the call to contact the authorities.
Following the attack at Katon's apartment, police and paramedics arrived as reported. They gathered on Katon's floor, spreading throughout his unit. Katon and Morgan, who only sustained minor injuries, received on-site treatment while answering police questions. Some NYPD officers took the intruders away. Those who were conscious were taken to patrol cars in handcuffs, while the unconscious was treated by paramedics under police supervision.
Sergeant Terence Monahan, one of the NYPD's chief detectives for major crimes, came to interview Katon and Morgan.
"This is a very secure building, Sergeant. They couldn't have broken in without inside help. I can assure you of that." Katon, having his hand wound dressed, sat speaking to Sergeant Monahan. His temple had already been treated. Sergeant Monahan, a still-robust man in his mid-40s, nodded, looking around. Beside him, a junior officer took notes. The chief detective focused his gaze on Katon.
"How did you get involved with the Queens Gangsters?" he asked patiently.
"They're from Queens? Is that confirmed, Sir?" Morgan interrupted, despite having his own temple stitched up.
"That's what my men reported," Sergeant Terence replied, turning to face Morgan.
"Of course! It all fits! Ton, give him your subpoena! This will be your answer and way out!" Morgan exclaimed, brushing off the paramedic and approaching Katon.
"Morg, no. Why would you..." Katon's words were cut off by Morgan's impatient click as he dashed into the entertainment room and returned with Katon's police subpoena. He stepped over the shattered glass and broken furniture.
"With all due respect, Sergeant Monahan," Morgan said, trying to calm himself.
"I'd like to ask about the summons my friend Katon received. Is there a specific reason he was summoned regarding the fight at Brooklyn Blend coffeeshop yesterday? Katon has agreed with the owner to cover the damages." Morgan handed over the subpoena.
Sergeant Monahan gave Morgan a sharp look, his eyes dropping to the document. He tried to understand the complex situation. The sergeant raised an eyebrow and gave a thin smile before explaining.
"Mr. Maxwell, we appreciate Mr. Collins' cooperation regarding the fight at Brooklyn Blend," Sergeant Monahan replied calmly. "However, fights in public places involve strict legal rules in New York. Even if Katon is willing to pay damages, we must still follow due process."
Morgan felt a pang of disappointment, and a suspicion as to why only Katon received a subpoena when he was also involved. But he saw Katon glaring at him, sensing his disapproval of Morgan showing the subpoena to Sergeant Terence Monahan. Morgan had been carried away by his emotions.
"Alright, I understand, Sergeant Monahan," Morgan said softly. "We will comply with the legal process and provide the necessary statements. We hope everything can be resolved amicably." Morgan quickly changed his demeanor, glancing at Katon over Monahan's shoulder. Of course, his friend wouldn't involve his family's influence to get him out of trouble.
Sergeant Monahan nodded, showing understanding and willingness to help. He assured Morgan that the legal process would be fair and objective.
"We will conduct further investigations and gather evidence and statements from all parties involved," Sergeant Monahan explained. "Our goal is to seek justice in this case. If Katon can prove his willingness to take responsibility, it will be a factor we consider."
"As for this case, you will receive a summons to be questioned as a witness. Our team will contact you for further proceedings."
"I hope it doesn't take too long, Sergeant. I have a flight back to Indonesia scheduled," Katon said. His hand was bandaged, and he flexed his fingers to test his mobility despite the bandage.
Sergeant Monahan raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Collins, you understand your presence is required in the city during the investigation."
"Therefore, I sincerely hope you can finish in time before I return to Indonesia," Katon said firmly, though his tone remained polite and respectful.
Fortunately, as Katon hoped, the investigation didn't take long. A few days after the attack, Katon received another summons. They both complied without delay.
Katon and Morgan sat calmly in the NYPD waiting room. Though they were there as witnesses, they weren't intimidated by the tense atmosphere. Instead, they felt calm and proud of their courage in facing the intruders.
"Katon, which gang do you think Brad is affiliated with?" Morgan asked, recalling the fierce battle. He remembered Sergeant Monahan's mention of two warring gangs.
Katon shook his head, smirking. "It doesn't matter, Morgan. They might think we're easy targets, but they're dead wrong. We need to focus on the police investigation and make them find out who helped the intruders get into my unit."
"Hm. They shouldn't have even set foot on the grounds. Getting to your floor and inside your unit, whoever helped them has to face the consequences," Morgan hissed.
The interrogation room door finally opened, and the NYPD detective invited them in. The room felt like a new battleground. They entered confidently, ready to give their testimony.
Detective Mason looked at the witnesses with admiration. "I heard you two took down the intruders spectacularly. You showed incredible courage and resilience."
Katon stared blankly. "We were just protecting what's ours, Detective Mason. We won't let those gangsters trash my apartment."
Morgan added, "We're ready to testify about what happened. We'll explain in detail from the moment I caught them entering."
Detective Mason nodded. "Thank you for your bravery and cooperation. Your testimony will be crucial. Please give as many details as possible so we can proceed accordingly."
"As we've stated, this attack is likely related to gang conflicts, and according to one of the perpetrators, you two had a run-in at Brooklyn Blend. Can you explain?" Detective Mason began.
Katon spoke first, explaining the dispute. Of course, he omitted the part about flirting with Brad's girlfriend. Morgan added details to reinforce Katon's story.
"Let me emphasize, Detective. My apartment has one of the best security systems. I hope you focus on that and find out who let them in," Katon said flatly.
"Hm. Did this happen because you took Brad Clayton's girlfriend, Mr. Collins?" Detective Mason asked, stroking his rough chin. Katon leaned back in his chair.
"I think we're in the modern age, and women are free to choose, aren't they, Detective Mason? If Alice decided to leave her abusive boyfriend and be with me, is that a crime?"
"Of course not, I just want to make sure this all started with a woman."
"Yes, Brad couldn't accept losing Alice, who chose me," Katon replied firmly. Detective Mason nodded.
"Alright. According to one of their group's confessions, Brad did order the attack because of a woman," Detective Mason said.
"What a coward!" Morgan muttered.
"If that's the case, charges can be filed, right? Oh, and one more thing. Alice is at her family's house in Manhasset. I hope you can cooperate with the local police to protect her," Katon said confidently.
"You don't have to teach a bird to fly, Mr. Collins. We're already on it. Now, we need your statement and signature. Please." Detective Mason stood and opened the door, inviting Katon and Morgan to follow him.