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No one knew why the meeting was called, the classroom was packed with curious cadets and officers. Speculations flew like wildfire, ranging from the probable to the fantastical. When the Director entered, Nykki looked at him carefully. She saw tension around his eyes, frustration in his jaw, and wondered why. She glanced about, looking for her mentor, but he was nowhere to be found. "The Met called. A serious riot is going on in town. They aren't sure what sparked it off. They do not have enough manpower to subdue the rioters, and have asked for aid. Some of the rioters broke into the district ten police station and freed the prisoners in the holding cell. One of the escapees has taken his own hostage to avoid going back to jail. The hostage is…" he hesitated slightly, "is Chris Wilder." A gasp went up from the listeners. She felt the blood drain from her face. Christopher? A hostage? It was not possible. With difficulty, she turned her attention back to the Director. "We cannot refuse the request. Meet in full riot gear at the carport in ten minutes." The other students filed out immediately, Nicholas with them. Nykki fought the flow of students towards the Director. "Sir!" she shouted. He looked up, face drawn with worry and fear. "Sir, do you have any more details? Who captured him? Where he is now? Do you…" The Director held up his hand to stem her barrage of questions. "Chris called me earlier about the riot. He was going to wait it out at the district ten precinct. The officers at the precinct saw him arrive, then nothing after the rioters broke into the building. A while later, they found an officer injured in the precinct garage. A man answering the description of Christopher's kidnapper then took off in a squad car, together with a second person." "That may have been Chris. I'll go and get ready," she promised and was about to dash off when he pulled her back. "My son gave me specific instructions to keep you at the academy if we were asked help, he mentioned something about you not having enough rest. I agree with him, you look terrible." "But sir!" she protested. "No 'buts', you are to stay at the academy." "Sir! You can't…" "That's an order. I want you to stay here. If you really want something to do, go and help at the office! Now go!" he shouted. Shoulders slumped, she left. After she had gone, James Wilder sat back down in the chair, his hands clenched and held at his sides. He was sorry to have been so hard on her, but Christopher had asked him to do it, and it could have possibly been the last thing his son would ever ask for again.
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