Reincarnated Mercenary on Duty

"Risky is my middle name," Frank muttered as he stepped off the elevator.

As he made his way back to his cabin, he casually tossed the stolen white coat into a laundry bin. Nearing his room, he noticed a commotion just outside. The source? None other than the fiery woman from earlier—the one eager to punch him square in the face. Though Frank couldn't recognize her then. She is Zoey Parker, Frank's partner at DPD (Daeton Police Department).

"What's all this about?" Frank murmured as he approached, catching snippets of their conversation.

"What do you mean you don't know where he went? A patient just disappeared, and you've got no clue?" the woman yelled, clearly losing patience.

"Ma'am, please lower your voice," the doctor said in a strained yet calm tone. "This is a hospital. Let's discuss this inside, shall we?"

"You've got ten minutes," she snapped. "Find him. Check the cameras if you have to."

The doctor nodded nervously, "Yes, ma'am. We'll review the footage right away."

Frank's eyes narrowed. "Wait a second... are they talking about me?"

[It definitely sounds like it.]

Frank sighed, shaking his head. "I can't let them look at the CCTV. That'll blow everything." Straightening his posture, he walked over and spoke up before they could leave.

"Oh, hey, Zoey! You seem really concerned about me," he said with a feigned casualness, flashing a crooked grin.

The woman spun around at the sound of his voice, her sharp gaze locking onto him. In two brisk steps, she closed the distance and poked him hard in the chest. "You bastard! Where the hell did you disappear to? You're a patient! Do you have any idea how worried you made everyone?"

Frank held his hands up in mock surrender. "Relax, Zoey. I was getting bored lying down, so I thought I'd stretch my legs. Is that a crime now?"

"That's… a great idea, patient," the doctor interjected sarcastically. "But please inform the nurse on duty next time. Your colleague here nearly turned the hospital upside down."

Frank rubbed the back of his neck, feigning sheepishness. "Ah, sorry about that. Won't happen again."

"It's fine," the doctor said with a sigh. "Just head back to your room and rest, okay?"

"Got it, doc." Frank grabbed Zoey's arm and began pulling her along toward his cabin.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Zoey protested, trying to shake him off. "Why are you pulling me?"

"Just calm down and listen to what I'm about to say," Frank said, his tone serious.

Zoey raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're about to propose. Because, spoiler alert: no."

"Zoey, I'm serious," Frank snapped.

"Fine, fine. What is it?"

Frank lowered his voice. "While I was 'stretching my legs,' I overheard something."

Zoey smirked. "Eavesdropping now, huh? Bad habit, Frank."

"Zoey." Frank's voice had an edge of annoyance.

"Alright, alright, I'm listening. What did you hear?"

"Do you know a doctor named Talia Quinn?" Frank asked.

Zoey frowned slightly. "Of course I do. She's a big deal—head of the cardiac department and one of the best surgeons in the city. Why?"

"Perfect," Frank said, leaning in closer.

"Perfect for what? What are you getting at?" Zoey asked, crossing her arms.

"I overheard Dr. Talia on a phone call," Frank explained. "Someone's threatening her. They've got her son, and they're forcing her to sabotage a surgery—set it up to look like a medical accident. It's a planned murder, and they're using her to do it. The target? A high-profile businessman."

Zoey's teasing demeanor vanished in an instant. "What? Are you sure?"

"100%," Frank said firmly.

"When's the surgery scheduled?"

"In less than an hour."

Zoey stood abruptly. "Then why are we still here? We need to stop her!"

Frank grabbed her wrist before she could storm out. "Calm down. If we act rashly, her kid could end up dead."

Zoey froze, her frustration giving way to understanding. "Okay... so what's the plan?"

"We have time. I'll go find her son and secure him. While I'm gone, I need you to keep an eye on Talia. Don't let her do anything reckless."

Zoey hesitated, her gaze dropping to his bandaged head. "You're still injured, Frank. Are you sure you're up for this?"

"Who said I'm injured?" Frank tilted his head to show her his now-healed wounds. "See? Good as new."

Zoey's eyes narrowed. "How did you—"

"No time for questions," Frank interrupted.

Zoey sighed, her resolve hardening. "Fine. But don't do anything stupid."

Frank grinned. "You know me."

"That's what worries me," she shot back, heading for the door. Before stepping out, she paused and turned. "Oh, one more thing. There's a change of clothes in the bag near your bed. Do not go running around in that hospital gown. I don't want to deal with you flashing half the city."

Frank chuckled. "Ok Thanks"

He opened the bag and found a casual t-shirt and jeans, along with his police badge, his gun, and his cell phone. Quickly dressing up, he slid the badge into his pocket, holstered the gun, and powered on the phone.

"Let's see," he muttered, pulling up an internet search on Talia Quinn. A flood of information popped up on the screen: her education, professional accolades, details about her family, and even the schools her children attended.

"It's scary how easy it is to dig up info on someone famous," Frank murmured.

Switching to his call log, he dialed a familiar number.

"Hey, James," Frank said.

"Frank! Man, how are you? I heard you took a bad hit last night," James replied, his voice warm with concern.

"No time for chit-chat, James. I need your help—this is serious. A life is on the line," Frank said, his tone firm.

James's tone shifted instantly. "What's going on?"

"There's a kid in danger—Jimmy Quinn. He's at Whispering Pines High. Head there now. If he's not at the school, secure the CCTV footage," Frank said briskly.

"I'm on it," James replied without hesitation.

"Thanks, I'll meet you there soon," Frank said, ending the call.