Speaking of self-defense guns, Jimmy actually had another trouble: should he take a gun with him when traveling? If so, one issue was that he needed a CCW, a concealed carry permit. Additionally, not all states recognize Arkansas' CCW, so he needed to confirm in advance whether his destination was one of the states that recognized it.
In reality, it was not until 2004 that the United States passed the LEOSA Act (Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act), allowing off-duty police officers to legally carry firearms in any state. This was primarily because many incidents targeting police officers or involving accidents occurred while they were off duty. Before 2004, police officers were generally permitted to carry firearms within their own states, but not across state lines. In practice, many officers lived in one state and worked in another, creating a strong need for the ability to carry handguns across state lines.
After many years of effort, the act was finally passed in 2004. From then on, any on-duty police officer could legally carry firearms to other states, equivalent to having a nationwide CCW.
However, the current time was 2000, and that act had not yet come into being. Like anyone else, Jimmy had to apply for a CCW to carry his own handgun when traveling to other states.
The second gun needed careful selection. Jimmy reached out to another shooting range, which had a better selection of revolvers compared to the one he used to go to. The previous range had only a few former police revolvers, mainly because few people used them and most bought their own.
Ultimately, due to his inability to choose, Jimmy decided to purchase another M686-1 as his second revolver. Choice paralysis is quite a conundrum.
There was no rush to buy the handgun. Jimmy first contacted Cage to report his travel plans, then completed the submission of his documentation at the police station and waited for the CCW to be express-mailed to his home.
A few days later, Jimmy got his CCW and went to the gun shop where he had purchased his first M686-1 and bought another identical one. He also registered this gun at the police station as a backup weapon to keep at home.
Two weeks had passed since the DEA case, and Jimmy still hadn't heard from the DEA regarding an inquiry or a hearing about the officer-involved shooting, as if they had forgotten that a young police officer had also been involved in the action.
The department had appointed several new training officers, now being shadowed by their respective FTOs for on-the-job training. Jimmy, being too junior, did not get the opportunity. But this was also for his benefit, as he hadn't undergone complete training and genuinely lacked the qualifications to mentor others.
Cage had already discussed Jimmy's arrangements with the chief and was currently in communication. The preliminary plan was to position Jimmy at the station as a full-support officer.
Currently, Jimmy had no interest in patrolling. Unless he was in a sour mood and wanted to write tickets, he truly disliked cruising around aimlessly—it was extremely boring.
He was only too eager to have the chance to do nothing at the station.
Right now, Jimmy deeply hoped that the officers who had recently joined could start patrolling solo, liberating him completely. He would keep a car on standby for dispatch orders; at other times, he could just let loose—a delightful prospect.
But for now, these were just thoughts; he still had to patrol when required. As Jimmy was on day shift, driving around mostly meant a lot of daydreaming. Having been recently warned by Cage, he was now too lazy even to issue tickets.
While Jimmy was bored, Cage called him, instructing him to return to the station. Once there, Jimmy encountered a familiar face.
Officer Torsten, dressed in plain clothes, was waiting at the station with another agent.
"Hi, Jimmy," greeted Torsten, who still had bandages on his left arm and leg, indicating that the shrapnel wounds from before were taking a while to heal.
"Jimmy, we came specifically for you this time to thank you for your help with the last case. The department invites you to visit Dallas and take a tour of our division," said Agent Torsten, a straightforward person who immediately revealed his purpose.
Jimmy was puzzled. He remembered turning down the DEA's invitation after what Chief James had said before. How come they suddenly played this card, showing up at his door?
"Hold on, I need to communicate with my superiors first," Jimmy said, glancing at the chief's office. Chief James was inside. He went straight there, knocked, and entered.
"Chief, what's the DEA up to?"
"They still haven't given up on pulling you in, but the decision is yours,"
The chief dismissed Jimmy with a wave of his hand. Standing outside the chief's office, Jimmy thought for a moment and nodded at Torsten, "Can we talk privately?"
Jimmy and Torsten stepped outside through the back door, and Jimmy looked at Torsten Marcus.
Jimmy: "Agent Torsten, spit it out, what exactly do you want to do?"
Torsten: "OKOK, Jimmy, you know, right? The leaders from our division contacted Chief James before, hoping to invite you to join the DEA."
Jimmy: "Yeah, the chief told me. But I'm not planning on leaving at the moment."
Torsten: "Yeah, we've received the message conveyed by Chief James. This time, the main purpose is to have you recreate the scene of that night's operation. Our special agents are very eager to learn from you in person how you managed to do what you did."
Jimmy was speechless. Was this it? All this just to recruit him?
Jimmy: "Why didn't you say so earlier? Of course, I can do that. But it would be best to wait a few days. I've just applied for an extended leave, and it's not approved yet. Also, about visiting you guys, will expenses be reimbursed?"
Torsten was somewhat speechless himself. These kinds of exchange events were common, so it was surprising to suddenly bring up expense reimbursement, but it was not a big deal. The DEA had significant authority and financial resources, and such a small expense could definitely be managed.
"I can apply for it when I get back, and we can coordinate the specifics once you confirm your end,"
"No problem. Once the leave is decided, I'll notify you. Give me your mobile number. Let's go back inside,"
Having finished the discussion, Jimmy and Torsten exchanged mobile numbers and then returned to the office. Torsten and the other agent said their goodbyes and left the station, while Jimmy continued his patrol outside.
Dealing with straight shooters was always swift and no-nonsense, no need to overthink. Since they weren't trying to poach him, Jimmy didn't mind. He was planning to take a vacation anyway, and taking a couple of days to visit an organization like the DEA would be nice, especially if travel and living expenses could be reimbursed.
Dallas was also a great place. Texas was most known for its cowboys, and Jimmy had researched it too. Fort Worth near Dallas, and Bandera not far from the border, were more appealing than any other places for revolver enthusiasts. If there was enough time, he could even participate in quick-draw competitions and experience the life of a Western cowboy.