Denise worked as a 911 call center respondent. Her father was a police officer, and she’d always hoped she could follow in his footsteps, serving and protecting the community.
One day, Denise received an odd call at work. In her line of business, she was used to receiving prank calls every other day. And initially, this particular circumstance seemed like exactly that. This wasn’t the first time someone called to order a pizza, but there was something different.
“Hi, my name is Jane. C—could… Could I please get 2 pizzas as soon as possible? Please, I’m desperate!” Jane said in a frightened whisper.
“Sorry, ma’am, I believe you have the wrong number. Goodbye,” Denise replied, about to cut.
“No! Please don’t cut the call!” Jane said desperately.
“Ma’am, if this is a prank, I promise you—” Denise started before Jane interrupted.
“Are you in danger?”
“No… I didn’t make a mistake. This is the pizzeria, and I desperately need 2 pizzas from you,” Jane said. Denise heard the panic in her voice and her sniffles as if she’d been crying. She began to give the situation a second thought.
“Alright, ma’am. I’m sensing that you may not be calling to actually order pizza. I’m going to ask you a couple of questions. Just answer yes or no. Understood?” Denise said calmly.
“Yes,” Jane responded.
“Are you in danger?” Denise asked.
“Yes,” Jane replied.
“Don’t worry. I’m tracking your IP now. Is there anyone else in the room?” Denise asked, typing furiously on the computer, trying to track the IP address.
“Yes. Please make it quick. My daughter and I are starving,” Jane said.
“Okay, so you and your daughter are in danger. Is this a domestic case?” Denise asked, opening her notepad and jotting notes.
“Yes. P—Please deliver the pizza as soon as possible,” Jane replied.
“Okay. Just stay calm, Jane. So, it’s a man?” Denise asked.
“Yes,” Jane said.
“Is he armed? Is he alone?” Denise asked.
“Who are you talking to? Hang up!” the man shouted.
“Yes… And, yes… Please, we are hungry,” Jane said softly.
“Alright. Just hang in there, Jane. We are almost done, and we have your location. Does your house have a back entrance?” Denise asked.
“No, just the front door,” Jane said. Then, suddenly, Denise heard a man yelling on the phone.
“Who are you talking to? Hang up!” the man shouted.
” I was just getting pizza for—” Jane started before a sharp knock sounded over the phone then it cut.
“Hello? Jane? Jane, are you still there?” Denise asked, but the phone had been dropped.
Fortunately, Denise had already located their address and had a team on their way to Jane. The brigade team arrived at the house shortly after Jane had cut the phone. They arrived just in the nick of time too.
