1960: My uncle is the FBI Director

Chapter 226 A Few Kind Words
The four men rode in one car to the Seventh Precinct.

On the way, Superintendent Frank Cassidy inquired about the progress of the investigation.

Theodore responded:
"The body has been frozen in the 7th Precinct's medical examiner's office. Two days ago, after we took control of the case, we went to the 7th Precinct to make negotiations."

"Deputy Superintendent Doherty of the 7th Precinct believed that the precinct's forensic team was not capable of handling the autopsy of the body, so he handed the body over to us."

After a pause, Theodore remembered Deputy Inspector Doherty's kind advice to obtain the cooperation invitation before cooperating with the investigation, and decided to say a good word for Deputy Inspector Doherty to Inspector Frank Cassidy.

He turned around with a serious expression and looked at Inspector Frank Cassidy:
"After consideration, we decided to send the body to the Third Precinct's forensic lab for an autopsy."

"I have worked with the first, third, fourth, fifth and seventh precincts of DC. The forensic lab of the third precinct is the most advanced, complete and of the highest quality I have ever seen in any precinct."

"The level of sophistication there is almost equivalent to that of the FBI's laboratories."

"There are very few forensic labs in the country that can compare with the Third Precinct's forensic lab."

“Considering the actual gap between the forensic labs of the 7th Precinct and the 3rd Precinct, I believe Deputy Commissioner Doherty made the right choice.”

"Although this has brought some trouble to the autopsy work, it is better than knowingly forcing an autopsy when one is incapable of performing it."

"Furthermore, Deputy Superintendent Doherty provided us with a vehicle to help transport the body to the Third Precinct."

"Although we don't actually lack vehicle transportation."

Bernie turned to look at Theodore and saw only a serious expression on his face.

Even with his familiarity with Theodore, he couldn't tell at this point whether it was intentional or not.

Inspector Frank Cassidy listened attentively with a smile, though his smile seemed somewhat forced.

He interrupted Theodore somewhat awkwardly, steer the conversation back to the case:

"Have the autopsy results come out? What did they say?"

Theodore paused for a moment:
"Earlier this morning, we received preliminary autopsy results, which gave us a better understanding of the deceased's identity."

"The autopsy results showed that the deceased was a black woman with short black hair, 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall, and her weight was difficult to estimate accurately due to the decomposition of gigantism."

"The body's face was swollen and severely deformed, making it impossible to reconstruct the deceased's appearance before death."

"The deceased was wearing a purple synthetic fiber dress, a flesh-colored blouse that was somewhat faded and had rusted clasps, and stockings. She had no jewelry or accessories and no personal belongings were found."

"The deceased's clothing was cheap and old, suggesting that he may have been in poor financial condition before his death."

"The deceased suffered from multiple sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea and syphilis, as well as trichomoniasis and pubic lice. Furthermore, there were scars from multiple abortions on the inner wall of her uterus, and multiple fractures on her limbs and ribs. It is speculated that she may have been a prostitute before her death."

Inspector Frank Cassidy asked Theodore:

"What are your plans? How do you need the cooperation of the Seventh Precinct?"

Theodore was straightforward:
"The deceased suffered from multiple occupational diseases, multiple miscarriages, and signs of occupational violence, which must have indicated that she frequently visited medical facilities before her death."

"Considering the nature of his profession, the deceased likely frequented informal, or even underground, clinics."

"People in these areas should remember the deceased."

“I need the Seventh Precinct’s help to visit cheap medical facilities in the area, especially underground clinics frequented by prostitutes.”

"The FBI lab is attempting to reconstruct the deceased's physique based on the autopsy results and the victim's clothing."

Bernie interjected to add:

"We also need the help of the Seventh Precinct's morale squad."

"Could the deceased have a prior arrest record? If she'd been in the profession long enough, someone in the decency department should know her." Inspector Frank Cassidy nodded, then asked Theodore:
"Is it only the Seventh Precinct that needs to cooperate with the investigation?"

Theodore shook his head:

"The body was found in the Potomac River and was located in the 7th Precinct. The deceased's activity area before death was likely in the southwest of DC and the area around Alexandria."

“Taking into account the deceased’s occupation and skin color, the southeastern part of DC will be classified as a Level 2 reference area.”

"First investigate the southwest district of DC and Alexandria. If there are no results, then go to the southeast district of DC."

Police Inspector Frank Cassidy shrugged.
"Ok."

"I can help you contact the 7th, 6th and 5th Precincts to cooperate with the investigation."

"But as for Alexandria... I'm afraid there's nothing I can do about it."

Theodore pulled out a collaboration invitation:

"This is an invitation to cooperate with the Alexandria Police Department. We will go to the Alexandria Police Department after the Seventh Precinct begins its cooperation operation."

Bernie glanced at Theodore.

He was certain that Theodore had done it on purpose.

Inspector Frank Cassidy's smile was somewhat stiff.

He also suspected that Theodore did it on purpose, either by asking Deputy Superintendent Tidough or by requesting a cooperation invitation.

Inspector Frank Cassidy was forced to make a statement.

He assured Theodore with a serious expression that the investigation would proceed smoothly.

He then abruptly changed the subject, continuing to talk to Bernie about the FOP (Brotherhood of Police).

According to Superintendent Frank Cassidy, DC's FOP owns and operates an exclusive private club.

The club is located at 618 D Street in Northwest DC, in a multi-story building in the city block, and contains a variety of facilities.

This brick building, established in 1918, serves as a "home away from home" for the police officers.

Police officers can speak freely here, saying whatever they want, with colleagues who understand their work pressures and unique experiences, without having to be guarded against the outside world.

Inspector Frank Cassidy enthusiastically introduced the two men and earnestly invited them to the next gathering.

Theodore listened quietly, feeling a little regretful.

He also wanted to find an opportunity to say a few more good words for the enthusiastic Deputy Superintendent Doherty.

The DC Police Department headquarters is quite far from the 7th Precinct, and it was almost lunchtime when they arrived.

Inspector Frank Cassidy's smile vanished, replaced by a stern expression, as he walked alongside Theodore toward the deputy inspector's office.

Theodore knocked on the door and then entered.

Deputy Inspector Doherty's gaze swept quickly over Theodore and Inspector Frank Cassidy.

He immediately stood up, walked around the table, and smiled broadly.

He shook hands warmly with Inspector Frank Cassidy, as if he were meeting an old friend.

(End of this chapter)