1960: My uncle is the FBI Director

Chapter 24 begins with the victory display screen.

Holt pleaded guilty.

He confessed that he killed the four people in a fit of rage.

A review of the entire interrogation reveals that, although brief, it was remarkably insightful.

Theodore anticipated Holt's normal reaction and presented irrefutable evidence to block his path of denying the crime.

Then, step by step, they pushed him to the point of losing control of his emotions, finally seizing the opportunity to guide him down a pre-prepared escape route, and providing him with a false reason—

I didn't do it; it was anger that did it.
Since it was done in anger, it's understandable that I would admit it.

Bernie handed the record to Wenner and returned somewhat excited.

Kahle wanted to release Howard Jr.'s confession to the media to demonstrate the patrol unit's capabilities in homicide cases, showcase the unit to the chief, and promote his theories. Even a fool could see that.

Now, Carhorn has just released Howard Jr.'s statement, only to have it proven to be false.

Just thinking about it is exciting!

Bernie muttered to Theodore, imagining how embarrassed Carhorn would be and how humiliated Chief Widek would be.

Theodore looked Bernie up and down suspiciously, wondering if Bernie was doing it on purpose.

Otherwise, how do you explain his Schrödinger-like intelligence?

Theodore shook his head. "That's none of our business. What we should be doing now is getting things sorted out."

With four cases closed last night, they're going to be busy.

Theodore believed that it had nothing to do with him; he had simply solved a case that happened to become the focus of a power struggle between two big shots, nothing more.

But things are clearly not that simple.

As it was nearing the end of the workday, Wenner turned on the television in the main office.

That idiot Kahle didn't appear on TV; the local Felton channel was broadcasting the series of cases, praising the West District Precinct.

The report repeatedly mentioned the difficulties the homicide squad faced in pursuing the killer, the hard work of the detectives, and their unwavering dedication, which ultimately led to the solving of the bizarre case.

The report continued, and a round of enthusiastic applause erupted in the office.

Amid applause, Wenner turned off the television, without giving a lengthy speech, simply waving his hand.

"Well done!"

The atmosphere in the office immediately reached a climax.

The applause grew louder, and the whistles became a continuous chorus.

The entire homicide squad has been seething with anger these past two days, especially after the suspect was snatched from the scene last night; these rough-around-the-edges guys are practically bursting with rage.

Now that the homicide squad has solved four cases in a row, the patrol department, from top to bottom, has been thoroughly humiliated by this criminal, and is naturally feeling triumphant.

If not now, when?

Many people were shouting "Good!" outside, just to annoy the patrol officers.

Wenner did not stop his men from celebrating excessively; in fact, he was the one who instilled this smug gene in them.

After turning off the TV, he called Theodore and Bernie to his office, took two invitations from his drawer, and handed them over to convey Howard Sr.'s invitation.

"There will be a press conference tomorrow morning. Congressman Howard has invited you both to attend. Remember to wear formal attire."

After he finished speaking, he stared at Theodore for a while and asked softly, "Theodore, what are your plans for the future?"

Theodore was somewhat confused.

Wenner tapped the table and said, "I'm going to introduce you to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Bernie is also a member of the FOP, and we'll vouch for you."

“It’s not mandatory. You can consider whether you want to join and give me your answer before the end of this week.” He instructed Bernie, “You should brief Theodore on the FOP situation.”

After explaining all this, the conversation came to an end.

Bernie seemed a little too excited as he left the office, which piqued Theodore's curiosity about the FOP.

Bernie looked around, then pulled Theodore into an interrogation room, locked the door, and slowly began to introduce FOP to Theodore.

The FOP (Brotherhood of Police) originated as a mutual aid society within the Pittsburgh Police Department, aimed at organizing funerals for officers who died in the line of duty. It later grew into a national organization.

Today, the FOP is the largest police organization in the United States, and there is an FOP chapter wherever a police department exists.

The influence of the Police Force (FOP) within the police force is unimaginable to ordinary people. Most local police department promotions and job transfers are discussed and approved within the FOP before they can proceed.

The FOP has extremely strict membership requirements, requiring not only sponsorship from at least two full members but also approval by a vote from the local chapter, and is limited to white males only.

Theodore's acceptance into this organization meant that his future was bright.

Emily's defining characteristic is her various small groups and private associations; only by participating in these groups can one gain access to upward mobility.

Bernie's expression was unusually serious as he explained these things. He glanced at the relaxed office and said in a low voice...

"Don't be fooled by the large number of people here; there are only three actual FOP members."

"But don't be afraid. Wenner is a veteran of FOP, and he knows a lot of people there. He'll vouch for you, so there won't be any problems with you joining."

Theodore had reservations about what Bernie had to say.

If FOP is really that good, why is Bernie, who is over forty years old, still a sergeant?
Sergeant is the lowest command rank in the police rank system, marking the transition from ordinary police officer to management position. Promotion to sergeant requires at least 5 years of police service, but in practice, it generally takes 7-9 years.

Bernie...

Theodore did some mental calculations: Bernie started military service at 20, retired at 30, and became a policeman at 35. He was only 41 years old this year and was already a sergeant.

He rose from a trainee police officer to a sergeant in just six years?!
Keep in mind that the probationary period for police officers is six months long!

Theodore had great respect for FOP.

At the same time, he was also wondering if joining this FOP would give him hope of being promoted to sergeant in seven months.

Thinking this, he asked Bernie softly, "Who's the other one?"

Bernie pointed to the corner of the office and said, "Sam Latimer."

If Bernie hadn't pointed it out, Theodore would have almost forgotten that such a person existed in the homicide squad.

Sam Latimo is a Mexican-American, a quiet, middle-aged man who wears a black jacket and spends all his time huddled in a corner, making him seem insignificant.

Bernie drew Theodore's attention back: "Anyway, there's no harm in joining the FOP."

After introducing these things, Bernie extended an invitation to Theodore to visit his home for the weekend.

In this era, partnership has a very special meaning; it represents a very stable and reliable relationship.

If anything happens to Bernie in the future, Theodore has an obligation to take care of his family, especially his children.

After spending a month together, Bernie has accepted Theodore as his partner and is ready to introduce him to his family.

Theodore was touched and naturally agreed, but he couldn't invite Bernie to his home.

Introduce Hoover to Bernie?

Do not make jokes.

The thought of that scene is enough to make you shudder. Theodore was even worried that Hoover would arrest Bernie too and throw him into Quantico, and then a year later the two of them would be transported to Southeast Asia together, running and pulling each other along the way…

(End of this chapter)