1960: My uncle is the FBI Director

Chapter 55 Ask Him (Please Read On)

Ricky emerged from Deputy Superintendent Burton's office.

He failed to bring out much good news.

First, the deputy superintendent of the East Precinct ordered them to bring the person back to the East Precinct, and the case would also fall under the jurisdiction of the East Precinct. The West Precinct would only assist and not participate.

This is really not friendly to Theodore and Bernie.

But compared to what followed, this unfriendly news was nothing.

"Congressman Miller went to headquarters."

Ricky said this through gritted teeth.

"How did he know?" Bernie asked, then realized what was going on.

There is someone who has been missing for a long time.

Keller took Howard Jr. directly from the scene, saying he was going to take him to the hospital for a check-up, and he has not returned since.

Bernie muttered somewhat dejectedly, "I actually quite enjoyed his political gossip."

Ricky glanced around to make sure no one else was nearby, then sneered, "He'd rather be involved than gossip about others."

…………

Ricky was really angered.

He ignored the orders from Deputy Superintendent Walker of the East Precinct, borrowed the interrogation room from the West Precinct, and shoved Paul Miller, who had only received simple bandages, inside.

“You handle him, I’ll deal with those bitches!” Ricky pointed to the interrogation room and checked the time. “I estimate I can get you three hours.”

"We must make him confess! Confess in person!"

Bernie shuddered as he watched Ricky's chubby back. This Ricky was so tough that it felt like a stranger to him.

Theodore shook his head and pulled Bernie aside to discuss the interrogation plan.

With limited time and few decent cards in hand, the interrogation was very difficult.

Fortunately, he was familiar enough with antisocial personality criminals.

The two spent more than half an hour preparing for the interrogation.

Ricky came by briefly during this period, only to leave after a quick look.

He had just spoken with Senator Santos on the phone, informing him not only that the murderer had been caught, but also informing him of Senator Miller's movements.

Congressman Santos will hold Miller and other congressmen back, helping them share the pressure from the outside.

Now he has to prepare to deal with pressure from within the police department.

Theodore and Bernie were ready and entered the interrogation room.

Paul Miller huddled in his chair, looking like an introverted and shy young man.

Bernie subtly curled his lip, expressing his disdain for Paul Miller's behavior.

They didn't go directly into the case of Teddy Santos's murder, or even mention him.

For a long time, the interrogation focused solely on Paul Miller's actions in this particular case.

Theodore and Bernie worked together to subtly mold Theodore into the 'referee'.

Bernie went down to debate with Paul Miller. He denigrated the entire operation, while simultaneously seeking Theodore's opinion.

Whenever he received affirmation from Theodore, he would immediately become smug, saying, "Did you hear that? Theodore admits I'm right."

Paul Miller soon couldn't help but begin to defend himself. He argued that the loopholes were justified, and that they were just playing around.

He also followed Bernie's example and frequently looked at Theodore.

Theodore would only respond to his words when he did so.

Soon, the focus of the discussion subtly shifted. They began to garner Theodore's approval.

Theodore seemed to have become the embodiment of correctness; what he said was right was right, and what he said was wrong was wrong; his words were authority.

When Paul, like Bernie, started looking at him almost every time he spoke, Theodore quietly reminded Bernie to move on to the next stage.

Next, Bernie will bring up Teddy Santos' case, and Theodore will use his authority to begin favoring Bernie, constantly provoking Paul Miller to the point of losing control and confessing to his crimes.

This is a classic interrogation tactic, simple and effective. Ricky came twice during this period.

The first time he simply stood outside the interrogation room and watched, but the second time he called Theodore out directly.

He asked Theodore how much longer it would take, but Theodore didn't answer, instead pointing to his wrist to remind him that three hours hadn't passed yet.

Another ten minutes or so passed, and Ricky interrupted the interrogation for the third time.

He seemed a little anxious and pressed again about the progress of the interrogation.

He told Theodore that Congressman Miller's staff were at headquarters and could persuade senior management to issue orders directly at any time.

Chief Widke is on leave today, and Deputy Superintendent Burton is in charge of the West Precinct.

With both Wenner and Carhorse busy with their current cases, this place was practically a one-man show by Deputy Inspector Burton.

He worried that his old friend might succumb to the pressure and turn against him.

Ricky's arrival made Theodore realize that the situation outside was not optimistic. He doubted whether Ricky could hold out for three hours.

Theodore lowered the blinds, subtly reminding Bernie to speed up the interrogation.

…………

Deputy Superintendent Burton received a call from headquarters, ordering him to release the man immediately.

Ricky gets into a heated argument with his old friend in the deputy superintendent's office, trying to buy time.

But soon, Deputy Superintendent Burton's assistant came to inform them that a guest had arrived.

The visitors were staff members of several congressmen, led by Keller, who brought a team of five lawyers.

Deputy Commissioner Burton stopped arguing with Ricky, sighed, and patted his old friend on the shoulder. "Ricky, it's all over."

He went out to greet several staff members, giving Ricky time to gracefully concede defeat.

Ricky didn't want to admit defeat.

Just then, Congressman Santos called.

"Listen! Stop them! Don't let them take that bitch away! I'm on my way!"

…………

The interrogation was interrupted again.

Deputy Superintendent Burton, Keller, and a large group of people appeared at the door of the interrogation room.

Bernie stood up instinctively, his gaze lingering on Keller.

Keller met his gaze calmly.

The lawyers filed in and immediately surrounded Paul Miller, quietly asking him about the interrogation.

Congressman Santos arrived a little late. He ran all the way from the parking lot and stood panting at the door of the interrogation room.

Keller stepped forward to negotiate, wanting to take Paul Miller away. He was met with Bernie's disdain.

Bernie spat on the ground
"Pah! You rat (traitor)!"

Keller maintained his good manners, his gaze lingering briefly on Ricky before turning to Theodore. "Detective Dixon, you're a smart man, don't you think?"

Theodore pointed to Paul Miller, who was surrounded by lawyers, and said, "You should ask him."

Santos turned around abruptly, his eyes wide.

Paul Miller, who had been silent all along, suddenly pushed aside his lawyer and lunged at Theodore.

"Aren't you the same!"

You're just like me!

Why won't you help me!

He was kicked to the ground by Santos halfway through his charge, and his scream turned into a scream of agony.

Santos, his eyes red, kept kicking and stomping on Paul Miller until the crowd realized what was happening and pulled him away.

He shook off the person holding him, laughing and crying at the same time. He hugged Bernie tightly and kissed him on the cheek.

(End of this chapter)