Because it was clear they were getting no help from the homicide captain, or resolution regarding the ME, it was time to do what they needed to do.
“That’s why we’re having the bodies shipped toSalt Lake Cityfor a re-do, and all the forensics to be done in-house,” he said, waiting for the explosion.
But there was none.
“Okay,” Jerry said, completely nonplussed.
Yeah, no fucks were given.
Ethan actually looked over at his partner to make sure he was hearing that right.
What?
Was?
This?
“Really? You’re okay with it?” he asked. “You don’t care that we’re stripping away what is left of jurisdiction to our people?”
The man nodded.
“Again, election season is approaching, and I’d like to keep my job.”
Okay, about that.
Gene wasn’t a political scientist, but he knew enough about law enforcement that he needed some answers.
“Uh, homicide captains aren’t elected. They are appointed. Sheriffs are elected.”
He smiled.
“I’m aware, but my boss is the commissioner. If this particular commissioner loses, I lose and can lose my job. So, I need to make him look good, and he runs on a‘tough on crime’approach. We can’t be tough if we have a serial killer running around. Right?”
Okay, he had a point.
It wasn’t a good point, but it was legit.
Gene went there.
“Well, can you sign off on it since your ME is long gone?” Gene asked. “I can print the forms off with your printer, and then we can be out of your hair.”
The man nodded.
“Have at it. Here’s the printer ID number. Just send it, and you’re good to go,” he said.
Yeah, this was all too easy.
There had to be a catch, or something ready to blindside them.
Instead of saying anything else, Gene got down to work.
“Is there anything you have so far that I need to know about?” Jerry asked. “You know, to fill me in in case my boss asks. He won’t, but you never know when he’ll want a photo op—likely when this is over.”
Ethan wasn’t giving him anything.
The man might be making their jobs easy, but he didn’t trust anyone who was willing to toss a case for an election cycle.That was just as bad to him as the overbearing detectives who were blocking him, or a runaway ME.
“There isn’t,” he said. “We just caught this case last night, and we were sidelined by your ME until an hour ago. We are just about to start interviews, after finishing with you.”
