Chapter 12 11

It's a dire situation, Rhyme. Emilia.Sachs was in this apartment in the center of Alpha City, standing at the door of house number 1J, speaking into the microphone. Earlier, Ron.Sellitto had asked all dispatchers at headquarters to notify him immediately of any further homicides in New York City.As soon as news of this particular murder came, they concluded that it was the work of a sorcerer: the murderer's mysterious break-in into the victim's home was a noteworthy clue, but a more crucial clue was that it was the same as what happened this morning at the music school. Like the murder of a student, the murderer crushed the victim's watch.

The killing methods of the two murder cases were completely different, which made Sachs immediately report the scene situation to Rhyme.While Sellitto directed the detectives and patrols on the scene across the hall, Sachs inspected the unfortunate victim named Tony.Calvert Young.He was lying face up on the coffee table in the living room, his limbs spread out in a big shape, and his hands and feet were tied to the four legs of the coffee table.His abdomen was sawed open, reaching the depth of the spine, and his whole body was almost split in two. Sachs described the victim's death to Rhyme.

Well, Lincoln.Rhyme said without emotion: Consistent. consistent? I mean, he's still sticking to the magic trick.The first time he used a rope to kill someone, this time he sawed the person off.His voice suddenly rises, as if addressing someone in the room, whom Sachs deduces to be Kara.It's a magic trick, right?Saw people out of it?After a moment of silence, Rhyme said to Sachs again: She said this is a typical illusion technique. He was right, Sachs thought.She was shocked by the scene in front of her just now, she never thought of the connection between the two murders.Illusion

It is more appropriate to describe it as dismemberment. Keep your distance, she told herself.A sergeant would absolutely keep himself at arm's length. However, at this moment, she suddenly had a thought.Lyme, what do you think What? Do you think he was alive when the suspect started sawing him?Because his limbs are all tied to the table legs, in the shape of a roc spreading its wings. Oh, you mean the dead might have left something for us, clues to the killer's identity?It's a good idea. No, she said softly: I was only thinking of the pain of the dead. Oh, that's it that

It can be seen from the blood at the scene. Then she noticed Calvert had apparent blunt force trauma to his temple.There was not much bleeding from the wound, which meant that his heart stopped beating immediately after his head was crushed. No, Rhyme, it seems the dead man was cut up after his death. She vaguely heard Rhyme's voice speaking to Thomas the nurse, asking him to write this on the evidence sheet.Rhyme said something else, but she didn't pay attention.The tragic situation of the victim in front of her firmly grasped her mind, and she refused to let go for a while.However, this is what she wants.Yes, she could forget about the dead, like a crime scene forensics officer had to do, and she'd be doing it in a little while.However, she felt that the deceased deserved a moment of mourning and respect.The reason why she does this is not out of any spiritual or metaphysical thoughts, no, she is doing it for herself, only by doing so will her heart not gradually become stiff, unlike most people in this business Turned into a heart of stone.

She seemed to hear Rhyme talking to her.What did you say?she asked. Were there any weapons left at the scene? Didn't see it, but I haven't started searching yet. Sellitto enters through the door with a sergeant and a uniformed officer.We talked to our neighbors.One of the officers said he turned his head toward the body, then looked up again for a closer look.Sachs guessed that the officer might not have had experience watching this kind of carnage at such close range.The victim was gay and a very nice person.Everyone around here liked him, and even though he was gay it didn't bother anyone or do anything.They haven't seen anyone here for a long time.

Sachs nodded, and said into the microphone: Rhyme, it seems that the deceased did not know the murderer. Can't you say that now?Rhyme said: The conjurer has a completely different type of person.I don't know what line of work he is in? what's his job?She asked the police officer at the scene. He was a make-up and stylist who worked in a theater on Broadway.We found his makeup case in a back alley, full of hairspray, foundation, brushes, and he looked like he was going to work. Wondering if Calvert had ever worked for a commercial photographer before, Sachs thought, if he had, she might have accepted him when she was a model at the Madison Avenue Chandel Agency. styling makeup.Compared with most photographers and people in advertising agencies, only makeup artists will treat these models as human beings.The ad agency guy might say: Well, come on, paint her and let's see what it looks like.And the makeup artist will whisper: What nonsense?She is not a wall.

This is the area under the jurisdiction of the Fifth Branch. At this time, an Asian police detective walked into the gate of the branch. He hung up the mobile phone that he had just finished speaking, and said to the people present happily: How about it?what about the case how?Sellitto grumbled: How did you let the gangster escape?The victim personally called 911 to report the crime. The people you came to deal with should arrive at the scene within ten minutes, right? We'll be there in six minutes.said the detective. The sergeant said: We arrived here quietly and secured all the entrances and exits.When we got to the scene, the victim's body was still warm, I'm talking thirty-seven degrees.We knocked on the door one by one, but there was no sign of the suspect.

Are there any witnesses? The sergeant nodded.We only met one person in the lobby when we came in, she was an old lady, she was the one who let us in.We'll interrogate her when she comes back, maybe she's seen the face of the killer. Did she leave here?Sellitto asked. Yes. Rhyme overheard their conversation.Do you know who he is?Rhyme spoke to Sachs over the radio. hateful.She couldn't help crying. The detective said: Don't worry, we have put business cards under every door.This old lady must live in one of the households. When she comes back, she will naturally contact us.

No, she won't come back, Sachs said with a sigh: because that person is the murderer. she?Inspector Zola asked in a high voice, and immediately laughed. She's not who she is, Sachs explains to him, she just looks like an old lady. Hey, police officer, Sellitto said: Don't have too many associations, that guy can't change his gender, right? he can.Did you forget what Carla said?She's the one, sir, would you bet? In the earphone, she heard Lime's voice saying: It's me who won't bet with you. The sergeant wanted to continue arguing.She looked like someone in her seventies and was carrying a large shopping bag filled with pineapples

look.she said, pointing to the kitchen counter, which had two pointed blades.There is also a small card with a rubber band next to the leaves, which reads: Sweet pineapple, produced and sold by Doyle Company. Damn, they almost caught him, the gangster was right in front of them, within arm's reach. Also, Rhyme added: He may have hidden the murder weapon in the shopping bag and taken it away. She relayed Rhyme's words to the fifth precinct detective, who was looking increasingly sour. You didn't see her face clearly, did you?Sachs asked the sergeant. Didn't look carefully, just glanced at it.You know, that's what old women look like, with make-up all over their faces.What's the name of that thing all over the face?My grandma's face was covered in that stuff too Blush?Sachs asked. That's right, and thickly drawn eyebrows. Well, let's go find her right away.She and he couldn't run too far. Rhyme said: "Sachs, the suspect will definitely change clothes again, and probably discard the stripped clothes nearby." She told the Asian police detective: He must have changed his clothes now, but the police officer at the scene could provide some descriptions of the suspect's women's clothing.You should send someone to search nearby trash cans and alleyways.The suspect will definitely discard his worn clothes as quickly as possible. The detective frowned and looked Sachs coldly up and down.Sellitto cast her a warning look, reminding her that one of the key points of being a sergeant is not to act like a sergeant until you actually become a sergeant.After staring at Sacks, he authorized the search, and the detective picked up the radio and started calling. Sachs dons a Tyvek one-piece suit and begins her forensic inspection of the apartment, hallway, and back alley (where she finds a strange evidence that eludes her: a black toy cat).She then proceeded to inspect the young man's home, and after disposing of the body at the grisly scene, began to sort out the evidence. After everything was done, she was about to drive, but Sellitto stopped her. Hey, wait a minute, officer.He hung up the phone call he had just finished speaking.Judging from the expression on his face, the conversation just now seemed to be very unpleasant to him.I have to go to a meeting with the Chief and the Commissioner about the witcher case, but I need you to do one thing for me.We've decided to add another person to the task force, and I'd like you to pick him up. no problem.But why add more manpower? Because we had two bodies within four hours and the suspect was nowhere to be seen, he said angrily: This means that the higher-ups are not happy.Tell you one thing you must learn as a sergeant. When your superior is unhappy, you will be unhappy too. Bridge of Sighs. Located on Center Street in Lower Manhattan, the bridge refers to an aerial walkway that connects the criminal courthouse to the men's detention facility. I don't know how many people have walked on the Bridge of Sighs.There are mafia bosses with the highest status, who are burdened with hundreds of murder cases instigating murder; there are young people who are frightened and bewildered. His sister's got a big belly bastard; there's a desperate bastard who kills a tourist for forty-two bucks because he needs cocaine and needs whiskey At this time, Emilia.Sachs was walking on this overpass, toward the men's detention center.The detention facility was nicknamed after the city jail that was originally located across the street, and was informally named Graves.Sachs gave the guard her name, unclipped her Garak (she had left her non-standard switchblade in the car), and entered the security hall through a noisy electric gate.Once inside, the electric door rumbled shut behind her. A few minutes later, the man she was looking for came out of a nearby prisoner meeting room.This person has a good figure, nearly forty years old, with thin brown hair on his head, and a faint smile on his leisurely face.He was wearing a blue shirt and jeans, with a black blazer over his head. Hi Emilia, there you are, the man said slowly: So, you're here to take me to Lincoln. Hi Rona. Rona.Detective Bell hadn't buttoned his jacket, and Sachs caught sight of the belt around his waist.He obeyed the rules like everyone else and came into the facility unarmed, but she noticed Bell had two empty holsters on his belt.She recalled that when they were working together in the past, they often exchanged the experience of nailing (the southerners used to use the word nailing to refer to shooting).Shooting was one of Bell's interests, but for Sachs, it was a competitive sport. There were two other men who had been in the prisoner's conference room, and they both came out and joined their conversation.One of the men in a suit was a detective she knew named Louise.Martinez.He is a silent man with wary and fearful eyes. The second man was wearing Saturday casual attire: khaki pants, a black IZOD shirt, and a faded trench coat.Bell introduced him to Sachs, saying his name was Charles.Gladys, but Sachs recognized him immediately when he saw him just now.He was an assistant U.S. attorney and a well-known figure in New York law enforcement.The thin, middle-aged Harvard law alumnus stubbornly remained in the state's attorney's office when other prosecutors had long since changed careers or relocated to other more lucrative places.When many newspapers and media mentioned him, they often used the words of fighting dog and stalking to describe him, and even praised him as New York Mayor Rudolph.Giuliani.Grady, however, has no political ambitions and is nothing like the former mayor in that respect.He'd been content with being in the D.A.'s office and pursuing his interests and sending bad guys to jail, he said simply. For that matter, he happened to be amazing.He has the highest record of successful convictions in the history of the city. As for the reason why Bell appeared here, it was also related to Grady's recent investigation, because the state attorney indicted an insurance officer who lived in a small rural town in upstate New York.His name is Andrew.Constable, now forty-five, was relatively unknown in the insurance industry but had become famous for his membership in the Patriotic Comrades, a local military group.He was charged with conspiracy to maliciously abet murder, and the case was moved to New York City on the grounds that the trial venue had to be changed. As the trial date approached, Grady also received death threats from unknown persons.Then, just a few days ago, Grady got a call from Fred.A call from Darry's office Darry was an FBI agent who often worked with Rhyme and Sellitto.He recently secretly participated in a secret anti-terrorist operation, but his operatives received a tip that someone might take extremely violent actions against Grady in the near future.By this Thursday night or Friday morning, thieves had broken into Grady's office, and this finally forced the police to take action and decided to call in Rona.Bell came to protect the prosecutor's life. The soft-spoken Rona.Bell, a native of North Carolina, has been working with Sellitto on homicides and some serious crimes.In addition, he is also the leader of an informal unit in the New York City Police Department. This unit is called SWAT for short, but it is not the well-known Special Weapons Tactics team, but the Saving-the-witness's -Ass Team) initials. Bell once said: This is a kind of professional technology that enables someone to survive when someone wants to kill him. Bell, then, had a double duty on his shoulders.In addition to investigating criminal cases with Sellitto and Rhyme on weekdays, he also has to be in charge of witness protection operations. By this time he had made arrangements to keep Grady safe, and the Chief of Police (the unhappy one), decided to intensify his efforts to catch the sorcerer.The task force needed strong human input, and Bell was a natural fit. Andrew.Constable was like that.Grady said to Bell, nodding his head towards the hazy glass window on the wall of the conference room. Sachs walked to the glass window, and saw a thin and unusual-looking prisoner sitting inside.He was wearing an orange jumpsuit, and sat at the table with his head bowed, nodding slightly all the time. Can you see what's going on?Grady asked again. Nothing, Bell said slowly: I think he's very rustic and stubborn, you know what I mean?But the guy was pretty polite.The truth is, Charles, I have to say this, I don't think he considers himself guilty at all. Of course he didn't, Grady grimaced.It is very difficult for a prisoner to admit his guilt.Then, with a slight smile, he said: But that's what they pay me to do.That being said, Grady's salary was less than that of a Wall Street law firm clerk. Bell asks: Has there been any progress regarding the theft from your office?Has the preliminary on-site forensic report arrived?I want to take a look. They're working on it, and I promise to get you a copy when the time comes. Bell said: "I have another case to deal with now, but the people under me will stay to protect you and your family."I'll be in touch by phone. Thank you, detective.Grady said, and then added: I will go with your men to pick up my daughter, and then join up with your female friend.Can you tell me again where she lives? Lucy is in North Carolina. She's a cop too, right? That's right, she's the Sheriff of the County Sheriff's Department, Conner, Tennessee. Louis noticed that Prosecutor Grady was about to make his way toward the gate, and immediately stood beside him.Charles, please wait here for a moment.He walked out of the security control area, took back his pistol from the guard at the counter, and carefully inspected the gate and the overpass outside. At this time, a gentle voice came from behind Sachs. hello miss. Sachs heard this sentence with a special brisk rhythm. The speaker obviously has many years of labor service and experience in frequent contact with the public.She turned her head and saw Andrew.Constable was standing next to a tough vigilante.The celebrity was fairly tall, erect, with thick salt and pepper hair combed in waves.Standing beside him was another short and fat lawyer. He continued: Are you working for Grady, and you're here on this case? Andrew!His lawyer warned him. He nodded, but still raised his eyebrows, looking directly at Sachs, This is not my case.she replied contemptuously. Oh, no?I wanted to tell you what I just told Detective Bell.I really don't know anything about threatening Mr. Grady's life.He turned to look at Bell, who stared back at him blankly.Although the North Carolina native can seem shy and coy at times, he always shows his tough side when it comes to inmates.Like now, he responded to him with cold eyes. You have to do your part to protect the prosecutor, and I fully understand that.But, believe me, I would never do anything to hurt Mr. Grady.A big part of what makes our country great is fair play.There was a burst of laughter.I'll beat him in court, and that's what I'm about to do thanks to this incredible young friend next to me.He nodded to his lawyer, then looked at Bell curiously.I just wanted to say, Detective, I thought you might be interested to know what my patriotic comrades were going to do at Kendong Falls. I? Oh, I don't mean the crazy plots that don't make sense, I mean the things we actually did. The defendant's defense lawyer said: "Andrew, that's enough, you'd better keep quiet. Just chatting, Joey.He was still looking at Bell.how do you feel? what do you want to say in the end?Bell said seriously. Surprisingly, he didn’t say anything about racism or the detective’s Southern heritage, just this: state power, working people, local government versus federal.Detective, you should check out our website.He laughed.The people expected swastikas, and they got Thomas.Jefferson (Annotation: Thoms Jfferson, 1743︱1826, the third president of the United States), and George.Mason (Annotation: George Mason, 1725︱1792, planter in the southern United States, politician.).Bell didn't answer, and there was only a dignified silence in the closed space that surrounded everyone.The prisoner who had just finished speaking shook his head, and smiled wryly, seemingly ashamed.God, I'm so sorry that sometimes I just can't help myself and act like this ridiculous sermon.As long as people gather around me, you see what happens. I make everyone hate me all at once. The guard said: Let's go. All right, then said the prisoner, nodding first to Sachs and then to Bell.He walked slowly along the long corridor, the shackles on his feet made a soft clashing sound.His lawyer also nodded to the prosecutor. The two of them were hostile to each other at this time, but they respected and guarded each other and left the security control area. After a while, Glady, Bell and Sachs also left. Sachs said: He doesn't look like a monster.What case was he charged with? Grady said ATF agents went undercover in upstate New York to investigate a firearms-related case and uncovered a conspiracy that may have been led by Constable.Some of his staff planned to use false 9/11 reports to lure the state troopers to the more remote parts of the county.If the state troopers who came were black, they were kidnapped, stripped, and lynched.Oh, yes, some even suggested cutting off their genitals. Sachs has been in the police force for many years, and he has already dealt with many absurd and absurd things, but at this moment he still blinked in surprise.Are you kidding me? Grady nodded.This is just the beginning, there is a bigger plan behind the lynching.They planned that if they murdered enough black state troopers and the news media reported it, there would be a black backlash and riots, which would give white people across the country a good excuse to retaliate and wipe them out.They even want the Latino and Asian races to join the ranks of the blacks so that the white revolution will drive them out all at once. Is there still such a thing in this day and age? You are surprised. Bell nodded to Louis.Now he is under your protection, so be careful. no problem.The detective replied.The burly man shielded Grady from the lock-up lobby while Sachs and Bell went to the check-in counter to retrieve their weapons.As they walked across the Bridge of Sighs toward the criminal court, Sachs told Bell all about the sorcerer and what happened to him. After listening to her describe Tony.After Calvert's tragic death, Bell couldn't help frowning.Murder motive? unknown. Does he have someone to emulate? The answer is the same as above. What about the suspect's appearance?Bell asked again. Not sure about that either. No clue at all? We judged the person to be a Caucasian male, of medium build. So no one has seen the killer yet, right? In fact, quite a few people have seen him.When he first appeared, he was a dark-haired, bearded man in his fifties.The second time, he was a bald coworker in his sixties.When she appeared next, it was an old lady in her seventies. Bell looked at Sachs, thinking she was joking, and waiting for her to burst out laughing first.But Sachs kept his serious expression unchanged, and he asked: Are you kidding me? It's true, Rona. Although my marksmanship is good, Bell shook his head, patted the automatic pistol hanging on his right waist and said: But there must always be a target.Then wait and see if you can do it.Emilia.Sachs thought.