Commissioner Lindsay stood before McHenry’s desk. He was quite piqued at this point. The commissioner did not appreciate having his day wasted by waiting around for Knight and Kroy. “Have a seat, Commissioner Sir. I am sure they have an excellent reason for being late.” McHenry muttered. “I thought you said that Inspectors Knight and Kroy were two of your best men?” He asked sternly. “They are. So they’re a little late. I am sure you can forgive them for that.”
“When you said they were good I probably shouldn’t have assumed that they were punctual.” The commissioner’s smile suddenly faded. McHenry rose from his chair when he saw them heading toward the office. “Here they come.” The chief announced opening the door. “Sorry we’re late, Chief. Jon and I got a little side tracked.” James said. “You are here now and that is all that counts.” McHenry replied ardently ushering them in to his office. “It is nice to see you again, gentlemen. I hope this time we can be civil.” Lindsay replied glancing at James. “Of course they will, Commissioner. These two are always on their best behavior.” McHenry said. “I think maybe you want someone else.” Kroy joked.
“There is no time for practical jokes, Inspector Kroy. Somewhere out there is someone who wants to get rich off of other peoples belongings. We will never find whoever it is if you do not take this seriously.” Lindsay lectured. “Sir, we understand this is a serious problem. . .” James said. “No, it is an epidemic. If we let this man go around terrorizing people then we might as well stop catching criminals altogether.”
“Sir, Inspector Kroy isn’t saying this is a joke. We understand that this is a serious problem, but we are not police constables. We are Inspectors who do not usually work on robbery cases.” James stated. “Inspector Knight, didn’t you catch thieves in your early days in Surrey?” The Commissioner asked cunningly. James became quiet and stepped back. “I thought so.” he shrugged. “Maybe you should just tell them about the case, Commissioner.” McHenry suggested. “Yes, I was just about to get to that.” Commissioner Lindsay said as he went to the Chief’s desk and picked up a stack of files. “Don’t tell me that’s our case?” James sighed. “These twenty cases have all been committed within the past two months.”
“Are they connected in any way?” Kroy asked. “The east jurisdiction believed they were all committed by the same person.” Lindsay replied. “He shouldn’t be very hard to find. East Westerbury has nothing but rich murderers anyway.” James remarked. “Actually it will not be as easy as you think.” He pointed out. Yes, but you said all the cases have the same crook. What is so hard about that,” Kroy asked. “It may take you some time to figure this one out.” he said. “Wait a minute!” James spouted off. McHenry quickly pulled him back as he was about to go after the commissioner. “Do you have a problem with this, Inspector Knight?” Lindsay bellowed.
“Yes, I do have a problem!” He shouted. “If this is going to interfere with your private life then why don’t you just drop the case. And while you are at it put in your resignation.” He warned. James surrendered. Without saying another word he sat down next to his partner. “Since your job is so important to you then you will not mind working on this case. Even if it means not seeing your wife.” Kroy said. “I wouldn’t say that, but I would like to keep my job if that’s okay with you.” He snapped. “That is just fine with me. Whether you gentlemen like it or not this case is now yours and you will work on it even if you have to make some sacrifices.”
“I am sure it will not take these two long to solve this case.” Kroy said. “I hope you are right, McHenry. My reputation is on your shoulders.” The Comissioner said. “What is it you want us to do?” James asked. “To help you find this man I have prepared a list from the old jurisdiction. There is also a matter of finding the right suspect. You see in east Westerbury there are more burglars than there are murderers.” he said. “Only because the rich people are the ones doing the murdering.” The commissioner ignored James’ comment and went about his business. Lindsay picked up a packet from the desk. “These are some of our suspects. I also have some of their records on hand if you need to see them.” He added handing them both a copy.