15 Story Detective, April 1950 — page 64: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

64 15 Story kiled, it is our job to find out who did it and present our evidence to the District Aittorney’s Office for prosecution. I do not know of anyone in this city who could buy his way out. of a murder charge. Meaning no offense, sir, I know of you as a man who, from time to time, has been able to bring enough pressure to bear on other departments to achieve the release of known criminals. Now you have given me reason to think. You come in here obviously intent on making certain that I pin the Deever murder on McBride. I do not think you have any great interest in upholding the law. I have reason to believe that you make every week in an unlawful manner as much money as J make in a: year. You make me wonder why you are anxious that- McBride be caught and convicted.”” DeWitt spun back slowly and his eyes were level. “I was willing to give McBride the benefit of every reasonable doubt. Now I am even more determined to do that.”’ The man turned white and then purple red. He went to the door. ““Those words may do you a great deal of harm, Cap- tain.’ DeWitt smifed blandly. at that.” But when the door had shut behind the man, DeWitt’s smile faded quickly. Every police force, he knew, works under con- stant pressure. In River City it was no better and no worse than most. The lid has to be kept on but the cauldron, bub- bling wnderneath, rattles the lid and sends out gouts of steam. Sometimes the lid blows off. Not often. He thought of Barry McBride, of what he knew of the man, both as a football player and as a man. He was too old and wise im the ways of human nature to make the mistake of supposing that an open face and an infectious grin- meant inno- cence. But the psychology of the murder didn’t suit him. It would seem to be more McBride’s style to use his big hands and “They might Detective shoulders on Deever—if he had a reason to go after the man. Murder might result . from a blow struck too hard—but then it would be a different sort of a charge. The gun being found was almost too pat. Crainstock came in and sat down and grinned at his captain. “Got him?” DeWitt asked. “The Kinger girl and Kyle Benedict took him to the Kinger girl’s aunt’s house about one a.m. He’s still holed up there. From what I could find out in the neigh- borhood, the old gal is a pretty hardy citizen.” “Who’s on it now?” “Freeman and Kelly front, Bikel, rear. Under cover.’ “Have ’em stay that way, Ed. T want to know who goes to see McBride and I want him followed if he leaves there.” “Isn’t it taking a chance, Captain?” “Yes, it is. And here’s more of a chance. How many more plainclothes can we put on this?” “Let me see. Right now, this minute, IT could re-assign Cherzack and Linelli, fnd maybe Hooper.” “You got tails on Deever’s men?” “Yes sir.” “Cherzack is the newest man, isn’t he? Put him on our honorable ex-Commis- sioner of Police. Plant Linelli where he can watch what visitors the man has. Put Hooper on Stackie Coults, and get a wire man on the Ex-Commissioner’s phone.” Ed Crainstock whistled softly. “You planning to retire?” “T need a rest,” DeWitt said siti a sour smile. “T’ll cover you all the way, Ed, by putting it in writing.” Crainstock stood up. “Hell with it. I might as well have some fun too.” “Thanks, Ed.” * * K When the front door bell rang, Aunt Kath trotted to the hallway. She looked GEomichbooks (ECO)