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Chapter 25: Each Shows His Magical Power
Wenner acted arrogantly in front of his subordinates, but in reality, he didn't relentlessly pursue Cahill.
Most of it remained at the level of gaining verbal advantage.
Cahill had been badly roughed up by Holt and ended up in the hospital after being dressed down by Chief Widdek.
When Wenner visited the hospital, several patrol officers whom Holt had severely beaten were also recovering there.
Wenner brought flowers, which made Cahill's expression soften considerably, as if to suggest that Wenner had come to mend their relationship.
However, Wenner asked him when he planned to tell reporters about his 'heroic' experience of being body-slammed by Holt.
Cahill's face immediately darkened.
This exchange quickly reached Chief Widdek, who was quite satisfied with Wenner's measured approach and formally rejected Cahill's proposal for police department personnel reform.
Theodore and Bernie attended the press conference.
The event was held at City Hall, with reporters from Felton TV, several newspapers, and radio stationsânearly every media outlet in the city was present, totaling over twenty organizations and close to a hundred people.
From this turnout, it appears that Felton's media industry was quite thriving.
The press conference theme was set as "Commending Outstanding Contributions of the Police Department."
Councilman Howard presided over the event and delivered the opening speech. He briefly reviewed the case in two sentences and emphasized his unwavering trust in the police department.
"Even though my son was once wrongly suspected, I still firmly believe in the professionalism of our police force."
When he said this, all the invited police personnel smiled knowingly.
Howard also repeatedly emphasized in his remarks, "This is a victory for all our officers."
He mentioned that certain individuals had publicly advocated for reform, suggesting the Homicide Team should be abolished and merged into the Patrol Department. Howard publicly stated at the press conference that the Homicide Team was absolutely necessary and should receive 'appropriate' support.
This was practically calling out Cahill by name.
Chief Widdek, who had been invited to attend, maintained a somewhat rigid expression but could only force a smile and applaud.
At the end of the press conference, Howard pulled Theodore and Bernie forward, allowing the media to capture numerous group photos, and smiled as he introduced them: "These are our Holmes and Watson of Felton."
After the press conference, Howard returned to his office and instructed his aide to donate a batch of new patrol cars to the police department.
After handling these matters, he pondered for a moment and called his secretary. "Arrange a meeting with those two young men."
The secretary checked his calendar and asked, "You have no commitments tomorrow evening. Would that work?"
"Perfect. Let's meet at the Oak Club."
......
Bernie and Theodore, who received the invitation, both remained composedâthough Bernie wanted to decline.
His parents had been ordinary oil workers; he'd served in World War II, drifted around for several years afterward, struggled after joining the police force, and only gradually improved after being recognized by Wenner and joining the FOP.
Councilman Howard was a genuine heavyweight to him.
Yesterday, he'd been so excited, even fantasizing about being able to speak with the councilman.
Today, after witnessing that political theater, his illusions had shattered.
Now, whenever he saw Howard's face, he thought of the man's calculated sincerity in front of all those people, followed by a wave of nausea.
Theodore didn't have such a visceral reactionâonly mild stomach discomfort.
At the same time, seeing Howard masterfully turn the tide at the press conference and gain significant political capital, he became even more convinced that he wasn't cut out for politics.
Theodore told Bernie they couldn't refuse, which left Bernie looking utterly confused.
This made Theodore suspect once again whether his partner was putting on an act.
Bernie could see through Howard's maneuvers at the press conference, but couldn't understand what was wrong with declining the invitation.
It was like being able to use calculus skillfully but not knowing basic multiplication and division.
Theodore's gaze seemed to say, 'Are you serious right now?'
Bernie gave him an innocent look and asked, "So we have to go?"
Seeing Theodore nod, he asked again, "Where is this Oak Club? What kind of place is it?"
Theodore examined the invitation, pointed to the time, and said, "Dinner hourâit should be a restaurant."
"I've never heard of this place," Bernie muttered, turning the invitation over and over in his hands.
......
The Oak Club was located in the suburbsâa high-end restaurant that served members only.
Howard had invited the two for dinner in a private capacity, primarily to express his gratitude.
Dining in such an upscale, unfamiliar establishment made Bernie feel deeply uncomfortable.
Sharing a table with Councilman Howard made him even more uneasy, and he repeatedly shot Theodore subtle glances, silently asking when this ordeal would end.
Howard noticed but remained unfazed.
He didn't show off excessively, and his conversation topics revolved around family matters or amusing work anecdotes.
They also encountered Mrs. Howard, who seemed genuinely surprised to find her husband there, apparently unaware he would be dining at the club that evening.
With Theodore's abilities and experience, he couldn't determine if her surprise was genuine or performed.
This made him think of Bernie's Schrödinger-like intelligence again, and he couldn't help but glance over.
Bernie could have his political illusions shattered regarding Howard, transforming from admirer to cynic, convinced that everything the politician said was calculated. But he couldn't apply the same skepticism to Mrs. Howard.
Mrs. Howard approached and embraced them both, genuinely thanking them for clearing her son's name.
Standing beside her husband, she playfully complained that Howard should have invited her along. Howard chuckled and raised his hands in mock surrender.
She kissed her husband, reminded him to treat the two men well, then departed.
She had arrived naturally and left just as naturally.
With Mrs. Howard's presence as a social lubricant, even Bernie felt compelled to engage in conversation.
The dinner was simultaneously exhausting and relaxed, leaving Theodore with a peculiar feeling.
Before they departed, the restaurant sent over two modest blueberry pies and two bottles of expensive-looking red wine.
The waiter explained that the blueberry pies had been personally baked by Mrs. Howard, as a mother's token of gratitude.
Bernie and Theodore could only graciously accept them.
On the drive back, Bernie grew reflective.
"No wonder he became a councilman," Bernie said, examining the expensive wine packaging and adding self-deprecatingly, "Even knowing what kind of person he is, I couldn't bring myself to refuse him. I actually felt honored to dine with him."
Theodore glanced at him, confirmed that Bernie was currently operating at peak intelligence, and shook his head.
"That's what a skilled politician looks like. Then there are the incompetent ones, like Deputy Chief Cahill."
Thinking of Cahill, silence settled over the car for a moment before they both burst into laughter.
Cahill had been severely injured by Holt, and rumors suggested he might need extensive recovery time. Despite this, he still refused to delegate authority, demanding that his subordinates report to him at the hospital daily.
Even people in the Patrol Department were voicing complaints.
After their laughter subsided, Bernie suddenly asked Theodore, "You seem very familiar with places like that. Did you frequent them before?"
He seemed to grow excited. "Oh, and where are you from originally? Why have I never heard you mention your family?"
Theodore: ...
Theodore hoped his partner's IQ would quickly return to its lower setting.
......
While Theodore was praying for his partner's intellectual decline, two men in Washington D.C., were also thinking of him.
The apartment at 4132 Q Street belonged to both Hoover and his longtime companion, Clyde Tolson, who also served as Deputy Director of the FBI.
They had been close friends, partners, and roommates for many years.
Hoover had previously lived with his mother and moved to this apartment after her passing.
They maintained separate bedrooms but shared the study, dining room, and walk-in closet.
At this moment, the two older men were gathered in their shared study, reviewing reports from Felton.
The reports had arrived only that afternoon, but Hoover maintained strict principlesâhe rarely discussed personal matters during work hours, so these documents had been brought home.
After reviewing the materials, Hoover remained silent for a long moment before handing them to Clyde Tolson. "Clyde, take a look at this. When did Theodore become so impressive?"
He respected Clyde as his only true friend, addressing him as Mr. Tolson during work hours and using his first name in private.
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