Chapter 69: The Charming Imagination King
Jacob wore a peculiar expression as they walked back to the car.
He told them he'd encountered Councillor Miller during his visit. A prison trustee had been leading the disgraced politician around for his daily exercise.
Miller had been clutching the trustee's pocket, his legs straddling awkwardly as he shuffled along behind like a trained pet.
Jacob made an 'X' shape with his hands, explaining that Miller had nearly triggered a full-scale prison riot. Every inmate in the black section took immense pride in having humiliated the former councillor.
This development had inflamed the KKK and other extremist groups on the outside. If the prison hadn't maintained strict racial segregation, preventing the two factions from encountering each other, violence would have already erupted within the walls.
After finishing their shift that afternoon, Theodore headed to the Old Gun Bar for the scheduled FOP meeting.
Today, the establishment serves only members of the Fraternal Order of Police. Guests were required to display their badges for entry, with no exceptions.
The bar's owner embraced Bernie warmly and even produced a genuine Colt Peacemaker as a gift for Little Sullivan. Bernie accepted this generous offer without hesitation, believing it was indeed time to teach his son proper firearms handling.
This FOP gathering was a routine affair designed to strengthen bonds between members. Chief Weideke typically avoided such social events, leaving Deputy Police Chief Cahill and Wenner to serve as hosts.
After commending Theodore for his exceptional recent performance, the three men settled at a corner table in the furthest reaches of the bar.
The meeting's atmosphere remained relaxed and collegial.
During the proceedings, Deputy Inspector Burton called Theodore aside to inform him that he would receive a commendation medal within the next few days.
Theodore asked whether he might exchange the medal for a promotion instead, specifically, advancement to the Sergeant rank.
Wenner appeared genuinely surprised. This marked the first time he'd witnessed Theodore actively pursuing career advancement.
He smiled and assured Theodore that anything was possible with continued strong performance.
Deputy Inspector Burton, always well-informed about departmental politics, mentioned that headquarters might be developing a new public relations initiative aimed at enhancing the police department's community image.
He suggested this program could be tailored explicitly around Theodore and Bernie's partnership. Theodore might even have an opportunity to surpass his partner Bernie's record for fastest promotion in department history.
Before Theodore could inquire what exactly "strong performance" entailed, he was pulled away to participate in team formation for a spirited horse-riding competition.
The rules of this particular contest differed from standard rodeo events; participants had to not only complete their rides successfully but also demonstrate personal charm and showmanship.
For the next thirty minutes, various cringeworthy performances took turns entertaining the crowd. Officers stripped off their shirts, gyrated their hips suggestively, and attempted to showcase riding skills only to nearly tumble headfirst from their mounts.
The meeting continued well past 2 AM before finally concluding.
The bar owner, having learned from previous mishaps, carefully verified the identity of each patrol officer who arrived to collect intoxicated colleagues, only releasing individuals after confirming proper credentials.
The following morning, Theodore awoke to an assault on his senses.
The intermingled aromas of sweat, vomit, and stale alcohol proved particularly invigorating. Several "temporarily homeless" officers consumed the breakfast provided by the bar owner before departing for duty in wrinkled, dishevelled uniforms.
Despite their efforts, they still arrived late to the station.
Fortunately, colleagues from internal affairs were present to witness their tardy arrival. The group thanked their understanding supervisors with sheepish laughter before dispersing to their respective assignments.
Before Theodore even reached the main office, Cahill's thunderous voice echoed from the Patrol Department.
"Get over here and scrub that locker room spotless!"
...
That weekend, Theodore visited Bernie's family home.
After careful observation, he concluded that Little Sullivan had been affected far less severely than initially expected.
Donald Moore, who had endured a similar traumatic experience, still couldn't hold a pen steady enough to write and frequently swallowed scalding food as though unable to register temperature. These were classic manifestations of physiological numbness, the mind's protective response to overwhelming trauma.
In stark contrast, Little Sullivan was currently mounted on Bernie's long-suffering dog, transformed into a pint-sized cowboy charging toward the kitchen with wild enthusiasm.
After being decisively thwarted by the formidable villain Mrs. Sullivan, he retreated to his bedroom with distinctive war whoops to don his complete cowboy ensemble.
Soon, a new gunslinger appeared before the household, complete with an authentic cowboy hat and the Colt Peacemaker holstered at his hip.
The miniature cowboy remounted Bernie's patient dog and launched a second cavalry charge.
This time, Bernie intercepted him the moment he thundered into the living room, physically redirecting his son's assault.
Theodore caught the boy and spent a considerable amount of time engaging in play. Little Sullivan was noticeably less familiar than before, displaying new shyness around adults.
Only after Theodore agreed to let him handle the firearm did the child gradually return to his former comfortable demeanour.
After returning the weapon to Theodore, he whispered conspiratorially that he was already learning marksmanship with his father's instruction.
Following an excited demonstration of his developing skills, he suddenly remembered Bernie's strict instructions about secrecy. He quickly begged Theodore to keep this information confidential.
After receiving Theodore's solemn assurance, the boy felt they now shared a special secret, making them genuine friends. He completely lowered his guard and no longer resisted Theodore's gentle questioning about his recent experiences.
During casual conversation after dinner, Theodore offered Bernie several professional suggestions.
First, he recommended maintaining rigid daily schedules with fixed meal and bedtime routines. A predictable structure would help alleviate Little Sullivan's fear of losing control over his environment.
Second, he suggested Bernie involve his son in installing additional latches on doors and windows, using concrete actions to reinforce the message that "home is a fortress" and restore his sense of security.
Finally, he recommended incorporating appropriate strenuous activities, such as boxing or rope work, allowing the boy to release anger and frustration through controlled physical exertion.
Bernie listened with a mixture of scepticism and genuine interest.
Their conversation then shifted to Donald Moore's situation.
The Oil Workers Union was arranging collective guardianship, with several financially stable members taking turns hosting him in their homes. The Moore family property was scheduled for auction, with proceeds designated for a special trust fund administered by the union to cover Donald's ongoing living expenses.
Bernie suggested that Theodore consider purchasing the neighbouring property when it became available, but Theodore declined the opportunity.
...
As September arrived, Felton's atmosphere seemed charged with restless energy.
Jack, who had been promising daily about campaigning in Felton, finally made his much-anticipated appearance.
Jack delivered three public speeches throughout the city, each of which proved tremendously successful.
He possessed the classic features of a movie star, yet without any feminine softness, his demeanour radiated rugged determination that immediately appealed to Felton's working-class sensibilities.
His approachability was remarkable. He shook hands and embraced audience members in the front rows, showing no concern when clean white shirts became covered with grimy handprints from factory workers and oil field labourers.
His speeches struck precisely the right populist tone. Political promises to expand social welfare programs and invest in educational development received enthusiastic support from diverse crowds.
Through direct contact, Felton's citizens discovered this Northerner differed dramatically from their preconceived expectations.
Setting aside his controversial advocacy for racial equality, he appeared more reliable than Charlie from the Republican Party and demonstrated a superior understanding of their community's genuine needs.
Jack's personal magnetism proved absolutely astonishing. Single-handedly, he transformed an entire city's perception of his candidacy.
On the evening following his second major speech, Jack arranged private meetings with numerous local influential figures.
Theodore and Bernie were included among the guests.
Bernie had always harboured distrust toward politicians and maintained distinctly cold behaviour toward Jack throughout their encounter.
Theodore, however, displayed unusual excitement at the meeting.
This was the genuine historical figure, in person!
After their introduction, Theodore found himself continually studying Jack's head and facial features, as though memorising every detail.
Jack was simultaneously conducting his own careful examination of Theodore, a process that required considerable time before recognition dawned.
He had encountered Theodore previously; many Washington D.C. insiders knew this earnest young man from the Hoover family circle.
Everyone in the capital was also aware of the strained relationship between uncle and nephew.
The incident in which this young man engaged in a heated public argument with Hoover during his graduation ceremony, causing significant embarrassment for the FBI Director, had circulated as gossip for months throughout political circles.
Jack struggled to reconcile the impulsive youth from his memory with the composed detective standing before him now.
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