Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
Interview room #2, Central Station Holding Facility, Sunday March 9, 5:48 PM
“What do you think, Ravi,” asked Frost when they were alone in the room. Sergeant Goh had been with him for four months, and the Detective Inspector had taken the time to educate him in procedure and forensics. He was very impressed by the Sergeant’s quick learning and steady judgement.
“No problem with consistency. All three told essentially the same story from their respective points of view and all seemed honest and open.”
“Essentially?” asked William. “What discrepancy did you notice?”
“No discrepancies. Shadings in attitude or emotions is more what I detected. Head Matron Wong was highly professional and seemed very genuinely sorry for Moore. Matron Long seemed ambivalent toward Moore; somewhat caring but also thinking she brought it on herself. While Matron Sing seemed to harbor actual dislike or resentment toward the prisoner – though I don’t believe it changed any of the facts she reported.”
“Very good, Sergeant. I concur. What conclusions to do draw?”
“None yet, Detective Inspector. We wait for more complete evidence rather than drawing premature conclusions.”
“Good to hear my own word repeated,” laughed Frost. “Shall we go and get the rest of the story?” The Sergeant nodded. As they entered the hall, they saw the coroner's team removing the body of Rose Lin. The head of CSI came over to report.
“We have all we need; a simple and well-maintained crime scene. I’ll have a preliminary report to you early tomorrow morning. I’ve notified the medical examiner to be prepared for an immediate autopsy.”
“Thanks, Lee. I can always count on you.”
Just then William Koh, the police attorney arrived. He introduced himself to Frost, whom he had not met before, though he knew Wade and Goh.
Frost briefed him on what had happened.
“This is terrible, of course, but I’m not too surprised,” Koh said.
“Frost raised an eyebrow, “Really? How so?”
“Miss Barbara Moore is quite a piece of work. She’s been here less than two weeks and has managed to get into an incredible amount of trouble even before this. She has no regard for rules and a really terrible attitude. She seemed to blame her infractions always on others and particularly on Rose Lin. I would put nothing past her.”
“She does seem to elicit passionate reactions, mused Frost. He mentioned to Koh about her attorney.
“Yes. An earnest, though inexperienced, young man from the Embassy. He is reasonable to work with. I have informed Deputy Attorney General Lee Cher Leng, who prosecuted her previous case and he will be here shortly. Do we wait for Hodges?”
“There is no legal requirement,” said Frost. “I instructed homicide to notify the Embassy. We’ll deal with Hodges when and if he gets here. Let’s go see what the notorious Miss Moore has to say for herself.”
“What do you think, Ravi,” asked Frost when they were alone in the room. Sergeant Goh had been with him for four months, and the Detective Inspector had taken the time to educate him in procedure and forensics. He was very impressed by the Sergeant’s quick learning and steady judgement.
“No problem with consistency. All three told essentially the same story from their respective points of view and all seemed honest and open.”
“Essentially?” asked William. “What discrepancy did you notice?”
“No discrepancies. Shadings in attitude or emotions is more what I detected. Head Matron Wong was highly professional and seemed very genuinely sorry for Moore. Matron Long seemed ambivalent toward Moore; somewhat caring but also thinking she brought it on herself. While Matron Sing seemed to harbor actual dislike or resentment toward the prisoner – though I don’t believe it changed any of the facts she reported.”
“Very good, Sergeant. I concur. What conclusions to do draw?”
“None yet, Detective Inspector. We wait for more complete evidence rather than drawing premature conclusions.”
“Good to hear my own word repeated,” laughed Frost. “Shall we go and get the rest of the story?” The Sergeant nodded. As they entered the hall, they saw the coroner's team removing the body of Rose Lin. The head of CSI came over to report.
“We have all we need; a simple and well-maintained crime scene. I’ll have a preliminary report to you early tomorrow morning. I’ve notified the medical examiner to be prepared for an immediate autopsy.”
“Thanks, Lee. I can always count on you.”
Just then William Koh, the police attorney arrived. He introduced himself to Frost, whom he had not met before, though he knew Wade and Goh.
Frost briefed him on what had happened.
“This is terrible, of course, but I’m not too surprised,” Koh said.
“Frost raised an eyebrow, “Really? How so?”
“Miss Barbara Moore is quite a piece of work. She’s been here less than two weeks and has managed to get into an incredible amount of trouble even before this. She has no regard for rules and a really terrible attitude. She seemed to blame her infractions always on others and particularly on Rose Lin. I would put nothing past her.”
“She does seem to elicit passionate reactions, mused Frost. He mentioned to Koh about her attorney.
“Yes. An earnest, though inexperienced, young man from the Embassy. He is reasonable to work with. I have informed Deputy Attorney General Lee Cher Leng, who prosecuted her previous case and he will be here shortly. Do we wait for Hodges?”
“There is no legal requirement,” said Frost. “I instructed homicide to notify the Embassy. We’ll deal with Hodges when and if he gets here. Let’s go see what the notorious Miss Moore has to say for herself.”