Wang Wei Breau is a graduate of Stanford School of Law, Hernandez remembers. He continues contemplating, “My partner is greatly respected for his proven ability to solve crimes. I must not discourage him in any way; Keith Edwards and the attempts on his life will take a great deal of intuitive criminal investigative expertise. Breau is the man to spearhead this type investigation.” Hernandez continues thinking, “As his superior, I will give Breau sole responsibility for this assault investigation. I will handle administrative issues and support Breau as needed. We know when to consult each other.”
Hernandez remembers that Breau is affectionately called Wrong Way Bro. Breau finished first in his class at the Police Academy in New York City. Many of his superiors childishly feared his intelligence and avoided recognizing him as a leader.
Hernandez remembers that Breau found his way to Chicago and then Rockford law enforcement. He was recognized by Javier Sanchez Hernandez for his tireless efforts, long work hours, flawless reports, dedication to service and loyalty to fellow officers and detectives.
Hernandez recalls he and Breau took notice of each other and joined collaborative forces at every opportunity long before being assigned as partners by their superiors. Both men had difficulty finding other detectives that were comfortable with their work ethic or style. Assigning Hernandez and Breau to be partners was a selfish political act of expediency by superiors in administration to ensure their participation in reducing unsolved crimes, more especially murders. Along with their regular workload Hernandez and Breau research and analyze cases which are assigned cold case status for re-investigation. At this time, Keith Edwards’ gassing is one of their cold cases.
Breau is most often the first of the duo at the scene and this scene is no exception. Breau is at the scene outside Keith’s apartment building and from a safe distance has observed and documented every movement possible.
When Hernandez arrives at a scene he expects to see his partner Breau alert and ready with as many details as possible.
Hernandez’s reminiscing contemplative mind returns to the present and he knows that he and Breau need to move on and question Keith’s landlady. Besides he keeps thinking about some fresh coffee. Turning to face Breau Hernandez says, “Before we go and interview Ms. Seemore, check with Rockford Memorial Hospital and tell them to notify us as soon as Keith Edwards and Francis Sorrell are available to be interviewed. I already know that we will have to get clearance from the district attorney to question them.”
Hernandez says, “Breau I want you to take charge of this investigation; I will still function as supervisor and coordinate administrative details. After we progress past today’s crime scene investigation and pertinent people are interviewed, I will pull back while you formulate a strategy. In the meantime, have an officer check around in the park while we visit Ms. Seemore. Edwards’ apartment is not part of the crime scene therefore we do not have to enter his apartment.”
On a roll he continues, “I do think that you should personally, along with someone of your choosing, pull surveillance on the park tonight and very early tomorrow morning. I would watch the park entrances on Elm and Birch, as well as, the apartment building’s front and side entrances. I know you will formulate your own investigative plan, but I think that we need you to observe the bus stop on Birch Street. You will probably want to go home before long and get some sleep.”
Hernandez continues, “My thoughts are while you are getting an officer to check the park, also assign at least two more officers to gathering information and vantage point observations from bystanders. Make sure they get names and phone numbers. While you are doing that I will call and arrange for security at the hospital for the Sorrell’s. We may very possibly have two separate murder attempts; attempted murder of both Edwards and Sorrell. Keep their case files separate until we know more.”
“We need to keep Keith and Francis apart until we have questioned each of them. We cannot force them to stay separated, so we need to be extremely diplomatic as we go about this. Both of these men will need protection until we can determine that they are safe from another attempt on their lives,” Javier Hernandez said. He adds, “I will ask for five days of security coverage on each of them knowing I may only get two.”
Hernandez grimaces and interjects, “Fortunately we have no innocent bystander casualties. Unfortunately this probably means no reasonable amount of security without showing other significant just cause.”
“Breau, after you deal with the officers call the office and request complete backgrounds on all city and hospital personnel that were at this scene. I will get with the Lieutenant, we are going to need personnel to help question the SWAT officers, park security, medical personnel, people in the park and anyone that we can reach that was on the bus that left the scene.” Hernandez stops speaking.
After a pause, Hernandez emphasizes to Breau, “I wish the bus had been stopped and everyone identified and questioned. That was a gigantic blunder. See if anyone took pictures with their cell phones. Have someone take pictures of bystanders, especially the usual gawkers.”
Hernandez to Breau, “Oh, find out who took the red therapy dog from the apartment and then again from the scene in the street. I heard one of the SWAT officers singing Suzy Q. What in Hades was he doing singing at a murder scene? I want to know the humor he saw at a time like this; I plan to talk with that officer myself. Also, find out what in Hades happened to the old man’s cane. Find the cane! I’ll call and see if I can get some additional CSI help on this. Thanks Breau.”
Hernandez thinks to himself, “I have not been home with my family very much lately. My wife and kids barely know me. When I do show up for a meal, the kids probably wonder who the man is at the dinner table. I really need to go home earlier today; I am bushed and I would like to spend time with my family.” Hernandez rubs his chin in contemplation of his personal concerns.
“Breau something else, after the scene is fully marked off ask city personnel to close this section of Elm; we need it marked off for at least twenty-four hours. Tell them that they need to arrange a detour for all buses. They need to be rerouted at least one block away from this crime scene. There is another bus stop on the other side of the park at the Birch Street entrance. People that ride the city bus should not be inconvenienced. Find the bus driver. I figure he probably did not witness a thing and did not feel an obstacle as he drove forward and over that body. Poor lady bought it twice. Think she saw the tires coming?” Hernandez finishes with a question.
Breau replies, “Everything you ordered is in the works with the exception of finding the bus driver. We do know that the bus driver reportedly drove his bus away from the scene to his next scheduled stop where he was relieved by another driver. We have a man searching for him, and he will report to me every thirty minutes, I will join in that effort very soon. The dispatcher says the driver is out of pocket. We do know from conversation with the dispatcher that another driver switched shifts with our driver and took over at the very next bus stop. Such a switch is not out of the ordinary and this one had been prearranged.”
“I doubt that the bus driver knew that the woman fell in front of the bus or that he ran over her. The bus driver is not considered a person of interest at this time. We simply want to know, what if anything, he may have witnessed about the ambush,” Breau comments.
Hernandez sees Rock Savage working the scene and hears him shout for a female reporter to follow the ambulance to the hospital.
Hernandez realizes Rock Savage is analyzing the situation and needs some meat. Hernandez knows Rock is thinking excitedly about the news possibilities. He remembers Rock has covered a scene here once before and knows the young man is Keith Edwards, the coma kid. Watching Rock Savage with interest Hernandez thinks, “This is an ambush scene, a real tragedy and aftermath and Rock is on top of it.”
Rock wants a comment from Breau or me. We must give him something; we cannot cut him off. Hernandez looks at Rock looking back at him, each underst
anding the others jobs.
Hernandez mouths to Rock Savage with his lips, “Back off, and I will give you an exclusive later.” Rock nods agreement and physically, but not mentally begins backing off.
Chapter 31
Rock Savage, Star Reporter
Rock Savage, star reporter for ZYN’s local affiliate, heard an emergency technician say, “He is gone.” Rock understood this statement to mean that Keith Edwards had died.
A reporter, also called a journalist, investigates and delivers news stories. He or she conducts interviews, observes events and does research to get all the facts about a story after getting a lead or tip. Then the reporter either writes up the story which will be published in a newspaper or on a web-site or reports the story on air on a television or radio broadcast. Source: About Career Planning web-site.
Rock had been listening to his scanner when he heard about the assault; he immediately called his crew telling them where to meet him. Upon arriving at the crime scene and before the crime scene area was taped off, he had managed to get close to the ambulance where Keith Edwards was being treated. Suddenly Rock remembers the young man. Keith Edwards was in a coma, for quite some time, as the result of an attempt on his life.
Soon after hearing the EMT’s comment, Rock contacted his station chief and requested a breaking news segment. Rock’s crew was ready to go live. The local cable station immediately ordered that they go live to Rock at the ambush scene. He began his story with Keith’s coma and ended with news of Keith’s death, as a result of an ambush, outside his apartment building on the morning of April, 14th, 2009.
Rock Savage erroneously broke the news about Keith’s death and later that evening he had to retract the news about Keith Edwards having died. He knows now that he should have kept his word to Detective Hernandez and waited for comments from him and Breau. Reporting on the events was okay, but making an unverified report about a victim’s status was unacceptable. During Rock’s evening news segment he gave an update on Keith Edwards’ condition. He reported, “Keith Edwards is in stable condition at Rockford Memorial Hospital.”
At the morning crime scene, Savage’s assistants took hundreds of photos and video footage. He has photos from every possible vantage point including from the entrance to the park and from the front of the apartment building. He is sure Hernandez and Breau will request copies for crime scene analysis. The pictures also include innocent bystanders interested in what was occurring.
Upon his arrival at the assault scene, Savage had been looking for a strong lead, when he overheard the EMT’s comment about Keith Edwards, he jumped the gun. Rock’s statement in his live breaking news report was an unfortunate unintentional mistake; he is still at the crime scene hoping for a news break.
Savage taped his evening news segment live from the assault scene. The area is still taped off and police are on guard. Rock feels something is happening around here. “I just know something is continuing under the surface,” he thinks. He and two assistants are in their news van parked on Elm Street about seventy-five feet from the taped off crime scene. He has a full view of the taped off area, the front and side of the Edwards’ apartment building and the entrance to Forest City Park. At the present time, this section of the street is blocked off so there is no thru traffic. Sources tell Rock that the city has plans to keep this section blocked off for at least twenty-four hours.
At about 1:45 a.m. on the morning of April 15, Rock observes a young woman leave Edwards apartment building by the side door. The young lady is carrying two bags and walks around the taped off crime scene. Rock thinks, “I bet she had a fight with her partner, and she is going home to Mama and Daddy.” Rock says out loud, “Wait a minute, I recognize her; I don’t know her name, but she was standing in the apartment building entrance this morning watching the crime scene activity. I have her picture.” He asks himself and his two assistants, “Why is she leaving the building this time of the morning? Why is she leaving from the side door, and why does she have two bags?” He tells his assistants, “Stay in the truck, I am going to follow her.”
Rock returns to the truck in less than twenty minutes and says, “She walked around the outside of Forest City Park and boarded the 2:00 a.m. bus at the park entrance bus stop on Birch Street. That bus stop is directly across the park from the bus stop on Elm.”
Rock and his assistants remain in their news van reviewing all digital pictures and video taken at the ambush scene. He finds pictures with the young lady he just saw board the 2:00 a.m. bus standing in the apartment building entryway. Another time dated photograph shows her, moments later, standing in the second floor window above the crime scene. Rock is astonished. The large window she is looking out of is in Keith Edwards’ apartment.
Rock finally gets a break; he is listening to the police radio band when at approximately 2:30 a. m. they mention a fatal traffic accident. Rock knows that the accident scene is only a few blocks from the assault scene, therefore he and his assistants quickly drive there. Rock and his crew arrive at the scene of the accident at 2:35 a. m. just as a fire truck, two police cars and an ambulance arrive. His crew is not able to go directly up to the body to take pictures or video; they film the accident scene using zoom lenses. They record the entire scene including pictures and video of the head and shoulders of the female victim. The victim’s entire body is not visible.
Rock talks with the truck driver. The driver said he was driving home after an extended second shift at work when all of a sudden something hit his hood and windshield. He stopped abruptly causing the object to roll off the front end of the Ford F150’s hood. He immediately got out, saw the girl’s body and called 911. Rock notes that the driver is visibly shaken.
Rock calls his station chief and reports the accident and graphic pictures that he has of the victim. He tells the chief that he has already recorded a news segment for the morning news, but unless the victim’s identification and picture have been released by the Medical Examiner’s office, he does not think that their report on the accident should include any pictures of the victim’s body. Rock tells his chief, “Since this is not a crime scene, I think we should wait for an approved photo and positive identification of the deceased young lady from the ME’s office.” The station chief agrees with Rock Savage and they ring off.
As the accident area is taken over by police, all media and bystanders are ordered outside the cordoned off area. There will be distant footage of the scene and a report from Rock on the morning news, but no live breaking news report from the scene due to the hour of the morning that the accident occurred.
Rock reaffirms to himself that he will wait until the ME releases information about the victim to do a remake if necessary and report more on the accident. He knows the Medical Examiner’s office works quickly and will release information according to usual procedure. He has already jumped the gun recently and realizes that he needs to wait on the ME’s release of information on the victim.
Meanwhile Rock is weary and takes a seat in their media van for a rest. Closing his eyes for a moment Rock senses there is a big story out there ready to explode; he and his crew are ready. Rock feels he is covering part of an explosive story and it is linked to the ambush scene.
Rock opens his eyes and shares his thoughts with his crew, “Hernandez and Breau are looking for the bus driver that drove away from yesterday’s ambush scene. The driver is a person of interest and not a suspect. You guys drop me off at the station. After dropping me off, you should go home and get some rest. I will use my personal car to go home for a few hours’ sleep.”
As the media van is on its way to the news station Rock thinks to himself, “I need to get a lead on the bus driver before anyone else. This guy can’t have just vanished into thin air, someone at the main bus terminal or local offices must know where we can locate him.”
Chapter 32
Six Changes Appearance and Buses
Six the bus driver that drove the bus away from Forest City Park is relieve
d by another driver at the next authorized bus stop. The relief driver owed Six a favor, and has taken over for him as was pre-arranged. “You are relieved Danny,” says the relief driver. Danny thanks him. Danny, Six, leaves the bus in capable hands.
Six mumbles to himself, “The bus company does not know it yet, but I just quit this miserable excuse for a job. They can take this job and shove it. They can keep my last check, because they will never see me again. Texas here I come. I have friends in Texas who say they can use my photography experience; and they have offered to help me get settled there.”
Six walks a few blocks and stops at a local quick shop and purchases a quart carton of his favorite buttermilk. He takes two quick gulps and gets relief for his burning throat. He takes a third drink, allows the cold liquid to linger in his mouth and lets the buttermilk slowly enter his still dry throat. “Ahhh, relief,” he says to himself.
As Six leaves the quick shop, he sees his accomplice in the SUV; he does not acknowledge or indicate recognition of the individual. Six continues down the street going farther from the bus and Forest City Park.
Ever so slowly, Six changes his appearance and clothing while on the move. When he dressed in his bus uniform earlier this morning, he put another shirt on under his uniform shirt. He pulls a plastic bag out of his small duffle. He removes his uniform shirt, places it in the plastic bag ties the bag and drops the bag and shirt in the next trash can. He removes a dark wind breaker from the duffle along with a dark baseball cap and puts them on. Finally, he removes a pair of dark glasses and a folding walking cane from the duffle. He places the duffle in another plastic bag and drops the tied bag in the next trash receptacle. Six thinks, “Catch me now.”
Signal to Murder Page 18