"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 014 - Hidden Death" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

“I have made an exhaustive survey of your work,” the commissioner continued. “I find that you possess a
remarkable aptitude in the practical solution of crime problems.

“I note, however, that you seldom resort to theory. That is the matter which I wish to discuss with you
today.”

Cardona's eyes narrowed as he returned the commissioner's stare.

“Just what do you regard as theory, commissioner?” he questioned.

“All crimes,” explained Weston, “demand a double treatment. Practical methods, such as arrests, grilling,
dragnets, and the like, are useful in the majority of cases. Theory, in which crime is considered as a
serious study, is just as essential as practice when one is confronted by a baffling problem.”

“That's well and good, sir,” declared Cardona. “I use theory, but I mix it with practice. My idea is to get
at the facts in a case. The quicker you do that, the quicker you get results.

“I can track down half a dozen facts while I might be bothering around with one fancy stunt that would
lead to nothing. Get the goods, and forget the rest of it. That's what works!”

The commissioner was silent. A slow, thin smile appeared upon his lips.

The smile made Joe Cardona uneasy. He felt that his emphatic statement was due for a criticism. He
waited, resolved to stand by what he had said.

“You have given me your definite opinion?” questioned the commissioner.

Cardona nodded.

“You actually believe,” continued Weston, “that the final report on a solved case should be free of all
extraneous impressions and unsound notions?”

“Certainly,” said Cardona.

“Then why”—Weston's voice was deliberate as he tapped the typewritten papers—“why have you
frequently left an element of profound uncertainty in connection with cases that you have declared to be
completely closed?”

Cardona looked puzzled. He tried to grasp the commissioner's thoughts, but failed. The detective did not
know what to reply, and Weston seemed to enjoy Cardona's bewilderment.

“Let me speak more specifically,” declared Weston, leaning back in his chair. “In at least six of your
reports, you have referred definitely to one individual, whom you claim has played an important part.

“You have established this person in your own mind. You have linked him with widely differing affairs.
Yet, you have not presented one tangible bit of evidence to prove that this person is a single individual.

“He might be one, as you suggest. He might be three. He might be six. He might”—the commissioner's
voice slowed with emphasis—“he might be none at all!”
“You mean”—Cardona was speaking in a confused manner—“you mean that I —that in those cases—“