1960: My uncle is the FBI Director

Chapter 107 I'd believe you if you said the robbers were the sun and the moon.

In the afternoon, the list of robbers released in June and related information were delivered.

Ronald pasted it to the left of the list of robbers released in November and turned to look at Theodore.

According to Theodore's analysis, the 'driver' is on the right-hand list, and the two robbers who committed the robbery are on the left-hand list.

Mike and Andrew looked at the densely packed list, then at the mountain of documents piled on the conference table, and a question slowly surfaced in their minds:
Can you really solve a case by sitting in an office and flipping through documents like this?
The two did not ask the question aloud, but instead obediently followed Ronald's instructions and began to organize the relationships of the people on the list.

This job is not complicated.

They first processed the list of people released in June on the left.

This group of people was separated into those who committed crimes alone and those who committed crimes in concert. Then, based on information provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Veterans Affairs Bureau, the prisoners who committed crimes alone were screened.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons' data provides detailed information on inmates' behavior in prison, helping Theodore and his team to identify who their fellow inmates are.

The Veterans Affairs Bureau's records help them identify who were once their comrades.

The latter is almost zero.

However, there are quite a few examples of comrades-in-arms among those who conspire to commit crimes.

The relationship between the more than one hundred people was quickly divided into dozens of small, separate groups.

These groups were then matched with the list of suspected 'drivers' on the right, based on three categories: comrades-in-arms, fellow inmates, and relatives.

They ultimately came up with five three-person team combinations.

Faced with these five sets of names, everyone had different thoughts.

The fact that the robbers were identified so easily among five groups made them feel like it was all a dream.

It is now possible to apply for a search and interrogation of these five groups of people.

Supervisors would reject plans to target 13 primary targets and 24 secondary targets, but would readily approve searches and interrogations of 15 individuals.

In particular, all 15 of them were convicts with prior convictions.

If every case could be solved so simply by choosing one out of five, the supervisor would be laughing his head off.

They'd be laughing their heads off.

Theodore, however, was not satisfied with the result.

He attempted to further optimize the results by filtering 'drivers' based on the profile information.

Ronald hesitated for a moment, feeling that this was enough: "Don't forget, Theodore, we have far more resources at our disposal than the local police department."

He pointed to the five groups of people on the whiteboard: "We can interrogate and search them."

Theodore glanced at him, his distrust evident in his expression. He pointed to the five groups of people on the whiteboard and emphasized, "This is not a specific target."

Ronald choked for a moment.

He tried to argue, but was interrupted.

The agent who had called Ronald to answer the phone peeked in from the doorway and gestured for him to take the call.

Ronald gestured for me to come back and then went outside to answer the phone.

Mike and Andrew persuaded Theodore on Ronald's behalf.

They already felt that Theodore's analysis contained too many vague words like "maybe" and "should".

With so many uncertainties combined, the resulting five lists of suspects are unreliable enough.

Now he has to further filter the data in an unreliable way, based on the unreliable premise.

They were very skeptical about what the final result would be.

Bernie proposed a compromise.

He believed that the screening results should be the focus, but all five groups were still searched and interrogated.

Andrew and Mike exchanged a glance and didn't try to persuade him any further.

Mike asked, "What are you going to do?"

The list of suspects for the 'driver' had already been screened, and the five people who remained were all between 35 and 45 years old, all white, all had military service experience, and all had been arrested and imprisoned for robbery.

Theodore thought for a moment and said, "'The driver' is very good at manipulating others. Just like these two robberies, he is used to manipulating others to take risks while he hides in a safe place."

“His prison record should be very good; he did not participate in any serious incidents during his imprisonment.”

“He has a strong personal charisma and knows how to get things done. He makes a very good impression on the judge when he applies for parole.”

Almost no prisoners in Emilyka serve their full sentences before being released; 90 percent of prisoners can apply for parole after serving one-third of their sentence.

Bernie and his two companions searched through the files of the five suspected 'drivers'.

Two were quickly eliminated.

One was repeatedly placed in solitary confinement during his imprisonment, while the other applied for parole four times before being granted it.

Theodore wiped both groups away without hesitation and continued:
"He was very careful, helping the two robbers to disguise themselves completely, ensuring that they would not leave a single clue."

“After his release, he may find a normal job and report to the parole officer on time, pretending to have turned over a new leaf.”

"Given his charisma and desire for control, his job was probably found with the help of the parole officer."

"His work may be related to their ultimate goal."

"Escorts, bank security guards, jewelry store security personnel, etc."

After the three of them had been flipping through the pages for a while, Andrew suddenly stood up, looking excited.

He rushed over to Theodore with the documents in his hand: "It's him! It's him!"

"Henry Thompson!"

Mike and Bernie also gathered around.

Andrew shouted, "He's a security driver for Riggs National Bank!"

"His job sponsor is Richard Mason!"

"Richard Mason is his parole officer!"

Mike immediately took out a map, spread it on the table, and quickly found the Riggs National Bank among the 13 red circles:

"Riggs National Bank DuPont Roundabout Branch!"

"It's located at the northwest corner of DuPont Roundabout, opposite the robbed DuPont Roundabout post office!"

Theodore erased the remaining two sets, leaving only one set of names on the whiteboard:
Henry Thompson, Javier Morales and Fernando Castillo.

All three of them had served time in a Maryland state prison; Javier and Henry Thompson were roommates.

Fernando and Javier are teammates.

"They are the robbers."

Theodore turned around and addressed the three men.

Mike and Andrew quieted down.

They were still somewhat incredulous.

It feels like a dream.

They caught them so easily?

In the end, all of Theodore’s analyses corresponded to these three individuals.

But isn't this too simple?
After the initial excitement wore off, Mike and Andrew became somewhat hesitant again.

Theodore looked at the two of them suspiciously.

Ronald walked into the conference room with a list in his hand and immediately spotted the only group of names circled on the whiteboard.

He looked down at the list, then looked up at the whiteboard, and after repeatedly confirming it, asked solemnly, "How did you confirm them?"

Ronald held a list of gun owners circulating on the black market.

The police departments have finally reached a conclusion regarding the tracing of the firearms.

Most guns remain in the hands of the buyers, and even those that have changed hands two or three times can be traced back to their final whereabouts.

Only a very small number of gun owners have lost contact.

Police are still investigating the missing persons.

Mike hesitated before explaining the selection process, and then showed him the map and Henry Thompson's case file.

Ronald threw the list on the table and showed them the first page.

On the last line of the first page of the list, one name stands out:
Javier Morales.

Ronald copied the list by hand, one by one, and he remembered every single name on the list.

“I think we should have a serious talk with Mr. Morales.”

He waved the list in his hand, his gaze toward Theodore filled with complex emotions.

After going around in circles, the big problem doesn't seem like a problem anymore.

Ronald put down the list and began assigning tasks:
“Andrew, take them to the legal counsel’s office.”

"Theodore, come with me to report to the supervisor."

Ronald had been hesitant, but when Theodore's analysis was presented to him, he suddenly became exceptionally decisive.

He didn't plan to question the suspect first, apply for a search warrant based on the statements, and then go back to search the premises.

It's almost time to leave work, and going back and forth like this is too much trouble.

He planned to go straight there with a search warrant and search the place first.

Theodore and Ronald went to see the supervisor again. This time, they not only brought maps, but also files and personnel lists. They were almost ready to ask someone to help them move the whiteboard over as well.

The supervisor was very patient and, after listening to Theodore's analysis, summarized:
"So you suspect these three people are the robbers, right?"

Ronald nodded.

Theodore wanted to correct him, but ultimately gave up and nodded in agreement.

The supervisor handed the list back to the two men and asked, "So what are you two waiting for here?"

He pointed outside: "Are you waiting for me to come with you?" Theodore looked puzzled: "Can't we go without your permission?"

The supervisor paused, looking at Ronald.

Ronald bent down to organize the files, which were very unruly and never seemed to stay together neatly.

Theodore glanced at the two silent men: "And this operation might not succeed."

Ronald looked up.

The documents suddenly became obedient.

The supervisor also lowered his arm and looked at Theodore.

Theodore: "Henry Thompson was a cautious and extremely controlling person."

"The police were able to track down Javier Morales so quickly, which exceeded his expectations."

“There’s no way he’ll just stay put, pretend nothing happened, and wait for us to come and arrest him.”

"In order to regain the initiative, he may carry out the robbery in advance."

The supervisor didn't understand Theodore's use of words like 'caution' or 'initiative,' but he understood the meaning:
"Do you think he'll commit the robbery this afternoon?"

Theodore nodded: "That suits his character perfectly."

The supervisor looked at Ronald.

Ronald didn't hesitate much and immediately adopted Theodore's analysis.

Even if Theodore said the robbers were the sun and the moon, he would accept it without batting an eye.

The supervisor's expression turned serious.

…………

Henry Thompson listened patiently to Havel's story, pondered for a moment, then got up and went to the dressing room:
"Go find Fernando; we need to move our operation forward."

Havel's eyes widened in surprise: "What?"

"now?"

He was indeed worried about the police coming to his door, but it hadn't come to that.

"Why?" Javier looked out the window. "We've always prepared in the morning, and now they're almost off work."

Henry Thompson did not answer.

He changed into the cash transporter's uniform and limped outside.

Javier was puzzled, but he followed her out anyway.

The two knocked on the door of Fernando's apartment.

Fernando is a younger man than Javier, and his Mexican heritage is particularly evident.

He was surprised by their visit and asked if something had happened.

Henry Thompson went straight to the bedroom: "Is everything I asked you to prepare ready?"

“Everything is ready.” Fernando looked at Javier: “What’s wrong? What happened?”

Javier explained in a low voice, following Henry Thompson into the bedroom and helping him pull a large trunk out from under the bed.

Henry Thompson opened the box, dumped its contents onto the ground, and began distributing camouflage tools.

Javier and Fernando dared not question Henry Thompson, and began to feign ignorance while harboring their own doubts.

They first changed into work clothes, then rolled up their nylon stockings and put them on their heads like hats, and then covered them with another hat.

After the initial disguise was completed, each of them carried a large backpack downstairs.

Javier went back to get his gun and put it in his backpack. The three of them jumped into a Chevrolet sedan, the same model as one driven by an FBI intern, and headed towards the Northwest District.

Henry Thompson was driving, while Javier and Fernando continued their disguise in the back.

They each took out a watch, set the time, and put it on their arms. Finally, they took out cotton gloves and put them on their hands, carefully covering every inch of their skin.

Finally, he took out a black pen and began applying it to his jawline and face.

Henry Thompson glanced back at the two men and said:
"The closing time is different from the morning; there will be many customers inside."

"Don't panic. It's the same as during practice, except there are a few more hostages to manage."

"After entering, remember to first control the security guards and the counter staff, then control the hostages."

"Leave two female employees to collect the money, and drive the rest to the innermost part of the room to stand facing the wall."

"We have six minutes. Once five minutes are up, we will retreat immediately."

He said earnestly, "Don't be greedy, don't help carry the money."

"No matter how much money you haven't put in your bag yet, remember, retreat immediately after five minutes. I'll be waiting for you at the usual spot."

After a pause, Henry Thompson softened his tone: "Guys, although it's a little different from our plan, it won't affect the final result."

"The FBI might still be circling around Sears' work clothes right now."

His smile and relaxed tone eased the tension between Javier and Fernando.

Henry Thompson turned to look at the two men and asked, "What are your plans for spending the money once you have it?"

Fernando thought for a moment and answered honestly, "xx".

Henry Thompson laughed heartily: "Dude, that's eighty thousand dollars! Maybe more! You could fuck yourself to death and still not spend it all."

Fernando smiled sheepishly and looked at Javier.

Javier thought for a moment, but didn't know what he could do.

That's 80,000 yuan!

He and Fernando robbed convenience stores and gas stations for three years, but they still couldn't steal enough to reach 10,000 yuan.

Henry Thompson, not hearing any movement, turned around and saw the two men, their eyes filled with longing, lost in their fantasies.

He did not disturb the two.

Henry Thompson helped the two men pull down their nylon stockings all the way down until the car stopped at the entrance to the DuPont roundabout:
"Guys, whether we can fuck until we die of exhaustion depends on you guys."

"Go!"

"I will always be waiting for you at the same old place."

His final instructions were: "Remember, you only have five minutes. Once five minutes are up, retreat immediately."

After saying that, Henry Thompson patted the two men on the shoulder:

"Go! Go!!"

Javier and Fernando jumped out of the car, carrying large backpacks under their arms, and rushed headlong toward the Riggs National Bank DuPont Roundabout branch in the southeast corner.

The branch looks like an enlarged version of the DuPont roundabout post office, with a similar layout.

To the right of the entrance is the counter, to the left is the VIP room, and opposite is the lobby waiting area.

It was already close to closing time, and there were only two or three customers sitting on the benches waiting inside the branch.

Inside the counter, Bernie was processing Theodore's transaction.

Theodore had originally been excluded from the operation.

But he met with the bureau chief before taking action.

After leaving the director's office, he was approved to join the operation.

"Their loan interest rates are good, with the lowest being 5.5%."

"I just asked the manager here, and he said the number of FBI agents could be reduced by another 0.5%."

"I'm thinking of bringing Hilda and the others over next summer."

"Where do you think we should settle down?"

"Montrian suggested I choose between Bethesda or Arlington."

"Sign here—Bethesda has better educational conditions; Mondrian and others say it has the best educational resources."

"The community atmosphere is better in Arlington. Most of the FBI agents who are married have settled down there."

Which one do you think would be more suitable?

Theodore had no idea Bernie was such a talker; they'd been sitting there for over ten minutes and Bernie's mouth hadn't stopped.

“By the way, Monterriano said he knows a bank manager who can lower the interest rate by 0.5%-1%. Do you think I should do it now—look, they’re here.”

"robbery!"

Javier and Fernando, just like in the rehearsal, shouted together as they entered, and then went their separate ways.

Javier rushed to the counter immediately.

“You…” He paused for a moment, “You six, stand facing the wall.”

Fernando pointed a pistol at the male employee: "You, put the money in there. Quickly!"

He glanced at the other backpack that no one seemed to care about, then hesitantly turned back to look at Havel.

Javier didn't see Fernando's pleading look; he was busy managing the hostages.

These hostages were of very poor quality. The white-collar worker who looked healthy was actually very weak, as if he could be blown away by the wind at any moment, and he dawdled and walked very slowly.

"Hurry up!"

Javier glanced down at his watch, his mood turning somewhat irritable.

He felt a strange sense of unease, a feeling that grew from the bottom of his heart and kept amplifying.

Theodore frowned and glanced outside.

The streets outside are bustling with traffic.

There was no car chase, and no one came in.

The driver still hasn't been found?
I had a few drinks tonight and feel like I'm back to my old self! I'll try again tomorrow and see if I can go even higher!


(End of this chapter)