wondered why the superintendent seemed so inhospitable. They were cops, not auditors from the IRS.
Dupree and T.J. showed him their badges and police IDs. “We’re conducting a homicide investigation and need access to Dr. Lauren Crawford’s apartment,” Dupree said.
“What a shocking incident,” Cardone said, shaking his head. “Dr. Crawford was one of my favorite tenants. At Christmastime she would give gifts to our entire staff and somehow she never forgot a staff member’s birthday. Such a tragic loss.” For an instant, Cardone’s demeanor softened, but his face quickly returned to an unfriendly scowl.
“It would help us a great deal if you would let us into her residence,” T.J. said, repeating the request.
“Of course. I’d be more than happy to assist you. May I see your search warrant, please?”
Dupree and T.J. eyeballed each other.
“You do have a warrant don’t you?” Cardone asked.
“We’ve already requested one,” Dupree said. “And the judge should sign it in the next day or so. However—”
“But you don’t have it with you right now?” Cardone chewed on his lip. “I’m afraid I am unable to let you into Dr. Crawford’s residence.”
He seemed delighted to turn down their request, his tone clearly patronizing. “Owner’s policy, not mine.”
“Then get the owner on the phone and let me speak to him,” T.J. demanded.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible. He’s on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean and out of touch. I hope you understand.”
“Actually, we don’t understand at all,” T.J. barked. “We’re investigating a murder and it’s entirely possible that somewhere in Dr. Crawford’s apartment there might be a clue that could lead us to the murderer. Now you wouldn’t want to do anything to interfere with our efforts, would you?”
It seemed that Cardone was considering T.J.’s logic. “I’m terribly sorry, but I simply cannot disregard company policy or compromise the confidentiality of any resident.”
“Even if they’re fucking dead?” T.J. shouted.
Cardone backpedaled as if T.J. had pushed him. “There’s no need for cursing, Detective.”
T.J.’s outburst surprised Dupree. He had always been an aggressive interrogator, but Dupree had never seen him react with so much venom. She decided to try a different tactic. “Let me ask you a question, Mr. Cardone. Is there anyone other than Dr. Crawford who has authority to access her apartment?”
He nodded. “Sure. Certain members of our staff—plumbers, electricians—people who provide repair services.” He paused. “And as superintendent, I have master keys for all the residences.”
“So what you’re saying basically is that it’s more important to repair a plumbing leak than to catch Dr. Crawford’s murderer. Is that right, Mr. Cardone?”
“Well, um, not exactly.”
“Mr. Cardone, I assure you, I give you my word that a judge will sign a search warrant in a day or so and I’ll be sure you get a copy. Somewhere out there in the city,” Dupree pointed to the front doors, “Dr. Crawford’s killer is roaming the streets, or maybe buying a plane ticket out of the country. Time is so critical. We don’t want to remove anything. We only want to see if there is something that might lead us to the killer. Maybe there is a message on Dr. Crawford’s answering machine. Maybe somebody’sname is written on a piece of paper. You are welcome to accompany us and observe everything we do. And if you get any heat from extending us this courtesy, I will take full responsibility and relieve you of any liability.” Dupree firmly squeezed his arm. “Please Mr. Cardone, this is extremely important.”
Cardone looked at Dupree and then at T.J. Back and forth, he studied them. Then he looked off into the distance. “I’m truly sorry, but without a signed warrant…I cannot let you into Dr. Crawford’s apartment.”
It took T.J. a nanosecond to turn around and double-step it to the front
Dupree and T.J. showed him their badges and police IDs. “We’re conducting a homicide investigation and need access to Dr. Lauren Crawford’s apartment,” Dupree said.
“What a shocking incident,” Cardone said, shaking his head. “Dr. Crawford was one of my favorite tenants. At Christmastime she would give gifts to our entire staff and somehow she never forgot a staff member’s birthday. Such a tragic loss.” For an instant, Cardone’s demeanor softened, but his face quickly returned to an unfriendly scowl.
“It would help us a great deal if you would let us into her residence,” T.J. said, repeating the request.
“Of course. I’d be more than happy to assist you. May I see your search warrant, please?”
Dupree and T.J. eyeballed each other.
“You do have a warrant don’t you?” Cardone asked.
“We’ve already requested one,” Dupree said. “And the judge should sign it in the next day or so. However—”
“But you don’t have it with you right now?” Cardone chewed on his lip. “I’m afraid I am unable to let you into Dr. Crawford’s residence.”
He seemed delighted to turn down their request, his tone clearly patronizing. “Owner’s policy, not mine.”
“Then get the owner on the phone and let me speak to him,” T.J. demanded.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible. He’s on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean and out of touch. I hope you understand.”
“Actually, we don’t understand at all,” T.J. barked. “We’re investigating a murder and it’s entirely possible that somewhere in Dr. Crawford’s apartment there might be a clue that could lead us to the murderer. Now you wouldn’t want to do anything to interfere with our efforts, would you?”
It seemed that Cardone was considering T.J.’s logic. “I’m terribly sorry, but I simply cannot disregard company policy or compromise the confidentiality of any resident.”
“Even if they’re fucking dead?” T.J. shouted.
Cardone backpedaled as if T.J. had pushed him. “There’s no need for cursing, Detective.”
T.J.’s outburst surprised Dupree. He had always been an aggressive interrogator, but Dupree had never seen him react with so much venom. She decided to try a different tactic. “Let me ask you a question, Mr. Cardone. Is there anyone other than Dr. Crawford who has authority to access her apartment?”
He nodded. “Sure. Certain members of our staff—plumbers, electricians—people who provide repair services.” He paused. “And as superintendent, I have master keys for all the residences.”
“So what you’re saying basically is that it’s more important to repair a plumbing leak than to catch Dr. Crawford’s murderer. Is that right, Mr. Cardone?”
“Well, um, not exactly.”
“Mr. Cardone, I assure you, I give you my word that a judge will sign a search warrant in a day or so and I’ll be sure you get a copy. Somewhere out there in the city,” Dupree pointed to the front doors, “Dr. Crawford’s killer is roaming the streets, or maybe buying a plane ticket out of the country. Time is so critical. We don’t want to remove anything. We only want to see if there is something that might lead us to the killer. Maybe there is a message on Dr. Crawford’s answering machine. Maybe somebody’sname is written on a piece of paper. You are welcome to accompany us and observe everything we do. And if you get any heat from extending us this courtesy, I will take full responsibility and relieve you of any liability.” Dupree firmly squeezed his arm. “Please Mr. Cardone, this is extremely important.”
Cardone looked at Dupree and then at T.J. Back and forth, he studied them. Then he looked off into the distance. “I’m truly sorry, but without a signed warrant…I cannot let you into Dr. Crawford’s apartment.”
It took T.J. a nanosecond to turn around and double-step it to the front
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