Volume 1: First Arrival Chapter 036 Basic Work
As soon as he appeared on the scene, Kirk had already gained a preliminary understanding of the situation on the scene.
Apparently, there was a disagreement between the hotel lobby manager and the security team.
The lobby manager refused to believe the child and determined that he was making a false report; however, the security team responded promptly and sealed off the hotel immediately.
And Callum?
Normally, New York requires patrol cars to be manned by two people; but it's a busy holiday, and just now no one even responded to the 911 dispatch center in time, so single-person patrol cars like Callum's were also called in to help. He was a little overwhelmed facing such a chaotic scene alone.
After all, a mere patrolman would be useless in a place like the Plaza Hotel.
But in Kirk's opinion, although Callum's identity as a policeman is not intimidating, he is still an official authority. As long as he acts in accordance with the rules and regulations, he can play a role. At least it is more useful than his identity as a private detective. If he wants to conduct an investigation, he needs Callum's help.
Otherwise, the hotel lobby manager should not compromise easily.
According to common sense, security and lobby should be two systems of different departments, so the security team immediately controlled the five exits of the hotel. This is their autonomy and management right.
But the point is, they don't have the final say.
Whether to seal off the hotel is the decision of the lobby manager. If he insists, the security team will be powerless and the seal off will be lifted soon. Even Callum cannot stop the lobby manager unless the detectives from the Investigation Bureau arrive at the scene, confirm the body, confirm the crime scene, and confirm the case, and then officially seal off the scene.
So, what exactly happened here? Was there a real case, or was it just a prank by some rich kids who came here on vacation during the Easter holidays to report a false case?
--child.
Kirk did not intervene immediately, but took another quick look around the lobby.
I just noticed that there were almost no children in the crowd in the lobby, not only Henry, but other children were almost invisible.
Now I confirm again, and sure enough, there is nothing there, at least not within my sight.
Snap. Snap.
Kirk patted Callum's shoulder gently.
Callum turned around suddenly and saw Kirk's face. He couldn't help but show a hint of surprise. He never expected to meet him again after turning around.
Kirk gave Callum a look, indicating that now was not the time for small talk. He lowered his voice slightly and asked in Callum's ear, "After arriving at the scene, did you talk to the witness who reported the case?"
Callum was feeling dizzy and it was a bit difficult for him to handle such a chaotic situation . When he saw the familiar figure, he did not bother to ask Kirk about his purpose. Instead, he felt a little relieved. His thoughts followed Kirk's words and he nodded in affirmation.
"Yes, we talked about it."
"But the child was unable to provide any more information. His words were unclear and there were no effective clues."
"I was just about to confirm the situation with the lobby manager, and he disappeared as soon as I turned around."
Although Callum did not say it explicitly and did not draw a direct conclusion for the time being, it can be seen from his words that he tends to believe that this is a prank.
Kirk's eyes flickered slightly to show understanding, "Have you confirmed the location of the report call with the dispatch center?"
Callum shook his head repeatedly, but he didn't need Kirk's reminder. He reacted immediately and picked up the walkie-talkie on his shoulder.
"Dispatch center, this is 14Lincoln23, please check the source of the emergency call."
"Hold on."
After waiting for a while, a rustling voice came from the intercom, "The call for the police came from... a public phone in Central Park, 300 meters northeast of the Plaza Hotel. No one answered the call back."
this--
Maybe, it really could be a prank call?
Callum and Kirk exchanged glances, and Kirk shook his head slightly, signaling Callum to stay calm.
The lobby manager remained very serious, expressing strong dissatisfaction with his expression and body language. He completely ignored the security guard and turned to look at Callum.
"…all kids lie. All!"
Callum didn't like the other person's tone, so he coughed to clear his throat and said seriously, "Not all the children either."
"No! All of them!" The lobby manager was obviously a little agitated, and he hit back with a wall-banging counterattack. Every holiday, the hotel business was busy, and children were a complete disaster. Whenever he mentioned children, his head began to ache.
Callum glanced at Kirk again, his eyes somewhat embarrassed.
Kirk could totally understand Callum's position.
When there are conflicting statements between an eleven-year-old child who has disappeared and an authoritative, mature adult who has the final say, they tend to believe the adult.
Moreover, due to the special geographical location of the Plaza Hotel, any random guest might hide a big boss whom these small minions cannot afford to offend. The chaos before them was indeed a bit scary.
You can’t blame Callum for his hesitation.
But Kirk was different.
Kirk's client is the eleven-year-old child. He needs to sort out his thoughts, sort out the situation, and find the eyewitness. He needs to talk to the child face to face, observe and judge with his own eyes before he can draw a conclusion.
Of course, Kirk would not hastily rule out the possibility of a prank.
After thinking for a while, Kirk spoke to the lobby manager in a patient and polite tone, "Sir, maybe the child is lying, maybe not."
"But when the NYPD receives a report and responds, they must question relevant personnel and confirm the circumstances. This is the job of the police. Please cooperate as much as you can and work together to find the truth."
"The sooner the police work is done, the sooner order can be restored at the scene."
"I believe this is the best way to maintain the reputation and authority of the Plaza Hotel, and you should also want to provide the safest and most considerate service to your guests."
Although Kirk was very friendly, the lobby manager's anxiety was still not calmed down. "I told you, there is no case here at all."
Callum noticed Kirk's choice of words and tone.
Originally, he was still thinking and hesitating, because he was not sure whether it was necessary to continue forcing the Plaza Hotel to cooperate with the investigation. The possibility of reporting a false case was indeed not small.
But after a lot of interactions, he felt that Kirk was right. As a policeman, he still needed to complete his job, not only to give an explanation to himself, but also to give an explanation to the child.
Otherwise, if even the police cannot protect the promise of children, who should do so?
This is the most basic and simplest job of the police, but it is crucial.
So Callum also became tough and responded directly with a wall-banging response, "I told you the same thing. This should be judged by us."
"Sir, if you continue to hinder the police work, the next step is that the NYPD will block the hotel and prohibit entry and exit. At the same time, I will arrest you for obstructing public service, and you will also have a dialogue with us as a suspect. Perhaps you know the truth, so you have been blocking us."
Very methodical, rigorous and serious.
Callum's words didn't sound like a threat, at most they were just scripted recitations, but it was precisely this impartiality and objectivity that made them more authoritative.
Callum decided to stay and take responsibility.
