77 Beyond Control (1/2)
Sebastian nodded. There was a gleam of pride in his eyes. ”You're reading up on forensic knowledge and law aren't you?” I just smirked.
”Of course. I don't need spoonfeeding. I should be of better use than just taking care of your paperwork. What's the point of doing something half-assed?” I shrugged.
”Have some fruit,” Sebastian said quickly, picking up a piece and pushing it into my mouth without warning. I stared at him in surprise but he had already turned back to the screen and was speaking.
”The evidence of the tire-tracks could easily be refuted by the defense team as it could be said that many other trucks had the same tire. And footprints are not admissible in our country. None of this evidence can peg Richard as the criminal without reasonable doubt. The defense would have many ways of maneuvering out of it and the suspect could go scot-free,” I rationalized.
Sebastian nodded. ”Watch,” he ordered. I closed my mouth and watched.
As the detective brought up the evidence they had, Richard looked down at his shoes subconsciously.
”You must have seen this method used in thrillers and shows like the Mentalist. It is a matter of body-language and was one of the tells written in a lot of interrogation manuals. While it is not a science, this has more to do with the gut than anything,” Sebastian interjected.
Richard gave the response.
”You will need to give your footprint impressions, as well. That's all we're going to ask you.”
Twenty minutes passed and a detective came in and took prints of Richard's shoes. The size of his feet, the impression of the underside were also taken. When the detective came back, his demeanor was a little different.
”I told you that I would treat you with respect if you did the same with me. I'm trying to be as discreet as possible, but the problem is that every time I walk out of the room, some more issues come up. These issues don't discard you as a suspect, they only reinforce the department's suspicions on you.” The detective's voice was full of concern. Quite fascinating.
”Notice how he doesn't say that he is the one who suspects Richard. This is another way of subliminally saying that the others are the problem, he will not believe it unless he has concrete proof. He is showing that he believes in the suspect and his testimony. This can, at times, make the suspect feel guilty about lying to the detective they think they have come to know and have a rapport with.” I turned to stare at him.
”While detectives believe keeping your feelings in is how the truth comes out easily. I won't say the same. They're humans, too. They might be criminals, but they also need a chance to tell their story... the chance to confess without being treated like an animal.” The words were said with such passion that I had to look back. The man that seemed so cold and aloof, he thought a great deal about people.
”Shouldn't someone who sees the evil in the world be more cynical?” I challenged.