XVIITom O'Malley was on his way back from a trip to Albany, NY having delivered a woman who was wanted by state authorities on forgery charges when he received a call from police dispatch. “Tom,” the dispatcher said, knowing O'Malley from having worked several years on the force, “the chief wants to see you as soon as you get back.”
“Do you know what this is about?” O'Malley asked.
“No idea, Tom, but he stressed it was important.” the dispatcher replied.
“Ten-four. My eta is approximately twenty minutes.”
In the meantime, Chief Hill moved the stranger into a holding cell in the station basement. He advised his officers and detectives to stay clear, not to speak to him on any matter. There was a small crowd and a contingency of local reporters gathered in the station lobby that caught w
