Content warning: details and discussions of child abuse.
For the second time that day, Nick and Judy found themselves sitting opposite Chief Bogo in his office, except this time Fangmeyer was with them. The Chief was intently studying a medical report, while a range of other things were spread across his desk.
Finally, he looked up, face grim. "Severe bruising across the whole of the torso. Burn marks on paws, arms and muzzle. Shallow cut to the forehead. Compression injuries to the tail. The one mercy is nothing sexual." His eyes settled on the fox. "Did Cody tell you anything?"
Nick, holding paws with Judy, nodded. "Bits and pieces. It appears his mother changed her mind about putting him up for adoption, instead giving him to a specialist clinic where he'd 'get the help he needed'." A shadow crossed the fox's face. "He was vague about what happened in the clinic, but the strong impression is the 'help' was...literally trying to beat him straight. He was there for four weeks before he escaped.
"As to how he escaped, that's also vague, but the gist seems to be he found a broken window in the shower room and squeezed out, cutting his forehead in the process. He doesn't think anyone else escaped."
"Did he say which clinic?"
"No, sir. I don't believe he knows."
"I believe I do. A block and a half from where Cody was discovered is the Silverson Clinic. Twice in the last three years they've been accused of abusive practices. We came to have no doubt of their guilt, but only had the word of the accusers, and a little very circumstantial evidence, nothing at all actionable, to work with, so we couldn't do anything."
There was a moment of heavy silence.
"This time, however..." He picked up one of the items on his desk; the bookmark, still in its bag. "Things are a little different. We have a clear link between the Silverson Clinic and a gun-running operation, and we need to make the most of it. The question...is how. Any ideas?"
"Do patients stay at the clinic?" Fangmeyer asked.
"Yes, for the duration of their treatment."
"Then I may have an idea, sir. The bookmark writing suggests one or more of the patients are making the exchanges, likely being forced into it, so keeping a discreet watch on all the comings and goings from the clinic could pay some dividends."
"Agreed, but it would have to be a very discreet watch. We cannot let Gabriel Silverson know we're investigating him until we are as ready as we can be, or chances are he'll slip off the hook a third time."
"Expensive lawyers?" Nick surmised.
"A battery of, but that's only part of it. I've had a total of three phone conversations with Silverson, and they were enough to know that he is intelligent, ruthless, volatile and devoid of conscience or scruples. I've little doubt he orchestrated the disappearance of a member of his staff just before they could talk to us the last time accusations were levelled at the clinic, and I also have little doubt that, if he thought it necessary, he'd disappear an officer, too."
"We could go over that disappearance again," Judy suggested. "Fresh eyes might be able to find something we can use."
"Solid thinking. I'll have Records collate the details."
"Also," Nick added, "I think we should try to figure out why Silverson felt the need to start doing something as risky as selling guns. It won't be easy, especially as it likely means tracking down a Grey Market, but the more information we have on him..."
"The better." Bogo nodded, then leaned forward. "All right. I want all of you to follow the angles you have suggested, as a task force focused on determining whether or not Silverson and his clinic are responsible for the abuse and the gun-running. You'll start first thing tomorrow. A room will be made available with equipment prepared. If assistance is required, use Wolford. Report directly to me. Standard enquiries are being carried out, and the results of those will be provided. Clear?"
"Yes, sir," Fangmeyer, Wilde and Hopps chorused.
"Good. If Silverson does turn out to be responsible, we need to build as strong a case, as full a body of evidence, as we can, so no amount of expensive lawyers can stop him being put away, hopefully for the rest of his natural life. I cannot overstate how dangerous he is, so under no circumstances make contact with him. That goes double for Wilde."
"I have no intention of going anywhere near him," Nick assured, tone even, though his eyes were dark. "There's no telling what I might do if I did, and I can't risk him, or whoever hurt Cody, getting away. Talking of Cody, sir, am I permitted to continue visiting him in hospital?"
"Of course. If he happens to mention anything else useful, make sure to add it to the case files, and if you wish to take charge of him once he leaves the hospital..."
"I do, sir."
"We do," Hopps amended.
"I have no objections. I may not understand him, but I certainly want what's best for him, and right now, I believe that to be you. If there's nothing else..."
Three heads shook.
"Go home, get some rest, be ready for tomorrow. Dismissed."