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Saturday, March 14, 2026

crack - 7. an old hand

by nick nelson

part 7 of ?

for previous episode, click here

to begin at the beginning, click here





hello.

is this mister bill smith?

my name is bill smith.

do you reside at 101 south main st in northville?

i do. the caller i d says you are from some police department. what can i do for you?

i am detective emperor constantine from ground zero police at central.

detective emperor? i never heard that one before. is that higher or lower than sergeant?

emperor is my name. i am a detective first class.

oh. o k. whatever.

do you rent a room in your dwelling at 101 south main st to a william wilson?

yes, i do.

how long have you rented to him?

three or four years.

have you reported the money you have received from him for tax purposes?

yes, i have.

i can check that easily enough.

i am sure you can.

would you like to come down to police headquarters to answer my questions? that way you can assure yourself i am legitimate. also, you could bring legal representation with you..

that is all right. just ask your questions.

this call is being recorded. you agree that you consent to answer my questions but are free to stop and request counsel at any time?

i understand all that. i agree.

you sound like an old hand at this.

i work for the government.

i thought you might. well, about our friend wllliam wilson.

what about him?

he says he has always paid you in cash.

that is correct

and has never signed a lease, just pays you by the month.

also correct.

do you know his source of income?

no.

did you ask for any references from him?

no.

you must be a trusting person.

i just take his money one month at a time. if he gives me any reason to complain, i will just tell him to leave.

has he given you any reason to complain?

no.

are you and mister wilson friends?

i would not say so. can i ask what this is about. i have to get back to work.

do you have a place of employment? separate from your domicile at 101 south main st?

yes, i do.

do you mind if i come over to see you there?

i can not stop you.

but do you mind? personally?

i am not a personal person.


to be continued



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