Free Mind Switch by Lorne L. Bentley

on your promotion,” the DA offered, firmly grasping Fred’s hand as he spoke. “You really deserved it!”
    “Thanks, Mr. Cooper,” Fred replied, somewhat surprised that Cooper knew about his recent promotion, let alone his existence on the force. Fred found it interesting that, at the moment, the contrasting personalities of the DA and the chief seemed to be getting along so well. In past months, several conflicts had arisen between the two. As a result the DA had made it a habit not to visit the station unless absolutely necessary. In fact, Fred had never actually met the DA until this occasion. Now he felt something like Ensign Pulver in the Mr. Robert s movie, who had suddenly been noticed emerging from the ship’s interior and was for the first time after months on the ship being recognized for his achievement. Of course, in the movie, it had been the effective job that the ensign accomplished on the laundering of his superior’s shirts that brought him delayed recognition and fame. Fred hoped that his achievement would be more noteworthy and enduring.
    The chief was in all ways a stark contrast to the DA. The chief wanted things done yesterday. Full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes seemed to be his life’s creed.
    Cooper presented a totally different picture; extremely cautious, he weighed the impact of every possible variable. He sought total victory in the courtroom; losses were an unacceptable political liability. Above everything else, Cooper was a consummate politician whose re-election was coming up in a couple of months. Fred understood that the future election and the success of the police department in capturing the bank “robber” temporarily put the chief and the DA on the same page, literally as well as figuratively. Fred noted that, recently, the two had been pictured together on the first page of the local newspaper basking in common glory. For Cooper a successful prosecution would tremendously help his career as well as his re-election chances.
    Fred now understood fully well how and why the DA suddenly knew his name. He realized that he had suddenly become pivotal in the future success of the two men sitting before him. As a political animal, Cooper would have learned the names of all those that could help propel him to victory.
    Cooper was the first to speak. “Fred, I’m proud of you for capturing the criminal almost as soon as the crime was committed. However, as you know, I have to establish motive as well as opportunity to satisfy a jury. Certainly the evidence you have gathered will more than support the ingredient of opportunity. Motive is, however, an equally important component in my—ah, our—success in obtaining a conviction, and in this particular case, the death penalty. Now, Dan tells me he has already directed you to find the motive behind the killings at all costs even if you have to work day and night; and I deeply appreciate his foresight.”
    Fred almost burst into laughter for two reasons. First, it was the first time he heard the chief called by his first name by anybody. He at times wondered if even his wife called him by his first name. Fred would not have found it improbable that the chief popped out of the birth canal with his parents immediately calling him chief. As far as his being directed to find the motive, that was the first time he had heard that take on the case. In fact the last time he talked to the chief, “Dan” and his buddy Paul had considered the case closed—no further evidence required or wanted.
    “Certainly, I realize motive is usually an important part of any case,” Fred injected, more for effect than illumination, “but why would you need motive in this case where the evidence of the crime is so clear and overwhelming?”
    Fred asked the question not for himself but to have the DA’s answer register with his chief.
    Cooper said, “Good question,” and turning to the chief said, “Dan, do you want to explain that?”
    The reaction