THE SWORD AND SICKLE

CHAPTER ONE: HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

THE SWORD AND SICKLE

PART TWO

CHAPTER ONE

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

Aseph said, "As you know, fingerprints are unique, but did you know you can tell an aged person prints from someone who is younger?"

"No, I didn't. Go on."

He brought the prints up on his computer. Here are all the prints on the bills. Look at this set, they are different. See how they actually have wrinkles in them. That only happens with extreme age. The telomeres in your body control the reproduction of all cells in the human body. The telomeres are like tiny shoelace caps and are at the end of every gene. When the tips fray, as they do on your shoelaces, they slow the number of times the body regenerates itself. This person is near the end of his life to have wrinkles through his fingerprints like this. As you look at the other prints, see how crisp and distinct they are."

"Yes, I see. Do you have a match?"

"No, not yet. Wait, just a minute. The computer has found something. It is right here. It looks like the old man did a little shoplifting about twenty years ago in Jackson, Mississippi, at a Quickie Stop & Shop store. Yes, his name is Ansell Bastion. Let me print out a copy for you."

"The Chief Detective said, "Good work, now forget you know what you know."

"No problem, Chief...I will erase my files."

The Chief Detective walked briskly to the elevator and headed up to his office. He opened his door and plopped down the fingerprint report on his desk in front of the Director. "Here is the fingerprint analysis you wanted, sir."

Director Morgan looked at the report thoroughly and said, "Hmm... give this to Assistant Chief, Bastion, and have her get on it quickly."

"Yes, sir."

"Was the clerk from the Best Western any use to us?"

"No, sir."

"Cut him loose and have him remain in D.C."

"Sir, can I ask why I am being left out of the loop?"

"No, but let me add, be glad you are not in the loop. When we have something substantial, I will bring you up to date. In the meantime, give her free rein."

"Yes, sir." The Chief Detective Wescott wondered what he meant by "be glad you are not in the loop"...perhaps he had better hold his emotions in check and let things play out. He walked to where Greta had set up shop and knocked on the door.

She came to the door, opened it and said, "Hi Boss, how may I help you?"

"Here is the report on the fingerprints. The Director asked me to give them to you. How is it going?"

"Nice try, Chief, but this is my horse and I'm going to ride him home."

"No problem. I wouldn't want to have your assignment; it's too hot to handle. Better your ass on the line than mine," as he turned and walked away.