“I note, however, that you seldom resort to theory. That is the matter which I wish to discuss with you today.”
Cardona’s eyes narrowed as he returned the commissioner’s stare.
“Just what do you regard as theory, commissioner?” he questioned.
“All crimes,” explained Weston, “demand a double treatment. Practical methods, such as arrests, grilling, dragnets, and the like, are useful in the majority of cases. Theory, in which crime is considered as a serious study, is just as essential as practice when one is confronted by a baffling problem.”
“That’s well and good, sir,” declared Cardona. “I use theory, but I mix it with practice. My idea is to get at the facts in a case. The quicker you do that, the quicker you get results.
“I can track down half a dozen facts while I might be bothering around with one fancy stunt that would lead to nothing. Get the goods, and forget the rest of it. That’s what works!”
The commissioner was silent. A slow, thin smile appeared upon his lips.
The smile made Joe Cardona uneasy. He felt that his emphatic statement was due for a criticism. He waited, resolved to stand by what he had said.
“You have given me your definite opinion?” questioned the commissioner.
Cardona nodded.