Dean Cook's Office
"Knock, knock..."
Dean Cook winced slightly, having a headache.
"Come in," he said, his voice low.
The door creaked open, and two men and a woman entered.
"What brings you here?" Cook asked, puzzled.
One of the men, David, didn't waste time. "Are you the dean?"
"Cook. Just call me Cook."
David flashed his police badge. "Detective David, Robbery and Murder Division. We're investigating a case here. Can we talk?"
"What kind of case?"
"Robbery."
"You must be mistaken. We've never reported anything like that."
David was firm. "Just because no one here has reported it doesn't mean it hasn't happened. We're here to understand the situation. We need to see Ron Bull's diagnosis report and medical records."
"Do you have a warrant?"
"No, we're hoping for your cooperation."
Cook sighed. "Without the patient's consent, I can't disclose that information. Hospital policy."
"Laun is in a coma. Waiting for him to wake up might be too late."
"You could get consent from his family. If they agree, we're happy to cooperate."
David leaned forward. "Cook, let's not make this difficult. We're asking as friends now. If we need a warrant, we'll get one, but it'll be messier for everyone involved. Cooperation helps both sides."
Cook adjusted his glasses, clearly uneasy. "It's against regulations."
"Rules can be flexible. You don't have to show us the records, just look at them yourself. Ms. Lawyer, any legal issues here?" David asked, turning to Daisy.
Daisy frowned. "Technically, no."
David looked back at Cook. "What do you say?"
Cook hesitated, then relented. "Laun Bull, right? Give me a moment." He left the room, his expression cold.
Luke relaxed on the sofa. "Is this really okay?" Daisy whispered.
"Is it illegal?" Luke replied.
"No."
"Then it's fine."
After a short while, Cook returned, holding a file. "Just a private chat among friends?"
David smiled. "Exactly."
Cook nodded, still hesitant. "I noticed some issues with Laun's injuries. The report says he fainted and fell, but based on my experience, it looks like electric shocks and beatings."
"Why didn't the hospital report it?" David asked.
"His attending physician, Brooke, should have. Maybe inexperience, maybe something else."
"Intentional?" David speculated.
Cook seemed anxious. "This is just a private chat. We won't make a big deal out of it."
David assured him. "We focus only on what's relevant to our case."
Luke chimed in. "Can we see the report now?"
Cook handed over the documents. "I'm willing to cooperate fully."
Luke photographed the report and sent it to Susan for analysis. Twenty minutes later, she confirmed the injuries were likely from defense, electric shocks, and abuse.
"Mr. Dean, can we use the conference room?" Luke asked.
On the third floor, in Laun's ward, Brooke was talking with Caroline and Sofia.
"Knock, knock..."
"Come in."
A nurse entered. "Doctor Brooke, the dean wants you in the fourth-floor conference room."
"Alright." Brooke turned to his family. "I have to go. Call me if you need anything."
"Don't keep the dean waiting," Caroline smiled.
Brooke nodded and left.
"Knock, knock..."
Brooke entered the conference room, surprised to see David and Luke. "You again?"
Luke smiled. "What a coincidence."
"If you're after Laun's report, you won't get it from me. Talk to my mother about the will."
"Do you have control over Laun's medical records?" Luke asked, tossing a document on the table.
Brooke was shocked. "How did you get this? It's illegal to access these records without permission!"
"We got a call from Dean Cook. He found inconsistencies in Laun's injuries that suggested electric shocks and abuse. This relates to our case. Why didn't you report it?"
Brooke stammered. "I... I didn't think it was necessary..."
Luke placed handcuffs on the table. "If you can't provide a reasonable explanation, we'll have to take you in."