Question C

[Jonetta]

Do you think the author meant to convey that the detectives were receptive to Jack's theory because they would have preferred this as an alternative to suicide?

[Robin]

I really didn't think that at all. Of course, I think many people would want to believe that their loved one, friend, or colleague wasn't so depressed or despondent that they killed themselves.

I think Jack's theory along with the suicide notes found at each crime was enough to make the cops believe him.

[Jonetta]

I agree, Robin. I think Jack thought that but detectives rely on evidence first and foremost. Yes, they'd prefer those deaths not be suicide and the one detective who covered it up did so for the widow.

[Lauren]

I don't think any of the detectives wanted to believe it, but some were more ready to accept the evidence than others. Bledsoe, for example, believed it right away and tried to cover it up while McCafferty's partner wasn't as easily convinced and when the possibility that he was murdered came up, he jumped at it.