Chapter 60: Bennett’s Off-Record Inquiry into Trilling
Spoiler Notice
This chapter summary and analysis contains spoilers for James Patterson’s Crosshairs. The content reveals key plot points and character information from Chapter 60. Continue reading only after you have finished the chapter.
Summary (Complete and Chronological)
Detective Michael Bennett visits the FBI office hoping to follow up on ASAC Robert Lincoln’s earlier remarks, but the meeting is anticlimactic. Lincoln is unavailable, and an aide simply hands Bennett a clear evidence bag containing a .308 rifle casing and tells him a written report will follow in a few days.
Unwilling to jump to conclusions about Rob Trilling, Bennett reaches out to NYPD Emergency Service Unit sergeant Jeff Mabus. Mabus, a defensive tactics instructor known for brutal honesty, agrees to meet Bennett at the back lot of One Police Plaza. Bennett chooses the location partly to avoid updating the command staff on the sniper case—admitting that the young officer assigned to help him might be the shooter would not go over well.
When they meet, Bennett insists the conversation be private and unofficial. Mabus hesitates but ultimately agrees, explaining that he likes Trilling. The sergeant confirms that Trilling is no longer on ESU and is instead with the FBI on a task force. He describes Trilling as a hard worker who never complained, a decent sniper, and someone whose military background was a real asset. The NYPD had waived some rules to bring Trilling onto the ESU team quickly, and he proved to be a solid member.
Bennett then asks when Trilling last fired a rifle, specifically a .308. Mabus states that Trilling has not been on an NYPD range since early summer and believes he could not have fired a rifle since then. He promises to double-check the training records and let Bennett know. Sensing the gravity of the unofficial inquiry, Mabus tells Bennett that Trilling gave up a lot for the country and asks him to cut the young officer some slack if possible.
Key Events
- Bennett’s trip to the FBI is fruitless; he only receives a .308 rifle casing from an aide and is told a report will arrive later.
- Bennett contacts ESU sergeant Jeff Mabus and arranges an off-record meeting to avoid tipping off the command staff about his investigation into a fellow officer.
- Mabus confirms that Rob Trilling has been on an FBI task force and is no longer on ESU.
- Mabus provides a character reference for Trilling, emphasizing his hard work, sniper ability, and military service.
- Bennett asks directly when Trilling last shot a .308; Mabus says it hasn’t happened since early summer and pledges to verify training records.
- Mabus recognizes the seriousness of Bennett’s questions and urges him to give Trilling the benefit of the doubt.
Character Development
- Michael Bennett – Shows restraint and caution, refusing to immediately condemn Trilling based on circumstantial evidence. He opts for a discreet inquiry, aware of the political fallout if his suspicions are wrong.
- Jeff Mabus – Introduced as a no-nonsense veteran who values honesty. His loyalty to another officer is clear, but he cooperates when he senses the inquiry could be serious, balancing respect for Trilling with a willingness to help Bennett find the truth.
- Rob Trilling – Although absent from the chapter, Trilling’s reputation is fleshed out through Mabus. He is portrayed as a dedicated cop with a valuable military background; the NYPD was willing to bend rules to get him onto ESU, suggesting high initial regard.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Off-the-Record Trust – The entire chapter revolves around unofficial conversations, highlighting how law enforcement officers navigate secrecy, loyalty, and internal investigations.
- The Weight of Suspicion – Bennett’s reluctance to reveal the nature of his inquiry and Mabus’s cautious cooperation underscore the emotional burden of suspecting a fellow officer.
- The .308 Casing – A piece of physical evidence that threads through the chapter; it is both a tangible clue in the sniper case and a symbol of the unresolved tension Bennett carries.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 60 deepens the sniper investigation by exploring the character of Rob Trilling from an insider’s perspective. Instead of merely looking at forensic evidence, Bennett seeks personal knowledge from someone who worked closely with Trilling. The off-record conversation raises the stakes: if Trilling is innocent, Bennett risks damaging a good officer’s reputation; if he is guilty, Bennett must proceed carefully to build a case without alerting the suspect. The chapter also builds suspense by showing that Trilling has not fired an NYPD rifle since early summer—potentially an alibi, though one that must be verified.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Bennett insist that his conversation with Mabus be off the record?
Bennett is investigating a fellow officer for a series of sniper attacks. Making the inquiry official could cause department-wide turmoil and tip off the suspect before solid proof is obtained. The off-record approach lets him gather critical information discreetly. -
What does Mabus’s characterization of Trilling reveal about the department’s view of the young officer?
Mabus describes Trilling as a hardworking, uncomplaining sniper whose military background made him a strong asset. The fact that the NYPD waived rules to expedite his entry into ESU indicates that Trilling was seen as a promising and talented officer, which makes the suspicion against him especially sensitive. -
How does the .308 rifle casing function as both evidence and a plot device in this chapter?
The casing is the physical clue that sends Bennett to the FBI. Its mere existence propels him to verify Trilling’s recent weapon use. In the chapter, it remains a silent question mark—Bennett holds it, but cannot yet link it to any shooter, keeping the investigation in a tense, unresolved state.