Good Luck

Sitting in his black Ford Explorer in the company parking lot. James was approaching retirement age, and it couldn’t come fast enough for him. He just needed two more years of monthly contributions to his Fidelity portfolio. And financially he would be free of society’s rat race. Furthermore, when that milestone was achieved. His life would consist of long morning walks, afternoon naps, and late evening fishing excursions. Just thinking about these prospects got him feeling all giddy and excited inside.

Parked facing outwards from the Private Investigations company’s front doors. James was waiting for this kid named Bodi who was the firm’s latest hire. Something which didn’t happen often as PI’s usually lasted for around 3-5 years. Besides, this was one of the better paying companies with steady work to boot. So, the turnover rate was almost nonexistent. But the supervisor had tasked him with feeling out this kid and showing him the company ropes. While he wasn’t happy with the assignment it was easy money. And deep down inside James felt as if it was his duty to pass on the company’s way of doing things. On another note, the outfit needed another capable investigator to take some of the load off the veteran investigators. So, he was going to make sure the kid was ready to take on cases properly.

It wasn’t long before James noticed a gangly looking individual with a military style haircut walking into the parking lot. He had to stand about 6’1 while weighing maybe 170 pounds soaking wet. The youngster couldn’t have been over 25 years of age. Sporting dark blue jeans with a grey sweatshirt and black tennis shoes. Which was good, as it meant he knew not to visually stand out when working on these assignments.  

Rolling down the driver-side window James called out the name Bodi to the individual. Which caused him to look around, before heading over to James. “Bodi, nice to meet you, I’m James”, he said. Sticking his hand out the window before motioning for him to get in on the passenger side. “Yes sir”, Bodi responded. Grasping his hand firmly before hustling around the hood to jump in. “You ready to Rock & Roll”? James asked. “Let’s do it”, Bodi replied.

The two rode through downtown McLean, Virginia, while checking out the lavish houses. This area was for the rich and affluent. Which meant that most of the homes boasted security guards, surveillance cameras, and electronic gates. Making for a perfect training ground. “You hungry “? James asked. To which Bodi replied no, claiming he’d eaten earlier. “We encourage our investigators to bring power bars and peanuts with them while working. I have some in the glove compartment if you get hungry later. That way you can stave off hunger until you get a chance to eat a meal. Because eating and drinking fluids on the job means bathroom breaks. Which we don’t have the luxury of. On the other hand, do bring an empty water bottle to relieve yourself in. And an actual bottle of water to sip sparingly if you need to wet your whistle”, James interjected.  

Locating a house with a for sale sign posted in the front yard which seemed empty. James backed the vehicle into its driveway. And continued lecturing. “You’ll have to start letting your hair grow out a little bit. Because otherwise you’ll be too easy to spot when doing foot surveillance. Also, we never make eye contact with an individual we’re investigating. Because if you do so twice, they know you. And we’ll have to pull you off the case”, James continued talking. He couldn’t tell how receptive Bodi was to this information. But every PI company ran things differently. And James wanted to make sure Bodi had been given the knowledge to succeed.  

The house boasted an immaculately manicured front lawn with flowers lining its hedges. “Ok, we’re going to view this house as if our subject was living in it”, James said. Before putting the car in park and shutting off the engine. “I’m up to speed on conducting surveillance”, Bodi chimed in. Sensing where this was going and viewing it as unnecessary. “I believe you are. But each company does it differently. So, I’m going to show you our way”, James shot back. “Come on”, James ordered, exiting the vehicle. The two walked to the back of the truck and paused. Staring at the house. “Where are the cameras located”? James asked Bodi. Who suddenly looked a bit perplexed and confused.

“You see, most of the cases we deal with involve adultery or workman’s compensation”, James added. “Therefore, if you hand a case off to another investigator, they should be able to grab your case file. And quickly become acquainted with it based on the information you collected. “Pull out your cellphone and follow me”, James directed Bodi. The two momentarily walked around the house. James pointed out the cameras and had Bodi take some photos and video recording. “You won’t always be able to do this, but, if possible, take the opportunity. Send the still shots to your email and then print them out. Placing a copy in the case file. And download any video documentation to a thumb drive. Which also goes in the case file. Remember to jot down the date and time both were taken in your notes. In case this thing ends up in court. This may seem pointless but trust me. For an investigator newly assigned to the case it means everything. “Do you have a notepad”? James asked. To which Bodi shook his head no. “Well get one”, James directed him. “You can pick one up from any drugstore in the area. And remember, all your notes become evidence and may be subpoenaed in court. So, always mark the date and time at the top of the page as such”, James said. Showing Bodi his notepad as an example.

Returning to the vehicle. James drove with Bodi through the rest of the neighborhood having him record it. Pointing out to Bodi where each direction of the street in front of the house led two.

“Now show me where you would set up the vehicle if you were going to follow a subject from this house”, James asked. “Well first, I’d just put a tracking device on the subject’s vehicle”! Bodi stated. “And I’d set up at the end of either block so they couldn’t see me”, Bodi continued.

James refrained from getting smart with the kid. Because obviously this kid had worked for a company that wasn’t very concerned with the local laws. “Look, DC, MD, and Virginia all have specific laws in reference to tracking devices. Therefore, a safe rule of thumb and our company rule is that at least one owner of the vehicle must be aware of the GPS. Meaning that a client must give us a copy of the registration proving their ownership before we do so. Because if the subject we’re following is the only name on the registration. And we attach a tracking device. It becomes an illegal surveillance and our findings become inadmissible in court. Not to mention, the company can be sued, and the investigator brought up on charges. Therefore, we conduct surveillance the old-fashioned way”, James schooled Bodi. “As for as setting up at the end of this block. That’s a no-no! Because one of the homeowners will probably recognize an unfamiliar vehicle parked in the area. With an unknown occupant in it. Therefore, this type of situation calls for two PI’s. One on each main road this street lets out on. Which is why you need to befriend and help out other investigators in the company. And look for them to do the same when it comes to your cases”, James said scornfully.

The rest of the evening was spent “casing” restaurants and department stores. Going over the best to set up locations in these places. The two even entered a super Walmart. And followed a few patrons around unbeknownst to them. Before documenting it all in James’ note pad. Then they tailed a vehicle through Northern Virginia. Using nothing but James’ skillset and years of experienced.

By the time James returned Bodi to the parking lot in front of the company headquarters. The kid looked like a beaten fighter who was second guessing himself. Which is exactly what James had wanted. Because he knew that there was no such thing as a good PI! You were only as good as your last PI case.

James watched as Bodi walked away and into the company headquarters. He couldn’t help but wonder if the kid would last. He had seen some good Investigators come and go over the years. For a multitude of reasons. The only sure bet was that you couldn’t predict the end. “Oh well, it’s up to fate”, James thought to himself. Pulling out of the parking lot and heading home.