2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Gonzo and Arnold stake out Giuseppe Besozzi’s place as he’s a potential suspect in the knife assault on William Enright. Gonzo lets him take the lead for training purposes. As soon as they approach, however, Besozzi shoots Arnold in the face, killing him instantly. Was there any reason to believe that Besozzi would respond with such force? Was there anything wrong in Gonzo letting Arnold take the lead? Was there anything they could have done differently?

This was the shock of the book. I even gasped out loud it was so unexpected.

Gonzo did nothing wrong. Junior officers need to learn to take the lead and Gonzo was right in giving Arnold the opportunity. There was no way Gonzo could have predicted what would happen as this was, as far as he knew, a routine questioning in a low-risk neighborhood.

I was shocked too. Gonzo was training. I know he wouldn't put Arnold in jeopardy if he suspected anything dangerous.

I couldn't believe what happened. That was a shocker.

Gonzo was doing his job as a senior detective, training the newer guys and letting them take the lead. If Gonzo had been the cop to approach Besozzi, he probably would have been the person who was shot.

Robin wrote: "I couldn't believe what happened. That was a shocker.."

Me either! I had to read it twice to make sure I understood what actually happened.

It was shocking. There was nothing with Besozzi that would have indicated that he would be violent. Gonzo did nothing wrong.