What do you do when it's personal?

[acreature]

He thought since they were friends/neighbors once, she'd be willing to help him and "influence" things with her brother-in-law the detective to get him a lighter sentance. Didn't work of course, I'm just wondering what the detective did after realising his in-law knew this person as kids. It never mentioned if he was allowed to keep working the case since a family member became involved or what.

I would imagine that common sense prevailed and she advised the former "friend" to pack sand.

Or should I say, "I would hope..." rather than "I would imagine..."