Chapter 23 (1/2)

Chapter 23: Interrogation

The case started out as expected, with see Chi’s skills

But this didn’t i cri back and watching videotape, attending special investigation teas No one called on hi Just like the rest of the police force, everyone going about their work happily These basic assign in an office Besides, he was a flexible police officer His boss made it clear fro composite sketches, but his job wasn’t liht it out of the ordinary

Zhang Chi went back to the office, the scene of the crime still vivid in his mind, especially the deep fear in the little boy’s eyes He opened his notebook and found the phone nuhborhood committee he had written down earlier, and the number of the boy’s teacher He called them and told theet in touch with volunteer counselors He also asked where the child was staying now, and whether anyone was looking after hi taken care of, he hung up, and relieved, got up to pour some tea

He sighed deeply and turned around Gu shi+ was standing silently in the doorway, s a cup of coffee out to hi on the phone Humbled by this unexpected favor, he accepted the cup But he still felt a little embarrassed He hadn’t meant for anyone to see his sentimental side, even if it was the woman he liked

On the third day there were a few breakthroughs in the case Suddenly there was a big hubbub in the hallway The teah, there was Gu Zhichang leading a group which was bringing someone back

They had obtained a reliable clue The deceased had been in charge of the family’s finances She had handled all the expenses and deposits Before the incident the old woranted a rental allowance, a one-tiether it added up to several hundred thousand The old woround floor when she had nothing else to do She had never seen so much money One day, in her happiness, she let the news slip to a few of herfriends

On the day of the cri buddies, Old Zhao the janitor, was pacing around by the steps So up and down the stairs, his face taut, holding several hundred-yuan bills in one hand, the other holding a shopping bag that seemed to be filled with clothes

Gu Zhichang was about to head to the interrogation roo to interrogate? I’d like to take a crack at it I’ve already got hi with people”

“Gu Zhichang s where you have no declared sets ie a hand where you don’t eat others’ tiles or take fro fro Chi has it figured out but didn’t tell anyone], now telling your strengths and weaknesses All right, I’ll back you, let you get soy?”

More work meant more responsibility But it was necessary if he wanted to become ation tea Chi had understood this principle since his first week on the teay I’ll just play it by ear If I go too far, please tell ets to that point, just take over like I don’t even exist”

His disciple was eager to learn, and unco as he threw his aration roo around the rooers entwined and tre them on his knees, now back on the table When he saw the”

Gu Zhichang signaled for Zhang Chi to take the lead Having been given the go ahead, he looked down and riffled through his papers Then he said flatly, “I haven’t asked anything yet How do you know you don’t know the answer to what I want to ask?”

Old Zhao was speechless His nervous eyes flitted froation rooet him out of this place

Zhang Chi paid no attention to hi, who played along They really got into it, co about how the force was understaffed, how their as so dangerous, how little their pay was, how the cost perfor curiously, his anxiety slowly easing up

“Want a ser expression, he leaned over and lit hiarette Old Zhao accepted it with trepidation, then took a strong drag, which helped him recover quickly

Zhang Chi turned and respectfully lit Gu Zhichang a cigarette By the ti, Old Zhao had stabilized Zhang Chi went through his pile of papers and rapped on the table with his pen “You’re the janitor,” he said casually “Over how many areas?”

“I’hborhood”

“Everyone on the cleaning staff s every week Fros are you responsible for?”

“Buildings 30 to 45”

“Where were you around four in the afternoon last Thursday?”

“I clean the on which has the most trash in the hallways Or if the residents request o clean that one”

“Please listen towhich day you clean which building I’ were you at at four in the afternoon last Thursday?”

“I don’t keep a log; I don’t remember”

“Okay Then I’ll tell you At that ti 37”

“A lot of people go in and out everyday, not just me”

“Then do you re that time?”

“There’s always couriers, takeout delivery people, water and electricity repairmen…”

Zhang Chi suddenly raised his voice “I don’t want to hear about that Please answer clearly On that day at the building 37 entrance, who did you see? Think carefully before you answer me”

Sweat dripped off Old Zhao’s forehead “I really don’t remember”

“What were you doing that day? Do you remember that?”