Chapter 400: The Old Man’s Help (2/2)
From the first test, I only found some wounds that had been previously ignored, though they were of little significance. For the second, I used alkaline water and discovered an old, horizontal wound on the side of the victim’s ribs which appeared to have been caused by a blade.
”This part might have been operated on before!” I pointed out.
”The wound is rather narrow which suggests it was an operation to remove a polyp or tumor.”
Excited by the little progress we made, I continued to examine the female victim. Her nose bridge had been operated on so it seemed she had undergone rhinoplasty.
Xiaotao snapped her fingers, ”That’s great! These two clues are enough for us to determine the victims’ identities.”
”I didn’t manage to help at all. Do you want to dissect the bodies?” asked Bingxin.
”No, we'll take you home now!” I replied.
Upon arriving home, Bingxin was forced to sneak back into her room. If Sun Tiger ever discovered she went out at night, what awaited her was a long dressing-down.
Xiaotao temporarily halted all other investigations and focused all of the team’s efforts on determining the victims’ identities. The next day, she phoned to inform me of the police’s discovery. By visiting major hospitals and cosmetic surgery clinics in Nanjiang City, they managed to zoom in on the victims.
I hailed a cab and tore hell for leather to the scene where officers were still collecting evidence. A quick examination revealed that the murderers used the same trick as last, knocking out the victims with ether spray and then kidnapping them.
The scene was neater than the last one. Through some of the victims’ personal belongings, we learned of their identities. The man worked in a state-owned enterprise while the woman was a specialist at a cosmetics counter in the supermarket. They had been in a relationship for a long time and were considering marriage.
”The female victim worked at the Golden Age Department Store and came into contact with countless people every day,” remarked Xiaotao. “Perhaps the murderers bumped into her there and followed her home?”
“Is there anything missing from the scene?” I queried.
Xiaotao checked with the officers on scene who reported missing a cell phone.
”The Golden Age Departmental Store is quite far from here and the victim has to switch buses midway. All four of the murderers are new at this. I doubt they would be able to track her all the way back. I think it’s more likely they found her through the internet!”
The murderers previously sent a fake lottery through the forum–a safe, effective and concealed method of locating their prey. It was highly unlikely they would abandon such useful means. This time, perhaps they obtained the victims’ address by sending a fake lottery to her cell phone.
Through WeChat, anyone could check for people nearby and peep on their moments. They could find nearby people and also see the photos in their friends’ circle. Perhaps it was via this channel the murderers found their prey!
I asked for the victim’s phone number and searched on WeChat. Numerous affectionate photos featuring the victim and her boyfriend popped up.
”You’re right,” blurted Xiaotao.
”The purpose of hiding their identities must be this. The murderers probably live nearby. Xiaotao, can you investigate the rich kids who live in the area?”
After a moment’s contemplation, Xiaotao said, ”I’ll have to go through my dad!”
She called Mr. Huang who immediately asked why she hadn’t brought her boyfriend home for dinner. Arching her eyebrows, she handed me the phone.
”Uncle Huang, when we solve this case, I will definitely visit!” came my awkward reply.
The old man said in surprise, ”Are you working? Alright then, I won't bother you two. Be sure to drop by soon! Don’t worry, I very much support free love between you young people.”
Xiaotao soon got down to business, asking the old man for a little favor, to which he agreed without the slightest hesitation.