Chapter 15 Chapter Fourteen

Frank arrived at the forest house early the next morning. I think he had the car keys in hand at dawn, and was leaving as soon as we called.He took Daodi with him and asked him to monitor in the kitchen so that no one could eavesdrop on the interrogation, while he listened to the confessions one by one in the living room.Daodi looked surprised, stunned from beginning to end, staring at the high ceiling, the half-peeled wallpaper, the neatly dressed old-fashioned Xiao Rui, the others and me.He shouldn't have come at all.It's Sam who's after this lead, and if he knows I'm fighting, he'll come running like a bullet.Frank obviously didn't tell him.I'm secretly thankful that I wasn't there when Sam found out.

Xiaorui and the others performed extremely well.As soon as we heard the car pull up the driveway, they put on flawless masks, but slightly different from the ones the four of them usually wear at school, less icy and more eager, between terrified victim and gracious host strike the perfect balance.Abby poured tea for everyone and brought out a well-arranged plate of biscuits, Daniel moved an extra chair to the kitchen for Dao Di, and Xiao Rui joked about her dark circles.I began to understand what it was like for Sam and Frank to interrogate them before, and why Frank was so angry. The interrogation starts with me.So, after the living room door closed and the voices in the kitchen became muffled and melodious, Frank said to me: You've finally waited until someone made a move.

It's time, too.I answered while pulling the straight back chair towards the card table.But Frank shook his head, sat down directly on the sofa, and waved me to sit in the armchair. Hey, let's get comfortable, are you okay? That goddamn face ruined my nails, but I'll live, I rummaged in the pockets of my field pants and grabbed some crumpled note paper.I wrote it last night in bed so that my memory doesn't get hazy sometimes. Frank read unhurriedly while drinking tea.Very good, after reading it, he put away his notes and said: The writing is clear and organized, after all, it is such a chaotic situation, at least everything that should be memorized is clear.He put down his teacup, fished out his notebook, and got ready with a click of a pen.Do you recognize that guy?

I shook my head and said: I didn't see his face, it was too dark. You should probably bring a flashlight. Where did I get the time?If he was in a hurry to find the flashlight, the guy would have slipped away.Anyway, you don't need to know who he is, you just need to see who has panda eyes. ah!Frank nodded and said thoughtfully: Of course, we will talk about that fight later.However, in order to guard against the kid saying that he was injured by falling down the stairs, we'd better have evidence that can be identified. I can only speak of what I feel, and I say: Assuming this guy is one of the three Sam finds out, it's definitely not Bennen, he's too fat.This guy is thin and strong, not very tall, but very strong.I don't think it was McEd either, because I touched the guy's face once in the middle of a fight and didn't get any hair, just a beard, but McEd was a big beard.

Yes, Frank calmly remembered: Yes, so you think it's Naylor? He should fit, right height, right shape, right hair. That's enough, let's figure out the rest, Frank looked at the notes with a pensive face, and tapped his teeth with a pen.Speaking of fighting, he said: When the three of you ran out to chase that guy, what did Xiao Dan take with him? I had prepared it a long time ago, the screwdriver, I said: I didn't see him take it, but I rushed out of the room before him, and the toolbox was on the table at that time. Because he and Xiaorui were cleaning Simon Bogong's gun.By the way, what style of gun is it?

The Webley revolver, an early World War I product, is tattered and rusty, but still beautiful, and you'll love it. Needless to say, Frank spoke in a friendly tone and took some notes.I'll have to find time to check it out when I get a chance.So Daniel grabbed the weapon in a hurry, and while the pistol was in front of him, he took the screwdriver? The gun was not loaded, it was disassembled in half, and the grip fell to the side. You mean this kind of gun?Besides, I don't think he knows guns, and even if he doesn't care about handles, it will take a while to figure it out.At that time, the group gunshots were clear, but very slight, and I was watching Xiaorui's group guns across the room, so the microphone probably didn't pick up the sound.

So instead he gets a screwdriver, and Frank nods: That's fine, but he didn't use it for whatever reason when he got the guy. He doesn't stand a chance, Frank, because there's such a mess.The four of us rolled around on the ground, fists and feet flying together, and we couldn't tell who was who. I dare say Xiaorui's dark circles are my masterpiece.If Daniel pulled out his screwdriver and started stabbing, it would probably hurt me or Ray.Frank still nodded in agreement and took note of what I said, but the flat look on his face made me uncomfortable.how?Do you want him to stab the guy?

This will obviously save me a lot of trouble, Frank said, his tone cheerful and ambiguous.So the legendary one, what did you just say?Yes, that legendary screwdriver.Where is it when the show is on? Daniel's back pocket, at least that's where he pulled it out when we got home. Frank raised an eyebrow suddenly, and said with concern: It's in his back pocket, luckily he didn't stab himself.Rolling around like that, I thought I'd poke it in at least a place or two. Frank was right, I should have said wrench.Maybe there is, I shrugged and said: If you want to know, you can ask him to show his ass later.

I don't think so, Frank put the nib into the pen with a click, put the pen back into his pocket, leaned on the sofa and asked me in a pleasant tone: What do you think? I thought at first that Frank was just asking for my opinion, not preparing to throw a tantrum at me.I knew that Sam would be furious, but I didn't expect Frank, who has always put his personal safety at risk, and in order to solve this case, he would not hesitate to break all the rules.Besides, he'd headbutted a drug dealer himself and sent him to the hospital, so I never expected him to be so annoyed.This guy got angry, and I said: He would avoid people before, he never hurt Simon, and he deliberately chose an empty room when he threw stones last time, but this time the stone was only a few centimeters away from Abby and me, as far as we felt, He really targeted one of us.He's more likely to hurt people now than just destroy things, and feels more and more like a suspect.

yes!Frank rested one ankle easily on the other knee and said: Suspect, that's what we're looking for, so let's think about it now, okay?Suppose little Sam and I go down to Glensky Village today and look for those three bright boys, and suppose, what the hell, suppose we dig up something useful enough to arrest and even prosecute someone.How do you think I should explain to lawyers, prosecutors or the media?Because I bet they'll ask, when they ask me why the suspect's face is swollen like a hamburger?In a situation like this, I had no fucking choice but to say it was the other two suspects and one of my undercover officers, what do you think happened next?

I didn't expect to get this far at all.You will find a way anyway. Perhaps, said Frank, still in a cheerful and flat tone.But that's not the point, is it?I guess what I'm asking is what exactly were you trying to do?I think that as a police detective, you logically chased out to find the suspect, determine the identity of the other party, and even catch him or stare at him until you receive support.Am I wrong? Well, there is, you don't understand it's not that simple Because of the way you behave, Frank went on, as if I hadn't said anything at all.What you want to do is beat the guy to death, but it's a little unprofessional to do so. Emperor Dao didn't know what joke he said in the kitchen, and everyone laughed.The laughter was warm and hearty, not forced, it felt flawless, but it made me extremely nervous.Oh, Frank, please, I said: My goal is to keep track of the suspect and keep the undercover identity undercover.What do you think I should do?Pull Ray and Daniel away from that guy and teach them how to properly handle a suspect while calling you? You don't have to do it yourself. I shrugged and said: Sam told me that the last time that guy committed a crime, Lacey rushed out just like kicking his balls up the gullet.She is that kind of person.It would be false if I stood where I was and watched those two big boys protect me from the bad guys.I didn't have time to think too deeply, I had to act now, and it had to fit Lacey's personality.Are you going to tell me that you have never fought anyone when you were an undercover agent? Oh, of course not, Frank replied briskly: How could I say that?I've gotten into a lot of fights myself, and I'm not bragging, I almost always win.But there's a difference, every time I fight, the opponent shoots first Like the guy jumped on us. That's because you provoked him on purpose. Do you think I didn't listen to the tape? That guy is gone, Frank.If he is not allowed to show up, that kid will definitely be able to get away with it. Let me finish, baby.Every time I fight, the other party strikes first, just to keep my identity from being exposed or to climb up the organization.But I can tell you for sure that I have never done anything because I was too emotionally involved, and couldn't help but beat the other party into a pig's head, at least not when I was working.Can you say that too? Those wide-eyed blue eyes, kindly with a hint of interest, that impeccable candid attitude and a bit of persistence turned my nervousness into a complete warning, just like the electric shock experienced by animals before thunder .Frank was interrogating me like a suspect, and if I made one wrong move, I would be removed from the case. I forced myself to take my time, shrugged awkwardly, and squirmed slightly in the armchair.It's not emotional engagement, I said finally, looking down, watching my fingers twist the edge of the cushion.At least not the kind you said, but to tell you, Frank, I know you were worried about my mental state from the beginning, and I don't blame you. All I can say is that Frank slouched back on the couch, staring at me blankly, but he was listening, which meant I still had a chance.He said: Words can't be stopped. I've heard people talk about Operation Vesta once or twice. I made a sad face.I think so, and I bet they said something.Before I finished clearing the desks in the group, I heard someone say that I couldn't do it, and I was seriously tired.I know you took a lot of risk by going undercover with me, Frank, I don't know how much you've heard Just a little here, a little there. But you have to know one thing, we were defeated with honor, and the man should be in prison for life, but he still got away with it, I said it with a choked up voice, without any pretense.That sucks, Frank, and I'm not kidding you, and I'm not going to let it happen again and make you think I'm mentally unstable, because I'm not.I just thought if I could catch this guy Frank bounced off the sofa like a spring.God the fuck, you're not here to catch people!How did I tell you, from the beginning?You only need to do one thing, which is to find the right direction for me and Sam to track down, and we will handle the rest.Please, have I made this clear enough?Should I fucking write it down for you, or what? If it weren't for the people next door, Frank would definitely be shaking the roof.As long as he gets angry, no one will not know.I couldn't help shivering, and lowered my head knowingly, but secretly delighted in my heart.Being treated as a disobedient subordinate is definitely twice as good as being questioned as a suspect.Whether he is too devoted or wants to prove himself after failure, Frank can understand, because there are many such reactions, and it is a fault that can be forgiven.Sorry, I said: Frank, I'm really sorry.I know I'm over the top and I promise I won't do it again, but I just can't stand my identity being revealed and you finding out I let that guy get away, and God, Frank, that guy's right here, I feel Frank stared at me for a long time, then let out a long sigh, sat back on the sofa and twisted his neck.Hey, said Frank: You brought in the last case.Anyone can do this kind of thing, only the mindless will repeat the same mistakes.I'm sorry you got a bad case, too, really.But if you want to prove something to me or anyone, you'd better leave the past at home and focus on the case at hand.Frank believed it.Starting from the murder case, Vesta's actions were like a question mark hanging in Frank's heart. I just had to turn into a mirror and fiddle with it at the right time to remind him of it.It was the first time that such a morbid and evil past could be used. I know, I look down at the hands clenched between my legs and say: Really, trust me. You're likely to screw up the case, you know? Don't tell me the case is really screwed up, I say: You're going to get that guy anyway, aren't you? Frank sighed: Well, maybe.At this juncture, we have little choice.Maybe I can ask you to come over during the interrogation, maybe you can do a little psychological analysis for us.And I thought it might be useful to see the guy's reaction to meeting Lacey.Can you make sure you see him, can you resist jumping on the table and beat him to the teeth? I looked up suddenly and saw a mocking smile on his lips.You're a joker, I said, praying to myself that I was relieved that Frank didn't see me.I'll try.Remember to get a big table just in case. Let me tell you, you are in good spirits. Frank picked up the notebook and took the pen out of his pocket.More than enough for three people.Go away, lest you make me angry again.Go ahead and call someone in who won't let me have gray hair, Abby. I went into the kitchen and told Xiao Rui that Frank wanted to see him next, to show that I was brave and not afraid of him at all.It's just that I'm terribly afraid, of course I am. Well, after Frank finished his interrogation and left with Daodi, I think he went to Sam to talk about it, and Daniel said: I think it went well. The five of us cleared teacups in the kitchen and ate leftover cookies.Not bad at all, Justin said, seemingly unbelievable.I thought they were going to be scary, but Frank was kind this time. But that idiot at the police station, Abby reached up and took a biscuit out of my face and said, stared at Lacey the whole time, did you notice that?God, what an idiot. He's not an idiot, I said.Frank interrogated for two hours, and Daodi didn't call me a police detective once, which impressed me deeply, so I wanted to say something nice for him.He just has great taste. I still don't think they can find anything.Xiao Rui said, but without sarcasm.Maybe Frank said something to them, maybe it was just because his questioning was over, anyway, they looked much better, relaxed and lighter, no longer tense and confrontation like the night before, at least at this moment. Let's just wait and see, Daniel said, bowing his head and lighting a cigarette with a match.But at least the next time Big Tits Greeley pushes you into the photocopier, you'll have a great story to tell her.This time even Xiao Rui laughed. That night, while we were drinking and playing cards, my cell phone rang suddenly, which scared me out of my wits, because the five of us rarely received calls.I frantically searched for my phone, nearly missed it, and finally found it in the coat closet, still in the pocket of the utility jacket I wore for my walk last night.Hello!I said. Is this Miss Lacey?said Sam, in a very uncomfortable tone.I'm Detective Sam. Oh, I said.I was about to go back to the living room, but it was Sam who immediately turned his back against the door so no one else could hear him: Hi! Is it convenient for you to talk? Forget it. how are you Ah, very good. Sure? Sure. Goodness, Sam gasps, thank goodness.That bastard Frank obviously heard it, you know that?In the end, he didn't call me, didn't say a word, went to find you early in the morning, and let me sit in the violence room like an idiot.This case better be over soon, or I'm going to beat that dick to the ground sooner or later. Sam only swears in a fit of rage.Indeed, I say: I am not surprised at all. There was a moment of silence on the phone.Everyone else is there, right? Yes. I'll keep it short then.We sent Byrne to watch over Naylor's house until he got home from work in the evening.That guy's face is just horrible, and from what I hear on the tape, you three did a great job.He's the man I'm looking for. Yes, I'll be looking for him tomorrow morning. Back to Major Crimes.I don't have to worry about scaring him, it doesn't have to.If he wants to put oil on his feet, I can detain him for trespassing.Do you want to come and see? certainly.I said, but I really wanted to avoid it. I hoped to stay in the library tomorrow with Xiaorui and the others as company, have lunch in the wine cellar, watch the rain outside the window, and try not to think about everything that might happen next.However, whatever the outcome of the interrogation, I should have been present.What time is it? I'll catch him before he goes to work, and bring him to the station around eight o'clock, any time you want.You can come to the serious crimes unit, no problem, right? I completely forgot to worry about this.no problem. He fits the profile, right?Right in the heart. It should, I said: I think.Xiaorui's funny moans came from the living room. He obviously lost badly, which caused other people to burst into laughter.Damn it, Xiaorui said, but he couldn't help laughing, you cunning scum, you've been tricked every time Sam is a master detective, and if there's anything to dig on Naylor, he'll definitely dig it out. It might be him, Sam said, in a tone so hopeful that I shuddered.If I get it right tomorrow, the case might be over and you can go home. yes!I said: Sounds good, see you tomorrow. i love you.Sam said in a low voice before hanging up.I stood in the shady corridor for a while, biting my nails and listening to the living room, the chatter and laughter, the rustling of cards, the clinking of wine glasses and the crackling of the fire, before I went back. Who is calling?Daniel put down the playing cards and looked up to ask. Mr. Police Shen, I said: He wants me to go to the police station. Which detective? The blonde, the handsomer one, Sam. Why? They all turned to look at me, motionless like frightened animals.Abby was about to draw a card when her hand just stopped on the card.Finding a guy, I slipped back to my seat and said, Just last night, I'm going to question him tomorrow. No way?Abby said: so fast? Come on, don't be polite, Xiao Rui said to Daniel: Just tell me, you know you really want to talk. Daniel ignored it.But why looking for you?What are they trying to do? I shrugged and said: They just wanted me to look at him.Sam also asked me about the night of the assassination, wondering if I remembered anything else.I guess he wanted me to see that guy, pointing with a trembling index finger and said: That's him!It was he who stabbed me!Bar. You watch too much TV and movies.Xiao Rui said. Did you think of anything?Daniel asked: Remember anything else? Nothing fart.I said.Maybe it was my imagination, but the tension in the air suddenly disappeared.Abby changes her mind, puts back the half-drawn card, and draws another card.Justin reaches for his drink.Maybe he will find someone to hypnotize me.Would the police really do this? Remember to ask him to brainwash you so you can catch up regularly. Oh, really?Can he help me write my thesis faster? Maybe, but I don't think he would, Daniel said: "I'm not sure that hypnotized evidence will be used in court.Where are you and Sam going to meet? Where he works, I said: I'd love to invite him for a drink at Brogan's, but I don't think he'll say yes. I thought you hated Brogan.Daniel said with a look of surprise. I almost changed my tune and said hey, of course I hate it, but I just held it back.It wasn't Daniel who saved me, he was looking at me with his cards, his eyes calm and focused like an owl, it was Justin who frowned in confusion and Abby looked up slightly, showing that they didn't know what Daniel was talking about, there must be a fraud in it. I?I play dumb and say: I don't hate Brogan, I just never thought of going there.I mentioned it just now because the bar is across from where Sam works. Daniel shrugged his shoulders, so I must have been confused. He smiled at me, very sweetly, and I noticed the same change again. The tense atmosphere suddenly eased, as if I breathed a sigh of relief.You have a bunch of eccentricities, I can't remember them all.I made a face at him. Why are you flirting with the police?Xiao Rui asked: No matter what you think, it’s wrong. how?He is so cute!My hands trembled and I dared not take the cards.It took me a while to realize that Daniel had just tried to bait me with words, and that I was only a little short of happily going astray. You're hopeless, Justin refills my glass and says: Anyway, I think the other detective is much more attractive, the bad guy type, I mean Frank. evil!I said, damn onion saw Daniel's smile, I knew I passed, but I didn't know how much he believed it.That guy Daniel, you never know less, I bet you that guy has hair on his back.Say something for me, Abby. You're all about the same thing, Abby said: Both of you can't be saved. Frank is an idiot, Xiaorui said: Sam is a native, if there is no diamond, Abby will not want it. I finally picked up my cards and figured out what to do.I watched Daniel all night, careful not to be seen, but I could see nothing unusual about him, still gentle, polite and distant, not paying particular attention to me.I left the living room to get the wine and passed by him, and I pressed his shoulder. Daniel reached out to hold my hand and pressed it tightly.