Chapter 5: The Web of Truth

Chapter 5: The Web of Truth

Captain Harper was processing the recent discussion with Dr. Turner as he swiftly moved to the next phase of the investigation.

"Mike only mentioned it would be this week, starting March 22nd, not specifying any particular day," Dr. Turner confirmed.

As Dr. Turner spoke, his thoughts were racing: Mike Evanston had disappeared, but his mother had already returned to her hometown—she must be alive. The colleagues who had visited the scene at dawn mentioned bodies being carried out, a sure sign someone had died. Moreover, the case was now in the hands of the city's Criminal Investigation Department; had it been a simple case of suicide, it wouldn't have escalated to their level. Considering Mike's hatred for his father and grandfather, due to the sexual assault meted out by them against his mother, Mike could very well have intended to take them with him.

"Once again, thank you for offering such vital information," Harper maintained his formal tone. "Should anything else come to mind, please contact me immediately."

"Of course. By the way, when can you pick up Mike's medical and examination reports?" Dr. Turner inquired.

"Tomorrow morning. Will you be available?" Harper answered.

"That works. I'll be in the clinic tomorrow morning and get off at 11:30," Dr. Turner confirmed.

Hearing this, Harper offered with a smile, "You've been greatly inconvenienced today; I insist on taking you out to lunch tomorrow as a token of gratitude. Would that be alright after your shift?"

"No inconvenience," Dr. Turner replied with a friendly smile. "Our hospital has ongoing projects with your department, and I look forward to a successful collaboration. The meal should be on me."

Harper took this as a yes for tomorrow's lunch, "Dr. Turner, don't be modest. Next time, it's on you."

Dr. Turner chuckled, not declining.

Once he'd left, Deputy Chief Cao approached Harper with urgency, "I've just reviewed Dr. Turner's statement—it significantly deviates from our investigation's conclusions."

"It seems we need to reassess our approach. Let's visit Mike's neighbors again, see if they heard anything recently, particularly on March 17th," Harper said.

"Alright," Cao agreed, then asked, "What's your take on Dr. Turner?"

Harper, who hadn't slept well, massaged his temples wearily before speaking, "There's something complicated about him."

"How so?"

"As a doctor, he's serious and goes beyond his duties," Harper spoke softly, "but as a civilian being questioned by the police, he's too composed. A common person usually gets nervous or stutters with police, especially detectives, yet he was as calm as if speaking with a friend. Even when we applied some pressure to our inquiries, he didn't waver. He appears cooperative and knowledgeable, but you can tell—he's a clever man, an extraordinary one at that."

Cao nodded in agreement, "I also find him intriguing. How much does he know about the case?"

"Not much, it seems. He asked about Mike's chances, which suggests he doesn't know about his current state. And he didn't inquire about Mike's father or grandfather," Harper continued massaging his temple.

"I always feel he knows something more, something he didn't reveal to us," Cao suggested suddenly.

"Yes," Harper concurred, "but we can't treat him like a suspect; thus, we can't pressure him. We'll ask again when it's appropriate."

"Say, when did Chief Zheng get such a relative from abroad? We've known him for years but never heard of him," Cao echoed Harper's own thoughts.

"I'm not sure, the Chief and his wife are from the Zheng lineage. Distant relatives would be several generations removed," Harper pondered. "But they seem close, unlike what I can say about my own distant relatives."

"Anyway, let's not gossip about our superiors. Speaking of which, I've heard our revered matchmaker has set up another blind date for you?" Cao teased.

"Come on... aren't you under my command anymore? Gossiping about me?" Harper feigned aggression, causing Cao to dodge playfully.

"That's me caring about your personal life."

Harper's expression showed a headache at the mention, "Zhu Wei from the Provincial Department of Criminal Psychology. You might have met her. I have no interest, and I'm sure she feels the same. It's just formalities for the elders."

"I don't remember her," Cao tried to recall, adding sincerely, "With your qualities, it's surprising you haven't been in a relationship."

"I'm busy with work, no time for personal matters," Harper said coolly.

"Rumors say, a handsome guy like you, over thirty and never been in a relationship, might not be into women..."

"I'm planning a trip to J City," Harper interrupted suddenly, bringing the conversation back to the case.

Going to J City wasn't a mere investigative step. Harper could comprehend Mike's motives logically, though he disagreed with them. As Mike was young and hadn't succeeded in his suicide attempt, he deserved a chance to live on, with any reduction in sentence being a bonus. Proof of his father and grandfather's sexual violence was crucial for Mike's defense, requiring testimonies from the victim—his mother.

"You're a good man, Harper," Cao offered, lighting a cigarette, accepting the extra workload that would come with the decision.

Cao offered a cigarette to Harper, who declined.

"Quitting?" Cao was curious.

Harper, sounding tired, replied, "Yes. When the case load is light, I figure I'll give it a try."

"So, you tend to believe Dr. Turner's word?" Cao didn't express his own view.

"It's better to err on the side of belief," Harper said, "Besides, Dr. Turner has no reason to lie about this."

"I agree about J City, for another reason," Cao added.

"Mike's mother's phone," Harper and Cao exchanged a knowing look, "has been off all day, and our province doesn't have areas with no service."

"J City might be poor, but Yang's Village has been thriving in recent years. If you decide to go, count me in," Cao offered.

"Of course. How can I go without you? I'll report to the Chief tomorrow," Harper said.

"Good. I didn't want to be left behind to 'oversee everything' again," Cao joked.

"Chief Zheng can oversee," Harper laughed.

The following morning, Cao and Officer Hou brought the latest interview results.

"Mike lived in an old district with poor sound insulation—it was pandemonium. This family's child is beaten for failing homework, that family's squabble turns into a three-way fight. It's impossible to discern if anything was coming from Mike's home," Officer Hou reported.

"If it were noise from an assault?" Harper asked sharply.

"Indistinguishable," said Officer Hou, "even toddlers' piercing cries could drown out adults' arguments—not to mention, our case work shows internal family assaults are silent affairs."

Harper acknowledged, "True."

Hou continued, "I re-questioned Mike's friends, who only knew about the beatings, not assaults."

"Okay, understood." Harper remained silent.

Yet Hou seemed hesitant, "Captain Harper..."

"Yes, what is it?" Harper's tone softened considerably.

"I heard you're going to J City. Such inquiries, especially for assault cases, should include a female officer. I'd like to volunteer..."

Harper interrupted gently, "Didn't we just get a new female intern? Perfect opportunity. Get some rest, your injury hasn't fully healed, and it's a long drive. We don't want a relapse."

"Captain, you always look out for me. If I continue like this, I might as well have taken an office job..." Hou began, regretting her forthrightness, fearing she seemed ungrateful for Harper's past consideration.

Most in the Criminal Investigation Division knew Hoy had been severely injured on duty two years earlier. Chief Zheng had intended to move her to a safer office position, but Hoy insisted on staying, carrying on her late husband's legacy in homicide investigations.

In an earnest display of advocacy, Captain Harper decided to sidestep bureaucracy and keep Officer Lynn as part of the First Detective Squad, taking personal responsibility for her duties, welfare, and recovery.

"Officer Lynn, I won't hesitate to call upon you when needed," Captain Harper said, lifting his gaze from the case files to meet Officer Lynn's, conveying his trust in her tenacity and skill. "I'm certain you understand my intent and can trust the judgment in my decisions."

"I do, and I've been meaning to express my gratitude," responded Officer Lynn.

As time pressed on for another squad meeting, Harper glanced at his watch then back at Officer Lynn, adding, "Your front-line investigative experience is invaluable, as is your keen insight during interviews. And your marksmanship is renowned, not just in detective work but even among special forces. We need you ready for critical tasks."

Meanwhile, at South State City General Hospital within the Mental Health Department, Dr. Lucas Reid promptly called for the next patient while efficiently updating electronic health records.

Peeking in, Melanie, a familiar young student, stepped into the office, greeted by Dr. Reid's reassuring smile. "What brings you here today, Melanie?"

"I've come for a prescription renewal. My sleep medication is nearly finished," she answered.

Dr. Reid, who had an excellent memory for his patients' needs, probed gently, "Did you increase the dosage? Last week's should have lasted for another week."

With a hesitant nod, Melanie admitted, "A slight increase, but within the safe limits you mentioned."

Dr. Reid sensed there was more to her story and suggested they have a private conversation after his hours ended.

Agreeing, Melanie waited outside as a raucous noise erupted from the hallway—a man stumbled through the door, visibly disoriented and causing a disruptive scene.

Reacting swiftly, Dr. Reid protected Melanie behind him while calling for hospital security. As the disheveled man carelessly swung a bottle, smashing it on the desk, Reid used defensive maneuvers to neutralize the threat, all the while assuring Melanie of her safety.

Security arrived promptly, as did Detective Harper, who witnessed the final moments of the incident. The man was gently restrained and carefully assessed, as he exhibited signs of a psychiatric episode rather than intoxication.

"Let's check for identification and contact his family," Dr. Reid directed, maintaining a professional demeanor despite the commotion. "Assess him thoroughly, and if needed, administer a mild sedative following my instructions."

Detective Harper, now stepping in to assist, complimented Dr. Reid's calm under pressure, offering him a cleansing wipe for a minor cut sustained during the rapid response.

"No need for concern," Dr. Reid addressed Melanie, still shaken from the episode. "Let's tend to this scrap, and then we can continue our previous discussion."

However, Melanie, now remembering an urgent matter brought up by her mentor, excused herself, thanking Dr. Reid for his protective actions.

Dr. Reid watched her leave, a crease of worry marking his brow as he picked up on a fleeting expression of fear that had crossed her face.

As the dust settled, Detective Harper reflected on Dr. Reid's composed handling of the situation. "Impressive," he thought, "Dr. Reid truly has a knack for maintaining order amidst chaos."