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Stolen Reports and the Funeral Home - Day Four - Afternoon and Evening

Gao, Lv, and Zhao read all the reports obtained by Du Pusa.  Gao cried over the autopsy. 

"A strong circumstantial case, but not enough for a murder conviction in these courts," Gao gave his opinion.  "Much depends on how Duan handles himself and Xi's testimony. If she backs him and he keeps his head, he may be released."  Lv shook his head.

"Too much evidence to demonstrate past behaviors.  They'll hold him the 37 days.  The weapon is key.  Wait for a report from our informant.  We have lots of time.  Even if he remands to the procuratorate, the courts have two to six months to go to hearings."

"Both Duan and Xi entered interrogation rooms over an hour ago with their lawyers.  We own his, so he'll contact us as soon as anything develops," Zhao added.  "And her attorney doesn't practice criminal law; he represented the family for years but is ineffective in trial.  We confirmed the prosecution approved a deal for her; if she gives them the knife, death leaves the table, and a shorter prison term takes its place."  Gao snorted.

"I say what happens to her.  Kidnap her, cut off her nose and brand her, sell her to a brothel.  Make her wish for death."

"But Duan dies while he hopes to escape," Zhao responded fiercely.  He always secretly loved LiLi.  She treated him respectfully, remembered his birthday, and appreciated small things he did for her.  "Make him suffer as long as possible."  Lv examined him through narrowed eyes.  Quiet, careful, thorough, not a man to underestimate.  Maybe more ambitious than apparent.  Maybe not a man to trust completely.

"What about the families?" questioned Zhao hesitantly.  Gao frowned and Lv watched him.

"Leave them alone" he decided.  "LiLi would hate it if we blamed the parents for the sins of these two monsters.  And their boy.  Your reports from the schools indicate he's a normal teenager, not popular but not an outcast or loner.  Let the families handle him.  Nothing to gain in hurting a child."  Lv kept his own opinion on that, but his partner bore the loss.

Wen contacted them mid-morning to say Zhou Zishu released LiLi and the funeral home already dispatched a hearse to pick her up.  He stated they could visit her after four o'clock and he intended to sit with her a while.  He invited the two couples to join him, as well as Li Jing An.  And Zhao Jing.  Gao thanked him and accepted on behalf of all of them.  Then he excused himself to inform his wife, to call other family members who had stayed in town for the funeral, and to cry in private.

They waited; they conducted business by computer and cellphone.  They discussed investments and possible deals.  Zhao's phone chimed.

"They made the deal; they found the knife and the lab confirmed it as the murder weapon," he reported.  "Procuratorate took him.  The lawyer states he tried to blame Xi at the last.  They move them to another facility later today."  He stood phone ready while the two men considered the next moves.

"Let the authorities transfer them," said Gao at last.  "Let their guard down."  He addressed his assistant.  "Tell Du to arrange a place for Xi.  Monitor the holding cells and see the arrangements they make for them.  Get her men in place.  No hurry.  The funeral is tomorrow.  Have Du's man relay that message to Duan and Xi.  Let them think about her."

"Time to leave if we plan to sit with Wen Kexing.  Hong Po and I will meet you there.  Is Zhi Yin strong enough to keep watch for any length of time?"  She appeared ready to collapse the last time he saw her.

"She insisted on going and staying until we all leave.  After a few hours, ask Hong Po to convince her to eat.  Women listen better to advice from other women."  The men shook hands and Lv departed.  Zhao availed himself of the guest bathroom, tidied up and escorted the couple to their car.  He sat in the front seat next to the driver.