The Blade of Silence (Fang Mu Eastern Crimes Series Book 3)

by Mi Lei

  "Sir!" the floor manager loudly complained, overhearing the comment. "Please do not put the quality of our hotel in question!"

  "Oh, drop the insulted attitude," Xiao Wang sneered. "Even star-rated hotels aren't this thorough, are they?"

  "Well, excuse me!" The young manager's face flushed. "Some of our rooms could stand up to any five-star hotel! If you don't believe me, sir, I would be happy to show you the other rooms. Then you can see for yourself how spotless they are!"

  Xiao Wang stopped him with a wave of the hand. "Forget it. We don't have time for that. You can get back to what you were doing. We'll call you if we need anything."

  After bowing ever so slightly, the floor manager stomped off.

  "What team spirit," Xiao Wang noted with some admiration, shaking his head. He turned back to Fang Mu. The young criminal psychology expert had fallen into a glum silence. "What is it?" Xiao Wang asked, "Do you want to have another go at the room?"

  "Forget it," Fang Mu said, dejected. "I guess there's nothing to be found here. Let's go to the security control room."

  The security control room was on the second floor. There was only a single guard on duty when the two officers opened the door. The guard almost fell off his chair and his eyes grew wide in guilty fear as he stopped an obviously raunchy video playing on his cell phone. He hastily dropped his feet propped on a second chair, but not quite fast enough. Fang Mu had clearly heard the sweaty moans and groans coming from the phone's small speakers.

  Xiao Wang had obviously noticed it, too. He pulled up a chair and sat down next to the guard. "Hope we didn't catch you in the middle of something," he said suggestively with a devilish smile.

  "No, no." The guard quickly straightened out his pants. "You are...?"

  "The police," Xiao Wang answered flatly.

  As he began questioning the guard, Fang Mu let his eyes wander across the small security control room. To the left was a large monitor with a dozen or so frames arranged across it, showing the inside of the entire hotel. He quickly found the camera closest to Room 624. Even at a glance, he could see that the hotel's security equipment was, unlike much of the rest of it, rather decent. The images were clear and crisp. He exhaled a long, controlled sigh. If the cameras had been working that day, this entire mess could have been cleared up long ago. With a muted curse, he turned back to the matter at hand.

  Xiao Wang was just asking the guard, "So, Jing Xu, how long have you been working here?"

  "Less than a year," Jing Xu replied.

  Fang Mu leaned against the security console and listened.

  "Do you still have the tapes from the day of the shooting?" Xiao Wang asked.

  "No, we had to do maintenance on that day. All the cameras were off."

  "What a coincidence," Xiao Wang said.

  "What?" The guard looked at him in confusion.

  "Who told you to do it?" Fang Mu interjected.

  Jing Xu turned his head in surprise. After a shocked second, he coldly returned the question. "Who told me to do what? What do you want us to do when the system needs maintenance? We don't plan for it, if that's what you're asking"

  Fang Mu wasn't convinced. "How do you secure the hotel when the cameras are turned off?"

  "In this dump? Normally the place is empty, so there's no need for us to keep an eye on things," Jing Xu replied casually.

  "No need?" Fang Mu turned to the monitor. "Then why such high-grade equipment?"

  "It's..." Jing Xu stopped, and then smiled. "I'm afraid you'll have to ask the boss."

  Fang Mu fixed a narrow, silent stare on the guard. "There really are no recordings from that day?"

  "No." Jing Xu impatiently licked his dry lips. "How often do you want me to say it?" With a sudden yawn, he vigorously rubbed the back of his neck, irritation evident.

  Fang Mu nodded, smiling as he took a card from his pocket and handed it to Jing Xu. "Well then, if you can think of anything else, give us a call."

  The guard took the card, but only to drop it onto the security console without so much as a second glance. He glanced at each of the officers. "Well then..."

  Just as Fang Mu and Xiao Wang were about to leave the room, Jing Xu found one more thing to say. "Uh..."

  "Eh?" Fang Mu turned back to him.

  "A couple of days ago, a few of your people came by. They took some of our old tapes," Jing Xu recounted leisurely. "If they're done with them, tell them to get the tapes back to us."

  Fang Mu barely let him finish. "How many of our people?"

  "Three. Yeah, it was three."

  Back on the road, Xiao Wang wordlessly stared out the window. The quiet suited Fang Mu just fine. As they waited at a red light, Xiao Wang suddenly turned to Fang Mu and asked, "Do you know who took those tapes?"

  For a second Fang Mu hesitated, and then he slowly shook his head.

  Of course he knew exactly who: it had to be Zheng Lin and his men. He just couldn't figure out what they were up to. One thing was abundantly clear—taking those tapes was well outside the scope of Zheng Lin's duties. To Fang Mu, it all seemed a bit much just for a simple promotion. He barely heard Xiao Wang's acknowledging mumble.

  "All right then." A few moments later Xiao Wang posed another question. "Do you believe Jing Xu?"

  "No," Fang Mu replied, letting his reflections rest. "He was lying."

  "Oh?" Xiao Wang waited for an explanation. "About what?"

  The red light turned green. "The thing about the security tapes," Fang Mu answered.

  "Are you saying..." Xiao Wang let the conversation play through his head again before continuing, "that someone told him to turn the cameras off?"

  "Yes."

  "Why?" Xiao Wang gave Fang Mu a probing look. "Are you sensing something again?"

  "No." Fang Mu smiled. "He reacted too much, kind of went overboard with the disdain when I suggested that someone had told him to shut the system down. That sort of behavior is a good indicator that a question has touched on something. Also, you may have noticed that he started rubbing his neck when I asked him if there really weren't any tapes from the day."

  "Huh? I guess he did." Xiao Wang gave it a moment of thought. "You think that meant something?"

  "A lot of people like to rub their neck when they lie." Fang Mu exhaled heavily. "He all but modeled that behavior for us."

  Xiao Wang laughed. "You're hardcore, my young friend! But you're right. Gets me thinking. instead of giving Old Xing a polygraph test, they should just send you."

  "If only!" Fang Mu laughed bitterly as he felt his heart sink at the words. The polygraph expert would be there soon, and he still had no idea if Old Xing would pass the test.

  The expert from Shenyang City was Han Weiming. He was in his 40s, with graying hair and a face carved with deep wrinkles. He looked less like a polygraph expert than an old, tired salesman. The moment this strange man stepped out of the car, he embraced Bian Ping in a bear hug. Han Weiming slapped the chief's back with genuine affection that could only be explained by a long friendship.

  Bian Ping, however, was distractedly looking over Han Weiming's shoulder at the aggressive embrace. "You've come alone? What about your assistant?"

  "Don't even ask. That brat went home to get married." Han Weiming laughed. "Just give me one of your people."

  "Easily done." Bian Ping quickly pulled Fang Mu to his side. "This is our brightest young mind. I'll assign him to you."

  Han Weiming studied the criminal expert with a smile, gaze seeming to pierce deep into Fang Mu's soul. The deceptively ordinary man studied the younger man intensely, thoroughly, and then unlocked his scrutiny.

  Han Weiming's eyes seemed to flash, and in that instant Fang Mu felt vulnerable, as if he'd suddenly become entirely transparent. In that blink of an eye, it felt as if X-rays had passed through his entire being. He mentally shook the feeling.

  "Good, good." Han Weiming clapped a hand on Fang Mu's shoulder. "You're clever and you're working hard."

  Fang Mu recovered a
nd hurriedly caught up to the formalities. "I'm at your disposal, Master Han."

  Han Weiming laughed and turned back to Bian Ping. "Let's go, old friend. I would love a good meal."

  Bian Ping politely invited him out to dinner and asked Fang Mu to join them. They went for Sichuan hot-pot. Han Weiming obviously loved it. He was in an exceptionally good mood throughout the entire dinner, boisterously catching up with Bian Ping in between mouthfuls of food and bursts of laughter. Fang Mu had no appetite for any of the dramatics. He repeatedly tried to steer the conversation to the case, but he never managed to find an opening to bring it up.

  To Fang Mu, it felt as if dinner lasted forever. It was well past 10 when Han Weiming announced in a drunken slur that he would return to the hotel for some rest.

  On the way back, Fang Mu began to grumble his discontent. He could not understand why Bian Ping had not seized the opportunity to discuss the case.

  "Do you really think that Old Han was that drunk? Trust me, his mind is still sharp as a tack," Bian Ping chided Fang Mu as he undid his collar.

  Fang Mu could smell his breath, heavy with alcohol.

  "From the get-go that crafty old bugger made sure we wouldn't have an opening. That's why he made sure the drinks kept coming."

  Fang Mu could think of nothing more to say. But after a long silence, he did ask another question in a dismal tone. "Then what do we do now?"

  "Take it one step at a time." Bian Ping was looking out the window, apparently lost in thought. "There are many experts right here in the province. Do you know why they asked Han Weiming to administer the test?"

  "Why?" Fang Mu felt the weight of his exhaustion.

  "Old Han's integrity is legendary. And they needed someone completely beyond any reproach if they want to submit someone like Old Xing to a polygraph test." Bian Ping saw Fang Mu's face darken. "Anyway, we have nothing to worry about. The facts are the facts. Fang Mu..." there was a sudden intense gravity in Bian Ping's voice now, "...we are police and it is vital that we uphold the law...but we cannot forsake our loyalties."

  There was a long, absolute silence that seemed to thicken with every passing second. Fang Mu nodded. His expression left no doubt that he had accepted Bian Ping's directions.

  Inside, however, everything was in turmoil.

  It was clear that Old Xing had been set-up. Even so, he had killed a man and there was no exculpatory evidence to be found anywhere; the law would allow for nothing but the harshest punishment.

  An officer of the police had to be loyal. But did he owe his loyalty to the law or to his conscience?

  The next day, Han Weiming turned away all callers, locking himself in his room to study the case. He left it to Bian Ping and Fang Mu to find a room for the test and to procure the equipment.

  The following morning, Fang Mu rushed to the hotel at the crack of dawn. His plan was to wait for Han Weiming in the cafeteria. When he walked through the doors, it was Han Weiming he saw, already sitting at a table with a bowl of porridge. The polygraph expert shouted a greeting and waved Fang Mu over to his table.

  "Have you had breakfast?" Han Weiming wiped his mouth with a paper napkin as Fang Mu joined him. "This porridge is good. Want to try it?"

  "I've eaten." Fang Mu was in no mood for small talk. "Master Han, how is the test protocol coming along?"

  "Ah, Old Bian gave me someone who knows what he's doing." Han Weiming chuckled. "I wouldn't have picked you for a polygraph expert."

  A bitter smile forced itself to the corners of Fang Mu's mouth. Whatever shred of expertise he might possess had been acquired by cramming like a madman in the past few days. It was enough for him to know that the polygraph test procedure was divided into three distinct phases: The formulation of the test protocol, the implementation of the test protocol, and the analysis of the test data.

  The test protocol would define the test's objective and format. The key was to formulate questions that would draw a psychological as well as a physiological response from the examinee, and then the examiner had to work out in which order to ask these questions.

  From the looks of things, Han Weiming had full confidence in both Bian Ping and Fang Mu. He was more than happy to leave the organizational details up to them. However, his trust and inclusiveness only extended so far. When it came to the actual test, Han Weiming refused to share even the tiniest detail.

  After breakfast, Han Weiming was more open to chatting with Fang Mu, rambling on and on. It was past 8:30 when he finally stood up and said, "Let's go. I want to see the Bureau."

  Even though it was past rush hour, the streets were still full enough to make for a slow drive. For most of the way it was stop and go, giving Fang Mu plenty of opportunity to study Han Weiming in the rearview mirror. The older man looked completely at ease. He was leaning back in his seat, watching the bustling streets outside with what appeared to be genuine interest.

  Fang Mu understood that it was Han Weiming's way of keeping his distance from the world. Even so, he had to give it another try.

  At the next red light, Fang Mu stopped the jeep behind a long line of waiting vehicles. He put the gear in neutral, pulled the handbrake and turned to his passenger. "Master Han, how long have you been administering polygraph tests?" he asked, handing him a cigarette.

  "Ah, thank you." Han Weiming gratefully accepted the cigarette. "Almost fifteen years now."

  "Then you've probably seen and done it all." Fang Mu turned back to the road, doing his best to avoid eye contact. "Did you have any particularly difficult cases? I'd love to learn from you."

  "What do you mean, exactly?" Han Weiming chuckled as he glanced back at Fang Mu.

  "Just things like..." Fang Mu carefully considered his next words, "people getting prepared for the test, attempts to interfere with it..."

  "Polygraph test countermeasures?" Han Weiming suggested with a smile. "Of course. People have been working on countermeasures ever since the very first polygraph tests. Just to give you one example; back in the day, all KGB agents had to master such countermeasures. I don't think I would have much success testing one of those guys."

  "Oh? So it's really possible to beat the polygraph?" Fang Mu did his level best to adopt a casual curiosity. "How'd they do it?"

  Han Weiming chuckled again. "There are many ways to meddle with one's physiological and psychological responses." He then happily listed some of the methods that would render an entire test invalid or radically affect its conclusions.

  Fang Mu listened in rapt concentration, carefully committing each detail to memory. As Han Weiming finished, Fang Mu felt a surge of hope. Just as suddenly, he realized that something was off.

  He raised his focus from the traffic and caught a glimpse of Han Weiming's eyes in the rearview mirror. The polygraph expert was studying him with a wary frown.

  "Ah, Master Han, you are too trusting." Fang Mu looked down again, feeling somewhat flustered. "Aren't you worried that I'll tip-off Old Xing?"

  Han Weiming laughed again. "You seem like a man of professional integrity to me. This is a purely academic discussion for your benefit." He smiled broadly, but his gaze was razor sharp and unforgiving. "And besides, I know all those countermeasures. So of course, I have my own counter-countermeasures."

  The red light turned green. Fang Mu put the car back into gear without another word. The tiny spark of elation he had felt a moment ago was snuffed out.

  The fourth floor meeting room would serve as the venue for the polygraph test. It provided a quiet, uncluttered environment and after all excess furniture had been removed, it offered ample space. Personnel were already on stand-by to ensure the test would remain free of outside interference.

  Han Weiming took a turn around the room, his hands clasped behind his back. He carefully checked the room's temperature. He seemed very pleased with Bian Ping and Fang Mu's preparations.

  Bian Ping had watched the examiner's study. "Is there anything else you need? Just say the word," he offered sincerely. "We'll do our
best to get it for you."

  "You have already done everything I could have hoped for," Han Weiming said with a laugh. His smile shrunk ever so slightly. "So, let's get ready for the examinee."

  For the purpose of the polygraph test, Xing Zhisen was transferred back to Changhong City's own lockup facility.

  One hour later, Fang Mu, Bian Ping, and Han Weiming were idly chatting away in another meeting room when they were informed all was ready.

  "The examinee, Xing Zhisen, is ready and now waiting in the test room," an officer announced.

  Han Weiming sedately lit himself a cigarette before rising to his feet. "Let's go and have a look."

  Bian Ping remained seated, but with a clap on the shoulder he motioned Fang Mu to follow Han Weiming.

  In order to ensure that the pre-test interview would remain free of disturbances, the fourth floor had been cleared of all non-essential personnel. All that could now be heard in its corridors was two sets of steps. One set, neither slow nor hasty, belonged to Han Weiming; the other, slightly more uneven, belonged to Fang Mu. Fang Mu turned the corner without really looking. Lost in thought and worry, he almost walked right into the man standing in the otherwise empty corridor.

  Zheng Lin.

  Han Weiming barely took note of the captain and walked on without missing a step. Zheng Lin had other plans. He placed himself square in Han Weiming's path.

  Surprise flashed across Han Weiming's face, but only to be instantly replaced by a relaxed smile. "What's the matter?" he gently asked, as if questioning a naughty child.

  "Are you the expert?" Zheng Lin asked, coldly studying Han Weiming. There was a palpable air of hostility about him.

  "Old Zheng!" Fang Mu stepped in front of Han Weiming. "What are you doing here?"

  Zheng Lin looked right past Fang Mu. For a moment, they all stood in silence. "Test him well," Zheng Lin demanded, then after a pause, added just as forcefully, "and don't do anything foolish or you'll hear from me."

  Han Weiming's eyes narrowed as his smile faded. "Now what would you call 'foolish'? Favoritism, a cover-up, or entrapping him?" The polygraph expert's voice was frigid, unyielding. "I really don't care what your deal with Xing Zhisen is; I only trust facts and believe only what I can see."