by Mi Lei
He abruptly walked around Zheng Lin and strode away without looking back. Fang Mu hurried to follow, but Zheng Lin quickly caught ahold of his wrist. Twisting around, Fang Mu saw that the expression on Zheng Lin's face had changed. The best he could read from it was a strange mix of fear and loathing.
Fang Mu stared back at him in chilly silence. A few seconds later, Zheng Lin opened his mouth, but only to immediately close it again. When he remained silent, Fang Mu removed his hand and walked away.
Fang Mu walked into the meeting room a moment later to find Han Weiming had already seated himself. He was lighting a cigarette for Xing Zhisen.
Fang Mu hurried to introduce Han Weiming. "Commissioner Xing, this is—"
"No need for introductions," Xing Zhisen said, smiling. A laptop lay on the table between the three men. "I know Han Weiming, or 'Master Han', if he prefers. Master Han," he repeated, "your hard work is obviously paying off."
"Just doing my job." Han Weiming flicked the ash from his own cigarette. "How are things, Old Xing?"
"Fine," Xing Zhisen replied just as pleasantly.
He was not fine. If anything, there were even more, fresher wounds covering Xing Zhisen's face. In some places, Fang Mu could see new cuts atop barely healed bruises. Han Weiming had of course noticed Xing Zhisen's state, and his expression grew considerably more somber.
"Can you take the test?" he asked quietly.
"Not a problem," Xing Zhisen said, smiling amid his injuries. "They're just scratches."
Han Weiming smiled now, too, and pushed the cigarette pack across the table. "Well then, let's get down to business." The smile remained on his face. "Have you recently taken any drugs?"
"No," Xing Zhisen answered, maintaining a friendly smile as well.
"No respiratory or heart conditions? Any..." Han Weiming suddenly sounded amused, "mental illnesses?"
Xing Zhisen laughed heartily. "No, none of that," he said, still chuckling. "If I were mentally ill, they'd hardly have had to trouble you, Brother."
The first step in the pre-test interview was to establish an atmosphere of trust, professionalism, and objectivity between the examiner and the examinee. It looked like Xing Zhisen and Han Weiming had cleared that hurdle with ease.
"It would be standard practice for me to show you how the test works in principle." Han Weiming was still all smiles. "Do you want me to just explain it or should I give you a practical demonstration?"
"Don't waste your time." The cigarette in Xing Zhisen's hand had already burned down to the filter, but he seemed reluctant to let it go. "I've been in the force long enough to know the scientific basis of the psychological and physiological measurements, the test's objectivity, and that the test results are outside the examinee's conscious control. I know the spiel."
"All right." Han Weiming opened his laptop. "Let's talk about the case then."
The pre-test interview provided a vital framework for the entire test procedure. In a sense, the pre-test interview was more important than the actual test itself. The examinee would only provide useful reactions if he or she was in the right state of mind and the pre-test interview was the examiner's one chance to get the examinee into that state.
Xing Zhisen first provided a detailed account of the day of the incident. Han Weiming mostly just listened, interrupting the flow of narrative with only a few sporadic questions and remarks. Occasionally, he would also quickly type something on his laptop.
Fang Mu knew that Han Weiming was carefully listening to refine both his questions and his understanding of the case. Next, Han Weiming discussed the actual questions. He took particular care to go through all the control questions and explain each one. Fang Mu noticed that the case-relevant questions primarily focused on the murdered woman and the details of the shooting. Again, Xing Zhisen did not budge an inch from his previous account of the events.
After he had finalized the test in his computer, Han Weiming handed the laptop to Xing Zhisen and asked him to verify the questions. That concluded the pre-test interview.
"All right," Han Weiming said as he rose from his chair, "tomorrow then?"
"Tomorrow," Xing Zhisen agreed calmly.
Just as he was about to walk out the door, Han Weiming remembered something. He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.
"Rest up, so you're fit for the test," he said as he threw the pack to Xing Zhisen.
Xing Zhisen raised the pack in silent thanks as Han Weiming walked out of the room.
For his part, Fang Mu was in no hurry to leave. Leaning across the table, he quietly asked, "Comissioner Xing, is there anything I can do to help you?"
Xing Zhisen looked up at the camera staring back down at him from the ceiling, a silent eye that watched them all, recording every nuance. He suddenly grinned. "Get me a ham-hock—the bigger the better."
Fang Mu easily caught up with Han Weiming slowly strolling down the corridor a moment later. Cautiously, he asked him, "Do you think… Do you think that Commissioner Xing will really be fit to take a polygraph test in his current state?"
"He's all right." Han Weiming seemed lost in thought. "Xing Zhisen is much tougher than you can imagine," he added without ever looking at Fang Mu.
When Fang Mu and Han Weiming returned to the meeting room, Xiao Wang was speaking to a middle-aged woman. Both he and the woman rose from their chairs and Fang Mu immediately recognized her. It was Xing Zhisen's wife, Yang Min. She was the head nurse of the Municipal Hospital's pediatrics unit.
He hurried to her side. "Elder Sister..." he began, holding her arm.
"Young Fang, can I see him?" Yang Min looked emaciated and aged with worry.
Fang Mu didn't know what to say. Nervous, he turned to Han Weiming and then Xiao Wang.
Han Weiming didn't hesitate. "I have no objections."
Xiao Wang stood up. "I'll have to ask for permission first."
He left the room and returned several minutes later, obviously deflated. "They're of the opinion," he said, faltering, "of the opinion that Commissioner Xing should not be subjected to anything that could alter his mood before the test."
"Can I at least get him some food?" Yang Min was barely keeping her composure. "He's been locked up for so long..." Her voice wavered. "They tell me nothing… If they're going to treat him as if he's about to be executed, he should at least have his last meal..." Realizing what she had just said, she recoiled in apologetic anguish and anger. Her entire body began to shake.
Fang Mu wordlessly put one arm around her and with the other hand picked up her handbag. "I'll take you to him, Elder Sister," he told her through clenched teeth. He began to walk her to the door.
"Fang Mu!" Bian Ping and Xiao Wang shouted in unison as they jumped to their feet.
"Let him go," Han Weiming said, breaking his silence. "A visit from a family member will only stabilize an examinee's mental state. Tell them I said that."
With a grateful smile to Han Weiming, Fang Mu guided Yang Min out the door and towards lockup. On the way, the corridors emptied at Yang Min's approach. Only a few of the older officers didn't completely avoid her, but even they only threw her a quick greeting before hurrying to pass by her.
How things had changed; the last time Yang Min had visited the Bureau they had been lining up to chat with her.
They arrived at lockup and Fang Mu explained the situation to the security guard.
The guard would have none of it. "No can do. He's accused of a serious crime. The only food he gets is what we provide."
Checking his anger, Fang Mu patiently explained. "This is Commissioner Xing's wife. She's not going to poison him, is she?"
"It doesn't matter." The guard wasn't moved. "I have to follow the rules. If you send it to the lab for testing—"
"Fuck your tests!" It was Zheng Lin, approaching with long strides. His face was a ghastly shade of pale. "Do you want to watch me take a bite of it first?"
The guard's face flushed with embarrassment. "Captain Zheng…"
/> "Open the door!" Zheng Lin snapped harshly.
"I ..." The guard was at a loss.
"The door!" Zheng Lin roared. "Open it! Now!"
The guard futilely looked around for help. Finding none, he finally produced the key. Yang Min shot Zheng Lin a quick smile as she fixed her hair. She followed the guard into the lockup cell.
Fang Mu stayed behind. He stood next to Zheng Lin in the now empty corridor. Neither of them seemed willing to break the silence. From out of nowhere, Zheng Lin took out two cigarettes and handed one to Fang Mu, who accepted it hesitantly. He lit it.
As Zheng Lin finished his cigarette a moment later, he asked in a low voice, "Tomorrow…will you be there?"
Fang Mu had no desire to chat and even less to reveal matters to Zheng Lin. "Yes," he replied curtly.
"Tell me as soon as they have the results." Zheng Lin flicked the cigarette butt to the floor. Grinding it beneath his heel, he walked off.
Test Date: November 3
Test Location: Changhong City Municipal Public Security Department, Meeting Room 3
Case type: Homicide
Examiner: Primary examiner - Han Weiming; Assistant examiner - Fang Mu.
Examinee: Xing Zhisen, 56, male, Han Chinese, University graduate, Occupation prior to arrest: Deputy Commissioner of the Changhong City Public Security Bureau
Examinee's relevance to the case: Suspect
The official administering the test has informed the subject: Today you will undergo a test using psychological and physiological testing equipment in relation to the investigation of the Bay City Hotel homicide. This psychological test will be able to objectively determine if you are telling the truth as it relates to this case. If you state the facts, the test results will be favorable to you. If you lie, the test results will be to your detriment. You are participating in this psychological test on a strictly voluntary basis and you have the right to refuse to undergo the psychological test or to abort the psychological test at any time during its progress.
The examinee declared: The official administering the test has sufficiently advised me of the technical aspects of the polygraph test procedure. I, Xing Zhisen, have full confidence in the polygraph test. I understand my rights and I have not been subject to any threats or other coercive measures. I, Xing Zhisen, participate in this psychological test on a voluntary basis and I pledge my full and active cooperation. I will accept the test's results and I consent to the results being used as a basis for decisions regarding criminal proceedings.
After Xing Zhisen and Han Weiming had signed their names to the document, the actual polygraph examination could finally commence. It began with a so-called stimulation test.
Han Weiming handed Xing Zhisen a piece of paper. He then requested that Xing Zhisen write a number between four and eight on it. Xing Zhisen was then instructed to fold the paper and hide it under his hand.
"There's no need," Xiao Zhingsen said with a smile. "I have full faith in the science of the test."
"It is necessary," Han Weiming replied sternly. "I need to monitor the patterns of your physiological reactions when you tell a lie."
Shaking his head, Xing Zhisen quickly wrote down a number, then folded the paper and placed it under his palm. Han Weiming motioned Fang Mu to attach the pneumographs and cardiograph to Xing Zhisen. Fang Mu did so, lastly attaching an electrode clamp to the tip of Xing Zhisen's left ring finger. As the clamp bit down, Fang Mu noticed the tiniest of convulsions pass through Xing Zhisen's body.
"Ah, old friend, a reaction so soon?" Han Weiming glanced at the charts. "Your galvanic skin response is elevated."
"It's my first time wearing these gadgets." Xing Zhisen's smile was now a little forced. "You'd be nervous, too."
Han Weiming grinned. "All right. First I will ask you about the number that you just wrote down. No matter what I ask you, I want you to respond with 'no'. Do you understand?"
Xing Zhisen nodded and Han Weiming began asking him the numbers from four to eight. Each time, Xing Zhisen answered with a "No" and a shake of the head.
The entire time, Han Weiming was firmly focused on the machine's readouts. A few minutes later he looked up and asked, "It was five, right?"
Xing Zhisen did not answer, but simply unfolded the paper under his hand. On it, they could all see a hastily scrawled 5.
"This gizmo is really quite clever," Xing Zhisen playfully praised as he showed Fang Mu the paper.
"All right then." Han Weiming reclined back some in his chair. "I just need to remind you to answer every question truthfully. It will be detrimental to your case if you lie on any of them. Do you understand?"
"I understand," Xing Zhisen confirmed, straightening his back ever so slightly.
"Okay. Then let us begin."
Q: Your name is Xing Zhisen?
A: Yes. (Somewhat surprised, but an immediate reply)
Q: On the afternoon of the incident you visited the Bay City Hotel?
A: Correct.
Q: You entered Room 624?
A: Correct.
Q: You came across a person in Room 624; is that correct?
A: No, there were two people. (Adjusts his posture, straightens his back)
Q: Were there two men?
A: No. One man and one woman.
Q: Do you want to tell the truth?
A: I want to. (Nods, expressionless)
Q: You are a policeman by profession, is that correct?
A: Correct.
Q: When you entered the room, was the woman in the room with you?
A: No.
Q: Did she enter the room from the hall outside?
A: No.
Q: Did she come out of the bathroom?
A: Yes. (Nods, immediate answer)
Q: Did you lie to the Public Security Bureau?
A: I did not lie.
Q: You were born in 1953, yes?
A: Yes.
Q: Had you ever seen that woman before?
A: No.
Q: What was she wearing?
A: She was not wearing any clothes.
Q: Were there any distinguishing features on her body?
A: There was a tattoo on her lower abdomen.
Q: Was it the tattoo of a bird?
A: No.
Q: Was it a tattoo of a fish?
A: No. (Slightly lowered head, eyes to the lower left)
Q: Was it the tattoo of an animal?
A: No, it was a flower. (Immediate answer)
Q: Was it a yellow flower?
A: No.
Q: Was it a blue flower?
A: No.
Q: Was it a red flower?
A: No.
Q: Was it a purple flower?
A: Yes. Lavender.
Q: Are you willing to answer my questions truthfully?
A: I am.
Q: You are from Changhong City, right?
A: Yes.
Q: The man was already in the room before you entered it, right?
A: Yes.
Q: Had you ever seen the man before?
A: No. (Shakes head, expressionless)
Q: Was he sitting on the bed when you entered the room?
A: No.
Q: Was he sitting on a chair?
A: No.
Q: Did he come out of the bathroom?
A: Yes.
Q: Was he alone?
A: No.
Q: Did he leave the bathroom together with another person?
A: Yes. (Nods)
Q: Was it a man?
A: No.
Q: Was it a woman?
A: Yes. (Forceful nod, leans forward)
Q: Do you understand that lying may have serious consequences?
A: I understand.
Q: You started work in 1973?
A: I think so…mhm, yes.
Q: Where there any words exchanged between you and the man?
A: No.
Q: Was he the person you were expecting to meet?
A: No.
&nbs
p; Q: Was the woman under his control?
A: Yes.
Q: Was he using an ax to control the woman?
A: No.
Q: Was he using a gun to control the woman?
A: No.
Q: Was he using a knife to control the woman?
A: Yes.
Q: Are you worried about my other questions?
A: No. I have nothing to worry about. (Smiles, right hand clenched, his thumb rubbing the second joint of this index finger)
Q: Before the incident, you were a Deputy Commissioner of the Changhong City Public Security Bureau, correct?
A: Yes.
Q: Are you willing to answer my questions truthfully?
A: I am.
Q: Did you see the man kill the woman?
A: Yes. (Nods, immediate answer)
Q: Did he use a knife?
A: Yes.
Q: Did he strike her three times?
A: No.
Q: Did he strike her twice?
A: No.
Q: Did he strike once?
A: Yes.
Q: Are you intentionally obfuscating any details relevant to that situation?
A: No.
Q: You are married, right?
A: Yes. (Immediate answer, brow slightly creased)
Q: After killing her, the man stayed in the room?
A: No.
Q: He fled?
A: Yes.
Q: Did he run out the door and to the left?
A: Yes.
Q: Did he run out the door and to the right?
A: No.
Q: Did he run down the stairs?
A: No.
Q: Did he run up the stairs?
A: Yes.
Q: Did you know his name at the time?
A: No, I did not know it.
Q: Are you proficient in the use of firearms?
A: Yes.
Q: You shot the man, right?
A: Yes. (Sits up straight)
Q: When you shot him, was the man fleeing?
A: No.
Q: When you shot him, was the man standing still?
A: He was not.