Chapter 10, Flaws

Therefore, Zhang Longchu hesitated for a moment and asked, "Officer, didn't the news report that the car accident was an accident? Why is there still ... ... "

Hearing his question, William remained silent. The police officer named Thomas, who was beside him, spoke in a friendly manner: "No need, we can take the statement directly in the car, young man. We have no intention of making things difficult for you." Clearly, this pair of partners had one accustomed to playing the 'good cop' and the other to playing the 'bad cop'

"I truly do not remember, sir. The car accident has caused issues with my memory," Zhang Longchu said with a bitter smile. "Otherwise, for such an inconsequential matter, do you think I would have any need to conceal anything?"

Although Zhang Longchu had never had any contact with the police before, he had already learned about the interrogation techniques used by two police officers from crime films. He calmly followed Thomas's instructions and got into the back seat of the police car, but he felt an increased sense of vigilance in his heart

Alright, then we will go to class first. If there are any issues, be sure to inform us. In a situation where there was truly no other option, Howard sighed and pushed Obano, who seemed to want to ask something further, towards the teaching building

Yes, sir. Zhang Longchu had already prepared a question-and-answer approach, determined not to say more than necessary to avoid attracting trouble, and nodded slightly, responding succinctly

Therefore, before the police could finish speaking, Zhang Longchu widened his eyes and stammered in defense: "You, you can't possibly think that I am the murderer who killed 23 people, Officer Thomas! Please, after the accident, I even tried to save people, and besides, I am just a student. How could I have the ability to use any mysterious means to severely injure someone's brain!"

Upon hearing this response, William's expression changed dramatically, and he coldly questioned, "Is this what you call having nothing to hide from us, young man?"

After all, they are still just high school students, and they have no ability to assist when facing federal authorities

Seeing the unpleasant expressions on the faces of Obano and Howard, Zhang Longchu forced a smile and said: "Alright, I have already said that there is nothing to worry about. The police just want me to answer a few questions. You all should leave quickly, as class is about to start."

"Very well, we will go find you now, please wait by the roadside," the male voice on the phone demanded in an authoritative tone.

The police are conducting an investigation into the accident and would like to ask you a few questions. May I ask where you are now? said the voice on the phone

A person who can execute such a clever plan to murder 23 individuals in a metropolis should, in theory, not be so "naive". Thomas inexplicably sighed and said, "But who knows? Today's children are so precocious and difficult to understand; who knows what they might do."

Seeing his face turn very unfriendly, both Howard and Obano beside him asked in unison: "What's wrong, buddy? Has something bad happened?"

"You have already mentioned this matter over the phone, sir," Zhang Longchu said

Mr. Zhang Longchu, determining whether that car accident was an unexpected incident should be conducted by our police rather than by reporters. Furthermore, it is we who need to question you now, not the other way around," the male voice on the phone interrupted him without hesitation and said in a deep voice: "Where are you now?

It is precisely because of the fear of legal sanctions that Zhang Longchu has a much deeper understanding of the federal judicial system than his peers. After the initial shock, he suddenly thought that the crime of selling 'weeds' should be investigated by the 'Narcotics and Stimulants Control' police department, and has nothing to do with the major crimes unit. He quickly calmed down and asked, 'I am Zhang Longchu, may I ask what the matter is, Officer?'

Is that so? Hmm, but I don't remember anything at all. I'm afraid it will be very difficult for me to become an important witness. I'm sorry, officer. Hearing this, Zhang Longchu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Officer, but I have class starting soon... Hello... Hello... This is really frustrating..." Zhang Longchu wanted to refuse, but the line was already filled with silence.

If it is said that, in the event the police present surveillance footage from the main road of the city, proving that he did not board the bus at the museum station, he would then be unable to explain why he lied

Even though Zhang Long is mature in handling affairs, he is essentially still just a teenager. The heavy burden of being suspected of the serious crime of murdering 23 people is something he cannot psychologically bear.

I have nothing to hide from you, sir, and there is no need to alarm my guardian about this matter," Zhang Longchu said without hesitation. "Well, do I need to go to the police station with you?

After a few seconds, the inquiry began. William asked the first question, "Mr. Zhang Longchu, may I ask if you boarded the A071 circular bus at the 'Carnegie 20th Century Museum' station on September 7?"

William nodded in agreement, "My view is similar to yours, so let's list him as a suspect and conduct an investigation." He started the car and disappeared into the steel torrent.

Good officer, well, it is like this, on September 7, which was last Saturday, in order to see the exhibition of cultural relics from the Forbidden City of China, I took the bus early in the morning to the Carnegie Museum... Zhang Longchu nodded, concealing the details about the strange objects, and carefully recounted his encounter from three days ago to the officer in Los Angeles

The car came to a stop, and two men dressed in identical black suits, wearing teal ties and possessing hooked noses, emerged from the front doors on either side. One had thick brown short hair, while the other was a tall middle-aged man with a slightly balding head. The balding man glanced at Zhang Longchu and said, "Young man, you must be Zhang Longchu, right?"

This question is quite unexpected, yet it is extremely simple; it only requires a response of yes or no

"When a request is made to you, it is necessary to establish the degree of necessity for recording the inquiry, as you have the right not to answer my questions," William said expressionlessly. "Furthermore, considering that you are between the ages of 14 and 16, according to relevant California laws, you may also request that any police questioning only occurs in the presence of a guardian"

Watching their figures blend into the crowd of students and gradually disappear, Zhang Longchu furrowed his brows and walked to the large tree by the street. He pondered for a while and finally saw a gray Ford sedan with a police light on one side driving from the street corner, stopping beside him

"I did not say you are a suspect, young man, but as the only survivor of Bus A071, you are very likely to become an important witness in this case. This is also the reason we came to you to supplement your testimony," Thomas said with a smile.

However, when William, with a gaze as sharp as that of a hawk spotting its prey, looked through the carriage at Zhang Longchu, who was gradually walking away, he softly asked, "What do you think, mate?" In stark contrast to his trusting attitude towards Zhang Longchu, Thomas replied, "Very suspicious, William. That kid is definitely hiding something. After receiving our call, he must have racked his brain to concoct a story, but your first question went beyond his preparation, which is why he suddenly became clueless."

Intimidated by the other party's assertiveness, Zhang Long replied with a sense of unease in his heart: "I am at school, um, Andun Middle School, I just finished lunch and was about to go to class"

Three days ago, after purchasing a peculiar item at the flea market opposite the Carnegie Museum, Zhang Longchu fell into a coma and was completely unaware of how he boarded the circular bus, leaving him at a loss for how to respond

Not wanting his close friends to get involved in his personal matters, Zhang Longsheng suppressed his unease and shrugged, saying: "It's nothing, just the police want to ask me a few questions, you all go to class first"

Mr. Zhang Longchu, did you take the A071 circular bus on September 7 and encounter an accident?

As soon as he finished speaking, Thomas, showing a concerned expression, said: "This is not an insignificant issue, young man. According to the forensic re-examination report submitted at noon today, the driver of the A071 city bus, which caused the death of 23 people three days ago, lost control of the vehicle not due to sudden cardiac arrest, but because he was severely injured in the brain by some mysterious means, leading to his death. This means that the A071 accident was not an accident, but a serious criminal offense. And the perpetrator is very likely one of the passengers on the bus..."

After listening to his account, Thomas indeed showed no intention of making things difficult for Zhang Longchu. After having him sign the statement, he directly released Zhang Longchu from the police car

A drug dealer who has been living in constant fear of exposure, suddenly receiving a call from the police station on the street, it is only natural to feel a sense of panic and dread

I am Senior Investigator William Z. Montbatten from the Major Crimes Division of the West District Precinct, and this is my partner, Senior Investigator Thomas Vick," the balding man stated in a formulaic manner as he presented his badge and identification. "We would like to ask you a few questions regarding the incident involving the A071 circular bus accident on September 7.

If that is the case, then we will omit the question-and-answer steps in the general inquiry record. Please tell me everything you remember from beginning to end." Thomas thought for a moment and said very reasonably.

Friends were well aware of the 'small business' run by Zhang Longchu, and thus, upon hearing his words, their faces involuntarily changed color. They opened their mouths as if to say something, yet found themselves unable to speak.

"Yes, is there any problem?" Zhang Longchu retorted

As the sole survivor of a serious car accident that resulted in more than twenty fatalities, it seems quite normal to provide a statement to the police. However, the issue is that it has now been a full three days since the accident occurred, making the arrival of police for questioning somewhat delicate.

"Do you think he could be the murderer?" William asked again

If the answer is not provided, then Zhang Longchu would not be able to recall at which bus stop he boarded the A071 bus. After much contemplation and fearing that he might complicate matters, he could only helplessly say: "I am sorry, officer, I really cannot remember where I boarded the bus."