Instantly, Mr. Ma's face turned anxious.
He picked up the cigarette pack beside him, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it, puffing away noisily.
Perhaps at this moment, only a cigarette could calm him down.
After a brief wait.
Li Jian stepped forward and said sternly, "Mr. Ma, I just spoke with Mr. Zhou over the phone, and he clearly supports Jiang An's suspicion of murder."
"From this angle, the conclusion should be solid."
This case had Mr. Ma's attention for a long time.
When the case happened, he personally went to the frontline to guide the scene investigation.
Next to the deceased Li Rui, Mr. Ma specifically requested that this case be handled as an ironclad case.
And now, suddenly it's a slap in the face.
Luckily, the entire result of the case hadn't been reported just yet, or it would truly have been irrevocable.
The public opinion would surely push the police to the forefront of criticism.
After finishing half a cigarette, Mr. Ma looked at Jiang An and asked, "Let me see your analysis report."
Jiang An responded, "I'll print a copy right away."
Then he turned and left Mr. Ma's office.
"Is he the new forensic expert we recruited at the city bureau this year?"
Li Jian nodded.
"He just reported in this morning, still in the probationary period."
"This young man seems quite knowledgeable."
"I heard he's the only university student who scored full marks in all subjects."
Mr. Ma clicked his tongue.
"A medical student scoring full marks in every subject is indeed not easy."
"My daughter is studying nursing at Jiangcheng Medical University, and there's a lot to learn."
"Exactly!"
Just then, Jiang An walked in holding two copies of the forensic scene analysis report.
He handed one to Mr. Ma and another to Mr. Li.
The two of them took the reports and began reading simultaneously.
Five minutes later, they looked up and exchanged nods where their gazes met.
Mr. Ma said, "The analysis is excellent!"
"Even a layman like me can understand it clearly."
It was customary for Mr. Ma to praise his subordinates in front of everyone according to the past work pattern, and Li Jian would seize the chance to request some material rewards.
However!
Today's occasion was not suitable.
Although they avoided further embarrassment just in time, it still highlighted a greater issue.
The case's nature shifts from suicide to murder.
To a detective, it's not just a matter of one word difference.
It's the difference between having a perpetrator or not.
Suicide is a matter involving one person.
Murder involves two people, or possibly relates to three people, four people, five people…
Li Jian asked, "Mr. Ma, do you have any instructions regarding the next phase of the work?"
"Since it's a homicide, proceed as per the standard homicide procedure."
"Make sure to locate the perpetrator at the earliest opportunity; otherwise, the detectives would be seen as freeloaders."
Then, Mr. Ma focused his gaze on the forensic analysis report before him.
"This time, we'll still need to set up a special task force for the investigation."
"Li Jian will be the task force leader, Jiang An the deputy leader, and all members of the criminal investigation team."
Hearing this arrangement, Li Jian was surprised; it was somewhat unbelievable.
However, the police are a disciplined force, where obedience is paramount.
He immediately stood up straight and saluted, "Yes, Mr. Ma!"
Standing nearby, Zhang Yean was even more shocked.
She looked at Jiang An as if she were seeing an alien.
On the first day of reporting, within less than 12 hours, he became the deputy leader of the special task force!
This career progression is too fast, right?
At this moment, Zhang Yean really wanted to ask Jiang An, "Do you have a district governor father?"
Even Jiang An himself was quite surprised.
He hurriedly said, "Mr. Ma! Thanks for your recognition!"
"However, I've just come to the city bureau's criminal investigation team, being deputy leader feels too far off for me."
"I'm worried I won't meet the organization's expectations!"
Mr. Ma stood up, walked over to Jiang An, and patted his shoulder.
"Heroes have always emerged young!"
"Your forensic analysis report just now was very professional, showing that your understanding of the case is quite thorough."
"To say the least, your forensic analysis report is a blessing in disguise, a timely help."
"Having you as the deputy leader is hoping you'll effectively assist Team Leader Li, and solve the case quickly."
Jiang An wanted to say something more, but Li Jian spoke up, "Jiang An, don't decline!"
"This is an opportunity and a challenge!"
"Initially, our criminal investigation team did so much work but still couldn't spot the perpetrator's trace, even the nature of death was misclassified."
"From this perspective, the perpetrator has strong anti-detective skills."
"This is definitely a tough battle!"
Seeing anxious expressions on Mr. Ma and Mr. Li's faces, recalling his steadfast oath when he joined the police force.
A forensic expert is to speak for the deceased, to let the dead speak.
Jiang An solemnly nodded.
"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Ma, Mr. Li. I surely won't let the mission down!"
Mr. Ma slightly curled the corners of his mouth.
"I'm looking forward to your good news!"
"I'm giving you three days to confirm the perpetrator's identity."
Li Jian and Jiang An responded in unison, "Yes, sir!"
Then Li Jian asked, "There are still family members waiting in the conference room, should we pause the planned case discussion?"
"They've already been seated in our conference room; do you think they'll still leave?"
Mr. Ma said sternly, "Proceed with it!"
"Continue?"
Li Jian asked puzzled.
Mr. Ma said, enunciating each word, "Tell them the conclusion is not suicide but murder!"
"They've always suspected it's murder; this conclusion should satisfy them!"
Then Mr. Ma and Li Jian proceeded to the conference room to meet the family.
Jiang An and Zhang Yean hurried towards the criminal investigation team.
Three days.
72 hours!
Wanting to solve this case in such a short time is definitely not an easy task.
Though Jiang An has extensive theoretical knowledge, proficient in forensic science, scene tracing study, criminal psychology, and interrogation techniques.
However!
This is not an ordinary case!
This case almost caused the criminal investigation team to falter.
Pokey!
Almost leading to a major unjust case.
Thinking of this, Jiang An frowned slightly, his steps quickening.
Zhang Yean nearly ran to keep up with him.
She asked breathlessly, "Given such short time by Mr. Ma, can we solve the case?"
Jiang An said, "The time is short!"
"If we find a breakthrough point, it'll be quicker!"
"What do you mean?"
Zhang Yean asked.
"Investigating a case is like unraveling a ball of yarn; once we find the yarn's end, sorting it out becomes fast."
"Boss, I understand this concept! But the critical point is, where is this end?"
Jiang An turned and said, "I'm a forensic expert."
"Soon, I'll make the deceased speak!"