Free Web NovelChapter 838: Chapter 442: This May Be Why They Were Chosen_2
A definitive answer came from the other end of the phone: "Basically confirmed."
"We retrieved records of unknown female corpses in the city from the past five years. After a careful comparison, we found that the gender, age, and height of three of them matched."
"Although final confirmation requires a DNA comparison, based on the existing clues, we can basically conclude that they are the same batch of victims."
Upon hearing this, Mr Li was silent for a moment, then picked up his phone and walked out of the bedroom heavily.
To Jiang An, he couldn’t be more familiar—this young officer not only had meticulous thinking and keen observation, but more importantly, he had an extraordinary sense of responsibility and judgment.
Therefore, Mr Li had almost no reason to doubt the conclusions drawn by Jiang An.
Even if some inferences might sound too bizarre or even defy common sense.
But as long as it came from Jiang An, there was at least an eighty percent chance it was reliable.
He then walked into the living room, slowly sat down on the sofa, tried to organize his chaotic thoughts, and then asked Jiang An on the other end of the phone: "So what do you plan to do next?"
"After all, as a leader, I hope you can provide some specific suggestions for the upcoming decisions."
Jiang An paused slightly on the phone, seemingly organizing his thoughts, then said clearly and steadily: "Mr Li, according to the usual procedure, major cases involving five or more deaths must be reported to the provincial department, or even the Ministry of Public Security, immediately."
"But this case is relatively special—it was our team that took it over initially, and the victims were not discovered all at once but gradually emerged as the investigation deepened."
"If we report it now, although it complies with the procedure, it is likely to lead to the transfer of the case and disrupt our existing investigation rhythm."
"I suggest we ’hold it down’ for now, focus our efforts on investigating further."
"If we can find a breakthrough shortly, that would naturally be the best."
"If progress is really stagnant, it’s not too late to invite experts from the provincial department or even the Ministry to get involved. Do you think this is feasible?"
Hearing this suggestion, Mr Li held the phone, frowning imperceptibly, his heart caught in a brief yet intense deliberation.
According to standard procedures and explicit regulations of the public security agency, such major cases must be reported to the higher authority immediately to seek guidance and supervision.
This is ironclad discipline and also a system guarantee to ensure the correct direction of the investigation. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
However, Jiang An on the other end of the line—this key investigative talent he had personally promoted—not only proactively suggested attempting to solve the case first, but his tone also carried an undeniable determination and confidence.
Mr Li was well aware of Jiang An’s capabilities, having repeatedly cracked major cases with meticulous thinking, and he was acknowledged as the "ace detective" within the bureau.
At this moment, if he were to outright refuse, it might dampen his enthusiasm.
But if he gave it a try, it meant bearing the risks associated with procedural delays.
Two minutes later, Mr Li took a deep breath, his voice low but exceptionally clear: "Alright then, Jiang An, I understand your thinking."
"We can suppress this matter first, not disclose it externally, and control the investigation scope internally."
"But remember, time is very limited—I can only give you two days at most."
"If there are no substantive leads within forty-eight hours, we must immediately report to the Ministry of Public Security without any delay."
He paused, adding weight to his tone: "This is the maximum leeway I can negotiate."
"This case is unusual; if it remains unsolved in our hands, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"Not only you and I but the entire bureau will have to bear immense pressure; this responsibility... do you understand?"
"I understand, Mr Li."
Jiang An’s response was straightforward and firm, filled with an undeniable sense of responsibility, "Rest assured, if there’s no breakthrough within two days, I will proactively report to the higher-ups, ensuring no delay in the overall work."
"Alright, then you’ll have to work hard."
Mr Li’s tone softened a bit as he added, "Jiang An, this case is highly significant."
"It is not only the serial murder case with the most fatalities you’ve encountered in your police career, but also one of the most egregious cases, even during my time—or during Mr. Ma’s tenure."
"The nature behind it is likely far more complex than what we see at present."
"But don’t let that make you hesitant; the task force is entrusted to you because we trust your ability."
"If you need technical support, manpower deployment, or cross-regional resources from other departments, just speak up, and I’ll facilitate it."
"Yes, Mr Li, thank you for your trust and support."
Jiang An’s voice was filled with determination, "We will give it our all and certainly won’t let the organization down."
After hanging up the phone, Jiang An slowly stood up, his gaze solemnly sweeping across the faces of every comrade in the office.
He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "Brothers, everyone should be clear about the situation of this case by now."
"It’s safe to say it’s more complex and challenging than any case we’ve encountered before."
"But it is in such difficult times that we cannot retreat—criminal investigation work has never been a smooth path; it tests not only our wisdom but also our determination and courage in the face of adversity."
"This case is like a seemingly insurmountable chasm in front of us."
"I don’t believe in perfect crimes, just as I don’t believe there are puzzles that cannot be solved."
"Every case, no matter how intricate, must have gaps we can study, ponder, and ultimately break through."
