The Forensic Doctor Better Than a Detective-Chapter 442 - 258: Reopening a Decade-Old Cold Case
He actually succeeded in stepping from an ordinary officer into the ranks of leadership, how could he not be excited?
Jiang An took a deep breath, rubbing his hands forcefully against the sides of his pants.
He seemed to want to wipe away the sweat on his palms, stood up, and walked onto the stage with heavy yet determined strides.
Below the stage were familiar faces—they had spent countless sleepless nights together, following numerous leads.
"Firstly, I sincerely thank Mr. Zhang, Mr. Ma, Mr. Li, and all the leaders of the Criminal Investigation Team for their support, and I am grateful to everyone present who has helped me."
"To be honest, I never expected this today."
"As someone who only recently joined the force and is still an intern, I never hoped to join the ranks of leadership, just wanted to do my job well."
"Before the meeting earlier, we were all curious about who the new leader would be."
"I never expected it would be myself."
"On this new position, please rest assured, Mr. Ma, Mr. Li."
"I will promptly switch roles, find my proper position, and lead the criminal investigation colleagues and comrades to forge ahead and overcome difficulties, striving to create greater achievements."
As soon as he finished speaking, applause thundered through the hall.
Everyone stood up, raising their hands high in applause, their faces beaming with radiant smiles, filled with joy and anticipation.
Past achievements of three times collective third-class meritorious service have already been claimed, and bonuses have been successfully distributed to individuals.
Moreover, since Jiang An arrived in Jiangcheng, nearly 15 people have individually achieved third-class meritorious service and commendations.
Such glorious achievements will be permanently recorded in the merit book of the Criminal Investigation Team.
Now, Jiang An is appointed as deputy leader of the Criminal Investigation Team.
The future looks promising, with more cases solved, more honors, and more bonuses, how could everyone not be welcoming?
Mr. Ma and Li Jian looked at the excitement on everyone’s faces, and their hearts were filled with joy.
To be honest, when they initially nominated Jiang An as deputy leader of the Criminal Investigation Team, they were worried.
After all, Jiang An is the youngest officer in the Criminal Investigation Team, tasked with such an important duty.
Would others have opinions?
Would subordinates not cooperate with work?
But now it seems, all worries are unnecessary.
Mr. Ma took a deep breath, his shoulders slightly relaxed, and said with emotion, "Today, I deeply feel that our Criminal Investigation Team is a united, harmonious, and highly combative group."
"I hope our Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation Team can take this appointment as a new starting point, creating more achievements and making new contributions."
After speaking, he looked towards Jiang An, his gaze full of expectations, slightly raising his chin.
"As the old saying goes, a new official must light three fires."
"Jiang An, you have just been promoted to deputy leader of the Criminal Investigation Team, you need to make some achievements."
Pausing slightly, he continued in a serious tone: "There is an extremely tricky matter at hand that needs you to lead the team to complete."
Upon hearing this, Jiang An stood up immediately, aligning his feet tightly, his heels striking the ground heavily.
He raised his hand in salute, his arm straight and fingers pressed tightly against his temple, loudly saying, "Yes, Mr. Ma, please instruct!"
Mr. Ma nodded slightly, his expression solemn, as he said, "In the past two days, the supervisory group for unsolved cases from higher up has already settled in Jiangcheng."
"Our Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation Team still has 10 homicide cold cases and unsolved cases to crack."
"I want you to form a special team, join the supervisory group, and assist them in fully tackling these ten homicide cases, striving to break through with zero results."
"Each of these 10 cases is soaked in blood."
"Especially the ’Double Murder Case at the Hair Salon’ from eight years ago—two girls, one 18 years old, one 21, the killer is still at large."
Without hesitation, Jiang An immediately expressed, "Yes, Mr. Ma!"
His legs seemed nailed to the ground, standing tall, his gaze firm.
Mr. Ma continued, "These 10 cases are extremely serious and challenging in Jiangcheng’s history."
"Many colleagues in our Criminal Investigation Team have tried repeatedly but made no progress."
"Especially the murder case of two young women in a hair salon eight years ago, which is not only a pain in my heart but also a worry for Mr. Zhang."
"I suggest making this case the primary target for you to tackle first."
Once again, Jiang An saluted, resolutely responding, "Yes, Mr. Ma, I will keep it in mind!"
After the meeting, walking down the corridor, Li Jian tossed a key to Jiang An.
He raised his arm high, flicking his wrist lightly, and the metal gleamed coldly in the air, "The room next door is yours."
Jiang An instinctively caught it, the key pressed painfully into his palm, causing his fingers to reflexively curl slightly, "Boss, I find sitting in the hall more convenient—"
"Stop the nonsense."
Li Jian interrupted him, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, his tone indisputable.
"The deputy must act like a deputy; otherwise, the oversight group of old foxes will be the first to look down on you."
Jiang An wanted to decline politely, but Li Jian had already walked away quickly.
He took large strides and in a few steps, left the meeting room.
Li Jian took two more steps, then turned back to remind, "After lunch, I’ll formally introduce you to the oversight group from higher authorities, and you all will work together to crack the case."
Jiang An hurriedly nodded in thanks, "Alright, Captain Li." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂
Three o’clock in the afternoon, small meeting room at Jiangcheng Julong Hotel.
The three leaders from the higher authorities’ oversight group were already seated within.
Mr. Ma, Li Jian, Jiang An, Zhang Yean, and Wan sat opposite.
Mr. Ma was all smiles as he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, "Leaders, let me trouble you with these ten cold cases."
Mr. Ma continued with the introductions, "These three individuals are."
"Jiang An, Deputy Captain of the Criminal Investigation Team;"
"Zhang Yean, expert in trace evidence."
"Wan, key member of the criminal investigation interrogation"
While speaking, he pointed precisely at the corresponding individuals, arm extended and fingertip aimed at the targets.
Mr. Bai suddenly glanced up with an inquisitive face, "A twenty-four-year-old Deputy Captain?"
"When I was your age—"
He turned and asked his assistant, "Chen, what was I doing then?"
"You were organizing case files in the archives, Mr. Bai."
Chen immediately stood up, body straight, and respectfully responded.
"Right, battling against dusty old files all day."
Mr. Bai relaxed his hand, with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, his expression slightly retracting.
"Jiang, you’re quite lucky."
Jiang An solemnly replied, "It’s all the nurturing of the leaders."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Bai couldn’t help but reveal a look of surprise.
His mouth opened slightly, blurting out, "Jiang An has already become the Deputy Captain of the Criminal Investigation Team?"
Mr. Ma’s smile broadened as he responded, "Indeed, it was just announced this morning."
Mr. Bai nodded in congratulations, directing his words to Jiang An, "That’s great, congratulations, comrade Jiang An."
At this moment, his gaze towards Jiang An was exceptionally amicable, without any barrier or unfamiliarity.
As if genuinely pleased with Jiang An’s achievements, his smile became more sincere.
Mr. Bai smiled back, saying to Jiang An, "Comrade Jiang An, being able to fight alongside you this time is also an honor for us old timers."
Jiang An quickly waved his hand, humbly replying, "The leaders overpraise me, you are my role models, there are still many areas I need to learn from you."
Seeing this situation, Mr. Ma and Captain Li Jian were also delighted.
Mr. Ma continued, "Our three young colleagues are highly capable, diligent, and eager to learn, we hope the leaders will give them more guidance."
Mr. Bai waved his hand, smiling in response, "It’s not about guidance, let’s all learn and exchange together."
At that moment, Zhang Yean carefully took out a case file from a document bag.
She grasped the case file tightly at both ends, its pages yellowed and edges badly worn.
Then, Zhang Yean handed it to Mr. Ma, saying, "Mr. Ma, this involves a homicide case of two young women from salons."
"I suggest we take this as the first breakthrough case, and invite the leaders for guidance."
Mr. Li took the case file, opened it gently, fingers lightly paging through, noting the edges were rough and clearly had been reviewed repeatedly.
He nodded slightly, saying, "Leaders, this case is quite tricky."
Mr. Bai looked down at the case file, seeing its intricacies as well.
"Alright, let’s start with this case."
"Considering the case was from ten years ago, let’s familiarize ourselves with the case files."
"Additionally, let’s have the investigators who were involved back then recall the case details."
Mr. Ma promptly nodded, saying, "No problem, I was the lead investigator back then and know the case inside out."
Mr. Bai’s smile deepened, saying, "That’s even better. With that decided, let’s begin."
Then, Zhang Yean turned on the projector, and the words "413 salon double homicide case" prominently appeared on the screen for everyone to see.
