Chapter 2: A Mission at a Time of Crisis

“What? They’ve sent an acting county chief?” Zhao Yuma’s heart sank, and his face darkened. What were they thinking, sending an acting chief at a time like this? Wait—could it be because of her?

A bad feeling rose in him. Three successive county chiefs had come to grief. Surely it was his turn by now? He had been deputy county chief for ten years. Was he never going to get the top job? Who the hell had he offended?

As he brooded, another call came in. He ended the first call at once and answered. “Secretary Ma.”

“Yuma, I’ve heard from the city. The provincial public security department has selected a new police chief. She’ll take up her post tomorrow. Make preparations to welcome her.”

“Secretary Ma, has the city given any instructions about a new county chief?” Gao Lan was dead. Good riddance. Surely the position should be his now.

“Nothing for the moment. But don’t lose heart. After what happened to Chief Gao, the city must have its hands full. Let’s not make more trouble for the leaders.”

“But, Secretary Ma, didn’t you say…” Zhao was reluctant to let it go. He had done everything he was supposed to, paid such a high price, and finally dealt with Gao Lan. Was the prize going to slip through his fingers?

“All right, Yuma. Look further ahead. There’s plenty of time. Stop fixating on the county chief’s seat. The city will make its own arrangements. Don’t do anything else. Understood?”

Zhao was despondent. He had spent almost three million yuan in all and even called in that connection. Was it still not enough to get him promoted?

A deep sense of helplessness came over him, as though a mountain were pressing down on his head. But Ma Guoliang was the man in charge, and Zhao couldn’t push him too far. He could only nod into the phone.

At the Dongjiang Provincial Public Security Department, Director Meng Jianguo sat in his office under a cloud of gloom. A third county chief. Gaoshan County—just how deep did its troubles run?

A knock sounded: one light tap followed by two heavier ones.

“Come in.” Meng looked up as the door creaked open and a uniformed policewoman strode inside.

“Sir! Lin Ying reporting for duty.” She snapped a crisp salute.

Meng sprang to his feet, delighted. He strode over and clasped her hand. “Good! Good, good! You’re finally here!”

Her dark-blue uniform bore three plum blossoms and two bars on the shoulder, marking her as a first-class police superintendent. With strong brows, bright eyes and neatly cropped hair, she looked as sharp as a drawn blade, standing so straight that people hesitated to meet her gaze.

Lin Ying had commanded a military-region special operations unit. She was a senior colonel and a regimental-level officer.

“Have you really made up your mind? You’re willing to go to Gaoshan County?” Meng knew how dark things were there, how murky the waters ran. He was worried, particularly because Lin had no experience in local government.

“Sir, I’ve read the relevant files. There’s nothing to hesitate over. I guarantee I’ll complete the assignment.”

Lin stood ramrod straight, her eyes bright as stars.

“Good, Lin Ying. But I don’t know…” Meng hesitated. He had read both Gao Lan’s file and Lin Ying’s, and a suspicion had taken shape in his mind. Without evidence, though, he couldn’t give voice to it.

“You have my word, sir. I won’t let emotion cloud my judgment. I’ll get to the truth of all three county chiefs’ cases. I won’t betray the organization’s trust.” Her voice was unwavering.

Her gaze was steadier still. After nearly ten years in the military, she felt there was nothing she could not give up.

Whether serving as a soldier or an official, she believed in having the courage to press forward.

“What do you make of the three cases? The disappearances and deaths of three county chiefs tell us something is very wrong in Gaoshan. You must look after your own safety.”

“Will the city send another county chief?” Lin asked directly.

“Possibly. The organization has its own considerations.”

“I suggest holding off until the cases are solved. I can serve as acting county chief.”

Meng stared at her. Lin Ying certainly had nerve. She wanted to be acting county chief and police chief at once. Those two posts really should not be held by the same person.

“I’ll have to discuss it with the provincial Party committee’s Organization Department. They’ll also seek Baiyun City’s views. But it’s a good proposal.”

“Sir, I don’t intend to hold the acting post for long. I only need the administrative authority to make the investigation easier. Once the cases are solved, I’d like to continue in public security.” She had thought long and hard about transferring to civilian work. If she couldn’t accomplish something, she might as well go home and farm.

Meng nodded deeply, looking at her with renewed appreciation. “Good. I’ll speak to the Organization Department right away. Will you need to take a couple of people with you?”

“Yes. I need an expert in hand-to-hand combat, an electronic communications specialist, and a sniper.”

Meng was taken aback. Most people took a secretary when they assumed a new post. She wanted a sniper. What would she need one for? He couldn’t very well issue the person a sniper rifle.

“Or a skilled marksman would do,” Lin said, lowering her demand.

“Lin Ying, I must remind you that civilian work is different from the military. It’s very dangerous when local personnel use firearms.”

“Understood, sir. I’ve reviewed the deaths of the three county chiefs. Frankly, I believe the criminal forces in Gaoshan are not only deeply entrenched; they may also have brought in criminal elements from overseas. Otherwise, the people in Gaoshan alone couldn’t have had the capability to eliminate three county chiefs in a single year.”

Meng’s expression changed. He had underestimated this former elite special forces soldier.

“All right. I’ll have the personnel files sent to you. Pick whoever you want.”

“That won’t be necessary, sir. I’ve already made my choices. All I need is your signature.” She handed him a document.

Meng opened it suspiciously. His eyes lit up, and the corners of his mouth curved. He looked at Lin with a half-smile. A little embarrassed, she lowered her head. Had she acted first and asked permission later?

Without another word, Meng signed his name at the bottom and handed the document back. “For your safety, I’ve already spoken to the local armed police unit. If you run into trouble, you can call on them at any time.”

“Sir, forgive me for speaking plainly, but I don’t think the local armed police unit can be trusted. Ji Xiaoqing, the second county chief, called on them, yet she still disappeared without explanation. I believe their detachment had more than enough strength to protect her, so…”

It was as if something had struck Meng on the head. He stared at Lin in disbelief, his face changing…