The Last Killer

In the interrogation room of the county police station, Leo and Li Biqing met the middle-aged woman who was called the "devil mother" by the local newspaper.Her hands were handcuffed to the metal table, and she was still immersed in her own world, indifferent to everything, and she did not respond to the questions of the other two men.

"You don't need to waste your energy in vain," said a county policeman next to her. "She won't open her mouth. She also behaved like this after she killed her youngest son. She knows that as long as she doesn't say anything, nothing will happen."

Li Biqing observed her carefully, not letting go of any clues from her hair to her toes.He found that her hands were full of old wounds. The index finger of her right hand was once broken, and the skin covering the wound had grown back, looking like a bare tree branch.There were also a number of jagged wounds on the other fingers that had torn and healed.

"What's the matter with your hand, Bellerie?" he asked softly.

Of course, there was no response, like talking to the air.

Leo shifted his gaze to the fat county sheriff, who shrugged: "Who knows, a madman can easily hurt himself."

Li Biqing flipped through her file again, her eyes stopped on a few lines of text in the old paper.He pushed the file towards Leo, pointed there and asked, "Is this a rape case? It happened four years ago. It is mentioned here that the other party raped her and bruised her, biting off a finger." .”

Leo browsed through it, nodded and said, "It should be caused by that incident. Because she had mental problems, she couldn't provide clear evidence. In the end, the criminal was not caught, and the case has not been closed."

Li Biqing narrowed her eyes and thought for a moment, then suddenly asked the county policeman: "Two years and nine months ago, when she drowned her youngest son, the child was six months old, right?"

"Yes, less than seven months."

"... Calculated in this way, the time when she conceived this child coincided with the time when the rape occurred. Have you ever doubted that the biological father of this child is likely to be the perpetrator?"

The county policeman's eyes widened in surprise: "What? Oh no, no one paid attention to this at the time. Her husband left the local area after divorcing her, and occasionally came back to visit her daughter. Her second daughter was born after the divorce. We thought the youngest son was also..."

"You never paid attention to her, didn't you, the police, neighbors, volunteers, including her relatives. Because she is a mental patient, a lunatic out of society, a redundant person." The Chinese boy said coldly, "She didn't even You can't justify yourself, which saves you a lot of trouble, doesn't it?"

The county policeman looked a little embarrassed and a little angry. If it wasn't for the sake of the FBI, he would have let this self-righteous kid taste the consequences of talking nonsense.

Leo glanced at Li Biqing unexpectedly.He had never seen him express his views so sharply. In his impression, this Chinese boy was always gentle and humble towards others, and even his smile was reserved like a layer of frosted glass decorated with patterns of national culture— —but that’s okay, it’s more real this way.No matter what tone he spoke, he looked so cute, the Feds thought hopelessly.

Li Biqing turned to Leo and said: "If Belleri's youngest son is really the child of a rapist, let's speculate: she probably knew who his biological father was, but she gave birth to him anyway, and as the child gradually As she grew up, she saw the shadow of the perpetrator more and more clearly on his face. This discovery deeply stimulated her abnormal nerves. Every second of taking care of him was a kind of torture. The stress builds up until one day, something triggers the 'violent switch' in her head - I assume he bit her finger while she was bathing the baby. The six-month-old baby is almost starting to grow Baby teeth, the itchy feeling made him bite everything, but this bite cut off the fragile appearance she was trying to maintain, and became the last straw that broke the camel's back—the memory of the bloody rape engulfed her She, causing her total mental breakdown, instinctively wanted the damage to go away—so she drowned the innocent child. Perhaps to this day, she thinks she was fighting the epitome of the rapist, without knowing anything about it. guilt."

Leo fell into deep thought, then nodded and said, "It's a reasonable guess."

"So," interjected the sheriff, "she's still a madman who killed her own son, isn't she?"

Li Biqing did not refute.

"Let's stop here today." Leo got up and said to the county policeman, "You can detain her first. There are many suspicious points in this case, and we will continue to investigate."

The county policeman shrugged nonchalantly: "We are also waiting for the results of the search team. If no other bodies are found, there is no need to bother the FBI with this case. We can solve it ourselves."

"Of course." Leo said in a routine tone.

Before walking out of the interrogation room, Li Biqing looked back at the woman on the metal chair. Her gray-blue eyes were like a barren field of thorns, but her scarred fingers twitched slightly, as if she was weaving some nervous rhythm.He stopped to look at it, and suddenly asked, "Can you untie the handcuffs?"

"What?" The county policeman frowned, "This doesn't comply with the regulations!"

"Just for a few seconds, I want to see what her subconscious mind is directing her body to do."

Leo stared at the Sheriff with a stern look that seemed to say "Do as he says."The latter seemed unable to bear the strength and coercion in his gaze, took out the key in compromise, stepped forward to unlock the handcuffs, and pressed the other hand on the handle of the gun vigilantly.

Even after taking off the handcuffs, Belle didn't respond, but her unfettered fingers could move more freely in her mind—they were winding left and right according to a certain pattern, mechanically and patiently.Li Biqing walked up to her, and after looking carefully for a long time, suddenly realized: "She is braiding her hair!"

He gestured to the position of her hand, which was about the height of a ten-year-old child, "...she was combing Renee's hair, she didn't know her daughter was dead, even though she was told, But that information couldn't get into her head. She was braiding her daughter's hair in memory, and I think now in her eyes, Renee was standing in front of her."

The county policeman looked at the void under Belleri and couldn't help shivering. Topics like ghosts are always creepy, even though no one has ever seen them with their own eyes.

"She loves her daughter in the only way she can," Li Biqing asked him: "Do you still think she is the murderer who killed Renee?"

The county policeman looked away and snorted coldly: "Who knows, maybe she didn't know that she killed Renee at all, just like drowning the six-month-old baby back then. When a mental patient has an attack, the six relatives don't recognize her."

Li Biqing walked out of the interrogation room without saying a word.

They left the police station and drove back to the hotel.The boy didn't say a word all the way.After entering the room, the federal agent stood still in front of him, with a very serious posture and expression: "Say it, what you didn't finish before, I want to listen, I'm listening."

Li Biqing was silent for a moment, and asked in a low voice: "Why? If a person is physically ill, or has a broken hand, or is blind, people will sympathize with him and help him, but if he is mentally ill, he can only be rejected and rejected." Abandoned? I don't understand, Leo. People wash their hands over and over again or make sure the gas is turned off, they think about one thing over and over until they can't sleep, they get depressed and crazy because of a broken relationship, dismissal, loss of election... in fact, everyone There are more or less psychological problems and emotional disorders, the difference is only in the severity." He grabbed the black-haired detective's arm a little excitedly, "In this case, why can't we understand and tolerate mental illness more?"

Leo felt that the place where his arm was held was almost burning, "I know your intention... Thank you, Bi Qing, actually those things are not as bad to me as you imagined, anxiety, depression Symptoms and things like that, you know, it's tough, but not unbearable."

"I don't want to pry into your privacy, Leo, I'm just worried, very worried." The Chinese boy looked up at him with clear brown eyes, his expression full of worry and pleading: "I want to know what caused those , wondering what happened to you... Maybe you're not going to tell anyone, maybe I wouldn't be able to help if I knew - but I just can't ignore it."

"You don't have to worry about this, it's my own problem." Leo replied blankly.

"But I feel very uncomfortable." Li Biqing let go and took a step back, sitting on the edge of the bed sadly, "When I think of your eyes at that time, I feel breathless... I even suspect that if you were holding a gun at that time, you would He won't pull the trigger at his temple...it shouldn't be like this!" He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, "Leo, you are the best policeman I have ever seen, you are brave, upright, and capable. In principle, you hate and despise evil, but you are completely soft-hearted when you are chasing criminals. When you are running and chasing criminals, you are like a luminous celestial body... You should not bear those shadows and pressures, no matter what they come from, I believe, that It's not your fault!"

It was as if the ice in an extremely cold place had cracked, and the unsealed emotions spread out, and Leo's bloodless lips trembled.He took a step forward, put his arms around the boy's head, and stuck it between his chest and abdomen—that part, if it was a beast, should be the most vulnerable and most heavily guarded vital point, but now it has been completely opened for him. "...No, that's my fault! Bi Qing, I'm not as good as you described, far from... I betrayed my beliefs and committed an unforgivable sin. Although no one knows, I know, I can fool everyone, but I can't fool myself...and I can't fool you..."

"Crime? No, Leo, I don't believe it, you're not like that..."

"I don't even know what kind of person I am! Punish rape and eliminate evil? Yes, that is my profession and my belief. I always believe that if there are fewer bad people in this world, there will be more good people. But I never I didn't expect that there would be a day when my actions would be included in the ranks of bad guys..."

"Leo!" Li Biqing hugged the federal agent who was starting to choke, feeling a little flustered—he had never seen him lose his composure to the point of crying, and even when the illness broke out, he still abided by the last line of dignity line of defense. "Okay, let's not talk about this, let's change the subject..."

"No, I know I can't escape it forever. One day, I will speak out, to someone, or to God." The black-haired detective took the boy's face from his arms, obviously looking down at the angle, and then But the reader feels that he is looking up in search, and the watery light of determination is shining in his eyes. "Do you believe that there are resurrected ghosts in this world? Someone died, but many years later, she stood in front of you again, with the same face, the same voice, and even, the same name..."

"No, I know I can't escape it forever. One day, I will speak out, to someone, or to God." The black-haired detective took the boy's face from his arms, obviously looking down at the angle, and then But the reader feels that he is looking up in search, and the watery light of determination is shining in his eyes. "Do you believe that there are resurrected ghosts in this world? Someone died, but many years later, she stood in front of you again, with the same face, the same voice, and even, the same name..."

Li Biqing shook his head: "I don't believe in those illusory things, I only believe in what I see with my own eyes."

"But I saw it. She was right in front of me, wearing a white dress, hair that was as thick and curly as seaweed, and those light blue eyes, and everything matched, but she was dead! Five years ago , I fired the gun with my own hands! Her skirt was stained red with blood, and before she died, her arm was stretched out to me, her mouth was open, as if she was shouting the last 'help'..."

"The 'she' you're talking about... is that little girl? Bellely's five-year-old daughter, Debbie?"

"That's the name! Debi, I'll never forget this name!" Leo's eyes were in a trance, as if he had turned his focus to another unknown space, where all the painful memories were stored, "Five years ago, I chased The serial murderer caught her and took her as a hostage in front of him. I know that you can't shoot in that situation, it's not in compliance with the regulations, but...he is a cruel pervert! A vicious devil! If you let He took her and ran away, he would rape her, torture her, chop her body into small pieces and put it in a box and send it to the police, he didn't care if she was five years old or 50 years old! So I shot, and the hit rate was not good Halfway through the situation... she kept crying and struggling in his chest, and the bullet pierced her carotid artery, crushing my luck! At that moment, I was like crazy, and all the bullets in the magazine Shoot into that fugitive's body..."

"That's not your fault! Leo!" Li Biqing tightly grasped his hands on his face, tears filled his eyes, "It was just an accident, in that case you can only shoot, otherwise you will be hurt As far as she is concerned, the end will be even more tragic..."

The black-haired detective shook his head in pain: "No, the root of the problem is not here. What happened later is the worst... Do you know what I did? I wiped off the fingerprints on the gun and stuffed it into the fugitive's hand. and then faked the whole scene to make it look like he took my gun and killed her and was shot dead by me. I was as calm as a demon while setting it up! I knew the police would believe me, neither would the forensic doctor Will check carefully, because I am one of the Law Enforcers, and preconceived notions will put them on my side. Until now, when I think of myself at that time, I tremble with anger and fear-"

As if unable to bear the weight of guilt, his body slid down the edge of the bed feebly, buried his face in the boy's lap, and his voice was muffled like a raving in a nightmare: "I don't even know why I did that...for Do you want to escape legal sanctions and moral condemnation? I don’t want to destroy my future because of an unintentional mistake. I believe that my life value is far from reflected, so I desperately try to eradicate evil and maintain justice... I wear The skin of a glamorous law enforcement officer, but inside is the soul of a black and rotten criminal! Even if I can deceive the whole world, I cannot deceive the ghost of an unjust death, so she appears in my dreams every night, every night, over and over again Replay that terrible moment over and over, and then accuse and accuse me of crimes with my cold blue eyes--" The agent finally fell silent, and let out a long, wounded animal whimper.

Li Biqing leaned over and hugged him with the greatest strength he could, with his cheeks stuck to the back of his head, his chestnut hair and black hair blending together, like two swans crossing their necks.He knew that at such a time, all comforting words would be eclipsed, and only direct and warm physical contact could make the other party feel needed and retained.He stroked the agent's broad back vigorously, again and again, until the agent gradually calmed down his excitement, and then whispered in his ear: "Leo, I can see your soul, it is beautiful, very beautiful……"

The federal agent clutched his waist tightly, all the muscles seemed to be pulled into a ball, "...is this another sympathetic consolation?" He spoke in his arms with difficulty.

"No, you don't need any sympathy, Leo, you are stronger and better than anyone." The boy put his arms around his head, resting his chin on the messy black hair, "You made the absolutely right choice , if it was me who was held hostage at that time, I would rather be sent to heaven by a single shot by you, than to fall into hell with a deep hatred for a pervert after experiencing extreme pain! As for the following things, then It's instinct, Leo. All animals instinctively seek advantages and avoid disadvantages to make the situation as good as possible, even human beings are no exception. Rationally, since things have happened, even if you put yourself on trial It does not help, but it is a great waste. Think about it, Leo, how many murderers have you arrested and how many lives have you saved in the next five years? If you surrendered yourself, were fired, or entered If you go to prison, then all the people you have saved over the years will all die!" Li Biqing's tone was clear and calm, with the final decision, hitting Leo's weakness: he could not tolerate the death of innocent people , has always been the case.

"Compared to prison, I will help others more by staying here—do you think so?" Leo raised his face and looked at him as if he was dying.

"There is no doubt." The boy held the back of his head and looked him in the eyes sincerely. "People need you, Leo, many people, including the poor mother today and her five-year-old little daughter. They You need to catch the real murderer and let the ghosts wandering at the bottom of the lake rest in peace."

"I'll get him," said the dark-haired detective firmly.

"I will help you." Li Biqing said, "As for Debi, don't think too much about it. It's just a coincidence. If you can't face her now, I can face her alone. Although she is still young, she might be able to face her." Get some clues about the murderer from her mouth."

Leo was silent for a moment, and seemed to make up his mind with great courage: "No, I can face her. I must face her."

Li Biqing seemed to be really relieved, and smiled: "Then, let's go together tomorrow, no matter what happens, I will be by your side."

Leo stood up slowly, feeling the warmth from his cold fingertips, which made him reluctant to take his hands off the Chinese boy. "Tonight—can you just sleep next to me?" He asked mysteriously, and at the same time found that there was no ambiguity or embarrassment in his tone, as if one wolf asked another to huddle together for warmth at night.

"Okay." Li Biqing replied naturally.