PCJ – Chapter 215 The Thief’s Tracks (Part 2)

Initially, Luo Changjun wanted to promptly stop the cunning thief from committing another crime. If nothing unexpected happened, the next victim would likely be another county-level cadre. Another case like this would increase pressure on the Public Security Bureau, and Luo Changjun, as the captain of the criminal investigation team, would become the main target of criticism. Although he had previously solved a major cross-province case, many believed it was just luck. This time, it was Luo Changjun’s opportunity to prove himself. However, if he failed, people would think he had shown his true colors.

As Luo Changjun hurried to the new crime scene with Zhang Jiaohua, a strange expression appeared on his face. He recognized the thief’s target and stopped the motorcycle by the roadside.

“It’s still far,” Zhang Jiaohua said, puzzled.

“The motorcycle is too loud. We don’t want to alert the thief. He has strong counter-surveillance skills, and we don’t know if he’s working alone or with accomplices. If his accomplices notice us, it would be bad,” Luo explained, parking the motorcycle and moving ahead on foot.

“Uncle Luo, how do you know the thief is committing a crime there?” Zhang Jiaohua asked.

“I’m familiar with this place. This thief is bold, targeting the homes of county leaders. I’ve been here before,” Luo Changjun said with a peculiar smile.

Zhang Jiaohua scratched his head, unable to understand the complexities of adult plans, and obediently followed Luo Changjun.

Shanbao, the hunting dog, had joined them, feeling down since it hadn’t played a leading role today. Zhang Jiaohua petted its head, calming it down.

“Jiaohua, can you tell how many people are inside?” Luo asked.

Zhang Jiaohua could see it clearly. Jinhu and the others had been tracking the thief, who hadn’t interacted with anyone and came directly here. The thief, about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, agile, dressed ordinarily with a sports cap covering most of his face, carried a canvas bag, looking like a tourist.

“Just one person,” Zhang Jiaohua said confidently.

Luo Changjun found Zhang Jiaohua’s ability intriguing, unsure how he identified the thief.

“Wait until the thief succeeds, then tell me,” Luo Changjun said, hiding with Zhang Jiaohua behind the stairs of the building where the thief was operating.

“Aren’t we going to stop him?” Zhang Jiaohua asked.

“We need to catch him red-handed. Without evidence, he won’t admit to previous crimes. This thief is cunning. We shouldn’t alert him. We’ll catch him at his hideout later,” Luo Changjun explained, having more plans that Zhang Jiaohua wouldn’t understand and didn’t need to know.

Inside the house, there was no noise. The thief turned on the lights, leisurely searching from room to room, including the bathroom and balcony. In the bathroom, he found something by knocking on the wall, revealing a hollow space. He broke the tiles, uncovering a stash of cash—bundles of large bills, including brand-new hundred-yuan notes, which Zhang Jiaohua had only seen on TV.

“This family is rich!” Zhang Jiaohua whispered.

“The bad guy took a lot of money?” Luo Changjun asked.

“Yes, lots of bundles, including new hundred-yuan notes and fifty-yuan ones,” Zhang Jiaohua, connected with Jinhu and others, could see what they saw.

“Great!” Luo exclaimed.

“Great?” Zhang Jiaohua looked at Luo Changjun, puzzled. How could it be great if someone’s money was stolen?

“Now we have evidence to catch the thief,” Luo Changjun said. He no longer intended to wait until the thief returned to his hideout. Some things needed immediate action. Luo Changjun’s goal was more significant than just catching the thief.

“The thief is preparing to escape,” Zhang Jiaohua said, noticing the thief’s nervous preparations to leave.

“Not good!” Luo Changjun didn’t want to miss this opportunity.

“No rush, he won’t escape,” Zhang Jiaohua smiled.

The thief planned to leave from the fourth floor, not by climbing walls but casually walking out the front door. Since this was a leader’s residence, people frequently visited to give gifts, so the thief’s departure wouldn’t arouse suspicion.

Despite feeling danger, the thief calmly packed the money, not searching further. Today’s haul was substantial enough for him to consider quitting and buying a shop in another city to live comfortably. Yet, he felt an unsettling sense of being watched. Although he doubted the local police could catch him, today felt different.

In his previous two cases in Xintian County, unexpected events had occurred. The first was clean, but the official’s wife foolishly reported it. In the second, the owner returned unexpectedly, forcing him to knock her out. He left unsure if he had left any traces.

As the thief exited the bathroom, he carelessly pulled the door, which was blocked. In his haste, he didn’t realize and crashed into the door frame.

“Bang!”

The thief saw stars from the impact, a foolish mistake. Though sure the householders wouldn’t wake up soon, his unease grew.

Run! He had to run! He was being watched!