SFTD -Chapter 328 Missing Memories (Part 20)

Everyone went upstairs. Personnel from the Dongcheng District had already been in place. The task force meeting was presided over by Chu Menghan. She briefly explained the consolidation of the cases, then glanced toward Zhou Hai.

“Alright, let Deputy Director Zhou Hai from the center explain the specific reasons for merging the cases and the autopsy findings.”

Zhou Hai did not hesitate. He had rushed over precisely for this. He stood up, opened the file bag, and retrieved several reports he had just obtained from Sister Zeng. He passed them around for everyone to review one by one.

“Previously, when I discussed the reasons for merging the cases with Deputy Director Chu, the evidence was somewhat thin. But now we’ve found some important clues, so I came to report to everyone.

These are screenshot photos we found in the printer at the victim’s home. After confirmation by Wang Xuchao and Xiao Liu, this location is Zhanghua Road—also the 4.14 crime scene. The time and place match.

In addition, this morning Xiao Hu successfully recovered the victim’s email account and found this extortion-related email inside. Xiao Hu is currently tracking the sender’s address and will send it over shortly. As for the remaining investigation into the victim’s lover, Chief Huang will need to arrange that.”

Chief Liu took the photos first. The faintly visible Zhanghua Road street sign was easy to identify. In the photo, a man wore black gloves and covered part of his face with his hand. A vehicle blocked part of his body, but he could still be seen holding something in his other hand. Under the flickering headlights, it reflected a faint shine.

He paused. Zhou Hai immediately noticed his reaction and stopped speaking, looking at Liu Yong.

“Chief Liu, did you notice something?”

Liu Yong nodded and pointed at the reflective spot in the photo.

“What is this here?”

A subordinate beside Huang Zhongsheng had already noticed and blurted out: “A baton!”

Huang Zhongsheng smacked him on the head.

“Have you ever seen a silver police baton? That’s a metal baseball bat—one of those in-car self-defense ones.”

After careful examination, everyone nodded in agreement, and Chief Liu also accepted Huang’s conclusion.

“Yes, it does look like a metal baseball bat. I recall the autopsy report from the 4.14 case of Wang Shouxin mentioned multiple fractures. The fracture patterns suggested they were caused by an iron rod.”

Zhou Hai nodded. He had studied that autopsy report in detail before. Although it was not very comprehensive, it did mention fractures caused by an iron rod. At the time, he had been somewhat skeptical because the fracture edges were trapezoidal—wide on one side and narrow on the other—suggesting a rather unusual weapon. Now, it made sense.

Perhaps Xiao Hu had enhanced the image; the printed version now appeared clearer than the one from last night at the victim’s house. Zhou Hai picked it up and examined it closely. He noticed faint, regularly patterned squares on the surface of the bat. He quickly called Xiao Hu.

“Did you process the screenshots in the email?”

Xiao Hu chuckled.

“Yeah. No need to thank me!”

Zhou Hai didn’t have time for his joking.

“Send me the processed images immediately. Right now. We’re in a task force meeting—we need them.”

Xiao Hu immediately became serious.

“Got it. I’ll send them to your email right away.”

Chief Huang had already arranged for a computer to be connected to the projector. Just as they finished setup, Zhou Hai’s phone chimed. He quickly logged into his email, opened the image, and projected it onto the screen. Everyone followed his actions and looked up.

The improved clarity revealed the shadows on the baseball bat instantly. A faint smile appeared at the corner of Zhou Hai’s mouth. He turned and searched on his phone.

“This bat has a black-and-white checkered pattern on the front section. It’s a limited-edition commemorative model. I think I saw it on a program before—

Found it.

This is the Supreme Mizuno Aluminum Baseball Bat—a limited-edition commemorative bat from Mizuno. It’s usually collected by athletes and enthusiasts. Not many people in China follow this, and with such a high price, it may point toward the suspect’s identity.”

Huang Zhongsheng glanced at the price and scoffed.

“Wasting money. Spending tens of thousands on a metal stick.”

Zhou Hai glanced at him.

“It’s aluminum, not iron—but its hardness is no less. It can easily break bones.”

He then flipped through Sister Zeng’s comparison report.

“This is the forensic comparison report. You can all take a look.

At the 7.22 crime scene, on the western wall, we found a fragment of rubber peeled from a glove. Through comparison with trace materials from the clothing of victim Wang Shouxin in the 4.14 case, we identified the same substance—sea salt.

In addition, on that rubber fragment from the 7.22 case, we found glass fibers. These fibers are consistent with materials used for thermal insulation in ship hulls. Combined with the identical sea salt residue found in both cases—

I believe:

First, this proves both cases were committed by the same perpetrator.

Second, the suspect has strong financial capability. He can afford yacht fishing trips, and with a bat like this, he likely travels abroad frequently to watch games.

Therefore, my profile of the suspect is:

Male;

Age 32–40;

Height around 175–178 cm;

Physically strong;

Strong financial background;

Possibly a colleague or former client of Wang Shouxin;

Interested in high-end sports—yachting, fishing, baseball, and even off-road racing.”

Huang Zhongsheng looked puzzled.

“Off-road racing?”

Zhou Hai nodded and pointed at the tires and exterior of the vehicle in the photo.

“The tire height shows this vehicle has been modified. These tires are not for normal road use. If someone wants to stay low-profile, they wouldn’t choose such an eye-catching car. This means he is likely someone who enjoys speed and off-roading, and may even modify his own vehicles.”

Xu Jun raised his hand.

“Dr. Zhou, can you explain the height assessment?”

Zhou Hai pointed toward Wang Xuchao sitting in the back row and gestured to Xu Jun.

“Come here. Try lifting him. See if you can carry him.”

Xu Jun looked at Wang Xuchao, then stood up.

“Why do I need to carry him? Fine, I’ll try.”

Zhou Hai tapped the table.

“Xuchao, lie on the chairs. Relax your body completely—don’t resist, don’t help him.”

Wang Xuchao complied immediately. Everyone around the table stood up to watch.

Once he was ready, Zhou Hai gestured.

“Alright. Now lift him.”

Xu Jun stepped forward, grabbed him, and immediately realized he was heavier than expected. After struggling a few steps, both of them fell beside the chairs. Others quickly moved in to catch them.

Xu Jun and Wang Xuchao got up in shock, staring at Zhou Hai in disbelief.

“I can’t even carry you… Xuchao, how much do you weigh?”