The group passed the foot of the mountain and reached the outskirts of Crooked-Neck Village. They had no choice but to form a long line and file one by one along the narrow path.
In their haste to leave, the Huixiang police officers went first.
The three of us trailed behind.
I kept listening intently, but heard no bells. I had no idea whether that was good news or bad.
Once we reached the end of the narrow path, we would step onto the broad avenue. The police cars were all parked there.
The officers were gathered up ahead, blocking the way. None of them had gotten into their cars.
I was a little puzzled, but said nothing. Instead, I looked at Zhuang Huai.
Zhuang Huai frowned and gestured for Lü Qiaolan and me to back away. He rested a hand on his waist.
He was carrying a gun there.
My eyelids began to twitch. I grabbed Lü Qiaolan, but didn't retreat myself.
Zhuang Huai didn't move forward. One by one, the officers blocking the path ahead raised their hands.
Watching them, my eyelids twitched even harder.
If we ran into a ghost, I might still be of some use. But if it wasn't a ghost, if it was a person...
My heart began to race.
"Captain Zhu! Which one of you is Captain Zhu?" someone outside called in a lazy, mocking tone.
One of the Huixiang officers shifted.
"So this is Captain Zhu? Come on, take a look. Is this your captain?" the man continued.
Captain Zhu, the squad leader among the Huixiang officers, barked, "Enough!"
I heard a thud, followed by a weak groan.
"What are you trying to do?" Captain Zhu asked sternly, his voice full of authority.
That was very different from the cowardly way he