You Must Come Back Alive  6

 by Chen Ching-Yang

Episode Three

11

In Class 4A at Qingshui Public School, Qingshui Street, teacher Miura Tomokazu had just stepped into the classroom when he noticed an empty seat.

Miura asked, “Why is Yang Xintai absent today?”

Wang Dawang raised his hand. “Teacher, I know.”

“You do?” Miura said. “Dawang?”

Dawang stood up and said, “Yesterday afternoon, an uncle came to school looking for him. He said Xintai’s mother had been in a traffic accident, and his father told him to go home first.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Miura asked. “Then why didn’t you report this to me yesterday?”

“Teacher, I forgot at the time. I only remembered after I got home,” Dawang replied.

“All right,” Miura said. “Let’s begin class. Everyone, open your arithmetic textbook to page six.”

At that moment, Patrolman Musashi, in uniform, entered the classroom accompanied by Principal Itsuki Tokugawa (55).

“Teacher Miura,” Itsuki said, “an urgent matter has come up. We’ll need to interrupt your class for a few minutes.”

Musashi asked, “Before school ended yesterday, did any of you see Yang Xintai leave the school?”

Miura pointed to Dawang. “Wang Dawang knows. Dawang, stand up and answer the police officer.”

Dawang stood. “Yes, sir.”

Musashi took Dawang aside to question him. Dozens of eyes in the classroom were fixed on the two of them. After finishing, Musashi walked back to the principal.

“Principal,” Musashi said, “this child has seen the kidnapper. I’ll take him back to the precinct to identify the suspect, and then escort him home.”

Miura said, “Understood.”

Musashi added, “Sorry for the disruption, Teacher.”

Principal Itsuki then took the opportunity for a teachable moment.
“Children, yesterday Yang Xintai was deceived by a criminal and taken away from the school. From now on, if a stranger tries to take you away from school, you must first report it to a teacher. Do you understand?”

The whole class answered in unison, “Yes!”

Dawang packed his schoolbag and followed Itsuki and Musashi out of the classroom.

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12

Another train pulled into the station. Yang Xintai appeared on the platform at Qingshui Street Station and was immediately recognized by Sergeant Koizumi.

“Director!” Koizumi pointed. “Director Yang’s son has appeared!”

“Don’t approach him yet,” said Chief Hashimoto. “See if there’s anyone suspicious following him.”

“Yes, sir!”

Xintai followed the crowd out of the station. Koizumi kept his distance and followed behind. In the waiting hall, Nishikawa Riko spotted Xintai and opened her arms from afar, tears welling up in her eyes. Seeing his mother unharmed, Xintai ran into her embrace.

Koizumi saw no suspicious individuals and approached them.

“Madam,” he said happily, “the young master has returned safely!”

Chief Hashimoto followed.

“Thank you, officer. Thank you all,” Riko said gratefully.

“Fortunately, the child is safe,” Hashimoto said. “The kidnapper doesn’t seem very bold. Koizumi, notify Chief Yahata at Dajia Station. Detain all passengers in the waiting hall except the elderly, women, and children. Search them one by one. Anyone suspicious—bring them to the precinct. I believe the kidnapper is on one of these two trains.”

“Yes, sir!” Koizumi replied.

Riko asked, “Xintai, where were you last night?”

“Mother,” Xintai said, “an uncle came to school and said you were injured in a traffic accident and having surgery at a hospital in Dajia…”

“It appears the boy was deceived and taken from the school,” Hashimoto concluded.

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13

A passerby rushed to the counter of Yang General Hospital on Qingshui Street and reported to the nurse on duty,
“There’s a man collapsed under a utility pole outside your hospital. His face and clothes are covered in blood—he looks badly injured.”

“Nurse Zhang! Doctor Zhang!” Nurse A called out urgently.

Dr. Zhang Wenming came over.

“Please take us to him quickly,” Nurse A said.

The two medical staff followed the passerby to the utility pole and found the injured man.

“I recognize him,” Nurse A said. “His surname is Li. Not long ago, his wife brought him here to quit smoking opium.”

Dr. Zhang helped Li Zixian up.

“His breathing is very weak,” Zhang said. “The injuries may be severe. Let’s carry him back immediately and notify his wife.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

The three supported the injured man and hurried back to the hospital.

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14

Li Wang Meihao rushed to the emergency room of Yang General Hospital.

“I’m Zixian’s wife,” she asked anxiously. “How is my husband?”

“His condition is critical,” Dr. Zhang said. “We’re resuscitating him. He seems to have something to tell you.”

Meihao leaned close to the bed. “Zixian, who did this to you?”

“It was… Fangming Hall… Black Dog…” Li Zixian struggled to speak.
“I shouldn’t have stolen your necklace… I regret smoking opium…”

After saying this, Li Zixian lost consciousness again.

“Zixian! Hang on! Please hang on!” Meihao cried.

“Doctor! Please save my husband!” she screamed.

“Nurse,” Dr. Zhang ordered, “the patient has stopped breathing and his heart has stopped. Get the defibrillator—restore his heartbeat first.”

“Yes!”

The nurse handed over the defibrillator and opened the patient’s shirt. Dr. Zhang administered repeated shocks to the chest.

“We’ve done everything we could,” Dr. Zhang said solemnly. “Mrs. Li, please accept our condolences.”

The nurse pulled a white sheet over the deceased’s face and turned to comfort Meihao. Meihao burst into loud sobs that echoed through the emergency room.

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15

A train arrived at the platform of Dajia District Station. Yahata Yuki, in uniform, led several uniformed officers and plainclothes policemen to conduct inspections at the exit. Among the disembarking crowd were Director Yang Zhaohua and Chen Qiu, with Inspector Fukuda and several plainclothes officers following behind.

Blowing his whistle, Yahata gestured. “You two—over here for inspection.”

Two middle-aged men stepped forward and were searched.

Officer A asked, “Where did you come from? What are you doing in Dajia?”

Man B replied, “I boarded in Changhua. I’m here to wholesale straw hats.”

Man C said, “I’m here to offer incense at the Dajia Mazu Temple.”

A plainclothes officer said, “If you’re here to pray, why didn’t you bring flowers or offerings? That’s suspicious. Stay here and don’t leave.”

“I didn’t break the law,” Man C protested. “Why am I being detained?”

“We’re screening suspects,” Yahata said. “You’ll understand once you get to the precinct.”

More than a dozen men were detained, including Chen Qiu.

“The kidnapper probably sensed our operation,” Fukuda said. “That’s why he didn’t dare appear to collect the ransom.”

“I’m worried about the child’s safety,” Yang Zhaohua said.

“Inspector,” Yahata reported, “Sergeant Koizumi just called. Young Master Yang has been found. The Chief ordered us to detain suspicious passengers and bring them in for identification.”

“Then I’m relieved,” Yang said.

“Yahata, take these men back to the precinct,” Fukuda ordered.

“Yes, sir!”

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16

In an isolation room at the interrogation section of Qingshui Precinct, more than a dozen suspects stood in a line. Sergeant Koizumi first brought Wang Dawang in. Through the glass window, Dawang immediately pointed to Chen Qiu. Koizumi escorted Dawang out, then brought in Yang Xintai, who also pointed at Chen Qiu.

“This kidnapping case was most likely carried out by Chen Qiu alone,” Fukuda said confidently.

“Let’s interrogate him first to confirm whether there were accomplices,” Hashimoto suggested.

“Of course,” Fukuda replied. “Koizumi, bring Chen Qiu into the interrogation room.”

Koizumi obeyed and escorted Chen Qiu in.

“Chen Qiu,” Fukuda asked, “do you have a grudge against Director Yang? Why did you kidnap his son?”

“I needed money to buy opium,” Chen Qiu confessed. “I knew Director Yang was wealthy. I never intended to harm the child.”

“Didn’t you know kidnapping carries a heavy sentence?” Fukuda asked.

“Black Dog at Fangming Hall wouldn’t sell me opium on credit,” Chen said. “When withdrawal hit, I couldn’t stand it—I didn’t think of the consequences!”

An officer reported, “Inspector, the victim’s family has come to file a report.”

“Detain Chen Qiu,” Fukuda ordered. “I’ll go over immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

At the duty counter, Koizumi was recording statements.

“Is it a homicide?” Fukuda asked.

“Yes,” Koizumi replied. “Li Zixian’s wife reported that he was beaten to death by Black Dog, the enforcer at Fangming Hall.”

“Again Fangming Hall? Again Black Dog?” Fukuda said angrily.

With a grief-stricken face, Meihao pleaded, “Officer, please seek justice for a common woman like me.”

“Where is the body?” Fukuda asked.

“It’s currently in the morgue at Yang General Hospital,” Koizumi replied. “The death certificate states the cause as acute internal hemorrhage due to ruptured organs.”

“Mrs. Li,” Fukuda said, “we will pursue Black Dog and his accomplices according to the law and give the deceased justice. Koizumi—effective immediately, all officers are to suspend leave. No one is to leave town or use telephones. Tomorrow morning, I’ll personally lead a team to Fangming Hall.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Inspector,” Koizumi added, “the Chief asks you to see him.”

“I’ll go now.”

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17

Accompanied by Principal Itsuki and Teacher Miura, Yang Xintai returned to the classroom. The students looked at him with curiosity.

“I’ll leave the child to you, Miura,” Itsuki said.

“Yes, Principal,” Miura replied.

Xintai returned to his seat as Miura walked to the podium.

“Children,” Miura said, “the day before yesterday, Xintai was deceived by a stranger and taken away from school. From now on, if anyone claims to be a classmate’s parent or relative and wants to take you away, you must first report it to a teacher and receive permission. Do you understand?”

“Yes!” the class responded in unison.

“Open your language textbook…”

Sitting beside Xintai, Liao Yingjun whispered, “Xintai, you—”
Miura noticed and shot him a sharp glare. Yingjun immediately lowered his head.

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18

Nishikawa Riko personally came to Qingshui Public School to pick up her son after school. A hall monitor noticed and escorted them to the principal’s office.

Principal Itsuki personally received the mother and son, and Teacher Miura was also summoned.

“Madam,” Itsuki said, “I sincerely apologize for your son being taken from the school by criminals. After thorough review, we’ve decided to hire guards to strengthen campus security.”

Miura bowed deeply. “Madam, I must bear significant responsibility for this incident. I’ve requested disciplinary action from the principal. Please accept my deepest apologies.”

“I have no intention of holding the school accountable,” Riko said. “I only hope such incidents never happen again. Every child is their parents’ most precious treasure.”

“I will take your words to heart,” Itsuki replied. “I will require all staff to remain vigilant.”

“I’ll personally escort my child to and from school from now on,” Riko said. “Thank you for your time.”

“Teacher Miura, please see Madam out,” Itsuki said.

“Please don’t trouble yourself, Teacher,” Riko replied with a bow.

Riko and Xintai left. In the corridor, Principal Itsuki and Miura watched their figures disappear.

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19

Early in the morning, just as Fangming Hall Opium Den opened for business, Fukuda led an armed police unit there.

“Inspector Fukuda,” You Fangming asked in surprise, “what brings you here so early?”

“Where’s your man Black Dog?” Fukuda asked. “I’m looking for him.”

“Go get Black Dog,” You said to a subordinate.

“Yes, boss.”

Black Dog and several men approached. Seeing Fukuda and the armed officers, he sensed something was wrong.

“For what do I owe this visit, Inspector?” Black Dog forced a smile. “You wouldn’t be here to smoke opium, would you?”

“I don’t have that habit,” Fukuda replied coldly. “Black Dog, under orders from the district prosecutor, I’m arresting you. Here’s the warrant.”

Black Dog turned pale. “Sir, I didn’t break the law!”

“Li Zixian died yesterday from his injuries,” Fukuda said sternly. “Before his death, he stated that you ordered your men to beat him.”

“I was framed!” Black Dog cried. “I only told my men to teach him a lesson. He smoked white powder here more than once—I didn’t know he was so weak!”

“He’s dead,” Fukuda said. “Nothing you say changes that. Koizumi—cuff Black Dog and his three men.”

“Yes, sir!”

Black Dog screamed in panic, “Boss! Save me!”

“This time even I can’t protect myself,” You Fangming muttered.

“Mr. You,” Fukuda said, “you’ll come with us to the precinct to assist in the investigation.”

“Yes,” You replied.

Partner Yoshinaga Jiro (40) added, “Don’t worry. I’ll go with you.”

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20

Inside the interrogation room at Qingshui Police Precinct.

“Chief Hashimoto,” Yoshinaga said, “regarding the death of the opium user Li, it was not instigated by my partner You Fangming. It was the personal action of Black Dog. He merely intended to discipline Li, but his subordinates used excessive force. We are willing to negotiate compensation with the victim’s family and hope the precinct will note this in the record.”

“The cause of death was Black Dog ordering his men to assault Li Zixian,” Hashimoto said sternly. “Black Dog was your enforcer. The man was beaten to death at Fangming Hall. How can you evade responsibility? Moreover, Chen Qiu’s kidnapping of Director Yang’s son also originated from Fangming Hall. Fangming Hall is a cancer to local public security.”

“Sir,” You Fangming said, “we do business to serve smokers. Opium prices are government-regulated—cash on delivery. A few addicts insist on credit and treat us like a charity.”

“There are barely a hundred registered smokers on record,” Fukuda said sharply, “yet three to four hundred people frequent Fangming Hall. I’ve heard you pay ‘headhunting commissions’—twenty percent per customer recruited. Those unlicensed users you lured in can be reported and shut down by law. Don’t think I’m an ignorant inspector.”

“Since Inspector Fukuda knows our business so well,” Yoshinaga said, “let’s be frank. How much ‘support money’ do your officers need each month? Name your price.”

“Are you openly bribing us?” Fukuda sneered.

“Officials don’t climb this far without wanting money,” Yoshinaga replied. “Consider it our token of respect.”

“You think our integrity is worth only a few hundred yen a month?” Fukuda retorted.

“Are you trying to wipe us out?” Yoshinaga asked. “Cut off our livelihood?”

“You lure ordinary citizens with commissions,” Fukuda said firmly. “Once addicted, they lose everything and turn to crime. Chen Qiu kidnapped Director Yang’s son because he had no money to buy opium. Can you say such crimes have nothing to do with opium dens?”

“Opium dens are government-licensed,” Yoshinaga argued. “We pay more taxes than other businesses. Every town has one—why single out Fangming Hall?”

“We’re not singling you out,” Fukuda said. “We demand lawful operation. Stop recruiting addicts with commissions. If you violate the law, we will shut you down.”