Chapter 317
"Wrap it up!"
At Andrew Smith's command, Captain Zhang from the city's Criminal Investigation Unit strode over to shake hands in farewell. The wail of police sirens filled the air as Boss Xu and over a dozen thugs were loaded into squad cars, their handcuffs glinting coldly in the sunlight.
"We couldn't have done it without you," Captain Zhang said, clapping Andrew on the shoulder.
The rescued miners were being escorted to military trucks, bound for the hospital under armed police guard. The coal mine's entrance had already been sealed, with several police vehicles parked near the shaft as forensic teams combed the scene.
"Initial estimates put the death toll at over thirty," Captain Zhang said grimly. "This case will make national headlines."
Andrew nodded. Who would have thought a simple missing persons investigation would uncover such a massive crime? He raised his walkie-talkie: "All units, after escorting the workers to the Armed Police Hospital, return immediately for debriefing."
The third-floor hallway of the Armed Police Hospital was packed. Luna White led Henry Cooper through the crowd, passing a nurse's station where registration forms overflowed with names.
"Bed 307, William Cooper," the nurse said after a glance. "Third room around the corner."
The door was ajar, revealing a cacophony of voices inside. A dozen beds were crammed close together—some men recounted their ordeals loudly, others wiped away tears, and a few had already fallen asleep.
By the window, William Cooper lay motionless, staring at the ceiling. He'd been luckier than most, working in the kitchen where at least he'd been fed. But the light in his eyes seemed to have been swallowed by the mine's darkness.
"Will!"
Henry's shout made William bolt upright. His lips parted, but no sound came out. Luna noticed the fading rope burns still visible on his wrists.
"Don't move, don't move," Henry said, pressing his brother back down with trembling hands. "You've... you've lost so much weight..."
Luna set a net bag on the bedside table—malted milk powder, canned fruit, sponge cakes... Henry had nearly cleared out the general store. As she pulled up a chair, she spotted coal dust still embedded under William's fingernails.
"Have you been examined by a doctor?"
William shook his head, then nodded. His gaze darted away, avoiding Luna's eyes. A sudden burst of sobbing erupted across the ward as one miner called his family.
"I... I'm sorry..." William rasped, his voice like sandpaper. "I just wanted to earn money to pay the debts..."
Henry pulled his brother into a crushing embrace, the usually stoic man weeping like a child. Luna slipped into the hallway and texted Andrew.
Sunlight streamed through the window, bleaching the hospital sheets white. Those dark years had finally been shaken loose like coal dust, scattered into the light.