Chapter 73 — Shrimp Street Without Name

The investigation into the person who threatened Ms. Sau brought results faster than expected. Thanks to the security camera system Kien installed and a few witnesses in the neighborhood, the police identified a man with a criminal record for property theft, hired through a complex chain of intermediaries originating from an account indirectly connected to the network's old satellite companies.

“This person is just a hired man, it is unknown who is really behind the threat,” the lieutenant reported. “But his arrest, along with the testimony about the chain of communication leading to the old accounts, is an important additional piece of evidence that, although many key links have been arrested, there are still remnants of the network operating, possibly on orders from Mr. Vinh or from the panic of the remaining people trying to protect themselves.”

The news of this arrest, even though it was just a small link, brought a significant relief to the entire Hai Yen family. Mrs. Sau, when she heard the news, breathed a sigh of relief, although she still maintained a much more cautious attitude than before in all daily activities.

Meanwhile, preparations for the trial continue to accelerate. Attorney Hoang announced that the official trial date has been set, with only three weeks left, a short period of time to complete all final preparations.

“We need to hold a rehearsal with all the witnesses,” lawyer Hoang proposed. “Not to teach them what to say, but to help them get used to the courtroom atmosphere, to the types of questions that might be asked, to reduce confusion and tension when the trial actually takes place.”

The rehearsal took place at Hoang's lawyer's office, with the participation of almost all the main witnesses: Ms. Sau, Ms. Tuyet, Mr. Son, Ms. Ut Phuong, Mr. Bay Correct, Hung, and even Ms. Hong. The atmosphere in the room was both solemn and warm, when all the people who had gone through a long and tumultuous journey together had the opportunity to meet in large numbers for the first time.

Lawyer Hoang instructs each person how to answer questions clearly and honestly, without worrying about remembering every small detail exactly, just recounting what they actually know and experienced. She also mentally prepared them for the possibility of being harshly questioned by the defendant's lawyer, trying to find small inconsistencies to reduce the credibility of the testimony.

“If they ask questions that make you confused or uncomfortable, just stay calm, just answer exactly what you know,” lawyer Hoang reassured. "Don't try to guess or answer what you think they want to hear. The truth, no matter how simple, is always the best answer."

Ms. Ut Phuong, when it was her turn to rehearse, told the story of the notebook she had kept for ten years. Her voice was still shaky but much steadier than when she first met Hai Yen. “I have been waiting for this day for a long time,” she said, not to lawyer Hoang, but as if talking to herself. “Now I'm not afraid anymore.”

Mr. Son, when asked about the feeling of having to face Mr. Bao directly at the trial, was silent for a moment before answering. "I will tell the truth, no matter if it hurts anyone, including myself. I have avoided responsibility long enough."

Hung, although still a little shaky when recounting his experience on the fishing boat, was able to complete the part practice without getting too emotional, a positive sign that the psychological support process is working effectively.

Looking around the room, witnessing the resilience and determination of all these people, Hai Yen felt a deep sense of pride and a firm belief that, no matter how difficult the trial, they would overcome it together, bringing the full truth to justice.

“I want to thank everyone,” she said as the rehearsal ended, her voice choked with emotion. “The courage of our aunts, uncles, and children is the strongest foundation for the justice we are building together.”

After the rehearsal, everyone stayed a while longer, chatting intimately over a cup of hot tea that lawyer Hoang had prepared. Ms. Tuyet and Ms. Ut Phuong, two women who had to carry secrets in silence for ten years, now sit side by side, sharing stories about their current lives, about the burdens that have been lifted since they decided to speak up.

“I feel much more relieved than I imagined,” Ms. Tuyet said, taking a sip of tea. “My daughter is now proud of her mother, something I never dared to dream of during ten years of living in fear.”

Mrs. Ut Phuong nodded sympathetically. "Me too. Even though what happened to me wasn't easy, I don't regret giving the notebook to Ms. Yen. It was the best decision I ever made."

Mr. Bay Correct, sitting in the corner of the room with Mr. Son, also contributed, recounting old memories of the time when Kenh Ba cooperative was still active, about the peaceful days before everything collapsed. The air in the room, despite the pain of the past, was still filled with a rare warmth and hope.

Hai Yen stood in a corner, observing all those conversations taking place, her heart filled with an indescribable emotion. She realized that the journey she went through not only brought justice to her family, but also created a community of people who were once alone in fear, now finding strength and connection in each other.

Kien, standing next to her, gently held her hand. “You see,” he said, his voice deep, “this is what you have created, out of legal justice — a network of trust and solidarity, which no court can bestow, but can only be built by people willing to trust each other.”

Hai Yen smiled, resting her head lightly on his shoulder in that short moment, deeply feeling the true meaning of what she had devoted over the past two and a half months, a meaning far beyond what she had ever imagined when she started this journey.

When everyone gradually left, Hai Yen stayed last, helping lawyer Hoang clean up the office. “Do you think we're ready?” she asked, her voice still a little nervous even though the rehearsal had gone smoothly.

“No one can prepare absolutely perfectly for a trial,” lawyer Hoang replied, her voice calm but sincere. "But I believe, we have done everything possible within our power. Our witnesses are honest, our evidence is solid, and most importantly, everyone is acting for a common purpose, not for personal gain. That is the greatest strength we have can bring to the courtroom.”

Hai Yen nodded, feeling more secure with that reassurance. “Thank you, sister, for everything you've done. Without you, I don't think we could have gone this far.”

“This is the job I chose to do because I believe in it,” lawyer Hoang replied, smiling. “And I believe, cases like this, although difficult, are the reason why my career as a lawyer has real meaning.”

Leaving lawyer Hoang's office late at night, Hai Yen drove home to her mother's house in a state of both anxiety and hope, ready for the last three stressful weeks before the historic trial officially took place, a trial that she knew would not only decide the legal fate of those who had caused so much suffering, but would also be an important milestone in closing a tumultuous chapter in her life, to open a new chapter, even though she did not know exactly what form it would take. How funny.

Returning to her mother's house, she saw Mrs. Sau still awake, sitting and waiting for her on the porch under the soft yellow light. “Is the rehearsal okay?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.

“Very good, mom,” Hai Yen replied, sitting down next to her mother. “I think everyone is ready.”

Mrs. Sau nodded, looking out at the dark yard in front of the house, where the newly installed sensor light was still silent and nothing had activated. “I'm ready too,” she said, her voice firm. “Only three more weeks, right?”

“Yes, three more weeks,” Hai Yen replied, holding her mother's hand. Mother and daughter sat quietly together for a long time in the quiet night, not needing any more words, just each other's presence was enough to mentally prepare for what was to come, for the final and perhaps the most important chapter in the entire journey of reclaiming justice that they had pursued together over the past two and a half months.