Chapter 21 — Unclosed Profile

Three months after Hoang Anh Kiet's arrest, the prosecutor's office officially completed the indictment and brought the entire case to trial. This is a busy time no less than the investigation phase, when Thao Vy and her team must work closely with prosecutors to fully prepare evidence and witnesses for the upcoming important trial.

"This will be a big trial, attracting special attention from public opinion," prosecutor Le Thi Mai, who is directly in charge of the case, said during the preparatory meeting. "We need to ensure all evidence is presented rigorously, without revealing any loopholes that could be exploited by the defendant's lawyers."

"We have fully prepared all the documents," Bao Nam replied, showing the prosecutor a thick file of documents that had been carefully systematized. "From physical evidence, witness statements, to financial data, everything has been thoroughly verified and compared."

Prosecutor Mai examined carefully and nodded with satisfaction. "The preparation work is very professional. Now, I need to discuss privately with Ms. Vy about testifying in court."

Thao Vy stayed behind after Bao Nam left the room, sitting opposite prosecutor Mai with an indescribable nervousness. "You will need to testify as both a forensic expert and the daughter of victim investigator Dang Van Hung," prosecutor Mai explained. "This will be an emotionally difficult experience, I want to prepare you mentally first."

"I've been mentally preparing for this for a long time," Thao Vy replied, her voice steadfast despite the unavoidable anxiety in her heart. "I am willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that justice is fully served."

"The defendant's lawyer, especially Ms. Cao Thi Yen's lawyer, may try to question her about objectivity, claiming that she has personal motives in re-investigating the old case," prosecutor Mai warned. "You need to stay calm, only answer based on evidence and objective facts, don't let your emotions control you."

"I understand," Thao Vy replied, taking a deep breath to calm herself. "I will try my best."

In the following days, Thao Vy spent time carefully reviewing the entire forensic examination report, mentally preparing for difficult questions that could arise at trial. Bao Nam is always by her side, supporting her throughout this stressful preparation process.

"You'll do fine," he reassured him one evening when they reviewed material at her house. "You're well prepared, and most importantly, you're telling the truth."

"I'm just afraid that when I stand in court and look straight at the people who harmed my father, I won't be able to control my emotions," Thao Vy admitted, her voice shaking slightly.

"If that happens, it's okay," Bao Nam said, holding her hand tightly to comfort her. "You are a human being, not a machine. The court understands that. It's important that you always tell the truth, and I will always be there supporting you."

Mrs. Hoa, who returned home safely after Hoang Anh Kiet was arrested, also participated in the process of mentally preparing her daughter. "Do you remember what your father taught you?" she asked at dinner, her eyes full of encouragement. "He always said, the truth, no matter how painful, is better than remaining silent and lying."

"I remember, mom," Thao Vy replied, smiling emotionally at that reminder.

"Then, when you stand in court, tell me All the sincerity you have, it's like talking directly to your father," Mrs. Hoa said, holding her daughter's hand tightly. "I believe, you can do it, and your father, no matter where he is, will always be proud of you."

At the same time, Mr. Sau and Mr. Hai were also brought back from a safe place to prepare for official testimony in court. Both of them showed great readiness and determination, although they were inevitably somewhat worried about the upcoming important event.

"After everything I've been through, I think this is the least I can do to contribute to bringing complete justice," Mr. Hai shared when meeting Thao Vy again during the joint preparation session. "I just hope my testimony will be convincing enough for those people to be held accountable."

"Your testimony made an extremely important contribution to the entire case," Thao Vy said, squeezing his hand gratefully. "I really thank you for all the courage you've shown."

Mr. Sau, standing nearby, also contributed, a familiar gentle smile on his lips even though he had gone through many turbulences during the past journey. "At my age, to be able to play a small part in bringing justice to the deceased, I consider it a great honor in my life."

The evening before the trial officially opened, the whole group — Thao Vy, Bao Nam, Minh Duc, along with Mr. Sau and Mr. Hai — gathered one last time to review all details, ensuring there were no mistakes before this important event.

"Tomorrow will be a long and emotional day," Bao Nam said, looking around at the faces that had gone through an arduous journey with him. "But I believe, we are all as fully prepared as possible. We will go to the end of this road together."

Thao Vy looked around the meeting room, clearly feeling the connection and mutual trust between all the people who had accompanied her throughout a long and challenging journey. "Thank you everyone," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "Tomorrow, we will write the final chapter of this story together."

After everyone left, Bao Nam lingered with Thao Vy, both sitting in the quiet office, the table lamp gently illuminating the space. "Do you want me to take you home?" he asked, his voice gentle.

"I want to stay a little longer," Thao Vy replied, opening the old wooden box she brought with her and taking out her father's file. "I want to read Dad's notes again, before going into court tomorrow."

Bao Nam sat quietly next to her, allowing her to have private space with her memories. Thao Vy flipped through each yellowed page, re-reading her father's familiar handwriting, clearly feeling his spiritual presence as if he were right next to her, accompanying her in this important moment.

“Dad,” she whispered, “tomorrow, I will stand in court and tell the truth on your behalf. I hope I will make you proud."

Bao Nam gently placed his hand on her shoulder, did not say anything more, simply appeared as a solid fulcrum in this emotional moment. The two sat quietly together until Thao Vy felt calm enough, ready to face what awaits tomorrow.

On the way Bao Nam took her home, the streets were quiet at night, only warm yellow street lights illuminated each section of the road. familiar. "You know," Bao Nam said, breaking the silence, "when I first met you at the first crime scene, I was immediately impressed by your professionalism and composure, even though I didn't know the story behind it at the time."

"At that time, I was just trying to hide my panic," Thao Vy replied, laughing softly at the memory. "I didn't expect that that small wooden bead would open up such a long journey."

"And I also didn't expect that that journey would lead me to the most wonderful thing in my life," Bao Nam said, glancing at her with affectionate eyes. "See you."

Thao Vy smiled, feeling a warmth spread throughout her heart, dispelling some of the lingering worries about tomorrow's trial. Although the road ahead still has many challenges, she knows she will not have to walk alone.

When the car stopped in front of the house, Bao Nam got out and opened the door for her as a habit that had become natural over the past months. "Good night, Thao Vy," he said, gently holding her hand one last time before she entered the house. "Tomorrow, I'll be there, right next to you."

"Thank you," Thao Vy replied, smiling, "for always being there, every step of this journey."

Entering the room, she put her father's file back in the wooden box, looked at it for a long time before turning off the light. Tomorrow will be an important day, perhaps the most important day in her entire twelve-year journey of searching for the truth, and she wants to spend the entire night mentally preparing herself, so that she can enter the courtroom with as steady and steadfast a heart as possible, carrying her father's memory, love and faith as invisible but most solid luggage on this final journey.