Chapter 23 — Unclosed Profile

On the third day of the trial, Mr. Luong Duc Thinh was called in for direct questioning. Different from the confident and careless appearance when he was first summoned, he now appears haggard and visibly tired after many months of being detained awaiting trial.

"Do you admit that you received a sum of five hundred million VND from Ms. Cao Thi Yen to approve false land compensation documents?" Prosecutor Mai asked directly, her voice sharp.

"I... I admit," Mr. Thinh replied, his voice trembling, without any resistance like in previous interrogations. "I was wrong to let greed take over, causing serious consequences that I could never have imagined."

His defense lawyer tried to emphasize that he was not directly involved in the murders, only responsible for corruption. However, prosecutor Mai presented more evidence that he hired Hoang Anh Kiet's organization to intimidate witnesses, showing a much deeper level of involvement than what the lawyer tried to defend.

In the afternoon, it was Hoang Anh Kiet's turn to be questioned. Different from his defiant attitude when he was first arrested, he now appeared cold and silent, only answering the minimum necessary questions as requested by his lawyer.

"Do you admit that you organized and directed threatening and extortion activities for many different customers over the years?" Prosecutor Mai asked, her voice determined.

"I have nothing more to say besides what is in the investigation file," Hoang Anh Kiet replied, his voice cold, his eyes not showing any remorse.

His silence and lack of cooperation were in complete contrast to the sincerity of Pham Anh Tuan and Mr. Thinh, making many people in the audience, including Thao Vy, feel a certain indignation at that stubborn attitude.

At the end of the third working day, the judge announced that tomorrow will be Thao Vy's testimony day - the last important witness before the court moves on to arguments and deliberations. This news makes Thao Vy feel both relieved because she is about to complete her most important work and extremely nervous about what she is about to face.

"Are you ready?" Bao Nam asked as the two left the court, his voice full of concern.

"I think so," Thao Vy replied, taking a deep breath. "No matter how carefully prepared, I think, when actually standing in court, facing all of them directly, emotions will still be the hardest thing to control."

"You don't have to be perfect," Bao Nam said, holding her hand reassuringly. "You just need to be yourself, speak the truth with all your heart. That's all that's needed."

That evening, prosecutor Mai called Thao Vy to review the questions expected to be asked during tomorrow's testimony. "I'm going to ask you about the discovery of the wooden beads at the first crime scene, about your realization of the connection to your father's case, and about the entire re-examination report related to his death," she explained. "After that, the defendant's lawyer will have the right to question you."

"I'm fully prepared, ma'am," Thao Vy replied, her voice steady.

"I know this will be an emotionally difficult experience for you," prosecutor Mai added, her voice softening with an understanding rarely seen in a who always maintains a strict professional demeanor. "But I believe, your testimony will be one of the decisive factors, helping the court give the fairest and most worthy sentence to all defendants."

After the call, Thao Vy spent the remaining time in the evening writing down the main ideas she wanted to present, not to memorize them mechanically, but to organize her thoughts and feelings as clearly and coherently as possible.

"I want to tell everyone about you," she wrote, "not just as a victim, but as a devoted father, an upright investigator, who sacrificed his life to pursue justice to the end."

Reading those words again, Thao Vy felt a certain peace spread in her heart, dispelling some of the nervousness and anxiety that had accumulated all day long. She turned off the lights, preparing for a much-needed night of rest before the important day ahead.

Early the next morning, before leaving for court, Thao Vy stopped in front of the mirror, wearing the formal suit she had carefully chosen for this important day of testimony. Looking at her own reflection, she remembered the image of the sixteen-year-old girl, standing silently before the bad news of her father's death, not understanding what was going on, only crying in vain.

"I'm not that weak girl anymore," she whispered to herself, her gaze steady in the mirror. "I have become someone who can stand up, speak for dad, and demand justice for dad."

Mrs. Hoa appeared at the door of the room, her eyes filled with pride as she looked at her daughter in a neat outfit, ready for the big day. “You are so beautiful, and so strong,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. "Your father will definitely be proud to see you now."

"I will try my best, mom," Thao Vy replied, hugging her mother tightly before leaving the house. Bao Nam was waiting outside to take her to court. His eyes were full of support and absolute trust when he saw her step out.

"Ready?" he asked, smiling encouragingly.

"Ready," Thao Vy replied, taking a deep breath before getting into the car, bringing with her all the preparation and determination of twelve long years to face the most important moment in her entire journey of seeking justice.

On the way to court, Bao Nam glanced at her and noticed that her hands were still shaking slightly on her thighs. "Do you want me to tell you a funny story to relieve your stress?" he asked, deliberately making a joke to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

Thao Vy laughed lightly, feeling the tension ease somewhat. "Okay, just tell me and listen."

"The first time I participated in solving a case, I was so shaken that I dropped the entire file right in front of my superiors," Bao Nam said, his voice humorous. "From there, I learned that trembling doesn't mean weakness, but just a sign that we really care about what we're doing."

"Thank you," Thao Vy said, smiling sincerely, "that story really helps me feel much better."

The car stopped in front of the court gate, where a large number of reporters and curious people had gathered to watch the developments of this shocking trial. Bao Nam squeezed Thao Vy's hand one last time before they both got out of the car. "I'll be right there, in the auditorium, hanging on every word you say," he said, his eyes filled with unmistakable support. shook, squeezing her hand one more time before letting go.

"Thank you," Thao Vy replied, taking a deep breath before entering the building, ready to face the moment she had been waiting and preparing for all along the way.

In the hallway before the courtroom, Minh Duc was waiting, holding a cup of hot coffee. "Drink some to wake up," he said, handing her the cup of coffee, an encouraging smile on his lips. "You'll do well, I'm sure of that."

"Thank you," Thao Vy replied, accepting the cup of coffee, feeling the warmth of the camaraderie that had accompanied her through so many challenges throughout the past journey.

Mr. Sau and Mr. Hai were also present, both approaching, their eyes full of sincere encouragement. "You testified well, we trust you," Mr. Hai said, his voice warm. "We've done our part, now it's time for you to complete the final part," he added, his voice filled with absolute confidence.

Standing among the people who have accompanied her throughout the long and arduous journey, Thao Vy felt a strong sense of confidence spread throughout her body. When her name was announced, she took a deep breath and entered the courtroom with sure, confident steps, carrying the confidence of everyone watching behind her.

The courtroom door closed behind her, leaving her closest loved ones waiting in suspense in the hallway, and in front, a stern jury and a row of defendants where those who had ruined twelve years of her life were sitting, waiting for the final testimony that could decide their own legal fate, a testimony that Thao Vy knew, she had been preparing for for a long time, right from the first moment she decided to become a forensic scientist, twelve years ago. before.