Chapter 4 — Unclosed Profile

The next morning, Bao Nam convened a meeting to report progress to his superior, Lieutenant Colonel Phan Dinh Trung, head of the criminal police department. Thao Vy was also invited to attend as a key clue provider linking the two cases.

"You are proposing to reopen a case that was closed twelve years ago, based on a detailed piece of evidence and a few logical inferences," Lieutenant Colonel Trung said, his voice cautious, in the style of a person with many years of management experience. "I need you to understand clearly that this is a decision that can affect the reputation of many individuals and organizations if it does not have enough solid grounds."

"Sir, we have evidence of serious discrepancies in the land compensation records of the Song Xanh project, along with the testimony of the latest victim's wife about concerns directly related to this project," Bao Nam presented, his voice firm and grounded. "Combined with the specific evidence that appeared at both crime scenes twelve years apart, I believe we have enough basis to conduct a deeper investigation."

Lieutenant Colonel Trung pondered for a moment, carefully examining the report in front of him. "Okay, I approve for you to officially reopen the old case files and conduct an investigation in parallel with the current case. But I emphasize that all moves must strictly comply with the legal process, and there must not be any errors that can be used to dismiss the entire case later."

"We understand, Colonel," Bao Nam replied, nodding seriously.

After the meeting, the whole group immediately began planning a detailed investigation. "The first step," Bao Nam said, "we need to identify a list of all living people who were directly involved in the process of approving and implementing the Song Xanh project twelve years ago, especially those who may have known about this compensation gap."

"I already have a preliminary list," Minh Duc said, projecting a long list of names on the screen. "In addition to Ms. Cao Thi Yen, there are also several retired cadastral officials, some former brokers of the group, and in particular, there is a rather interesting name - Mr. Do Quang Hai, who was the head of planning department of Yen Phat group at that time, but left the company just a few months after the project was completed, for unknown reasons."

"Left the company suddenly right after the project was completed," Thao Vy repeated, her eyes lighting up with suspicion. "That could be a red flag."

"I will let people follow and learn more about where Mr. Hai is currently living and working," Bao Nam decided. "We need to approach him cautiously, to avoid causing unnecessary alarm if he is indeed involved in the case." The whole group nodded in agreement, each clearly realizing that the upcoming approach could be an important turning point in the entire investigation process.

In the afternoon, while waiting for information about Mr. Hai, Thao Vy took the opportunity to return to the laboratory to complete the official assessment report for the case. Bao Nam stopped by, bringing two cups of coffee.

"Is it okay for you to work without a break?" he asked, placing a cup of coffee on her table.

"Thank you," Thao Vy replied, taking the cup of coffee and smiling tiredly. "I'm fine, just want to finish the report soon so I can focus entirely on the old case."

"Miss There's no need to put too much pressure on yourself," Bao Nam said, his voice carrying a rare sincere concern. "This case has been pending for twelve years, a few more days won't change much. Your health is the most important thing right now." He pulled out a chair and sat down across from her, his eyes never leaving her tired face.

Thao Vy looked up at him, feeling an unexpected warmth at his words of concern. "Thank you," she said, her voice gentle. "But I thought, after waiting so long, I couldn't delay another day, if that could help find the truth faster."

Bao Nam nodded, did not force her further, just sat down in the chair opposite her, silently sipping coffee with her in a rare moment of peace in the midst of stressful work. "If you need anything, whether it's support with your work or simply someone to listen, I'm always here," he said, his eyes unflinchingly sincere.

"I will remember that," Thao Vy replied, smiling slightly, clearly feeling a connection gradually forming between the two, going beyond the usual working relationship.

That evening, when Thao Vy returned home, Mrs. Hoa was waiting for her daughter by the cold dinner tray, her eyes could not hide the familiar worry. "You're late again," she said, her voice both reproachful and pitiful. "You've been so stressed at work lately. I'm afraid you'll be like your father before, always engrossed in work and forgetting to take care of yourself."

"I'm sorry mom," Thao Vy replied, sitting down next to her mother, holding chopsticks to quickly eat a bowl of rice. "But Mom, I think, I found an important clue related to Dad's case."

Mrs. Hoa paused, the chopsticks in her hand trembled slightly. "What do you say? After all these years, are there really new clues?"

"Yes, Mom," Thao Vy replied, briefly telling her mother about the wooden beads, about the new case, and about the cooperation with the serious crime investigation team. Mrs. Hoa listened, tears rolling down her cheeks, mixed with the pain of old memories and a fragile new hope.

"I just hope that, whatever the truth is, you keep yourself safe," she said, holding her daughter's hand tightly. "I've already lost your father. I can't bear to lose you again."

"I promise to be careful, mom," Thao Vy replied, hugging her mother, clearly feeling the sincere worry that was covering the woman who had raised her alone for the past twelve years since her husband's death. "But I can't stop now, when the truth is so close."

Mrs. Hoa was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly, her eyes filled with both pride and anxiety. "Your father will definitely be very proud of you, Thao Vy. I have become exactly what you wanted me to be — strong, steadfast, and always seeking the truth to the end."

After the meal, while cleaning up the dishes with her mother, Thao Vy couldn't help but tell a little more about Bao Nam, although she tried to keep her tone as natural as possible. "The captain in charge of this case is very dedicated and always treats me with respect and trust."

Mrs. Hoa glanced at her daughter, her eyes flashed with a hint of curiosity filled with the meaning of a sensitive mother. "Hearing the way you mentioned him, I feel like there's something unusual."

"Mom, don't think too much," Thao Vy replied, blushing slightly, quickly changing the subject. "We're just focusing on work stop."

"Okay, I won't ask any more," Mrs. Hoa smiled, although her eyes still sparkled with unrelenting curiosity. "But if there's anything, remember to tell me, daughter."

Thao Vy laughed, hugged her mother one more time before going to her room to rest, preparing her strength for a new and challenging working day that lay ahead, with Mr. Do Quang Hai as the next target in the journey to find the truth.

Lying on the bed, Thao Vy opened her phone and read the message Bao Nam sent before she left the headquarters: "Minh Duc has just found the current address of Mr. Hai, who lives in a neighboring province. We'll leave early tomorrow." She quickly typed a response: "I'm ready." Putting down the phone, she closed her eyes, her mind still constantly spinning with the pieces of the case - the wooden necklace, the difference in compensation records, the mysterious name Do Quang Hai, and Bao Nam's warm eyes every time he looked at her.

She told herself that although the journey ahead still had many unknowns, she was no longer alone like she had been for the past twelve years. Having her mother, having her teammates, and having someone who is gradually becoming something more important than a mere colleague, all are walking with her closer to the truth that she has persistently sought for a third of her life.

Sleep came later than usual, but when she finally fell asleep, Thao Vy no longer saw the image of her father in the familiar police uniform as usual, but instead felt an unusual feeling of peace, as if he himself was watching and supporting every step she took on her journey to find justice for herself. Outside the window, the city still woke up with countless sparkling lights. Unbeknownst to anyone, another important journey was preparing to turn a new page early the next morning.