He should relax, but Wenjie just couldn't let it go. After Captain Luo didn't get in touch, he was on pins and needles. He needed to know the status of the investigation. The latest findings didn't make things any better. 

It didn't help that Ding Wei was more relaxed two days after their arrival at the vacation spot. His behavior was different, as if the change of air was doing him good. Captain Luo would certainly find excuses, if Wenjie brought up the subject. After all, it looked as if they had misunderstood Xiao Dao's nervousness. There was nothing else behind it, apart from a little stage fright because he was traveling with friends for the first time. 

While his friends were still busy packing their backpacks for the first day trip, Wenjie retreated to his room. There he picked up his cell phone and pressed Captain Luo's number. It didn't take long for the line to crackle.

"Wenjie. Aren't you supposed to be on vacation? Did something happen?"

Wenjie smiled. "We arrived safely and are going on our first day trip today." It almost felt like he was talking to his father. Except that Captain Luo wasn't his father. "Everything is fine. The hotel resort is very nice. But, I need to know what the status of the investigation is."

Captain Luo laughed. "How many times do I have to remind you, that you are still a civilian. If there's anything important, I'll be in touch."

"I know I shouldn't disturb you," Wenjie relented. "But please tell me whether it is possible, that Xu Zhengqing is alive and after us."

There was a short pause, which seemed incredibly long to him. His heart was beating fast and his breathing quickened. 

"We assume that he is alive. The evidence suggests, that he's planning something big. It has nothing to do with you. He's playing a game of cat and mouse with us and I'm sure he's glad to know you're outside Quingcheng."

That was so easy to say. Wenjie wouldn't be so sure. The man's threats ran too deep. I will kill anyone who tries to take you away from me, Xu Zhengqing had said. He had been downright obsessed with breaking him and turning him into his will-less tool. So why should he let him go now? Wenjie couldn't believe it. 

"Captain Luo, I..." he began.

"We've already issued an internal search. If you feel better, I'll send a report to the local authorities. If he's at your vacation spot, he won't expect it and our people will catch him."

Wenjie breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Captain Luo."

"Then enjoy your vacation now -"

"Wait," Wenjie interrupted him before he could say goodbye. "I have something else to tell you. It's probably nothing, but if it is ... My father noticed that Ding Wei was very nervous before we left. When I asked him about it, he dismissed it as excitement, because he was traveling with friends for the first time. He's fine again. Nevertheless, you should know that."

Captain Luo was silent again for a moment. 

"You suspect he also received some disturbing news?" he said finally.

"Yes." He definitely wouldn't let Xiao Dao get away with his excuse if there was more to it. What did he say once? Better safe, then sorry. That was why Wenjie wanted to keep an eye on his friend. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to talk about the case in private.

"I won't be able to stop you from getting your hands on it. So I might as well advise you to keep an eye on him. If he confides in you or you notice any other inconsistencies, you can always get in touch or contact the local authorities. I will let a local colleague know and send you his contact details. Will you be able to enjoy your vacation at least a little now?"

"Yes. Thank you for listening to me. I won't keep you from investigating any further."

"Don't worry so much. You can get in touch any time. Better during the evening, unless it's urgent," replied Captain Luo. "Give my best regards to your father and your friends. Have fun on your trip."

"It was urgent," Wenjie said meekly. 

He heard Captain Luo laughing before he hung up. 

Shortly after Zhijian called for him from downstairs. He quickly put his cell phone away and hurried downstairs. 

"Where were you?" his friend asked. "Everyone's just waiting for you."

"Captain Luo told me to send his regards."

"You spoke to him on the phone?" Ding Wei's voice almost cracked.

Was he excited because of the news he hoped Wenjie had? Or was there more to it than that? He had overcome his initial shyness towards the policeman by now. 

Wenjie grabbed his backpack and followed Zhijian and Xiao Dao out to where his father and Zhijue were waiting. 

"I just asked him about the current situation." He briefly considered how much he should tell his friends. If there was more to Ding Wei's behaviour, perhaps he should keep quiet about Xu Zhengqing, at least the part about the manhunt at the vacation resort. That seemed like a good compromise to him. 

"They assume that Xu Zhengqing is alive and planning to take the relics. They are on his trail and we should enjoy our vacation." Wenjie studied his friend's facial features attentively as he spoke. Could he detect any emotion? An indication that something to do with Xu Zhengqing was bothering him? 

But there was nothing. Only relief that they probably didn't have to worry about the man anymore. He shouldn't be so paranoid. Hadn't Ding Wei proved long ago, that he could trust him? So why did he now suspect him of playing a false game? That wasn't fair.

Xiao Dao patted him on the shoulder encouragingly. "If anyone can catch Monsieur, it's Captain Luo."

That didn't make it any better. In fact, it made Wenjie feel even more remorseful. As if that wasn't enough, he couldn't help but worry about Luo Jian. He was too sure that they would catch the criminal. But he couldn't forget the threat. Xu Zhengqing would eliminate anyone who stood in his way of achieving his goals. After all, his crimes were already punishable by death. Killing him twice would not work. He was a man with nothing left to lose. That made him even more dangerous.

to be continued ...