Chapter 316
The wail of police sirens pierced the sky.
A dozen squad cars screeched to a halt, doors flying open as armed officers formed a perimeter. Boss Xu's face drained of color, sweat beading on his forehead.
"CID Unit," announced the lead detective, flashing his badge. "We've received reports of illegal confinement and assault."
Boss Xu's knees buckled. He'd greased plenty of palms, but these were city investigators. His eyes darted toward Andrew Smith, who was calmly adjusting his cuffs.
"Perfect timing, Officer." Andrew stepped forward. "We're investigating missing persons when these men blocked us—armed."
Boss Xu's beady eyes narrowed before he lunged at Andrew. "Lies! He's extorting me!" He pointed at the file in Andrew's hand. "That's hush money he demanded!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Brothers!" Boss Xu turned to the miners. "In your hearts—have I ever wronged you?"
The coal yard fell deathly silent. Workers stared at the ground, fingers twisting their tattered shirts.
Boss Xu smirked. "You see, Officer—"
"I can testify."
A raspy voice cut through. William Cooper emerged supporting Old Harold, who clutched bloodied bandages. William's fire poker bore dark stains.
"Five years..." Old Harold trembled. "I've watched how many get tossed into abandoned shafts..."
Boss Xu turned ashen. "They're framing me!"
"Me too!" A gaunt figure pushed forward. "My brother died down there last month!"
Like a dam breaking, miners surged forward.
"I saw them beat Old Walter to death!"
"We've never been paid!"
"The electric fences... the attack dogs..."
The outcry swelled. Someone hurled a coal chunk at Boss Xu, sparking a hailstorm of justice long overdue.
Andrew retreated, murmuring to the detective, "Evidence is all in here."
Boss Xu collapsed, his designer suit blackened. As the miners' fury crested, realization struck—no connections could save him now.