Read Online The Eight Curious Cases of Inspector Zhang by Stephen Leather - Free Book Online Page B

Wong?”
    â€œI’m sorry,” said Inspector Zhang. “She is the lady who died.”
    â€œWhy do you think she pressed my buzzer?”
    â€œShe needed to get access to the roof and she didn’t have a keycard so someone must have admitted her,” said Inspector Zhang.
    â€œNo one pressed my buzzer all night. I got home from work, I cooked myself dinner, I watched television and I was in bed by eleven.”
    Sergeant Lee scribbled in her notebook. “I wonder if I might ask you a favour, Miss Yu?” said Inspector Zhang.
    â€œA favour?” She looked at her watch impatiently.
    â€œMy wife and I are thinking of moving to this area. Would you mind showing me around?”
    â€œYou want me to give you a tour of my apartment?”
    â€œThat’s so kind of you,” said Inspector Zhang, heading for a door at the far end of the sitting room. “Is this the bedroom?”
    â€œOne of the bedrooms,” said Miss Yu, hurrying after him. “Inspector Zhang, I really have to go to work.”
    Inspector Zhang nodded appreciatively at the spacious bedroom. There was a king-size bed and a sofa against one wall, and another large balcony. There were sliding mirrored doors at the far end of the room and Inspector Zhang slid them back. “A walk-in closet,” he said. “That’s what my wife really wants, a closet that she can walk into.”
    â€œPlease, Inspector …” said Miss Yu. “Really, I have to go.”
    Inspector Zhang stepped into the closet and ran his hand along a line of dresses. He pulled out a black dress and looked at the label. “Karen Millen,” he said. “I was telling Sergeant Lee that my wife is a big fan of Karen Millen’s designs.” He put the dress back on the rail and pulled out another one. “I see you have a lot of her dresses. And that you like black. My wife prefers red.”
    â€œInspector Zhang, I really don’t see what the content of my closet has to do with you.”
    The inspector walked out of the closet and went into the bathroom. The walls and floors were lined with marble and there was a large bath in the centre of the room, big enough for two people. “Is that a Jacuzzi?” asked Inspector Zhang. “My wife has always wanted a Jacuzzi.”
    â€œYes, it’s a Jacuzzi. Please, Inspector Zhang, I have to go to work.”
    â€œI expect it’s a wonderful way to relax, after a hard day at work,” said Inspector Zhang.
    There was a white cabinet to the left of the sink and Inspector Zhang went over and opened it. It was full of medical supplies and he pulled out a pack of sticking plasters.
    â€œI really must protest at this intrusion into my privacy,” said Miss Yu. “I am going to have to ask you to leave.”
    Inspector Zhang put the pack of plasters back into the cabinet and closed the door. “I think we’ve seen all that we need, Miss Yu.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear that,” said Miss Yu, folding her arms. “I really do have to get to work.”
    â€œThere is just one more thing,” said the inspector. He lowered his chin and looked at her over the top of his spectacles. “I am arresting you for the murder of Mrs. Celia Wong.”
    Miss Yu’s jaw dropped, and Sergeant Lee looked equally astonished.
    They drove Miss Yu to CID headquarters at New Bridge Road, processed her, and then drove out to the airport where they met up with two uniformed policemen.
    They found Mr. Wong sitting at a computer in the baggage handling control room. He saw them walk into the room and got up from his seat. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
    â€œWe’re here to arrest you for the murder of your wife,” said Inspector Zhang.
    â€œNonsense,” said Mr. Wong. “I was at home when she died.”
    â€œNo, you were at home when she fell from the roof,” said Inspector Zhang. “Your mistress Shirley Yu