Chapter 3: Truths Uncovered

Dr. Turner's voice was somewhat hoarse as he acknowledged, "Yes, Mike Evanston was a patient of mine. He called very early this morning, expressing strong suicidal tendencies. I did my best, but I couldn't talk him down..." His tone dropped, signaling distress, "Perhaps my skills were not sharp enough."

"No one's a saint, doctor," Chief Zheng comforted him, patting his shoulder.

"I understand," Dr. Turner responded somberly.

Chief Zheng then introduced Dr. Turner to Captain Harper: "Dr. Luke Turner here is from City Hospital's psychiatric department, heading a research project in cooperation with our department, studying the mental health of our frontline detectives. We're starting with the Homicide Division. Captain Harper, I expect active cooperation from your team. This project aims to amass invaluable experience for the well-being and growth of our officers in the future."

"Yes, of course! Got it." Harper cut in, dismissing the formalities, and extended his hand to Dr. Turner. "Dr. Turner, I look forward to working with you."

"Captain Harper, the pleasure is mine," Dr. Turner replied, shaking hands.

Harper again noticed the cool touch of Dr. Turner's hand and the subtle fragrance that seemed to define him – a scent reminiscent of secluded temples shrouded in mystery.

Despite Harper's rough and ready demeanor, he respected the detailed preferences of his elderly mother, who had often stressed the importance of selecting fragrances with precision as they reflect one's character. So it was with Dr. Turner, an enigma, seemingly aloof and yet compelling.

Chief Zheng continued his introduction: "Don't be fooled by his youth; Dr. Turner is a freshly returned Ph.D. from a top institution abroad. When did you get back, Luke?"

"Late January, after wrapping up my work at the university. It's just been two months since I started here; there's still much to learn," Dr. Turner modestly replied.

"You're too humble, Luke. With an expert like you handling things, I have no worries about Deputy Wei's case," Chief Zheng reassured and, glancing at his phone, added, "I've got to handle some matters. Let's catch up some other time—how about next week at my place for a casual dinner? My wife keeps asking about you."

"Absolutely, thank you, Uncle Zheng," Dr. Turner accepted warmly.

As Chief Zheng departed, Harper couldn't help but voice his confusion: "Uncle Zheng? I didn't know he had any relatives returning from abroad with the surname Turner."

Once Chief Zheng moved off, Harper quizzed Dr. Turner off-the-cuff, "May I ask, are you volunteering, or does Chief Zheng pay you? Our department has petitioned for counseling funds several times, but it was never approved."

"I'm a volunteer. Chief Zheng doesn't trust just any doctor—no offense to their skills, but commitment is often lacking when it comes to counseling. Sometimes a devoted young physician can surpass a senior expert," Dr. Turner explained.

"The sly fox, always looking to save a buck," Harper concluded with a smirk.

Dr. Turner chuckled, "It's not about money. The hospital already has a partnership with your department. Any of us would have volunteered."

Harper and Dr. Turner proceeded to the meeting, a contrast in stature and build: Harper, sturdy and broad from years of fieldwork, and Dr. Turner, recently stepping into clinical work from academia, still carrying an air of scholarly reserve in his white coat.

Upon reaching the office, Harper was swarmed with updates and documents requiring his attention. Harper turned to Dr. Turner apologetically, "Dr. Turner, please make yourself comfortable in the meeting room next door while I deal with this. It won't be long, and to make it up for the wait, join me for lunch in the canteen."

"Of course, no rush on my account today," Dr. Turner smiled genuinely.

Handing off Dr. Turner to a new officer, Harper called Deputy Cao for a brief case meeting.

"The suspect, Mike Evanston, is under ICU observation; his vitals are stable, but it's unclear when he'll wake up. The deceased, his father Michael Sr. and grandfather Henry, appear to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning, with zolpidem found in their system and no sign of struggle or external injuries," Harper informed his team as they walked to his office.

The forensics indicated Mike's handwriting on a suicide letter matched his known writing, claiming a deeply rooted resentment towards his father and grandfather. He confessed to drugging and attempting to perish along with them by rigging a gas leak.

Harper mused on the evidence, pondering Mike's motives, based on claims Mike faced ongoing abuse from both men.

The female officer Hou Ying interjected with medical records from Mike's hospital visit following a particularly violent incident just days prior.

Harper's focus was clear: despite the suspect's detained status, the underlying abuse could not be ignored. In discussing strategies with his team, the determination to pursue justice was unyielding, inspecting every lead despite pressures from procedural forces to expedite the case. Harper maintained a stern stance on ensuring a thorough investigation was paramount, upholding both justice and integrity.