Chapter 46: An Unexpected Visit from Qiushan

“Mr. Akiyama, what brings you here…” Sweat broke out on Zhou Sen’s forehead; he could never have imagined Akiyama no Suke would come to his humble little warehouse.

Of course, he was dressed in casual clothes, accompanied only by Jin Suying.

This woman’s relationship with Akiyama no Suke was clearly unusual. Zhou Sen grew more convinced he needed to keep his distance from such “green tea” types. He was genuinely afraid he’d get caught up in that seductive aura.

“Zhou Sen, this place isn’t bad—spacious, good for both resting and working.” Akiyama no Suke surveyed Zhou Sen’s warehouse, clicking his tongue in appreciation.

“I just needed a nearby spot to rest and eat,” Zhou Sen hastily explained. “The police station is a bit far, and everyone crowded together isn’t convenient.”

“I understand.” Akiyama nodded. “This morning you didn’t attend the station’s early training. Section Chief Song said you asked for leave?”

“Yes.” Zhou Sen’s face reddened. Why was Akiyama no Suke suddenly concerned about this? The original Zhou often skipped early training by taking leave.

“Try to attend those sessions when you can. But, how’s your investigation going?” Akiyama shifted the topic directly to the case, raising and lowering the issue of training lightly.

Jin Suying’s gaze wavered slightly; Akiyama’s concern for Zhou Sen went far beyond what she’d imagined.

What secrets did this man truly harbor?

“I was just about to report to you…” Zhou Sen glanced sideways at Jin Suying, then suppressed his words.

“Secretary Jin, Zhou Sen and I have matters to discuss. Please step outside.” Akiyama instructed calmly.

“Yes, Mr. Akiyama.” Jin Suying bowed reluctantly and walked out.

When Jin Suying had gone, Zhou Sen lowered his voice and reported, “Mr. Akiyama, after these days of investigation and analysis, it appears Editor Sherkin’s murder was likely committed for financial gain.”

Akiyama’s brows knitted. “For money?”

“Yes. Sherkin had deposited most of his savings in the bank under his girlfriend Susanna’s name. As long as Sherkin was alive, the money wasn’t hers. But if Sherkin died, all of it would belong to Susanna.” Zhou Sen explained.

“Do you have evidence?”

“I discovered Susanna had already plotted to kill for money. Two days before Sherkin’s death, she claimed illness and took leave, then stayed at her friend Grisha’s rented apartment on Trading Street. Grisha was essentially providing Susanna an alibi for the night Sherkin was murdered. I approached Grisha, posing as Susanna’s friend, and managed to coax some details from her. That night, Susanna left for a period.” Zhou Sen explained.

“So, Susanna is now the prime suspect!”

“Yes, but we haven’t found the murder weapon. Also, Susanna was the mastermind, but she had an accomplice: Sherkin’s housemaid, Feiya. If Feiya hadn’t opened the door, Susanna couldn’t have entered Sherkin’s room. Together, they staged the scene to make it look like the killer entered through the chimney.”

“And Susanna’s background?”

“Mr. Akiyama, my abilities are limited. I can’t determine if she’s a Soviet spy, and this is all I’ve managed to find.” Zhou Sen spoke aggrievedly.

He was just a low-ranking patrol officer, suddenly tasked with such a major case and expected to investigate Soviet spies—it was almost impossible. Even if he discovered something, he wouldn’t dare say it outright.

All his suspicions were within reasonable bounds. Since Akiyama no Suke had already declared Susanna a possible Soviet spy, she was certainly doomed regardless of Zhou Sen’s actions—the outcome wouldn’t change much.

“So my sources were accurate after all.” Akiyama breathed out deeply.

“What news?”

“Did you know Sherkin had joined an organization called the Russian Patriotic League?” Akiyama asked.

Zhou Sen was startled. He didn’t know whether to answer “yes” or “no,” since Father Anthony was also a member, and seemed to hold a high position.

Seeing Zhou Sen’s hesitation, Akiyama frowned. “Zhou Sen, I’m asking you a question.”

“Oh, Mr. Akiyama, I’m at fault. Please punish me.” Zhou Sen’s mind flashed back to the bug found in his home; many of his affairs had likely been monitored long ago.

Some secrets might not yet be exposed, but others—who could say? For example, the documents he brought back from the newspaper, especially that photo slipped between the pages of the dictionary—who knew if it was deliberately planted?

“Zhou Sen, what guilt are you speaking of? Now you’ve confused me.” Akiyama asked.

Zhou Sen walked over and retrieved the group photo of Father Anthony and Sherkin in front of the Dadahe Hotel.

“Mr. Akiyama, please look at this picture.”

Akiyama examined the photo closely, his expression shifting. “Zhou Sen, where did this come from?”

“I found it among Sherkin’s belongings. There’s an inscription mentioning the Russian Patriotic League. Before this, I’d truly never heard of the organization. I never questioned my foster father’s affairs, so…” Zhou Sen explained.

“I see. No wonder you were unaware.” Akiyama nodded. “The Russian Patriotic League is a group of exiled Tsarist Russian soldiers in Ice City, mainly composed of Cossack cavalry and their descendants…”

Akiyama detailed the organization’s structure, membership, and aims.

In short, it was a group of exiled military officers intent on restoring Tsarist rule in Russia. The famous White-haired General once led it; now its leader was Rozayevsky, officially Deputy Director of the White Russian Affairs Bureau in Ice City.

Zhou Sen’s foster father, Anthony Robin, was a key member and major financial backer.

Moreover, the group had evolved into an intelligence organization attached to the Japanese Kwantung Army, focusing on Soviet affairs.

As most members were Russian, many having suffered persecution, they harbored intense hatred for the Soviet regime and communism, making them ideal recruits for espionage against the USSR.

Father Anthony’s codename: The Pastor.

The codename suited his role and duties in the group.

Hearing Akiyama’s explanation, Zhou Sen felt a cold chill—what karma had he accumulated in a past life, or was it simply poor luck in reincarnation? With this identity, a few years down the line, he was destined for “suppression.”

From Akiyama’s tone, it sounded as if he was expected to inherit Father Anthony’s position, becoming the new “Pastor.”

Wasn’t this forcing him onto a dead end?

“From our information, Sherkin was your foster father’s secret assistant.”

“What?” Zhou Sen cried out in alarm.

“You didn’t know?”

“Mr. Akiyama, I didn’t even know my foster father was a member of this Russian Patriotic League. How could I possibly know Sherkin was his assistant?” Zhou Sen retorted.

Akiyama nodded. He had indeed investigated; though Zhou Sen was Anthony Robin’s foster son, apart from that connection, he had never involved himself in the family’s business or shown any intention to interfere.

Perhaps because Zhou Sen was Manchurian, Anthony Robin never fully trusted him with his identity or secrets.

That was only natural.

After all, Zhou Sen was not Russian. If a new “Pastor” were to be chosen, Sherkin or Ivanovich would be more suitable.

Now, with Sherkin murdered and Ivanovich too greedy to be controlled by the Japanese imperial intelligence, Zhou Sen—if appointed “Pastor”—would need the Empire’s support, making him easier to control.

Sweat beaded on Zhou Sen’s brow. Akiyama was laying his cards on the table.

“Mr. Akiyama, you know me: timid, afraid of death, never destined for great things. If you entrust me with such an important matter, I’ll most likely mess it up. Should I jeopardize the Empire’s affairs, even a dozen heads wouldn’t suffice!”

“You’ve handled Sherkin’s case well since taking over,” Akiyama replied. “Zhou Sen, you have ability—you just don’t wish to use it in service of the Empire.”

“All I’ve discovered was thanks to advice from Director Lin of the Special Services Division. He pointed me in the right direction. Without him, even with double the time, I’d have found nothing.” Zhou Sen hurriedly shifted the credit to Lin Dakuan, knowing Akiyama would likely not check.

“Director Lin?”

“Yes, Mr. Akiyama. I don’t understand investigations, so I sought guidance from him. It was his hints that helped me uncover Susanna’s issues.”

“Zhou Sen, in your estimation, Susanna is strongly suspected. She can be detained and interrogated.”

“Yes, I’ll take her to the station tomorrow and hand her over to Director Bai!” Zhou Sen nodded, eager to hand off the case.

“No, you’ll continue to handle it. I’ll have Director Bai assign staff to assist you.” Akiyama said.

“Mr. Akiyama, isn’t that inappropriate? I have so many other duties…”

“If you keep charge of the case, I can recommend your subordinate, Old Gu, for promotion to sergeant.” Akiyama smiled faintly.

“Mr. Akiyama, you’re making things difficult for me—I’ve never done this sort of work!” Zhou Sen looked conflicted.

“Never having done it doesn’t mean you can’t, or won’t do it well.” Akiyama chuckled. “Zhou Sen, I believe in you.”

“Thank you for your confidence, Mr. Akiyama. I’ll give it a try.” Zhou Sen knew that opposing Akiyama now would only bring trouble.