An Eye for News

                Thewhite suit wearing female reporter had her hair up in a brisk ponytail. Herhands were tightly wound around a microphone as she took her steps forwardbeside Commissioner Xie.

                Theystopped at about 5 to 6 meters away from the jumper, just enough to make surehis voice was recorded but not too close to alarm him.

                “h.e.l.lo,I’m Lee Wei from Province X Tv Station’s . Mr. Da,Commissioner Xie had told me about your plight but do you mind explaining it furtherfor the camera?”

                Le Waisaid consolingly as she inched slightly forward.

                Hervoice was soft but charismatic, the kind that was perfect for broadcast.

                “Yes,you listen to me… I was out for dinner with my wife and son about a month ago.When we arrived at the intersection in front of our apartment, a CayennePorsche suddenly sped round the corner. I instinctually pulled my familytowards the sidewalk to avoid collision with the car. But the car suddenlyveered and rammed into my wife and son. The street was covered with skid marksof their blood but did the car driver stop? No, he didn’t not! And I’ll neverforget its plates as it sped cowardly away, it was 88888, Gao Song’s car!”

                w.a.n.g DaFa started to break down, “Gao Xung was drunk driving and killed my family andthe sentence he got? 20000 RMB fine! What is that going to do? Can the money buymy family back?!”

              “Are yousure he was drunk driving? According to traffic law, his sentence should bemore than just monetary fine.”

                Lee Wei’skeen news sense sniffed out the inconsistency in w.a.n.g Da Fang’s story.

                “I’msure! Who drives like that sober? Also why else would he report to the policeonly the next day? He must have been waiting for the alcohol to disperse! Andhe even pushed his driver to take blame for him. I saw it clearly that day, itwas Gao Song who was behind the driver seat not his driver. You think I wouldmistake the person that killed my family?”

                Lee Weinodded along to his explanation, then she added, “I believe you. I can’timagine the sadness you’re going through right now but I’m sure your wife andson wouldn’t want to see you this way right? They certainly wish to have youmove on and live a fuller life on their behalf, wouldn’t you agree?”

                “No! Aslong as Gao Song is not brought to justice, I’ll never be able to move on! Ifhe’s truly innocent, why wouldn’t he dare to come up and confront me?” w.a.n.g DaFa screamed in her face.

                Lee Weisnuck a look at Commissioner Xie, asking about Gao Song’s conditions. Thelatter shook his head imperceptibly, whispering, “We can’t bring Gao Song uphere. The jumper’s too unstable.”

                “Reporterlady, as you can see, the law can’t help me so you’re my only hope. My wife is…was ’s loyal viewer, I beg you to air her story and helpbring justice to her death.”

                w.a.n.g DaFa wiped the tears from his eyes, and then took in a deep breath in an effortto collect himself. He uttered as calm as he could, “Lady, can you pa.s.s me themicrophone? I would like to say my last words if you’ll allow it. So pleasemake sure the sound and picture’s clear.”

                “Brotherw.a.n.g, please listen to me. You still have a long future ahead of you. We’llgladly record what you have to say but please don’t say it’s your last words.”

                Lee Weiadvised as she made to move forward. Commissioner Xie grabbed hold of herbefore she could do so, whispering violently, “w.a.n.g Da Fa is too unstable, it’llbe too dangerous for you to get any closer!”

                Lee Weismiled and shook her head, “Don’t worry, I’m an experienced legal beatreporter. I’m sure I can handle this. Plus the wind up here is blurring therecording of his voice. This is for the sake of a good news but at the end ofthe day, it is also to save a life. Rejecting his request might push him overthe edge.”

                Se Cainodded in agreement. He too would have done the same thing if he was in thefemale reporter’s shoes.

                However,Se Cai noticed Lee Wei’s legs were shaking. He suspected she was only puttingon a brave front.

                But canshe truly be blamed? She had to negotiate with a suicide attempter by the edgeof a tall building, who wouldn’t be afraid?

                “Pleasebe careful and try to keep him occupied. The firemen are standing by. They’re waitingfor the right moment to strike.”

                DeputyDirector Wong offered silently.

                He hadreservations about the reporter’s decision, he had a sneaking feeling in hisgut that w.a.n.g Da Fa’s intention wasn’t just to talk to the reporter that simple,but since his superior had allowed it, what else could he do?

                Lee Weiacknowledged Deputy Director Wong’s advice wordlessly. She took one slow stepafter another until she was only 1 meter away from w.a.n.g Da Fa.

                Pushingher microphone forward, she said with a bright smile, “Alright, brother w.a.n.g, I’mhere as you asked. Is there anything you want me to relay to the publicsecurity bureau? I have faith that they’ll ensure ultimately justice prevails.”

                “Canyou come closer? I would like to hold the mic, like how I see the celebritiesdo it on Tv…”

                w.a.n.g DaFa leaped back from the railing and stared at the microphone in Lee Wei’s hand.He seemed ready to move forward and grab it but suddenly he sneered. He saw the2 police officers trying to sneak towards them. He yelled, “Get back the two ofyou! I only need the reporter lady here! After I’ve spoken my mind, I’llsurrender freely. But, if you try anything funny before then, I swear I’lljump!”

                “Brotherw.a.n.g, please talk to me. I’m sorry but I can’t grant your previous requestbecause it’s normally the interviewer that holds the mic. It’ll look weird foryou to be holding it. How about I come closer? Will that work?”

                Lee Weismiled and exchanged an eye contact with her cameraman before taking one morestep forward.

                “Something’swrong with this w.a.n.g Da Fa…”

                Se Caiobserved. His instinct told him w.a.n.g Da Fa was acting too weirdly.

                “Isuppose it’s wouldn’t hurt to read his mind…”

                “I’msuch a failure… I only cared for myself and didn’t even think to pull my familyalong with me or else they would have lived… I’m sorry, honey. I promise I’llcome apologize to you personally after I’ve taken care of Gao Song thatb.a.s.t.a.r.d!

                And thebomb I’ve hidden to by the air duct will help me accomplish that. The momentGao Song appears, I’ll take all of us out with a blast! But that coward doesn’thave the guts to come face me. Never mind… I’ll force him out by taking one ofthese people here as hostage. The two officers will be too troublesome but thisfemale reporter will do nicely!”

                Se Caiwas beside himself with shock when he learnt of w.a.n.g Da Fa’s true intention. Hewasn’t expecting the man to be so vicious!

                Se Caiscanned his surroundings more attentively and quickly spotted an inconspicuousbrown paper bag in the s.p.a.ce between the air duct and the rooftop floor. Se Caibelieved this was the bomb w.a.n.g Da Fa was referring to.

                At thatmoment, w.a.n.g Da Fa made to take the microphone but leaped one full step ahead!

                Lee Weionly managed to let out a yelp before w.a.n.g Da Fa had her in his chokehold and draggedback to the building’s edge.

                “n.o.bodymoves! Or I’ll bring her with me!”