36

MISLAN IS DRIVEN IN the MACC vehicle, while one of the officers drives his car. On the way, Yusuf asks about the confidential report. Mislan tells him it is a police matter, and he is not at liberty to discuss it unless instructed by his superior. His cell phone rings. It is Superintendent Samsiah.

“Lan, what’s going on?”

“I’m being picked up by Anti-Corruption.”

“I know, Jo told me. Where are they taking you, KL office or Putrajaya?”

“KL, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin.”

“Don’t say anything, wait for me. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

The call goes dead.

“Who tipped you guys off?”

“Anonymous.”

“I’m impressed. Thought MACC didn’t act on anonymous tips?”

The two MACC officers do not respond.

“Hell, you guys don’t even get cracking this fast on a formal complaint. So, who’s pulling the strings?”

“It was an anonymous tip, and no one is pulling any strings. Inspector, please be advised not to make any deprecating remarks about us, we’re only doing our duty,” Yusuf replies calmly.

“I’m sorry, I’m tired. Please accept my apologies, my remarks were uncalled for.”

“Forget it, only don’t repeat it. Some of my colleagues might not be too understanding.”

At the MACC office, Mislan is taken to an interview room where the officers ask him about the hampers. He tells them exactly what had happened.

“So you did not solicit them?”

“Not to my recollection.”

“Do you know who sent them?”

“Nope.”

“If that was the case, why did you take them with you? Why not just leave them at the guardhouse?”

“Because they’re exhibits, and I wanted to take them to the office. If I had wanted to keep them, I would have taken them into my house and not left them in my car in plain sight.”

“Maybe you were taking them somewhere else and you didn’t expect us to come, like the tough police inspector you think you are,” Redzwan says sarcastically.

“Maybe I was going to bring them here to surrender and confess personally to you, how about that, smartass?” he lashes back.

“Cool it, guys,” Yusuf intervenes.

“What’s the deal here? Are you recording my statement or interrogating me?” He takes out the digital recorder from the backpack, switches it on, and places in on the table.

“What’s that for?” Redzwan barks. “You’re in our office. You don’t get to do as you wish. This is not one of your goddamn police stations.”

“Shut up and sit down,” Yusuf snaps. “Inspector, there’s no need for that. You’re not under arrest, and we’re only conducting an interview. At present, there’s no necessity for us to record your statement. So, let’s all remain calm.”

“What’s with him? You’d better keep him on a leash before he hurts himself.”

“Is that a threat?” Redzwan hisses, staring at him menacingly.

“It’s brotherly advice,” Mislan replies calmly.

He hears soft knocking on the door, and Superintendent Samsiah enters with Johan close behind. She introduces herself and asks if she could have a word with Senior Enforcement Officer Yusuf privately. Yusuf nods and follows her, closing the door behind them.

Johan slides into a chair next to Mislan, whispering, “You’re right, got the bike number. I’ll check it tomorrow when the office opens. So, what’s happening?”

Redzwan pretends not to care what they’re whispering, but it’s obvious he’s straining to listen.

“Careful, you may burst your eardrums,” Mislan tells him.

“You think you’re smart, don’t you? Well, let’s see how smart you feel after we’re done with you,” Redzwan threatens him. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with. They eat people like you for breakfast.”

“Really! Wow, they must be wild animals, then,” he replies, laughing with Johan.

“Laugh all you want. When Tan Sri—” Redzwan pauses, checking himself. “I mean when they’re done with you, you’ll be lucky if you can get a job as a security guard.”

“You know what, Redzwan? When all this is over, I suggest you start looking for another job, because Tan Sri is going to find out it was you who fingered him,” Mislan says, pointing to the digital recorder.

Redzwan lunges across the table for it as Mislan snatches it away. Johan leaps up, going for Redzwan. Just then the door opens, Senior Enforcement Officer Yusuf and Superintendent Samsiah standing in the doorway. All three stop still in mid-action and look at the door. And as if on a count of three, they slowly return to their original positions, pretending nothing has happened.

“What’s happening here?” Samsiah asks firmly.

Mislan is about to answer when Superintendent Samsiah gives him a stare to shut him up.

“Is this how professionals act? We’re on the same side and going at each other’s throats will only benefit them.” Turning to Yusuf, she says, “Thank you, it has been a pleasure meeting you, and please advise me of the outcome. I’ll forward a copy of the confidential report and their statements by tomorrow evening.”

“Likewise, ma’am. Thank you.”

She motions to Mislan and Johan to follow her, and Yusuf hands the car key to the inspector as he walks by.

“Thank you, and sorry,” he says to Yusuf, extending his hand.

As they wait for the elevator, Mislan starts to explain to his boss the sequence of events, but she holds up her hand and says, “I don’t want to hear anything from you now. I want both of you to go to the office, write out your statements, and go home. Hand them to me first thing tomorrow morning.”

Mislan and Johan nod.

“If I find out that you’ve left anything out, intentionally or otherwise, I’ll make sure you regret it. And Lan, I mean it.”

He nods and looks at his assistant, who is grinning at him like a mischievous child. When Superintendent Samsiah is gone, he asks his assistant.

“What did you tell ma’am?”

“I told her you were picked up by MACC.”

“And?”

“She gave me the third degree.”

“And you told her everything?”

“I’m sorry, boss, she was scary. You know how she is when she gets into one of her moods.”

Mislan laughs.

“You’re weak, Jo. She plays you like a fiddle.”

“I know, I’m sorry, boss.”

“I think Yusuf, the senior guy, is OK, but the other one may be under the control of KK.”

“Hoping for a favor in return, a promotion.”

“I know many of these guys are pally with politicians or is it the other way around? That’s why you don’t see many politicians arrested and charged with corruption.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the asshole is one of them.”