The checkpoint guards placed the gang leader in the stone shelter beside the detained men. He gave his name as Harl and claimed that the stamped paper in his coat made the attack lawful.
Bai asked the guard to keep the writ dry and untouched. “We need it as it was found. The paper may show who issued it and what it actually authorizes.”
Harl smiled. “It says the cargo is restricted. That is enough.”
“Not unless you can show a signed order that applies to these goods.” Bai pointed to the manifest, which listed ordinary roots, grain, and cloth. “You attacked before the clerk finished checking the labels.”
The lead guard asked Sen what she had seen. She said the gang blocked the road before the cargo inspection began. The clerk confirmed that he was still reviewing the first crate when the net was thrown.
Qinghe finished wrapping the injured bandit’s hand. “Can you move your fingers?”
He flexed them carefully. “Yes.”
She gave the guard a note describing the cut and the way she had treated it. She did not ask for the man’s release or tell the guards to hold him longer. The inquiry belonged to them; her work was to record the injury clearly.
