Part 7: "The Truth"

Janardhan sits slumped in a chair, bound tight. Blood dripping from his nose, over cracked lips, and through his teeth, mixing with spit at the corner of his mouth.
Janardhan: Heh ... heh ...
The new interrogator wipes blood off his knuckles with delicate care.
Officer II: You bit my partner's ear off, Janardhan. That means I don't have to play nice anymore.
Officer II: I don't have his patience.
Officer II: Let's review and clear your head a bit, Janardhan.
Officer II: We found you in the jungle with a kidnapped student and an empty bag.
Officer II: But that girl is nowhere to be found. And that student is still unconscious—hasn't said a word.
The interrogator narrows his eyes.
Officer II: So ... want to explain that bullet in your shoulder?
Officer II: You're going to tell me what happened, and then you're going to tell me where that money is.
Janardhan: cough I'll tell you everything. I'll tell you everything!
Janardhan: First of all, it was that dumb brat from the train that shot me.
Janardhan: Stop running, both of you!
Janardhan: Or I'll shoot. I'll shoot you both! See if I care!?
They kept running toward the river, and I was right behind them, dragging the bag.
Kanjira: We have to cross! He's carrying too much—he can't keep up!
Student: B-But I can't swim!
Kanjira: Shut your eyes! Just kick your legs and move! Don't think—just swim!
I chased after them, but the bag was too heavy and the current was too strong.
I was close. So close I could almost grab the brat's arm.
Janardhan: What? My bag—
Just as I was about to grab him, the bag snagged on a rotten log.
Janardhan: Of all the rotten—Urghh!
I yanked at the bag, prying it free, but as I turned back ...
I felt the weight of my gun was missing.
Student: Don't come any closer! I'll shoot. Don't think I won't, you thief!
He's just a kid—there's not a chance he has the guts to pull that trigger.
So I took another step—
*thud*
Janardhan: cough I couldn't chase them after that, so I just dragged myself back to shore.
Janardhan: Didn't even notice my bag was torn open.
Janardhan: And just like that ... all that cash—everything—washed away in the river.
Officer II: ...
Janardhan: Then I found a tree. Something to rest up against. When I came to—cough
Janardhan: Well ...
Officer II: You think I'm some kind of idiot? You're trying to tell me all that money is in the belly of some fish out there?
Officer II: Your story stinks. For one thing, we heard three shots.
Janardhan: Heh ... Well, that kid couldn't aim for st.
Officer II: We could still work something out, Janardhan. You sure you want to keep selling me this bullst?
Janardhan: Heh ... heh ...
*knock*
Young Officer: Sir ... there's a crowd outside. It's a whole bunch of vagrants and now some reporters. They're blocking the street. It's turning into a real scene.
Officer II: Hm?
Young Officer: That kid woke up.
Young Officer: Also, a woman named Batia is here. She's asked to meet with the chief.
Young Officer: He wants you in his office.