Stephen Leather - Inspector Zang and the disappearing drugs

"Isn't that the case you were working on?" she asked.

"Yes," said Inspector Zhang, watching as Inspector Kwok flashed the reporter a beaming smile. "Yes it is."

"So why aren't they interviewing you?"

Inspector Zhang took a sip of his wine. "I suppose I'm not handsome enough for television," he said.

"You're much more handsome than the Senior Assistant Commissioner," said Mrs. Zhang.

"They eye of the beholder," said Inspector Zhang.

Mrs. Zhang watched as the reporter continued to interview Inspector Kwok. "She's very pretty," she said.

"Yes, she is."

"Is she a good detective?"

Inspector Zhang looked a little pained. "She will do very well in the Singapore Police Force," he said. "She is destined for great things."

"But she is not a good detective?"

"My own Sergeant Lee is better," said Inspector Zhang.

"But not as pretty."

Inspector Zhang raised his wine glass to her. "No, my dear. Not as pretty. And neither of them hold a candle to you."

"Is there something going on between the Senior Assistant Commissioner and the pretty inspector?" asked Mrs. Zhang quietly.

"Why do you ask?"

"Just they way they stand together, the way that he keeps looking at her and once I saw him rub his wedding ring as if it was troubling him."

Inspector Zhang chuckled softly. "My dear, you would make a great detective," he said, reaching for his chopsticks and spoon.