Chapter 491

Luke finished with the FBI and drove to the detective bureau.

Walking into the First Squadron office, he bumped into Blackie, who was walking head-on with a coffee cup.

Xiao Hei joked, “Captain, I saw that you were on the news, it’s only been one night since you solved another kidnapping case, it’s almost like L.A. Sherlock Holmes.”

“I was trying to keep a low profile, but Anthony had to drag me into an interview.” Luke shrugged with a look that said I didn’t really want to show off.

Jackson was curious, “Captain, you’ve been working with us on the Issa Redman kidnapping case and haven’t even had time to sleep.

Why did Anthony say it was you who provided the key clue to solving the case.”

“It’s a bit of a long story, I was still traveling in Hawaii at the time when Chief Reed called about the kidnapping and wanted to ask me to return to Los Angeles to work on the case.

I didn’t say yes right away, I needed to talk to my family.

After I talked to my family, they were a little reluctant but still supported me to return to Los Angeles to investigate the case.

And it was at this time that the documents I left at the hotel were stolen.

I assisted the local police in catching the thief, who claimed to have been instructed to steal my documents from the hotel.

I drew a sketch of that person.

At first, I thought that the person in the sketch had something to do with the kidnapping of Isha Redman, and I asked Isha Redman’s parents, but neither of them recognized the person in the sketch.

I later gave the sketch portrait to Anthony, who found the man in the portrait, interrogated him, and learned that it was Gary Sane Jr.’s mother who had hired him.

We then followed that lead to Gary Sane Jr.”

Black asked rhetorically, “Why did Gary Sane Jr.’s mother stop you from returning to Los Angeles? Also you said find, not rescue, is there something else going on in this case.”

Luke said, “You guessed right, this case is not really a kidnapping, but rather Gary Sane Jr. killed a woman who was at a party and staged his own kidnapping farce in order to avoid being investigated by the police.

The FBI is now recovering the woman’s body from the ocean.”

Blackie bristled, “That’s a sad story, but it doesn’t surprise me that these things happen to the rich and famous.”

Luke swept his gaze across the office, “Where’s the lieutenant? Why haven’t we seen him?”

Jackson replied, “I was just about to report back to you.

Sophia’s stepmother, Kelly Lax, is here.

Also, I found the babysitter who had taken care of Sophia.

Since you weren’t there, the vice squad went to Chief Reed.

They took Kelly Lax and the nanny to see Sophia.”

Blackie laughed, “Should we go check it out?”

Luke yawned, “If you want to go, go yourself, I don’t like this scene.”

Luke returned to the captain’s office, ready to catch up on some sleep.

Robbery and Murder Division, inside a conference room.

Jenny pushed open the door to the conference room and escorted Sophia to the conference room table and uncuffed her.

Jenny admonished, “Hey, there’s cops all over the place out there, don’t try to run away, put on your smarts.”

Sophia rubbed her wrists, “I told you everything I know. What are you guys up to again?”

Jenny softened her tone, “We didn’t call you here today for an interrogation, but for you to meet two people.”

“What people?”

“You’ll find out in a moment.”

It wasn’t long before the door to the conference room was opened again and the lieutenant walked into the conference room with Reed, followed by two women, one of whom was ‘Sophia’s’ stepmother, Kelly Lax, and the other was a middle-aged Asian woman.

With four people coming in at once, Sophia revealed a wary look, her gaze crossing over the lieutenant and Reed and landing on Kelly Lax and the Asian woman.

At the same time, Kelly Lax and the Asian woman kept their eyes on Sophia.

Reed greeted, “Let’s all sit down and talk.”

The Asian woman sat down across from Sofia, her eyes unblinking as she stared at Sofia and asked softly, “What’s your name?”

“Sophia.”

The Asian woman looked a little moved, “Child, do you recognize me?”

Sophia shook her head, “Don’t recognize.

But I feel your voice is very kind.”

“My name is Sara Santos, remember my name? Think harder.”

Sophia pinched her forehead and carefully recalled for a moment, “I really can’t remember.” Sophia asked rhetorically, “Do you recognize me? I don’t think I’ve seen you before in my memory.”

The lieutenant whispered a reminder to Sara Santos, “Sophia had a head injury and forgot everything before she was ten.”

“Jesus Christ, that’s horrible.” Sara Santos’ eyes reddened and she looked at Sofia with pity, “Can I see your right arm?”

Sofia looked complicated, vaguely guessing what was going on, and after a moment’s hesitation, she pulled her sleeve up, revealing her right arm.

Sara Santos grabbed Sofia’s arm, and there was a scratch on her small arm, “Yes this is the right spot, you had a boyish personality when you were a kid, when you saw other people skateboarding, you wanted to skateboard too.

This wound is from your accidental fall when you were learning to skateboard.”

“What on earth are you? Why do you know that I have this scar on my body. Even I’m not sure how I got this scar, do you know the old me?”

“Yes, ten years ago, I worked as a nanny in your house, at that time I used to make seafood fried rice, and every time you would eat it clean, do you still have any impression?”

Sophia slowly shook her head, “No, but I have a familiar feeling seeing you.”

Kylie Lax interrupted the two and turned to Sofia, “Do you still recognize me?”

Sophia scrutinized Kelly Lax and shook her head, “No impression.”

“Your name is Sophia?”

“Yes.”

“What is your last name?”

“I had a head injury once and lost my memory.”

“Do you remember your father?”

Sophia nodded, “As far as I can remember, my father was very tall and a gentleman …… Other than that, I can’t remember.”

“For every child, the father is tall.” After Kelly Lax finished speaking, she took out three photos from her pocket and placed them in front of Sofia: “Which one do you think looks like your father?”

Sophia looked down at the photos and shook her head, “None of these photos look much like the image I remember of my father.”

The lieutenant brought the three photos over to look at them and frowned, “These three photos don’t even have a picture of Sofia’s father. Mrs. Lax, that’s not a very friendly way to ask a question.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just trying to determine if she’s the real ‘Sophia’.”

The lieutenant handed the photo back, “And your results?”

Kelly Lax took the photo, put it in her lv backpack, and looked at Sophia again, “She doesn’t really resemble the Sophia I remember.” After saying that, she then looked at Sara Santos who was at the side, “You’ve had more contact with Sofia, what do you think?”

Sara Santos intertwined her hands, looking a little nervous, and after a moment of contemplation, she turned to Sofia, “Can I see your back?”

“No, I refuse.

I was brought here sparingly by you all and scrutinized like an animal.

To this day I don’t even know what you guys are trying to do, and you said, you used to be my babysitter.” Sophia looked at Kelly Lax again, “And what are you?

Do you know my father? Where is he?”

Kelly Lax said, “We’ll tell you naturally when we’re sure of your identity.”

Sophia spoke firmly, “No way, if you don’t make it clear, I won’t cooperate anymore and you won’t hear a word out of my mouth.”

Reed sighed softly, “Let me explain.”

“No, let me do the talking.” The lieutenant interrupted Reed, recalling, “Ten years ago, there was a kidnapping in Los Angeles, the FBI was in charge of investigating the case, and our detective bureau was assisting in the investigation.

The kidnapped hostage was a ten year old girl who had disappeared after playing in a neighborhood park near his home after school.

It wasn’t long before his father received a ransom call from the kidnappers, who demanded five million dollars worth of diamonds from the girl’s father.

Fearing for his daughter’s safety, the girl’s father chose to call the police anyway.

The FBI began investigating the kidnapping.

The next day, the kidnapper called again, giving details of the time and place of the transaction.

Under the protection of the FBI, the girl’s father placed the diamonds, worth five million dollars, at the agreed location.

Not long after the girl’s father left, someone went to the trading place to take away the diamonds, the FBI immediately arrested the person, after interrogation the other party did not recognize the kidnapper, claiming to be a black market businessman who sells diamonds.

Later, after a lot of investigation, this person is indeed a black market trader.

Before the kidnapping, he was approached by someone to sell a batch of diamonds worth 5 million dollars, and the place of transaction was exactly the place agreed upon by the kidnappers.

However, the black market trader did not know where the kidnappers were and could not contact them.

After that, neither the black market trader nor the kidnapper’s family received any more calls from the kidnappers, and no one has seen that little girl again.”

Sophia’s brows tightly furrowed as she muttered, “This kidnapping case you guys are talking about is very similar to our modus operandi.

But this case has nothing to do with me, I was only in my teens at that time, how could I participate in ……”

Saying this, Sophia paused and seemed to think of something, “Are you guys …… sure …… I’m the kidnapped little girl you’re talking about?”

The lieutenant nodded, “Ten years ago, the little girl who was kidnapped was also named Sophia.”

Sophia seemed a bit confused, her face full of incredulity, “How could this be? I was actually kidnapped?

And was kidnapped in the same way? Why would there be such a coincidence?

Are you guys lying to me?”

The vice squad said, “What we said is true.

This lady is the stepmother of the kidnapped girl.

The Asian lady is Sophia’s nanny.

They are here to confirm your identity.”

Sophia asked, “What about my father?”

The lieutenant sighed, “Three years after the kidnapping, your father passed away after a long illness due to grief.”

Sophia’s eyes moistened, “That means that I was originally a victim of kidnapping as well, and then, I was groomed to become a new kidnapper, is that right?”

Reed said, “Your situation is rather special, and I believe the judge will use his discretion to reduce the sentence.

As long as you are willing to assist the police in their investigation, we will also help you secure a favorable plea deal.”

Sophia was a little confused, “Am I really the girl who was kidnapped?”

The Vice Squad replied, “We’ve already conducted a DNA sample comparison, that’s why we’ve asked Kylie Lax and Sara Santos to identify you, and we also hope that you’ll cooperate with us.

I believe that you should also want to retrieve the memories you once had and figure out who you really are?”

“Yes, I’ve always wanted to retrieve my memories and find my father, is he really dead?”

The lieutenant nodded.

Sophia was a little sad, “Since my father is dead, what’s the point even if I get back the memories I once had?” Sophia looked at Kelly Lax again, “You’re my stepmother? Then where is my real mother?”

Kelly Lax replied, “Your real mother died when you were very young.”

“So that’s why I have no memory of her.” Sofia looked over at Sara Santos and Kelly Lax again, her voice catching in her throat as she said.

“Am I really the one you’re looking for?”

Kelly Lax didn’t say anything, but instead looked over at Sara Santos.

Sara Santos hesitated for a moment and said, “You have the same scar on your arm as Sophia.

But it’s been ten years and Sophia has grown up, so I’m not sure ……

I’d like to see your back if I can.”

Sophia hesitated for a moment and nodded, “Okay.”

Reed and the lieutenant then exited the conference room.

Sofia lifted her blouse, revealing her white back.

Sara Santos looked closely, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

Kelly Lax also revealed a concerned look, “Sara Santos, you must look carefully and see clearly.”

After a while, Sara Santos finished checking her back and Jenny opened the door, inviting Reed and the lieutenants in.

Sara Santos looked a little nervous as she saw everyone watching her and said softly, “I have a feeling that she shouldn’t be Sofia.”

The vice squad showed a surprised look, “How did you tell?”

Sara Santos replied, “I remember a red mole on the upper left side of Sofia’s back, but there’s nothing on her back.”

The lieutenant confirmed, “Are you sure?”

“I think so.”

The lieutenant felt that Sara Santos didn’t sound certain, “Do you have any other memories of Sofia?”

Sara Santos was silent for a moment and shook her head, “It’s been ten years, I can’t remember.”

Reed also looked at Kelly Lax with a sullen expression, “Do you think she’s your stepdaughter Sophia?”

Kelly Larks spoke with certainty, “She doesn’t look like the Sophia I remember.”

The lieutenant and Reed looked at each other, originally thinking that this identification would be a sure thing, but they didn’t expect this result.

Could it be that the DNA identification results were wrong?

“Knock knock.”

A knock on the door woke Luke up.

He yawned and slowly opened his eyes, “Come in.”

The door opened and the lieutenant walked in, seeing Luke in a daze, “I can’t believe you’re sleeping at this hour, this damn biological clock should be changed.”

Luke laughed, “Who messed with you, grumpy.”

The lieutenant sighed and sat on his ass in his chair, “Recognition failed.

Kelly Lax and the nanny don’t think Sophia was the victim of a kidnapping ten years ago. Could there be a problem with the DNA identification?”

Luke rubbed his chin, “Can either of them be sure?”

The lieutenant grunted, “Judging by Kelly Lax’s attitude, he had a preconceived notion of Sofia from the start and shouldn’t have been very keen on recognizing the stepdaughter.

The nanny was positively discerning, first looking at the bruises on Sophia’s arms, which matched what she remembered.

But then, the nanny offered to look at Sophia’s back, and according to her, the victim from ten years ago, Sophia, should have had a red nevus on the upper left side of her back, but this Sophia did not.

So she also felt that Sophia wasn’t the one to look for, only, I don’t think she sounded sure.

After all these years, it’s not likely that her memory has gotten confused.”

“Where are Kelly Lax and the nanny now?” Luke wanted to meet them in person.

“The Director sent them back first.”

Luke pressed, “Did they come together?”

“No, Kelly Larks came first and the nanny arrived ten minutes later.”

“How did their relationship seem after they arrived?”

“They didn’t communicate much.”

Luke thought of last night when he had asked Daisy out to dinner at the French restaurant and had seen Kelly Larks eating with an Asian woman, and there was an ID photo of the nanny in the FBI file, except that the photo was small in size and it had been ten years since then, and the age, appearance and temperament had changed, so Luke couldn’t be sure at the time if then Asian woman was the nanny.

Now that he thought about it, the possibility was high.

Luke investigated the surveillance video in the conversation room and found a frontal photo of the nanny, Sara Santos, and sure enough, it was the Asian woman he had seen last night.

The lieutenant asked, “Luke, what’s the problem?”

“Last night, I went to a French restaurant for dinner and saw Kelly Larks and Sara Santos sitting down for dinner as well, and the two of them had a long conversation.”

“You think the two of them conspired to deliberately disown Sophia.” The lieutenant finished, speculating along these lines

“That possibility isn’t out of the question, Sophia’s father was a successful diamond merchant, very wealthy, and he left a large inheritance when he died.

Although I’m not sure of the exact will, Sophia as his only daughter is definitely the heir to the estate, and may even be the primary heir to the estate.

Sophia had never been found before and was probably dead.

Then the inheritance should have been inherited by Kelly Lax.

Now that Sophia has suddenly been found, those estates will have to be re-divided.

If I were Kelly Lax, my heart would probably not be happy either.”

Luke said, “This is just our speculation, we still need to find tangible evidence before we can do so, otherwise even if we talk to them, they won’t admit it.”

The lieutenant took the initiative to propose, “If Sara Santos is colluding with Kylie Larks, then she must be asking for something.

The biggest possibility is that Kelly Lax used money to bribe Sara Santos.

I’ll look into their financial situation and see if any large sums of money have changed.”