Chapter 678
Christopher neighborhood 203.
A black sedan was parked on the side of the road, David sat in the driver’s side and didn’t get out of the car right away, instead he said to Luke who was beside him, “Jones isn’t a bad person, he doesn’t deserve to be treated like this.”
Luke said, “A lot of detectives can’t take care of their families very well because of their jobs, this isn’t an exception.”
David shrugged, “Maybe, that’s the reason for not wanting to remarry.”
Luke laughed, “Don’t be so negative, I heard the vice squad is seeing someone new.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course, I wouldn’t dare make fun of the vice squad.”
David shook his head and lost his smile, “I wouldn’t want to be at his wedding again. He’s not a good role model.”
Luke said, “There are many sides to everything, why don’t we learn from his optimistic side.”
“Optimism, you’re right, things happen, let’s just work it out.” David said and walked out of the police car.
Luke picked the lock on the door and entered Jones’ new home.
The house was simply furnished with an open suitcase in the corner, there weren’t many items in the house, it didn’t really feel like a home, more like a dormitory or a temporary sleeping place.
David shook his head, “This poor guy, making a mess of his life. There aren’t any personal items in this house other than clothes, beds, toiletries and booze.”
A quick look around Luke’s house didn’t reveal any valuable clues, and in his experience, this shouldn’t have been the first scene of the crime.
Still, there was a check to be made, and the tech team arrived at the Jones house for a routine survey.
Luke stepped out of the house, his eyes scanning the area, and saw an older white man in his sixties standing and looking around at his neighbor’s house to the east.
“Good afternoon sir.”
The old white man turned to Luke and asked, “A few days ago, I heard that a cop moved in here, and today there are so many cops, are you guys planning to have a party here?”
“No, the police officer …… from before was killed. We’re here to investigate the case.”
“Gosh, it’s …… too much of a shame that he just moved in, I haven’t had a chance to have a few drinks with him yet.”
“That’s right, Jones was a good cop and we all miss him.”
“Was his name Jones?”
“Yes.”
“How did he die?”
“The case is still under investigation ……” Luke responded and asked rhetorically, “What’s your name, sir?”
“Laddie Valdez.”
“Mr. Valdez, last night, did you hear or see anything out of the ordinary?”
“Last night?”
“Yes.”
Laddie Valdez thought for a moment, “Yes, I remember when you say that, last night about nine o’clock I heard a scuffle.
When I came out, I saw Jones arguing with a white man at the door of his room, and Jones looked angry, and then he kicked the white man out.”
“Mr. Valdez, you’ve provided an important clue, can you elaborate and the man’s physical description?”
“I’m sorry, it was a bit dark and far away, so I didn’t get a good look. However, he left on a black motorcycle and seemed to be wearing a blue helmet.”
“Do you remember the license plate number?”
“I can’t make it out.”
“Any idea what brand of motorcycle it was?”
“Didn’t pay attention, but the motorcycle was cool and I should be able to recognize it if I see it again.”
“What time did the man on the motorcycle leave? In which direction did he go?”
“A little after nine, heading east of the neighborhood.”
“Thanks again.” When Luke got this tip, he immediately sent someone to investigate the neighborhood surveillance.
Soon, the police located the suspect man on the motorcycle from the surveillance and asked Laddie Valdez to identify him.
After getting Laddie Valdez’s confirmation, the police zoomed in on the surveillance video through technical means and found the motorcycle’s clear license plate number, through which they were able to find out the owner’s information.
The owner, Larry McCain. License plate number, 17-KMR-0947. sex, male. Height, 182cm. weight, 150lbs. Eye color, blue. Hair color, brown. Date of birth, 3/16/2001. Prior convictions, burglary, assault. Gang Affiliation, Carlos Montes. Address, Levico neighborhood 232.
David frowned slightly when he saw this information and hummed, “Carlosmont, I know of this gang, it’s a small gang that was just established, the total number of members adds up to just a few dozen, and the area of activity is in the Martelli neighborhood.”
Luke pursued, “If it’s a small gang, why do you remember it so well?”
“Some time ago, Jones had someone look into this gang.”
Luke said, “Why did Jones investigate this gang?”
“He didn’t say the reason for the investigation …… Now it seems that his death is probably related to this gang.” David’s face revealed a touch of ruthlessness, “If Jones’ death is really related to this gang, then there is no need for this gang to exist.”
Although David spoke a little wildly, a small gang of a few dozen people really wasn’t enough to look at, as long as the LAPD had the determination and motivation, waving their hands to destroy it.
Luke said, “Now that we’ve found this guy, why don’t we talk to him first, and if it’s determined that this gang had something to do with Jones’ death, then we’ll mobilize the police force.”
“You’re right, since this guy is a gang member, let’s leave it to our Gang and Narcotics Division. Those guys are holding their breath, it’s time to get them moving.”
Nine o’clock in the evening.
Levico neighborhood 232.
A black SUV was parked on the side of the road, Blackie was sitting on the passenger side and peered out, seeing David walk out of the car with his men, he twisted his head behind him and asked, “Captain, why are you giving the arrests to the Gang Strike and Narcotics Control Division?”
“The suspicious persons are gangsters, it’s more appropriate to let them deal with them.” Luke was also intent on creating opportunities for David to take credit.
Black shook his head, “I don’t think this group will do a better job than us.”
Jackson also looked out the window, “David’s men are starting to move, wait, they’re all wearing body armor and carrying shotguns, shouldn’t they be questioned first?”
Blackie laughed, “Don’t be silly, how can these big old men ask questions?”
In the middle of the conversation, the people from the Anti-Triad and Narcotics Control Division had already entered the courtyard, the front door, the back door, and the courtyard were all full of heavily armed detectives.
“Bang!” David kicked the door of the room open with a bang, “LAPD!”
“Freeze!”
“Fucking asshole, put your hands up and get on your knees!”
“Hands on your head!”
A chorus of chants rang out.
Luke also led his men out of the car and stood guard around the yard.
At that moment, there was a young white man kneeling in the living room of the house, his hands on his head and a nervous look on his face.
David walked over to him and asked, “What’s your name?”
“Larry McCain.”
“How many people are in the house?”
“Just me?”
“Any idea why you’re here?”
“I don’t know.” Larry McCain shook his head, regaining some composure, “Why did you break into my house, do you have a warrant?”
“Fuck, you killed a cop and you’re talking to me about a search warrant? Believe it or not, I’ll shoot you right now.” David backhanded the gun and pressed the handle against Larry McCain, “Take it.”
“No, please, don’t kill me.” Larry McCain backed away in fear.
David patted him on the cheek, “OK, let’s talk about it, why did you kill Jones?”
“I didn’t kill Jones, you guys are mistaken.”
“If it wasn’t you. Then tell me, who killed Jones?”
“I don’t know, so how can I tell you.”
“As far as I know, you were the last person to see Jones, and, you two had a run-in. Some time ago, he checked out your gang, so you had a grudge and killed him.”
“No, I didn’t, and I wouldn’t have killed him.” Larry McCain took a deep breath and said, “I did see Jones last night, but I didn’t kill him. I was trying to make nice with him.”
“Are you shitting me?”
“I wouldn’t dare, I’m telling the truth.”
David stared at him dead in the face, “Kid, if you dare to talk nonsense and slander Jones, you’re dead.”
“I won’t, my going to him has nothing to do with the gang. In fact …… I’m in a relationship with his daughter.”
“Mia Oliver?”
“Yes, I’m her boyfriend.”
“Bullshit, there’s no way Jones would let his daughter fall in love with a punk.”
“You’re right, he’s always been against the two of us being together, that’s why I reached out to him, to try and ease up on him. But to my surprise, things got worse and he kicked me out of the house.”
“How did you know Jones lived here?”
“Mia told me.”
“How do you want to ease things with him?”
“I know some friends who run a pawn shop.”
“Two days ago, someone asked me for information about a big shot whose watch had been stolen and asked if I could help with the information.
I looked at the picture of that watch and felt that it looked somewhat familiar.
Because of Mia’s relationship, I had met with Jones, and although the process wasn’t pleasant, I had seen him wearing that watch, which was a limited edition and not common. So, I guessed it could be that he lost the watch. I inquired about the whereabouts of that watch and I went to look for him. My intention was to get on good terms with him, but when I mentioned it, he was so annoyed and angry that he threw me out directly. I was angry too, but considering that he was Mia’s father …… I put up with it and left his house on my motorcycle.
I didn’t confront him or kill him. I swear to God!”
Luke kept his eyes on him and didn’t see any signs of lying in the other man and asked, “Are you sure it was Jones who lost his watch?”
“Wasn’t so sure, but I brought it up and he looked agitated, like he’d been poked and prodded. That’s when I was sure that it should be his.”
David came over and whispered, “Jones does have a limited edition Rolex that his wife, no, ex-wife, gave him. He’s been treating it like a baby. I can’t think of any asshole who would dare steal his watch, though?”
Luke nodded, “Where is that watch?”
“Larson’s Pawn Shop.”