...

The next morning, at nine o'clock.

Luke yawned as he got out of his Mercedes and just as he entered the detective building, he saw three people coming towards him.

Raymond, Jenny, Little Black.

"Hey, what did I miss?"

Jenny sighed, "The question should be, what didn't you miss?"

Luke shrugged and got into the passenger seat of the Ford Explorer. "What's the assignment?"

Little Black started the car and said, "We found the woman who was tracking Courtney at the hotel."

"You found her?"

"No, Raymond and Jenny retrieved hotel surveillance footage, and they saw that woman in the parking lot footage, the camera captured her license plate number." Little Black said with a knowing look.

"Progress in the case first thing in the morning, that's good news." Luke was also invigorated. Solving this case would all but secure his promotion.

Little Black turned to look at Luke and laughed, "Hey, remember our deal?"

"Talk to me like that again, and you're asking to get punched."

Little Black made a face, "You're just like David, fundamentally a thug, only you hide it better."

"You think I'm a hypocritical thug?"

"Those were your words." Little Black shrugged. "Actually, I wanted to ask if I could take your Harley for a spin."

"OK, that rookie told me to go to the canyon precinct to pick up a car today, you can take it."

"I can?"

"I'll give him a call and ask."

"Wow, that's super cool. I've always wanted to buy a Harley, of course after a Cadillac. If the test drive feels good, I might consider getting a Harley after I buy the Cadillac."

Luke echoed, "Sounds like a good plan."

...

Joli Community.

Two cars stopped in front of a white two-story villa.

Luke and the others got out of the cars, checking their pistols and equipment.

Jenny went over to knock on the door while Luke and the others hid on either side of the wall.

"Dong dong..."

"Who's there?"

"Community service, someone complained about noise from your place last night."

"Creak..."

The door opened, and a woman in a home dress said, "Believe me, that person must be born in the year of the donkey, otherwise they couldn't possibly have such long ears."

Seeing nothing unusual inside the house, Jenny showed her badge, "LAPD."

The woman's demeanor changed immediately, annoyed she said, "Imposters."

"Sorry, we are just concerned for your safety."

"What do you mean?"

"Were you at the Betsy Hotel after two in the afternoon on April 30?"

"I can't remember." The woman gave an evasive answer. "I'm fine; I don't need the police's help. If there's nothing else, please leave."

Luke said, "If that's your attitude, then we'll just come out and say it. We suspect you're related to a homicide, and we need you to come with us to the station for questioning."

"You've got the wrong person; I have nothing to do with a murder."

Luke asked, "What's your name?"

"Ikaline Asma."

"It's you." Luke was certain. "Please come with us."

Ikaline sighed deeply, hesitating. "I… need to change clothes."

"Jenny, follow her."

Ikaline refused, "I'm not going to let anyone see me change clothes."

"She'll wait by the bedroom door."

Ikaline gave Luke a resentful look, somewhat helpless, she went into the bedroom.

Luke also entered the house and noticed a pair of men's shoes at the entrance but didn't see any of the man's personal items around the house.

A few minutes later, Ikaline came out of the bedroom, "Let's go."

Luke suddenly asked, "Are you married?"

"No."

"Is there anyone else in the house?"

"No." Ikaline closed the front door and followed Raymond and Jenny to the police car.

...

About ten minutes later, the front door opened from inside, and a white man wearing a hat and a mask stepped out, looking around cautiously.

Relieved to see no one around the house, the white man left the yard and walked away briskly.

"Woo woo..."

A Ford Explorer approached, slowing down to almost parallel the man.

Luke poked his head out of the passenger side and greeted, "Hi, we meet again."

The man glanced at Luke, startled at first, then as if he hadn't heard, walked even faster.

"Boris Boss, I know it's you."

This man was one of Courtney's boyfriends.

Despite his hat and mask, Luke's observation had not been in vain; he recognized the man instantly.

"Detective Chiefs, do you need something from me?"

Luke smiled, not expecting these two to be connected; it was indeed a pleasant surprise, "Get in the car, let's talk."

"I'm afraid that won't work; I've still got things to do today."

"Great, we're free; we'll follow you around until you have time to talk."

"Hey, you can't do this; you're infringing on my freedom."

"Then I'll have to arrest you on suspicion of theft. I just asked Ikaline, she lives alone, and there's no one else in the house."

"Wait, we have no beef with each other, why are you targeting me?"

"I'm not targeting you; I just want to talk, as friends might. About Courtney, about Ikaline, about the relationship between the three of you. I'm curious."

The driver Little Black raised both hands in agreement, "I'm curious too."

Boris angrily said, "I am under no obligation to satisfy your curiosity."

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