"I don't want us to get too close; it could lead to misunderstandings."

"Captain Luke, our relationship is purely professional; there are no romantic sentiments."

"Things aren't as simple as you think.

Even if the people involved are innocent and the facts are clear, Marcus would still feel uncomfortable.

I'm not lacking in female company, and I value my friendship with Marcus more.

Sorry, I have other matters to attend to today; I must be going," said Luke, leaving the bar after dropping a line.

That kind of woman is very good at utilizing the men around her; Luke chose to keep his distance from her.

...

In a black sedan.

Jackson spoke while driving, "The woman who just talked to you seems to be a reporter, and she has a more than ordinary relationship with Marcus."

"That's right, she dated Marcus for a few days but has already broken up."

"So, what does she want with you?"

"She regrets it, remembers the good about Marcus, and wants to get back with him; she's asking me to put in a good word for her," Luke said swiftly, without any hesitation.

"Does she know about Julian's pregnancy?"

"She knows."

"And she still wants to get back with Marcus?"

"That's what's so terrifying about this woman; she won't stop until she achieves her goal. Stay away from her in the future."

"I will."

"Good, let's head to the next bar."

...

Adama Bar.

This was an old-style bar, not very large, more like a small tavern, with a design that was a typical Western cowboy theme.

Many white Americans still nostalgically remember that era.

It was after six in the evening, and people were starting to fill the bar.

Luke glanced around and walked over to the bar.

Behind the counter stood a middle-aged white man in a cowboy hat and shirt, "Hi, you two new cowboys, what would you like to drink?"

"How do you know it's our first time here?"

The cowboy bartender smiled, "I know every guest in the place; they're all friends of mine. You'll be too."

Luke and Jackson exchanged glances, "You know every guest? That seems a bit of an exaggeration."

"I'm telling the truth."

"OK, let's test that." Luke pulled out a photo of Helson Swiney, "Do you know him?"

The bartender took a look and smiled, "You can't stump me.

Helson, a regular here."

Luke clapped his hands, "Impressive."

"What do you want to drink?"

"How are you with cocktails?" Jackson seemed a bit unwilling to give up, wanting to challenge again.

The cowboy bartender shrugged, "We don't serve those kinds of drinks here."

"Why? How can a bar not have cocktails?"

"This is a tough guy bar; those kinds of drinks...

You understand."

Jackson "..."

I understand my ass!

Luke chuckled, "Two whiskeys."

The cowboy bartender placed two glasses on the counter and skillfully poured two whiskeys, "Enjoy."

Luke scanned the surroundings as if looking for someone and casually asked, "Hey, I haven't seen Henry today."

"You mean Henry, the one who's often with Helson?"

"That's the guy. I wanted to buy him a drink."

"You're early; he usually doesn't come back until after nine, then drinks 'til closing."

Luke casually asked, "Do you know his full name?"

"No, I rarely ask the full names of guests; some people don't like that."

"Is there surveillance in the bar?"

"We're a cowboy bar, we don't need surveillance."

"Do you know where we can find him?"

The cowboy bartender showed a wary look, "Why are you looking for him?"

Jackson flashed his badge, "Now this is a real tough guy."

The cowboy bartender looked at Jackson, then at Luke, "Are you guys stringing me along, do I need to call a lawyer?"

"No, we're just looking for someone, no need to waste your money."

"Thanks, I'd rather buy you a drink than give those damn leeches any money.

But back to the point, why are you looking for Henry?"

"Helson's dead."

"Oh my god, how did I not know? When did it happen?"

"Last night."

"No wonder, I probably would have heard about it tonight if you hadn't come.

But why are you looking for Henry?"

"Hey, cowboy.

We're investigating a homicide, are you sure you want to keep asking and get more involved with this case?"

"No, I want nothing to do with it."

"Then tell us how we can find Henry?"

"I know his vehicle registration, I can give it to you."

"Why do you know his registration number but not his full name?"

"That jerk always parks carelessly when he's drunk, it'd be hard not to notice."

Luke took out a notebook, "Tell me his registration number."

"6YEB324, it's a black pickup truck."

"What else do you know about him?"

"His wife left him; he's got some gender bias, always complaining about women when he's drunk. For that reason, I'm not particularly fond of him."

This was consistent with the suspect's profile. Luke asked, "Do you think he'll come tonight?"

"Not likely, he hasn't been here the past few nights."

Luke handed him a business card, "If he shows up, send me a message."

The cowboy bartender took the card, looking concerned, "Will this cause trouble for the bar?"

"No, I can assure you."

"Alright." The cowboy bartender reluctantly pocketed his phone.

Luke said to Jackson standing beside him, "Don't just focus on drinking, go talk to the patrons about Helson, and don't bring up Henry, we don't want to spook anyone."

"Yes, sir." Jackson left with his drink in hand.

The cowboy bartender made a face, muttering, "I don't like your colleague."

"Why not?"

"He doesn't seem like a real tough guy."

Luke smiled, "And you are?"

"Of course."

"Then can you do me a favor, cowboy?"

"A cop asking me for a favor?"

"That's right."

"What do you want me to do, and what's in it for me?"

"You'll get a finder's fee."

"Police money... haha... I'm not sure I should take it?"

"It's not my money, someone else will pay you."

"I do you a favor... and someone else pays me?"

"Right, it's a win-win."

The cowboy bartender was skeptical, "Can there really be such a good deal?"

Luke picked up his drink and downed it in one gulp, "Try it and see."

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