Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Luke sized up the Caucasian man, "You are Norbert Collins."

"Yes, sir."

"What kind of car do you think suits me?"

"That depends on your budget. Can you tell me?"

"I would like a gray BMW 740, do you have one here?"

"Uh..." Norbert Collins hesitated, "The Salipo dealership opposite us seemed to have just acquired a similar car, so what are you here for?"

"You seem to be quite familiar with the Salipo dealership?"

"Our dealerships are not far apart; it's not hard to take a look. And their car seller has been to our dealership too, but his asking price was a bit high."

"How is your relationship with Balte Ramos?"

"Sir, I don't want to swear, but he truly was an absolute bastard. He went to the police to badmouth me and even reported my dealership."

"He's dead."

"What!" Norbert Collins showed a look of shock, "You're not kidding, right? That guy was strong as a bear. He even asked me for a fight a couple of days ago."

Luke said, "I'm sorry, but it seems you won't have a chance to fight him anymore. Let me introduce myself, Captain Luke Lee of the Robbery and Murder Department, I am in charge of investigating Balte Ramos's case."

"This is so sudden. How did he die?"

"Shot to death."

"So, you've come to my dealership because you suspect I killed him?"

"It's just routine questioning, you don't have to be nervous."

"I'm not nervous, but you've got the wrong person. I wouldn't kill him, and there's no need for me to."

"But as far as I know, the business competition between you two was fierce."

"Indeed, and that's precisely why I wouldn't want him dead. By the way, how is Casdi Torres doing?"

"He was also injured but is not in any life-threatening condition."

"That's the problem. If I were to kill someone over business competition, it would be Casdi Torres, not Balte Ramos."

"Why?"

Norbert Collins pointed towards the opposite and said, "The Salipo dealership has two partners, one is Balte Ramos and the other is Casdi Torres. They're different in character and skilled in different areas; they complement each other at work but can also easily clash.

Casdi Torres is a Mexican immigrant who grew up working in auto repair shops. He's good at fixing cars and assessing automobiles. The current success of Salipo dealership cannot be separated from his efforts.

Balte Ramos is more like a businessman, responsible for car purchasing contracts and loans. This guy is really good at exploiting legal loopholes; many customers are unwittingly tricked, and by the time they realize it, it's too late to complain, but he indeed brings more profits to the dealership.

Killing Balte Ramos might reduce the profits of Salipo dealership, but it won't affect the business, and there's no benefit for our dealership.

If Casdi Torres died, there might not be a significant impact in the short term, but over time, Salipo dealership would definitely be no match for our dealership."

"So, you've got the wrong person."

Luke crossed his arms, "It seems you know quite a lot about Salipo dealership, then who do you think we should be looking for?"

"Isn't Casdi Torres still alive? You should go and ask him."

"You think it was Casdi Torres who hired someone to kill Balte Ramos?"

"I don't know, but they did have an altercation recently. Just a couple of days ago after work, I saw them arguing fiercely."

"Why were they arguing?"

"I didn't hear it, but from what I gather, it may have something to do with opening a new branch. Balte Ramos wanted to raise funds to open a branch in Long Beach, but Casdi Torres thought it was too risky and was unwilling.

I'm not too clear on the specifics, approximately that's the gist.

If Balte Ramos died, then Casdi Torres would have the final say in the shop, and there would be no need to open a branch in Long Beach anymore."

Luke scrutinized him and asked, "So, you're saying Balte Ramos's death has nothing to do with you?"

"Of course, I would never do something that harms others without benefiting myself."

"Thank you." Luke dropped this remark and prepared to leave with Jackson.

"Sir, if you want to buy or sell cars, you can come to me. The highest discount is always available."

Luke waved his hand and got into the car to leave.

Jackson started the car and asked, "Captain, where are we going now?"

Luke checked his phone, "Back to the station, Balte Ramos's family has gone to identify the body; we need to talk to them to get some information."

From Norbert Collins, Luke had learned of the conflicts between Balte Ramos and Casdi Torres, but that did not mean Casdi Torres was the murderer. Luke had previously taken a statement from Casdi Torres and found nothing unusual; of course, it could also be that the questions were not targeted.

Luke wanted to take a statement from Balte Ramos's family to learn about the relationship between him and Casdi Torres indirectly.

...

Detective Bureau, Robbery and Murder Department.

Just as Luke walked into the office, he saw a Caucasian woman sitting together, sobbing.

Jenny approached and whispered, "Captain, she's Balte Ramos's wife."

"Has she identified the body?"

"Yes"

Jenny went to the woman's side and introduced, "Mrs. Ramos, let me introduce you. This is our squad leader, Captain Lee."