Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

This result was somewhat unexpected for Luke, but on reflection, it also made sense.

Casdi Torres and Balte Ramos had different views on the management philosophy and direction of the used car dealership, which had also led to significant discord, as confirmed by colleagues and family.

Initially, when Luke began investigating the murder of Balte Ramos, he had also suspected Casdi Torres.

Now, knowing that the real target of the gunman was Casdi Torres, it made Balte Ramos a natural suspect.

However, the idea of hiring a hitman who ends up killing oneself seemed absurd, and more verification and concrete evidence were needed before drawing a conclusion.

"Casdi, are you sure the person who called was Balte Ramos?"

"Yes.

It was definitely his voice. I've worked with him for so many years; I couldn't be more familiar with it.

If you don't believe me, you can ask other employees."

"What do you think about this situation?"

"Incredible.

It's true we had disagreements over the direction of the dealership, but we've collaborated for many years and were good friends.

I can't believe he would do this. I can't accept it..." Casdi Torres showed a saddened expression.

Luke had previously asked Balte Ramos's wife about the relationship between Balte Ramos and Casdi Torres. According to his wife, the two were colleagues but not friends due to their different personalities.

From this, it seemed that Casdi Torres and Balte Ramos had different attitudes toward each other.

Luke asked, "Did Balte Ramos ever threaten you?"

"We've argued over the dealership before, but it never got that far."

"Why was Balte Ramos so intent on opening a used car dealership branch? What was the fundamental conflict?"

"Salipo dealership was something I built from the ground up. I put a lot of thought into it, and it didn't let me down. The business was good, it supported my family, and allowed us to live a more affluent life, free from financial worries.

I am very content with my life and just want to manage this used car dealership well."

Casdi Torres sighed lightly and continued, "But Balte Ramos didn't see it that way. He was ambitious, not satisfied with the status quo.

He was always full of energy, something I couldn't match.

However, he was too goal-oriented and valued money too heavily, which I wasn't pleased with.

Take selling cars, for example; he would use small tactics to make customers spend more money, which indeed increased the profits and brought more revenue to the dealership.

But it also brought problems. Customers aren't fools; tricked once, they won't come back.

He only cared about profits, and this had caused conflicts between us before.

He wanted to expand the dealership, open new branches, which only amplified our conflicts.

Opening new branches would require financing, and my say in the dealership would diminish. If there were management issues, Salipo dealership would be affected.

I am satisfied with my current life and don't need to take such risks."

Luke noticed that Casdi Torres was starting to refer to Balte Ramos by his full name, indicating a change in his attitude towards Casdi Torres.

"Then why did you go with him to Long Beach City for research?"

"He kept inviting me, claiming that opposition needs a sufficient basis. If we did not look at the local conditions firsthand, how could we know that Long Beach City was unsuitable for a new branch?

So I went, planning to reject him after assessing the situation and the actual conditions.

Then, the incident happened.

Now, thinking back, it must have all been part of his design…" At this point, Casdi Torres showed a saddened expression.

The scenarios described by Casdi Torres were sufficient to suggest that Balte Ramos had a motive to commit the crime, but Casdi Torres couldn't provide conclusive clues or evidence.

After all, if Balte Ramos wanted to kill him, how could he possibly let him detect any hints?

…

The next morning,

Balte Ramos's house.

It was a three-story villa with a gray roof, a tall palm tree planted in the yard, and a young Labrador lying on the grass.

Three cars were parked in front of Balte Ramos's house, with Luke and others getting out of them one after another.

"Woof woof…" The Labrador got up from the ground, barking at Luke and the others.

Little Black was sitting on the fence of the yard, looking at the yellow Labrador.

"Woof woof…" The Labrador seemed to feel provoked and started barking ferociously at Little Black.

Little Black smiled, "This puppy is really cute; I wish I could kick it."

The people inside the house seemed to hear the commotion, and the door opened; Balte Ramos's wife walked out.

"Captain Li, what brings you here today?"

"Mrs. Ramos, we have come across some new clues and would like you to help with the investigation."

"No problem, please come in."

Mrs. Ramos called the Labrador to her side and invited Luke and the others into her home, apparently unaware that the police's attitude had changed.

"Captain Li, have you found the murderer of my husband?"

Luke stated truthfully, "Last night, we caught the killer of your husband. He was just a hired hitman, acting under the orders of his employer. We are still unable to confirm the identity of the employer.