Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

"I came over to ask for your assistance in identification today,"

"Thank you, I didn't expect you to catch the shooter so quickly. I'm very grateful to you. If there's anything you want to know, just ask."

"Has your husband used a large amount of cash recently?"

"Yes, a few days ago, he took ten thousand US dollars in cash from home, saying it was for opening a branch in Port City."

"Do you know someone named Vadim Tovani?"

"I've never heard of him."

Luke then produced a picture of the killer for her to identify, "Do you know him?"

"I've never seen him."

"Has the conflict between your husband and his partner, Casdi Torres, escalated to the point of hiring a killer?"

"Are you suspecting Casdi Torres of hiring a killer to murder my husband?"

Luke countered, "Do you think that's possible?"

Mrs. Ramos pondered for a moment. "I... I don't know what to say, but the relationship between my husband and Casdi Torres was indeed... terrible.

My husband complained at home more than once that Casdi Torres was an inflexible stone, he did not understand adaptation, he did not study the market, and he was worthless except for his car repair skills.

He was only suited for technical work and should never have been part of the management.

Sometimes, he would curse Casdi Torres at home, and their relationship was much worse than outsiders imagined.

Given how my husband felt about Casdi Torres, you can imagine what Casdi Torres thought of my husband.

If someone told me Casdi Torres also cursed my husband at home, I would not doubt it."

"Mrs. Ramos, how many cell phones did your husband have?"

"Three cell phones: one for work, one for home, and one spare. Right now, there's only one spare at home, I don't know where the other two are."

"Your husband had two cell phones with him when he was murdered. They are evidence in the case and are kept at the police station. You can retrieve them after the case is concluded.

Also, we need to take the third cell phone today, as it is also considered evidence."

"Wait, that phone has been at home, why is it considered evidence?"

"The phone might contain some clues about your husband's murder. Where is the spare phone?"

"It's in the nightstand in the bedroom. I'll go get it."

"Mrs. Ramos, please hold on. I will have an officer fetch it."

"Why? You are here to investigate, but you can't just enter my husband's and my bedroom without permission — that's illegal."

Luke produced a search warrant, "Mrs. Ramos, please cooperate."

"What do you mean by this? Why are you searching my house?"

Luke said, "Sorry, the situation is a bit complicated. We can't disclose details until everything is clear."

Mrs. Ramos was not satisfied with this reason. "My husband was murdered; he was the victim. And now you're searching my house.

I want an explanation."

Luke said, "Mrs. Ramos, I will explain after the search is complete. Please step aside now."

Mrs. Ramos showed a helpless expression, resignedly said, "You had better be right, otherwise I will definitely sue you."

Luke signaled the officers to proceed with the search of the house.

As the officers searched the house, Mrs. Ramos tensed up, pouting and muttered, "You shouldn't be doing this...

My husband was murdered...

He was the victim...

How can you treat the family of the deceased like this..."

"Woof... Woof..."

Seeing strangers in the house, the Labrador started barking.

Mrs. Ramos grabbed the Labrador by the scruff of its neck, pointing at its face, "What are you barking at?

Why don't you answer me?

Can't you understand human language?

Right, you're just an animal..."

Initially sympathetic toward the woman, Blackie's sympathy instantly evaporated upon witnessing her misdirected anger.

"The Husky died just a few days ago, and she's already got a new dog. What a nice house," Blackie looked at the villa's roof and muttered, "It probably won't be long before there's a new man in the house."

Mrs. Ramos showed an angry face, "What are you talking about?"

Blackie stared back, "I was talking about the Labrador."

Mrs. Ramos glared at Blackie.

Blackie unyielding.

With someone keeping an eye on Mrs. Ramos, Luke felt a bit relieved.

A short while later, Port came over with a transparent plastic bag, "Captain, I found a prepaid cell phone."

Luke checked the phone's number and the call log. "Yes, this is the phone."

Mrs. Ramos demanded, "What about this phone?"

"Whose phone is this?"

Mrs. Ramos hesitated for a moment, "My husband's."

"This phone had contact with the killer."

"What are you trying to say? Are you saying my husband knew the killer?"

Luke explained, "It's more than that.

According to the killer's confession, he was actually meant to kill Casdi Torres, but because he and your husband were in the same car, your husband got accidentally shot.

And the person who truly hired him is likely your husband."

Mrs. Ramos's expression turned mournful and furious, "Bullshit, do you know what you are talking about?

My husband is dead, and because you can't catch the real murderer, you resort to this disgraceful method to slander him, which is utterly disgraceful.

I will sue you, and you, and you..."