Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Half an hour ago, at Natasha's house.

A black Dodge car parked by the roadside, and Little Black and Port got out of the car.

Little Black glanced around, "Buddy, this case is not ordinary. Follow my lead and be smart."

Port patted his cheek, "Have you ever seen such an old rookie?"

Little Black said, "Rookies aren't defined by age. If I ran for Great Commander now, I'd be called a rookie too."

Port laughed, "Haha, you're already planning for retirement."

Little Black said, "Would you vote for me?"

"Of course, you're better than two old men who trip while walking."

"Haha..."

During their conversation, they arrived at Natasha's front door.

Little Black looked around again, the explosion at the Jujutsu Club still leaving him on edge, and he cautioned, "If you hear any unusual noises or see me run, you run too."

Port said seriously, "I will."

Little Black knocked on the door, "Thud, thud."

No one responded, Port took out his gun, "I'll check the back door."

Little Black knocked again, but still no movement inside the house; he then moved to the window to look inside, but it was pitch dark and he couldn't see clearly.

"Marcus." Port's voice came from the backyard.

Little Black, gun in hand, went to the backyard and saw Port standing by a broken window.

With Little Black's cover, Port took out a flashlight and shone it into the window, "The house has been rummaged through, but no one's in sight."

The two didn't immediately enter the house. Little Black called Luke, while Port contacted the nearby patrol for support.

A few minutes later, the patrol officers arrived and Little Black and Port broke in to search the house.

The house was somewhat messy; cupboards, sofas, and wardrobes had been searched through, with several items scattered on the floor, clear signs of burglary, but no suspect was seen.

Little Black surmised that Natasha's murder and the burglary at her house likely had a connection—it didn't seem like just an ordinary theft.

As Little Black stepped out of the house to call Luke to report the situation, he suddenly saw a grey sedan parked nearby, its lights off, but he caught a glimpse of a flash of light.

Not taking any chances, Little Black drew his gun cautiously and approached the grey sedan; when he got closer, he could vaguely make out a figure moving inside the car.

"Los Angeles Police, please roll down your window."

Port, hearing the commotion, also drew his gun and provided cover for Little Black from behind.

The car window slowly came down, revealing a head, "Hi, Detective Chief Marcus, long time no see."

Little Black paused, lowering his gun, "Pari Jones."

Sitting in the driver's seat was the black journalist who was an old flame of Little Black's, "Whoa... not seeing each other for a bit, and you're already using the full name, that's so heartless."

"I... was just a bit surprised," Little Black raised his gun and countered, "What brings you here?"

"Is it illegal to park here?"

"No, but you should know what I mean. You're a great journalist, not someone who would be here without reason.

Could it be... you're following me?"

"Detective Chief Marcus, you still can't shake your old habit of thinking too highly of yourself. I would not be following you.

I'm not interested in married men."

Little Black said, "Then I'll be blunt, are you here for the Jujutsu Club case?"

Pari Jones didn't speak.

Little Black felt he was right, but he was puzzled; how did she know this was Natasha's house?

And how did she know something had happened at Natasha's?

Considering Pari Jones was always well-informed and had her own information channels, perhaps she had a lead the police didn't know about, "Pari, how about we talk?"

"What about?"

"About the Jujutsu Club case, what do you know?"

"Are you looking to exchange information or just pump me for it?

If it's the former, I'm happy to.

But if it's the latter..." Pari Jones gave a knowing look.

Little Black chuckled.

Pari Jones pursed her lips, "I knew it. Without Luke's permission, you wouldn't dare say anything.

Where is he?"

"Luke is not here."

Pari Jones pulled out a note with writing on it, "Give this to Luke; I want to meet him. Please make sure he comes."

"When?"

Pari Jones glanced at her watch, "Around eleven o'clock, I'll be waiting for him there."

Little Black shook his head, "Knowing Luke, he might not come."

"Listen, I know... we had some misunderstandings before, but this time it's different, I really do have information on the Jujutsu Club.

I need to meet Luke to talk things over, and maybe clear the air between us."

"You knew the victim?"

"Yes, I've been in touch with Natasha."

"What was your relationship with Natasha? Why was she killed?"

"If you want to know, let Luke come see me tonight. I'd like to have a talk with him and settle our little score at the same time."

"I told you, Luke might not come. Why don't you talk to me?

You should know that I'm much easier to talk to than Luke."

Pari Jones shook her head, "You have hurt my feelings."

"Come on, Pari, I understand you, you're not the petty kind; what you care more about is your career."

"You want the truth?"

"Of course, although we're not... anymore, we can still be friends and help each other out."