Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

We've been getting along quite well recently, what a pity..."

Luke took out a pack of cigarettes, handed one to David, and lit one for himself, "I just took over the case and haven't looked into his situation yet. Do you have any leads?"

David took the cigarette, "Recently, a group selling drugs has come to the street racing gang's territory. It's a new type of drug.

This drug is very stimulating, making it easy to become addicted, but it's equally easy to overdose and die. To my knowledge, there are already two students in the ICU from overdosing on this new drug. Their lives haven't truly begun, yet it's likely about to end.

Harry is also a member of the street racing gang, often mingling in that area. I want him to dig up information on the new drug, and help take down those dealers. Captain Jones is aware of this matter too.

If he was really killed because of this, I'll apply for compensation for him.

Can you tell me about the scene? Besides the gunshot wounds, were there any other injuries on his body?"

Luke said, "Last night, a couple went to the suburbs to meet up, saw figures outside the car, and when they got out to check, they discovered a big pit, with Harry Sabo's corpse inside it.

According to our hypothesis, the shadow last night was likely digging up his body.

This isn't the first crime scene; Harry Sabo was shot, then transported here to be buried, but for some reason, the corpse was dug up again.

The time of death should be last night. Additionally, there were some bruises found on his body, which, according to the forensic doctor, were caused three to seven days prior to his death."

David pondered and muttered, "Shooting, burying the body, sounds a lot like gang retaliation.

Should we turn it over to the anti-gang and anti-drug division for investigation?"

Luke replied, "Let's see first, I'll apply for a joint investigation if it really involves gangs.

Since you have contacts with Harry Sabo, what's your view?"

David said, "Harry Sabo is now officially a member of the street racing gang. He's been getting close to someone named Enco Dumate lately.

I think we should talk to Enco Dumate; he might know something."

Luke asked, "Is Enco Dumate also a member of the street racing gang?"

"Yes, but the local racing gang members are quite laid-back, without many strict rules. Though not as tightly knit as other syndicates, many people prefer this atmosphere as it feels freer.

Of course, the street racing gang also has small cliques, and Harry Sabo and Enco Dumate are closely connected."

"Do you have detailed information on Enco Dumate?"

"Follow me."

...

Ste Kevin Community.

A black Dodge and a black Ford SUV drive into the community.

Luke is seated in the cabin, observing the street numbers outside through the window, while David drives.

David casually asks, "How is the deputy team doing in their investigation?"

"No news yet." Luke shakes his head, asking back, "Has Harry Sabo encountered any trouble recently?"

"Come on, we're not friends. Do you expect him to confide in me?"

David makes a face and adds, "That guy is very cautious, afraid of exposing his identity, so whenever we meet, it's never for long."

Luke looks outside the window, "Slow down, we're almost at Enco Dumate's place."

With a slightly teasing tone, David responds, "Yes, sir."

The two vehicles park outside a two-story house with a gray roof.

Luke and David get out of the car one after the other.

Two robust men alight from the black SUV behind them; they are agents Henry and Kevin from the anti-gang and anti-drug division.

David says, "I'll go inside with Captain Li; you two stay outside and keep alert."

"Okay, deputy."

Luke and David walk into the yard, which is small, with a lawn on the left and a garage on the right.

David asks, "Are you ringing the bell, or should I?"

"Are you sure it's ringing and not kicking?" Luke chuckles, walking to the doorbell and pressing it.

A woman in her thirties, dressed in casual wear, hair a mess as if she hasn't cleaned up yet, answers the door.

"Who are you?"

Luke shows his badge, "LAPD, is this Enco Dumate's residence?"

"Yes, what's the matter?"

"We'd like to talk to him about some issues."

"What issues?"

Luke doesn't reply, "Ma'am, what should we call you? And what's your relationship with Enco Dumate?"

"I'm his wife."

"Please call Enco Dumate out; we want to talk to him face to face."

Mrs. Dumate hesitates for a moment, "He's not home."

"Do you know where he is?"

Mrs. Dumate shrugs, "That's what I want to ask too. Can you help me find him? Thanks."

"Do you have his contact number?"

"It's useless; his phone never gets through. I've never hoped to reach him by phone."

"Ma'am, if you don't mind, I would like to try myself."

"Suit yourself. His number is 629 319 1519. If you get through, tell that jerk not to come back; there's no place for him in this house anymore.

His only chance to return to this house is to pack up and get out for good."

Luke takes out a notepad to jot down the number.

"Bang!" The woman slams the door shut immediately.

"Whoa, she's fiery, haha." David laughs.

Luke glares at him, "Are you here for the drama or to investigate?"

"You know I don't handle such situations well." David gestures helplessly, as if asking what he should do.

Luke takes a glance at the house, then turns back to the car.

David goes back to the driver's seat, "What are you going to do?"

Luke glances out the window again, "I feel something's off with this woman; she might be hiding something."

"A family like theirs not being nervous seeing the police is what would be odd. As for hiding, either she knows where Enco Dumate is,

or Enco Dumate is hiding at home.

I'll bet she's watching us from the window. As long as we don't leave, she'll keep staring; I hate that feeling." David steps on the gas, the car slowly driving away.

Luke says, "Harry Sabo is dead, and Enco Dumate is playing the missing game. Could he be avoiding the police?

He might know something."

David says, "You got a number from her; why not give it a try?"

Luke isn't too hopeful about the phone number, but as part of the investigation protocol, he needs to give it a shot.

Luke dials the number, "Sorry, the number you dialed does not exist; please verify and dial again."

Luke checks his notebook and dials again, 629 319 1519.

The number is still incorrect.

David is somewhat annoyed, "She's played us. Should we turn back?"

"Don't turn back, keep driving." Luke shows a thoughtful expression, repeating the number, 629 319 1519.

Remove the first four digits; the last six are 191519.

Luke writes the six numbers separately in the notebook, pondering for a while, "The woman might not be tricking us, but asking for help."

David slows the car speed, frowning in thought, and guesses, "SOS."

Luke writes the English letters in the notebook. Sequentially, 19 is S, 15 is O.

19, 15, 19 together reads SOS.

Saving Of Soul.

David looks at Luke beside him, admitting defeat; this guy is sharper. If he couldn't get through the number, he would have tossed it or turned back to confront, which could lead to uncontrollable situations.

Choosing the anti-gang and anti-drug division was right for him; it allows him to be more effective, "What do we do now?"

Luke thinks for a bit, "We'll split up.

Have your two guys keep watch in the car and call for backup.

We'll check the surroundings of the house, mainly focusing on reconnaissance. We shouldn't rashly act without understanding the situation inside."