"You don't have to overthink it, it's just routine questioning," Luke said evasively.
He said this, but he felt that the case might be significantly related to Triss Lier and her boyfriend Theodore.
At the time of the theft, Theodore and his girlfriend Triss Lier had probably just met.
Luke speculated that Theodore was likely trying to impress his girlfriend by retaliating against Rachel and stealing Rachel's gun, watch, figurines, and cash.
These items were probably still in his house.
Further speculation led Luke to believe that if Theodore Cain was the thief, then the Colt Python should be in his possession.
He was very likely one of the suspects in the shooting.
This bastard had lied.
A Ford Explorer and two police cars were parked outside the front door.
After getting out, Luke and Small Black put on bulletproof vests, and four patrol officers also came over.
Luke made a simple plan, with two patrol officers guarding the back door and two providing support.
He then went to the front door with Small Black.
"Who's out there?" a young man's voice replied.
"An old friend is here, Theodore, open the door."
After a moment, the door opened, and Theodore stood at the entrance, looked at Luke, then glanced at Small Black, "What are you guys doing here again?"
"We were just passing by and thought we'd say hello to a friend."
Theodore's expression became guarded, "We've only met once; I don't think we're friends."
Luke stared at his left wrist for a while, making Theodore feel uneasy and retract his hand, "Oh, what exactly do you guys want to do?"
Luke pointed at Theodore's left wrist, "Can I see the watch?"
"No, this is my personal property." Theodore refused flatly, "You've already said hello, so if there's nothing else, please leave."
Luke had already observed that the Rolex watch had a scratch on the bottom left side, exactly as Rachel had described it and identical to the lost item's picture. He revealed the search warrant, "Theodore, we suspect you're involved in a theft, and we need to search your house. Please cooperate."
Theodore's expression turned angry, "What exactly are you up to? Last time you accused me of being a murderer, and now you say I steal things. Why are you targeting me?
Luke showed the search warrant again, "That's exactly what we're here to prove. Please cooperate."
As he finished speaking, Luke entered the house with Small Black, with the four patrol officers cooperating in the search, keeping an eye on the three people including Theodore.
Triss Lier was extremely angry, shouting at Luke and Small Black, "Have you had enough? Why do you keep disturbing our lives? Is it just because we're Black that you deliberately target us?"
"Shut up! Pack up your tricks; I'm Black too, and your nonsense won't work on me, understand?" Small Black rebuked loudly.
Of the six officers present, only Small Black was Black. Such an accusation was serious, and he had to push back clearly.
This was also the dilemma of many Black officers; the higher crime rate among Black communities was an undeniable fact.
Black officers were not only African Americans but also members of the LAPD, and they had to handle this balance properly.
This was also why Luke liked to take Small Black along on investigations; even if he did nothing, just by following Luke, he could provide considerable convenience.
The advantage of being a minority.
This advantage is most evident among Black people, who are best at causing issues.
And they indeed fought for quite a few benefits.
Luke and Small Black searched the house and soon found the Scarlet Witch figurine. Luke wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but it seemed like some parts of the witch were a different colour, a bit lighter.
Luke placed the Scarlet Witch figurine and the watch on the table to take pictures, "Theodore, these two items are the stolen goods from the theft case. Can you explain why they are in your house?"
Theodore looked uncomfortable, "I don't know."
Luke turned to the young Black woman, "Maybe you'd like to explain, Triss Lier?"
Triss Lier also looked uneasy, "I have nothing to say."
Luke spread his hands, "In that case, I'll have to take you back to the station. Rachel, an old acquaintance, can't wait to see you. He's missed you a lot."
"He deserves it!" Just then, Triss Lier's brother exclaimed, "It's what he deserves!"
Seizing the opportunity, Luke asked, "How does he deserve it?"
Triss Lier's brother shouted, "His filthy mouth is always cursing and spewing crap, he deserved to be punished."
"So, you stuffed your own feces into his mouth?"
Triss Lier's brother corrected, "It wasn't mine; it was dog shit! That fits his filthy mouth best!"
Luke signaled the patrol officers to take Theodore and Triss out.
Only the police and Triss's brother were left in the room.
Luke pulled up a chair and sat down, "Did you do it?"
Seeing Luke's gaze, Triss's brother first shrank back, then took a deep breath and stepped forward, "I should have stayed at the time to see his expression when he woke up, it must have been hilarious!"
Luke nodded, "I'd like to hear about it, why don't you start from the beginning."
"Drop your trickery; I'm not afraid since I've stepped forward. You just want to know about the case, right? I'll tell you everything if you let Theodore and my sister go."