But Los Angeles had not experienced a large influx of counterfeit money.
Luke speculated that although the printing operation was set up in Los Angeles, the counterfeit money had not been circulated there.
This possibility was high and would also reduce the risk to a minimum.
Once a city discovered counterfeit money, it would definitely look for the source and the factory where the counterfeit money was produced.
If the same city both produced and circulated the counterfeit currency, it would increase the risk of counterfeiting.
Having the production and circulation locations in two different cities, to some extent, could reduce the risk.
The case of printing counterfeit money had exceeded the capabilities of the first team's investigation, and Reid personally took charge, involving multiple departments in the investigation.
This included clues about the warehouse, sources of the machines and materials for printing counterfeit money, the local gangs, and the two suspects, George and Jamie Brady.
The first team was responsible for investigating and apprehending the two suspects.
The investigation of the warehouse came to a close, and everyone returned to the detective bureau.
On the way, they encountered many demonstrators, chanting George Banerbert's name.
Most of the demonstrators were Black, with some Whites and Mexicans as well, but Asians were rarely seen.
At the same time, these people were largely gathered in small groups of a few or a dozen, not yet forming large-scale organizations.
However, they were already consciously demonstrating against the police cars.
On the way, Reid called Luke into his car, pointing out the window at the crowds, "See that?
These crazy people have started, they don't realize they have become pawns for some.
Of course, even if some of them are aware, they don't care; they also want to gain their own interests through this.
But these people don't understand that their demonstrations are pointless.
The ultimate outcome is simply that the people behind the scenes succeed, and they gain nothing."
As a part of the LAPD, Luke naturally did not have a good impression of these people, "We are busy investigating cases, and they are busy demonstrating against the police, effectively aiding criminals indirectly.
And those who suffer the most from the counterfeit money entering the market are these very demonstrators.
It's quite ridiculous."
"You're right, which is why George needed to fake his death. Dead people are the easiest to turn into heroes, let them make a noise.
Let them elevate this 'hero' high up, and when this hero comes back to life, he will be judged as a criminal by the law.
And these demonstrators will become the laughingstock.
The LAPD must not be offended."
"You're absolutely right, I'm also a part of the LAPD, and I will uphold the LAPD's authority."
"I like your choice of words, 'authority,'" Reid said with a smile, speaking softly,
"The fake death of George is only the first step, and now that it's accomplished, the next step is what we have to do.
Have him confess his illegal activities, and reach a plea agreement.
Not only the case of printing counterfeit money but also the murder of Kunni'er.
A counterfeiting murderer will be this 'hero's' new identity."
"To get him to confess, I need to see him first.
How is his condition now? Is he fit for interrogation?"
"George's condition has stabilized, you can interrogate him at any time. Are you confident you can pry his mouth open?"
Luke thought for a moment, "No, the current evidence is still not enough to convict him."
Reid patted his shoulder, "Then you've got work to do."
Inside a hospital room.
George was able to get out of bed and walk around; he sat on the bed, bored, with a vacant look in his eyes.
The windows were sealed with iron bars, there were police guards outside the door, and the TV was playing recorded programs; in his view, it was no different from prison.
He knew nothing about the outside world, let alone that he had become a hero in the eyes of others.
"Creak..." The door opened.
Luke and Little Black walked into the room.
Before coming, Luke had done his homework.
George was a key figure in the case; if they could open his mouth, the whole case would essentially become clear.
Luke greeted with a smile, "Hi George, feeling any better?"
"I'm Luke, the Deputy Chief of the Robbery and Murder Department. Also, Jamie asked me to say hello to you on his behalf."
"What happened? Why did that female nurse try to kill me?"
"She's an assassin sent by the counterfeit organization, aiming to eliminate you."
George looked panicked, "What counterfeit organization? I don't know what you're talking about?"
Luke took out several photos from the counterfeit money printing warehouse, "Do these photos look familiar?
Jamie and the female assassin have been arrested. They have confessed everything they know.
Of course, as their boss, you should know even more."
"Boss? You're joking, right? I'm not their boss."
"I never joke. That's exactly what they said. You are a core member of the counterfeit organization. So tell me, where did you learn your counterfeit printing techniques?"
"I don't print counterfeit money, nor am I any 'core member.' I'm just a warehouse watcher, only responsible for standing guard and running errands. Jamie is my boss; I just follow his orders.
I'm not a core member of any counterfeit operation, I've never even had direct contact with them, it's always been Jamie dealing with them."
"So what are you? An outsider of the counterfeit money printing organization?"