Jamie Brady was the key figure in the entire case.
He was the principal offender in the murder of the young Kunni'er, and also one of the core members of the counterfeit printing organization.
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a reward for the arrest of Jamie Brady.
Some key sections of Los Angeles were set up with temporary checkpoints.
Vehicles leaving Los Angeles were subject to search.
Little Black was also actively seeking out Jamie Brady's whereabouts.
However, Luke felt there was little chance of finding Jamie Brady, who should have been prepared to flee at the time he incited the female nurse to assassinate George. By putting himself in the other's shoes, Luke would have left Los Angeles during this window of opportunity.
The United States is so large, where can't you go?
Assuming that Jamie had really run off to another state, then the LAPD would find it difficult to catch him, and even if Jamie were arrested by the police in another state, the counterfeit case would likely have been handed over to the FBI.
As the investigation reached a certain stage, the FBI would definitely get involved.
Luke felt that this moment was probably not far off.
While not busy, Luke began to look into the background of the beautiful diving instructor Orty.
This woman had approached him for a reason, as for what that reason was? Luke didn't have a clue yet, he could only start with her identity.
Luke didn't know her true identity, but after noticing her odd behavior, he had already begun to take some precautions in secret.
For example, he had his newly recruited informants watch her and obtained the vehicle she drove and its license number.
Another example, Luke had collected her fingerprints when Orty wasn't looking.
Luke was now the deputy head of the Robbery and Murder Department, his authority was greater than before, so he didn't need to ask Matthew for help; he could conduct a search within the system on his own...
Eight o'clock in the evening.
Little Black's house.
A taxi stopped in front of Little Black's house, and he got out of the car, noticing a familiar figure not far away.
Little Black glanced at her, his face turned somewhat ugly, and without speaking, he turned and went home.
"Marcus, can you give me a chance to explain?"
Marcus stopped in his tracks, did not turn around, "Pari, there's nothing left to say.
Pari caught up and grabbed Little Black's arm, "Sorry, Marcus. I know I've wronged you, but it's not what you think. Please give me a chance to explain, I'll clear everything up.
If you still won't forgive me, I'll leave."
Little Black opened the front door, apparently also interested in hearing her explanation, "Come in then."
The two entered the living room and sat on the couch. Little Black took out a bottle of whiskey and poured himself a glass, "Now, you tell me, why did you betray my trust?
You promised me that you wouldn't tell anyone about that incident, but not only did you talk, you told the whole world."
Pari Jones shook her head, "Sorry, the situation at the time was very complicated. The news of George's death had actually begun to spread in a small circle.
George died in the evening, and you knew about it that night, but you didn't tell me until the next morning.
During that time, other reporters also got the news through their own methods and channels.
I wasn't the only one aware of it at the time.
I had heard that other reporters were about to break the news of George's death.
Even if I hadn't broadcast it, maybe a few minutes later some other reporter would have reported the news. I know I betrayed your trust, but I never intended to hurt you; I just didn't want to miss out on this opportunity…"
Little Black was not foolish enough to easily believe Pari's words. What did she mean other reporters also got the news of George's death? That was complete nonsense.
But Little Black couldn't use this reason to expose her; it wasn't up to him to decide when George would come back to life, "Maybe you're right, this was indeed your opportunity, but what about me?
Luke's already the deputy chief, the upper echelons of the police department are very impressed with him, his future is limitless.
Before, he had already promised to help me get promoted to detective chief.
But because of the news of George's death, both of us might be implicated.
He scolded me, really scolded me, and he won't trust me anymore after this.
It's likely that my promotion has gone down the drain.
I trusted you so much back then, never expecting to end up in such a situation..."
Pari said sincerely, "Marcus, I know I was wrong, and I'm truly sorry."
"I don't want to talk to you anymore, just leave." In the end, Little Black made up his mind to keep his distance from Pari.
This woman showed no sincerity and was still deceiving him.
He could no longer accept her.
"Marcus, I know it will be hard for you to understand right now, but the road ahead is long. I'll come see you again in a little while…"
Having said that, Pari left Little Black's house.
Little Black sighed lightly; Pari was lying, and so was he.
He didn't want to continue lying either, but at this stage, if he appeared nonchalant, it would be easy for Pari to spot a flaw, which could affect the arrangements made by the police department's upper echelons.
If you're going to act, you've got to do it right.
The next morning at eight o'clock.
Two patrol officers parked their car by the curb, bought hamburgers and coffee, and stood by their vehicle to have breakfast and chat.
Suddenly, a black Buick raced past, and the older black officer climbed into the driver's seat, calling out to his colleague, "Buddy, we've got business, get in the car."
The younger white officer watched the Buick speed away, surely they were speeding, "Driving that fast during work hours, do they have a death wish?"