Kai Software Company.
This is a relatively well-known software development company where Arab Gandhi works.
According to Arab Gandhi, he has a subordinate named Pex.
Upon learning this clue, Luke immediately brought people over for investigation.
The office of Kai Software Company is on the third floor of the building; the reception desk is to the left as one enters, and the main office area is on the right.
Standing by the reception desk was a young Caucasian woman who asked, "Gentlemen, who are you looking for?"
Jackson asked, "Is Pex in?"
"Yes, Pex is in the office. Do you have an appointment?"
Jackson showed his badge, "LAPD. We're investigating a case and want to speak with him about some information."
"Uh..." The receptionist hesitated for a moment, "Could you wait a second?"
"Miss, you'd better take us straight to him." Jackson still had a smile on his face, but his tone was uncompromising.
The receptionist nodded reluctantly, "OK, please follow me."
The receptionist led Luke and his companion through the office's aisles, drawing the attention of many employees. Luke also observed the employees, mostly Caucasian and Indian, with a few Chinese as well.
The receptionist stopped by an office with blinds pulled over the glass and knocked on the door, "Knock, knock."
The receptionist opened the door and said, "Pex, there are two officers here to see you."
Seated behind the desk in the office was an Indian man, his face showing confusion as he slowly stood up, "Police?"
"Yes." The receptionist said and then left ahead of them.
Luke and Jackson entered the office.
Jackson took the lead and showed his badge, "I'm Detective Jackson from the Robbery and Murder Department. This is our Captain Lee."
"Oh, please have a seat." The Indian man gestured for them to sit on the couch.
Luke surveyed the office environment, his gaze settling on the Indian man, "Your name is Pex?"
What brings you officers to see me?"
"Do you know Arab Gandhi?"
"He's my boss. What's the matter?"
"His daughter, Meili Gandhi, is missing. Are you aware of that?"
"I've heard some, and I feel very sorry for what happened to him. I've met his daughter; she's a very lovely child. I can't believe something could happen.
But, what's your reason for coming to see me?"
Having met 'Pex,' Luke had been sizing him up. His height and build were similar to the masked man's, but his skin was fairer.
However, Luke wasn't sure whether it was due to a color discrepancy in the video.
"When was the last time you saw his daughter?"
To this question, Pex visibly flinched, "What do you mean by that? You don't suspect that her disappearance has something to do with me, do you?"
Luke said, "During our investigation, we have come to understand that one of the suspects may be named 'Pex,' and since you happen to know Arab Gandhi, we wanted to check on the situation."
"No, no, no. This has absolutely nothing to do with me. I have a good relationship with Arab Gandhi, and I would never harm his daughter.
Plus, I have a fiancée and a career. My future is bright, why would I do something ?
You must have the wrong person."
"You're right, that is a possibility, hence we're here to verify facts and to clear your name.
If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a few more questions."
"OK, go ahead. I have nothing to hide."
"On the 14th of September, between seven and seven-thirty, where were you?"
Pex thought for a moment, "I... I can't remember.
It's not that I want to hide anything, but it's been over a month since September 14th, and I truly can't recall."
"Have you seen Arab Gandhi's daughter after September 14th?"
Luke kept his eyes on the man's expression, which didn't seem like he was lying. He took out a picture of the creepy neighbor Franco Touré, "Do you recognize him?"
Luke then produced a sketch of the Videographer, "How about him?"
"Don't recognize him either."
Finally, Luke brought out a video still of the masked man, "What about this person?"
Pex frowned slightly, "Why is it a naked man, and he's wearing a mask? How am I supposed to recognize him?"
"You'd better take a closer look. He is the one referred to as 'Pex' by the robber's accomplice. It's likely someone you know or who knows you."
Pex frowned and examined the video closely, "He claims to be 'Pex'?"
Pex took the tablet and looked it over carefully, "It's difficult to tell just from a photo."
Luke said, "I can let you see a video with a clearer physical characteristics of the masked man, but you'll need to sign a confidentiality agreement."
"OK. I want to find the bastard who's framing me too."
Luke pulled up a video of the masked man playing poker. To protect the victim's privacy, Matthew had pixelated the girl's image in the video.
"This guy is really disgusting..." Pex frowned, scrutinizing the video, his brow furrowed tightly, "This person's mannerisms... they seem familiar to me.
Let me think..." While speaking, Pex stood up and walked over to the office window, pulled back the lily curtains, and looked out towards the office area, "He's gone."
Luke pressed, "Pex, have you thought of a suspicious candidate?"
"I'm not certain... but I have this feeling, it's very like him."