Chapter 53: Asking for Help

At 8 PM, near Sophia's house, a black Dodge rolled to a stop by the curb. Luke and David stepped out of the vehicle.

David sighed, "It's been ages since we've worked a night case together."

Luke chuckled, "Does it feel romantic to you?"

"Go to hell," David retorted.

Luke wasn't thrilled about the overtime, but Caroline had provided crucial leads. If he didn't act swiftly, Caroline might team up with Sophia once she recovered. "I'll handle the knocking; you stay back."

David scrutinized the house, "There's no light on inside. Sophia might not be home."

"Or she might be hiding," Luke suggested, walking up to the door and knocking. "Knock, knock…"

Silence.

Luke knocked a few more times with no response.

"I was right. Let's wait in the car," David said, heading back to the vehicle.

It was common to sit in the car and keep watch all night, but this was Luke's first time doing so since moving to Los Angeles.

"I'm so tired. I could sleep right here," Luke yawned and reclined his seat.

The phone rang.

Luke checked it and saw Daisy's name.

Stepping out of the car, he answered, "Hey."

"Luke, still working?"

"Yep, working late."

"Me too."

"What time do you plan to finish?"

"Probably around ten. What about you?"

"I'm not sure yet. Anything wrong?"

"Just need a ride home. I'll pick you up when you're done."

Luke grinned, "You've piqued my curiosity. What's up?"

"Let's discuss it when we meet."

"Alright," Luke said and hung up, returning to the car.

The temperature in Los Angeles varied significantly; it was quite chilly outside.

David, with a smirk, asked, "New girlfriend?"

"Trying out your detective skills on me?"

"Hey, don't underestimate the veteran from the Robbery and Murder Department. If I weren't so lazy, you'd be nowhere without me."

"Ding-ling-ling…" David's phone rang.

"Raymond, how's it going over there?"

"I see."

…

After ending the call, David said, "Let's go. Raymond and his team found Sophia."

Luke raised an eyebrow, "Where?"

"At the Brooke family's place."

Luke grinned, "Seems like these non-biological siblings have a strong bond."

Half an hour later, Luke and David returned to the station. Sophia and Brooke were brought in for separate interrogations.

Luke and David questioned Sophia, while Raymond and Jenny spoke with Brooke.

Sophia, looking nervous, asked, "Why am I being arrested? What crime did I commit?"

"Sophia, we have substantial evidence against you. Don't rely on luck—be honest about what happened."

"What do you want me to say?"

"Unless you're aiming for a reduced sentence, it's better to come clean."

Sophia replied defiantly, "I'm not guilty. What are you accusing me of?"

Luke pressed, "Why did you prevent Brooke from calling the police?"

Sophia's expression wavered slightly. She shook her head, "I don't understand what you're talking about."

Luke persisted, "There's no such thing as an impenetrable wall. Are you sure you want to keep up this charade?"

Sophia lowered her gaze, her eyes flickering with conflict.

Luke continued, "Why did you attack Lawn? Were you trying to win his favor for more inheritance?"

"No! My father's attack had nothing to do with me."

"Then why stop Brooke from calling the police? Even if you stayed silent, Brooke would have reported it. If you deny it, Brooke will take the fall."

Sophia bit her lip and took a deep breath. "Fine, I admit it. I stopped Brooke from calling the police."

"Why?"

"When I returned to my father's house, I found him on the ground. I pinched his philtrum, and he briefly regained consciousness. He asked me not to call the police, so I complied. It was his wish."

"Why didn't Lawn call the police?"

"I don't know."

"How can you prove your story is true and not just a way to avoid responsibility?"

Sophia was silent for a moment. "He is my father."

"How did you convince Brooke to help you?"

"I followed the ambulance to the hospital. After Brooke treated my father and came out of the emergency room, he said my father might have been attacked and wanted to call the police. I stopped him, telling him my father didn't want the police involved."

Luke asked, "Why would he trust you with such a serious matter? And why agree to share the responsibility? This could ruin a doctor's career."

"He didn't want to at first, but I begged him. Although he was reluctant, our close relationship led him to agree."

"Why do you think Lawn was attacked?"

"I have no idea."

"Then why agree so easily not to call the police?"

"I love him and didn't want to go against his wishes."

Luke showed her a photo of Tim, "Do you know him?"

"No."

Another photo of Tony, "And him?"

"Never seen him."

After the interrogation, Luke and David left the room and encountered Raymond and Jenny in the corridor.

The statements were consistent but lacked strong credibility from Sophia. With no concrete evidence, the police had no choice but to take her word for now.

If Sophia's claim was true, Lawn's refusal to call the police was suspicious and intriguing.

At 10 PM, Luke finally finished his shift. A red convertible pulled up in front of the detective building.

Luke got in, smiling, "You know, I've always dreamed of a beautiful woman in a luxury car picking me up after work. Today, that dream came true."

Daisy started the car and asked, "How do you plan to repay me?"

"How about a date?"

"I'll think about it," Daisy smiled.

Luke yawned, "What's up? Why are you calling me so late?"

Daisy hesitated, "I'm not sure how to explain it."

"Just tell me, Daisy. I'm here to help."

"Since I discovered the cameras at home, I've been scared to be alone at night. The house is big and dark, and I feel like someone might be watching me."

Luke took her hand, "I understand. It's a natural reaction. I'll come with you."

"Thank you. But you have work too, so you can't be with me all the time."

"What do you suggest?"

"Do you know any reliable detectives or bodyguards? I'd like to hire one for a while. It might be safer."

"How do you want them to assist you? Pick you up after work or provide night security? What's your budget?"

Daisy thought for a moment, "I'm not sure. That's why I'm asking for your advice."

Luke said, "I know a bit about the detective business—it's quite mixed and complicated. I wouldn't recommend hiring one. For bodyguards, it's best to go with a reputable company for more security."

Luke didn't recommend himself. He wouldn't mind moving in with Daisy, but this required a thoughtful approach, not a hasty decision.