Chapter 16 Clues

Monday Morning

Robbery and Murder Division

As Luke walked into the office, Marcus leaned over and gave him a friendly nudge, "Hey, how was last night?"

"Dinner was great, the city lights were beautiful, and we had a good conversation."

Marcus raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Come on, you know what I'm really asking."

Luke chuckled, "Stop with the one-night stands; one day you'll end up in a bad spot because of it. Consider getting an HIV test."

"Hey, I know you're just jealous. If you can't enjoy the grapes, you call them sour, right?" Marcus grinned. "I always use protection."

The deputy chimed in, "HIV isn't the only concern. You should consider other risks as well."

"Alright, alright, I admit I'm a bit uneasy now. Maybe I'll hit the bar tonight to calm my nerves," Marcus said, striking a playful dance pose.

The deputy shook his head, "Don't waste your time. This guy's going to end up in trouble sooner or later."

Since Luke had taken the previous day off, he asked, "Any updates on the Taser robbery investigation?"

The team reported, "We checked the phone number under Tony's name. The SIM card is locked and untraceable, increasing our suspicion of him. Our main priority now is to find Tony."

Luke inquired further, "What's Tony's financial situation?"

Matthew answered, "Tony doesn't have a stable job and is in poor financial shape. He rents his place and has no credit card records."

Marcus added, "People like Tony often deal in cash, so tracking him with a credit card is difficult. I've asked some contacts in the gang to help locate him."

Just then, the captain's office door creaked open, and David stepped out, waving at Luke. "Alarm clock boy, we've got a task."

They left the station, with Luke taking the passenger seat and David reluctantly sliding into the driver's side.

"What's the mission?" Luke asked.

"Harry has a lead on Tony and wants to report it to us," David replied as he started the car. Luke handed him an envelope, "What's this?"

"You lent me $3,000 last year. Here's $3,200 with interest," Luke said.

David looked surprised, opening the envelope. "Did you rob a bank during your vacation?"

Luke laughed, "Yep, and this is your hush money."

David tucked the envelope into his pocket. "Call me next time."

"I'll think about it."

David smiled, "I didn't expect you to pay me back. It's a pleasant surprise."

Luke thought, Given the character of the original owner of this body, it's surprising he paid up, but he's not deliberately avoiding debts—he's just always busy.

David's expression turned serious, "I've seen police officers go astray because of financial troubles. It's tempting to sell out, but it's a path of no return. If you need money, come to me."

"I didn't realize you cared," Luke said.

"Don't get any ideas. I just don't want to end up with a knife in my back," David replied.

Luke chuckled. That sounded just like David.

As they arrived at Tony's neighborhood, David parked near an alley. Harry, a new informant, hopped into the backseat.

David got straight to the point, "Have you found Tony?"

Harry said, "I couldn't locate Tony's hideout, but I'm sure he's not nearby. However, I did find his best friend. They're close, and no one knows Tony's situation better than him."

"Who is he, and where can we find him?"

"His name is William. He's homeless, living in a tent in the alley ahead. He's a bearded white guy with only four fingers on his right hand. He should be easy to spot." Harry paused. "He should have the information you need. Just interrogate him."

David replied, "No, you need to help us find Tony."

"I wish I could, but I'm only familiar with this area. I'll let you know if Tony comes back, but if he's gone further, I'm out of luck."

David stared at him, "Help us find someone else, and we're even."

Harry grumbled but agreed, "Alright, but this is the last time. Who am I looking for?"

"Lindsay Hals."

"A drug addict?"

"Yes."

"What's she done?"

"That's not your concern. I need her address."

"Find her, and we're square."

"I'll be waiting for your update."

"Got it. You're the boss," Harry said before exiting the car.

Luke asked, "Are you the Bureau's unofficial resource?"

"Are you going to report me?"

"If I report anything, it won't be about this nonsense," Luke assured him.

David drove a few hundred meters and stopped in front of an alley with a blue tent visible.

They got out and walked into the alley. Luke called out, "Hey, William, we're here to talk."

The tent opened, revealing a disheveled man. "Who are you guys?"

"We're friends of Tony's."

"I've known Tony for nearly ten years, and he never had other friends besides me."

"Looks like we've found the right person." Luke flashed his badge. "LAPD."

"Sir, I know you don't like me, but I haven't done anything criminal."

"You haven't, but your friend has." Luke handed him a cigarette. "We're looking for Tony."

William took the cigarette, sniffed it, and said, "We haven't seen each other in a while. What's happened to him?"

Luke asked, "When did you last see him?"

"I don't remember the exact date, but it's been over a month. Did something happen?"

"Did he show any signs of trouble before you parted ways?"

William thought for a moment, "He seemed off—nervous and moody. He avoided my invitations to hang out, and then he just disappeared."

"Why didn't you report him missing to the police?"

"Tony doesn't trust the police. If I called, he wouldn't appreciate it and might even cut ties with me."

"And why's that?"