Luke asked, "Deputy, what do you think is the relationship between Jim and the kidnappers?"
"It's hard to say." The deputy habitually scratched his head,
"From our last encounter, Jim seems like a smart person who wouldn't get involved in a kidnapping case.
However, money can lead even the most composed individuals astray, so we can't rule out his involvement for financial gain.
I personally lean towards the former because he was too careless just now.
If he were involved in the kidnapping, it would likely be behind the scenes; he wouldn't expose himself so easily."
"We share the same view." Luke shared his earlier conjectures.
The deputy nodded, "Young minds work better; there's a good chance he's acting as a middleman to acquire this gold.
Poor guy, got played by the kidnappers and he doesn't even know it.
What are you planning to do?"
Luke hadn't decided yet. If his conjecture was correct, direct contact with Jim wouldn't be an issue. He was confident he could convince Jim to cooperate with the police and provide clues about the real kidnappers.
But those were just speculations, after all, without evidence.
If Jim was indeed blinded by money and involved in the kidnapping, it wouldn't be easy to persuade him with just a few words, it might even alert the kidnappers.
7:30 a.m.
The door of the white slanted-roof house opened, and Jim came out, looked around, then got into a BMW and left.
The BMW drove west along the community road to a famous burger joint for breakfast.
At 8 a.m., Jim finished breakfast and drove off again, heading to the Strange House Antiques Store.
The antique store was already open, but Jim didn't enter through the front door; instead, he parked his car at the back door and walked into the store from there.
However, as soon as he entered the store, something felt off.
Too quiet.
This was not like his sweet store clerk's style.
"Hi, Boss Jim, long time no see. I heard you have made a fortune recently."
A man's voice suddenly sounded, startling Jim, who quickly drew a gun from his waist and looked towards the direction of the voice.
"No no no, don't move, put down your gun." An old man with white hair emerged from behind a shelf.
"Vincent, Deputy, what are you doing here?" Jim showed a surprised look.
Jim saw two more armed men approaching and sensibly put down his gun.
Black displayed his badge, "LAPD, Boss Jim, I haven't slept all night trying to catch you."
"Sir, there's definitely some misunderstanding here." Jim raised his hands and looked at Vincent as he spoke, "Vincent, Deputy, can we talk in another way?"
"Of course, what would you like to talk about?"
"Let's talk about why you're in my store? If there's any place you need my assistance, feel free to ask, I will fully cooperate."
The deputy nodded, "I like your attitude. I also don't like beating around the bush, where is the hostage?"
Jim looked bewildered, "What hostage, I don't know what you're talking about?"
The deputy smiled, "Wrong answer.
We are investigating a kidnapping case where the kidnappers extorted a large amount of gold from the hostage's parents and had the hostage's father place the gold under the bridge on Kerman Street.
Six bags, 5000 ounces of gold.
I think that gold is in your possession?"
"Oh my God, I've been framed. I had no idea this gold was the ransom." Jim explained, "A while ago, a man named Tom contacted me.
Said he had a batch of gold he wanted to turn into cash and asked if I could help.
I happened to have some connections, so I agreed.
Yesterday, he called and asked me to pick up the gold under the Kerman Street bridge this morning, so I sent two of my men.
That's the truth; I didn't know anything about a kidnapping case or have any involvement."
The deputy said, "That batch of gold is in your hands, it's not something you can resolve by claiming no connection. The hostage could be harmed at any moment, and I don't have time to bicker with you here. I just want to know where the hostage is?"
"I really don't know."
The deputy stepped forward, pointed his right finger at Jim, and said sternly, "If the hostage dies, you'll bear the responsibility. You'll be the one who killed her."
"I swear to God, I'm telling the truth.
Where's Captain Lee, I'd like to speak with him." Jim didn't like dealing with the white-haired old man.
"Do you have the qualifications to negotiate?" The deputy waved his hand, signaling Black and Jackson to take him away.
"The captain isn't someone you can just meet." Black held him down, ready to cuff him.
"I'm not negotiating, I'm pleading." Jim softened, worried as he was still out on bail, going back to the station would be troublesome.
Just then, Luke came over from the front and said, "Guys, release him for now, let's hear what he has to say."
"Captain Lee, I've been framed. I swear to God, I really didn't know the gold was ransom from a kidnapping case. I can hand over the gold, not a single piece missing."
"Jim, it's not just about the gold now, we need to ensure the hostage's safety. If the hostage dies and the kidnappers escape, you know what the consequences are."
Jim's forehead was covered in fine sweat, "A while back, Tom contacted me, looking to exchange a batch of gold, to which I agreed.
We agreed I would take the gold today.