Luke sized up the Caucasian man, "You are Norbert Collins."
"Yes, sir."
"What kind of car do you think suits ?"
"That depends on your budget. Can you tell ?"
"I would like a gray BMW 740, do you have one here?"
"Uh..." Norbert Collins hesitated, "The Salipo dealership opposite us seed to have just acquired a similar car, so what are you here for?"
"You seem to be quite familiar with the Salipo dealership?"
"Our dealerships are not far apart; it's not hard to take a look. And their car seller has been to our dealership too, but his asking price was a bit high."
"How is your relationship with Balte Ramos?"
"Sir, I don't want to swear, but he truly was an absolute bastard. He went to the police to badmouth and even reported my dealership."
"He's dead."
"What!" Norbert Collins showed a look of shock, "You're not kidding, right? That guy was strong as a bear. He even asked for a fight a couple of days ago."
Luke said, "I'm sorry, but it seems you won't have a chance to fight him anymore. Let introduce myself, Captain Luke Lee of the Robbery and Murder Departnt, I am in charge of investigating Balte Ramos's case."
"This is so sudden. How did he die?"
"Shot to death."
"So, you've co to my dealership because you suspect I killed him?"
"It's just routine questioning, you don't have to be nervous."
"I'm not nervous, but you've got the wrong person. I wouldn't kill him, and there's no need for to."
"But as far as I know, the business competition between you two was fierce."
"Indeed, and that's precisely why I wouldn't want him dead. By the way, how is Casdi Torres doing?"
"He was also injured but is not in any life-threatening condition."
"That's the problem. If I were to kill soone over business competition, it would be Casdi Torres, not Balte Ramos."
"Why?"
Norbert Collins pointed towards the opposite and said, "The Salipo dealership has two partners, one is Balte Ramos and the other is Casdi Torres. They're different in character and skilled in different areas; they complent each other at work but can also easily clash.
Casdi Torres is a xican immigrant who grew up working in auto repair shops. He's good at fixing cars and assessing automobiles. The current success of Salipo dealership cannot be separated from his efforts.
Balte Ramos is more like a businessman, responsible for car purchasing contracts and loans. This guy is really good at exploiting legal loopholes; many custors are unwittingly tricked, and by the ti they realize it, it's too late to complain, but he indeed brings more profits to the dealership.
Killing Balte Ramos might reduce the profits of Salipo dealership, but it won't affect the business, and there's no benefit for our dealership.
If Casdi Torres died, there might not be a significant impact in the short term, but over ti, Salipo dealership would definitely be no match for our dealership."
"So, you've got the wrong person."
Luke crossed his arms, "It seems you know quite a lot about Salipo dealership, then who do you think we should be looking for?"
"Isn't Casdi Torres still alive? You should go and ask him."
"You think it was Casdi Torres who hired soone to kill Balte Ramos?"
"I don't know, but they did have an altercation recently. Just a couple of days ago after work, I saw them arguing fiercely."
"Why were they arguing?"
"I didn't hear it, but from what I gather, it may have sothing to do with opening a new branch. Balte Ramos wanted to raise funds to open a branch in Long Beach, but Casdi Torres thought it was too risky and was unwilling.
I'm not too clear on the specifics, approximately that's the gist.
If Balte Ramos died, then Casdi Torres would have the final say in the shop, and there would be no need to open a branch in Long Beach anymore."
Luke scrutinized him and asked, "So, you're saying Balte Ramos's death has nothing to do with you?"
"Of course, I would never do sothing that harms others without benefiting myself."
"Thank you." Luke dropped this remark and prepared to leave with Jackson.
"Sir, if you want to buy or sell cars, you can co to . The highest discount is always available."
Luke waved his hand and got into the car to leave.
Jackson started the car and asked, "Captain, where are we going now?"
Luke checked his phone, "Back to the station, Balte Ramos's family has gone to identify the body; we need to talk to them to get so information."
From Norbert Collins, Luke had learned of the conflicts between Balte Ramos and Casdi Torres, but that did not an Casdi Torres was the murderer. Luke had previously taken a statent from Casdi Torres and found nothing unusual; of course, it could also be that the questions were not targeted.
Luke wanted to take a statent from Balte Ramos's family to learn about the relationship between him and Casdi Torres indirectly.
...
Detective Bureau, Robbery and Murder Departnt.
Just as Luke walked into the office, he saw a Caucasian woman sitting together, sobbing.
Jenny approached and whispered, "Captain, she's Balte Ramos's wife."
"Has she identified the body?"
"Yes"
Jenny went to the woman's side and introduced, "Mrs. Ramos, let introduce you. This is our squad leader, Captain Lee."
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