Chapter 1270 - 560: Mutual Benefit
Thirdly, even if Luke could tell the other party was lying, there was no evidence to prove it. Pointing it out wouldn't matter if the other party denied it, and Luke would end up in a passive position.
What Luke needs to do now is gather more clues and evidence to uncover the truth that Thomas Colley is hiding.
...
Rochelle Horn's home.
"Knock knock..."
A moment later, the door opened.
It was Christian Horn, Rochelle Horn's wife, who opened the door.
She had previously met Luke at the Robbery and Murder Department.
Christian Horn looked at Luke and Xiao Hei with some surprise, "Captain Li, why are you here?
Is there a result in my husband's case?"
Luke observed her, the woman's face looked a bit haggard, her mental state not very good, "Yes, there has indeed been progress in your husband's murder case. We've come today to look through his belongings, hoping to find some new leads."
"Please come in." Christian Horn stepped aside, inviting Luke and Xiao Hei to sit on the sofa in the living room, "What of my husband's belongings do you want to see?"
Luke's gaze scanned the living room, "Can I take a look around the house?"
"I'm sorry, apart from my husband's belongings, there are also mine and the children's, especially my little girl.
I'm truly sorry, it's really inconvenient for that." Christian Horn showed an embarrassed expression and suggested, "Captain Li, how about a cup of coffee first while I go fetch my husband's things?"
"That's fine too.
No need for coffee, we had some on the way here." Luke politely declined.
"Excuse me for a moment." Christian Horn nodded and then went into a bedroom on the ground floor.
Xiao Hei whispered, "Why does she seem a bit cold to me?"
Luke didn't answer because their purpose for coming this time was to investigate the two hundred thousand US dollars Thomas Colley had paid Rochelle Horn.
Christian Horn's attitude indicated she had already found that money and guessed Luke and others' intention for coming.
After a while, Christian Horn came over with a cardboard box and placed it on the coffee table, "These are all my husband left behind, I...
I had put them away earlier but haven't decided how to deal with them.
If you need them, just take them."
Luke flipped through the items in the box, which included photo albums, books, and some documents, but not much, "Is this all?"
"There are also some clothes and tools, but they are kept in the garage." Christian Horn finished speaking and then changed the subject, "Captain Li, have you found the murderer of my husband?"
Luke nodded, "Sort of, the situation is a bit complicated."
"What do you mean?"
"It's very likely your husband didn't die by homicide, but by suicide."
Christian Horn shook her head, "That's impossible, my husband wouldn't commit suicide. We had a good relationship and two lovely children.
I understand him, he wouldn't leave us alone."
Luke said, "After your husband lost his job, he lost his source of income and had to rely on gambling to cover household expenses. At first, he won some money, but later lost more.
In desperation, he took out high-interest loans and became a drug trial participant to repay them.
However, he still couldn't repay the loans. For the past six months, he lived under great stress and pressure.
At this time, someone approached him with a way to make money, claiming that as long as his death was related to the trial drug, the pharmaceutical company would have to pay compensation.
Furthermore, the person promised him two hundred thousand US dollars.
Mrs. Christian Horn, have you ever seen that two hundred thousand US dollars?"
Christian Horn's eyes flickered, sweat appearing at her temples, shaking her head, "No, I haven't seen it... If we had that much money, I wouldn't be worrying about our future life."
Luke watched her, clearly sensing her panic, and advised, "Madam, I suggest you search carefully again, perhaps it's just lying forgotten in some corner."
Christian Horn stood up and stepped back, "You must be mistaken, we don't have that much money at home."
Luke also stood up, "Do you mind if we search the place?"
"I refuse." Christian Horn walked to the door and opened it, "Please leave my house immediately, right now."
Luke flashed his search warrant, "I suggest you take another good look. Otherwise, we'll have to do it ourselves.
I believe you don't want to be caught with charges of harboring stolen goods."
Christian Horn covered her mouth, "Why are you doing this to me? My husband is already dead, we have no one to rely on...
Do you want to see us wandering the streets?
Why not give us a way out?"
Luke put away the search warrant, "Mrs. Christian Horn, I understand your situation, but keeping ill-gained money might not be a good thing.
Can you comfortably spend it?"
"I have no other source of income now, this money was exchanged for my husband's life, I'm begging you…"
"I know your life is difficult, I have a way to help you, but not with that two hundred thousand US dollars."
"Can I trust you?"
"My patience is limited.
You know, I have the right to search on my own accord."
"I'll go get it."
Christian Horn took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment, then went down to the basement, and when she emerged again, she was holding a travel bag that looked very heavy.
Reluctantly, Christian Horn placed the travel bag on the coffee table and unzipped it, "It's all here."
Xiao Hei bent down to inspect; it was twenty bundles of brand new green bills.
Luke then picked up a notebook next to him, opened it, and found it contained Rochelle Horn's diary, which recorded his psychological journey to suicide, similar to what Thomas Colley described.
Luke closed the diary, "When did you find the diary and money?"
"Yesterday, when I was tidying up my husband's belongings, I discovered the money and the diary. I considered handing them over to the police, but… my children and I desperately need that money."
Luke nodded, "I know your life isn't easy, and I don't want to take the money away, but the suspect who gave the money to your husband has been caught.
His testimony is on record, and the money must be documented."
"Oh my God, how will we live in the future?" Christian Horn began to sob quietly.
"I have a way that might help you get some money. It may not be much, but it should be enough for you to live for a while."
Christian Horn looked at Luke with an expectant expression, "What way?"
"Kerman Pharmaceutical Company."
Christian Horn thought for a moment, "Are you suggesting we sue Kerman Pharmaceutical Company?"
Luke shook his head, "The case has become very clear up to now. Your husband knew full well that drinking and drug use were prohibited during the drug trial phase, but he did it deliberately to defraud compensation from Kerman Pharmaceutical Company.
The police have already investigated this; that method won't work."
"Then what should I do?"
"I can help you have a settlement with Kerman Pharmaceutical Company. You can explain your family's difficulties, and maybe they would be willing to offer some humanitarian compensation." Luke was not benevolent but knew the current situation at Kerman Pharmaceutical Company was not good, and negative news had troubled their company greatly.
If at this time, the deceased's widow stood up and spoke, dispelling rumors about Kerman Pharmaceutical Company's illegal human experiments, it would benefit Kerman Pharmaceutical Company and could somewhat improve its image.
Moreover, a small amount of money would mean nothing to Kerman Pharmaceutical Company, but it would be crucial for Christian Horn's family's livelihood.
Both parties get what they need, benefiting everyone.
Luke believed that the executives at Kerman Company would surely agree.
Christian Horn could also receive some money, ensuring her and her children's survival, killing two birds with one stone.
Of course, Luke was merely introducing them, and the specifics needed to be negotiated by them.