Chapter 1280 - 564: Evidence 2
There wasn't much in the warehouse, only three boxes stacked in the far corner.
Luke began to check the items in the three boxes. The box on the far left contained some old dolls and toys, all meant for little girls.
The middle box held clothes, books, and photos of a young girl, who looked a lot like Thomas Colley's daughter.
The box on the far right contained some photos and odds and ends. The photos showed Thomas Colley's family of three, and the miscellaneous items mostly seemed to be gifts, likely meant for his ex-wife.
After carefully searching, Luke found a phone in a black gift box. He tried to turn it on, but the phone was out of power, so he found a charger and powered on the iPhone.
Luke meticulously checked the phone and found a few valuable audio and video recordings.
He played one of the audio recordings, and Thomas Colley's voice came up, "My dear, please allow me to call you that one last time.
I love you and always have; that has never changed.
If you are hearing this recording, it means I'm already dead and it wasn't a natural death.
I... did something, and I don't know if it was right or wrong.
By now, you should have realized that I sought revenge against Kerman Pharmaceutical Company.
Yes, it was me.
However, I didn't tell the police the whole truth; there was someone else orchestrating things. His purpose was to short Kerman Pharmaceutical Company.
I took the fall for him, and in return, he promised to take care of you and our daughter.
His name is Lennon Ochoa.
You might not remember this name, but his wife's brother is a director at Woster Investment Company.
You might have guessed already...
Yes, the reason you were promoted to executive assistant was all because of Lennon Ochoa's help.
If my death were natural, I would have amended my will, and you wouldn't be hearing this recording.
If my death wasn't natural, then it's likely I was silenced.
My dear, please be careful and take care of our daughter..."
This recording confirmed Luke and the others' suspicions, making all their efforts worthwhile today.
But this recording alone was not sufficient evidence.
Luke played a video next, showing a spacious area, likely a square, empty around. A man appeared in the frame, dressed in a neat suit with meticulously groomed golden hair.
"Mr. Thomas Colley, hello."
"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Lennon Ochoa."
"How have you considered our joint revenge against Kerman Pharmaceutical Company?"
"I'm targeting Kerman Pharmaceutical Company for revenge, how about you?"
"Haha, my motive is simpler: profit.
You seek revenge, I make money, we both get what we want."
"For revenge, I can act alone. Why should I team up with you?
I can provide you with funds and allow you a share of the profits.
Even if you don't need money, your family does."
"Mr. Lennon Ochoa, why choose me?"
"Mr. Thomas Colley, I've been watching you for a long time. You might not even realize this.
We share a common hobby: gambling.
I've known you for a long time, and I know your history. I know you've held resentment towards Kerman Pharmaceutical Company for a long time, only hesitating because of your wife and daughter.
Now you're terminally ill, with not much time left; what is there to worry about?
Moreover, I can promise you that as long as you cooperate with me, after your death, I will take care of your ex-wife and daughter, ensuring they live comfortably.
It won't be a life of immense wealth, but definitely better than now.
Think about it.
Even in death, make it worthwhile."
With this video evidence, Luke felt assured.
It was almost certain that Lennon Ochoa was the mastermind behind a series of actions against Kerman Pharmaceutical Company.
However, before formally arresting Lennon Ochoa, he still needed to talk to Thomas Colley. A wealthy man like Lennon Ochoa would have a robust legal team, capable of turning a dead case into a living one, so to have absolute certainty, Thomas Colley must testify against him.
…
Robbery and Murder Department, Interrogation Room.
Thomas Colley was brought into the interrogation room, handcuffed to the interrogation chair in front of Hassan.
Luke put down the files in his hand and greeted him, "Good afternoon, Mr. Colley."
Thomas Colley yawned, "Is it afternoon already? I've lost track of time."
Little Black quipped, "Don't worry, once you're transferred to prison, there'll be wake-up calls to keep your schedule in check."
Thomas Colley shrugged indifferently, "Can I get a cup of coffee?"
Luke nodded in agreement.
"You're quite demanding," Little Black complained, pouring him a cup of coffee.
"Thank you," Thomas Colley took a sip, looking pleased, "With coffee, everywhere feels the same to me.
Why did you call me here?
Do you need me to identify a scene?
No problem, I was hoping to get some fresh air; every outing is precious now, and I cherish them."
Luke got straight to the point, "Do you know Lennon Ochoa?"
Thomas Colley's expression changed instantly as he took a sip of his coffee, "No, is it some movie star's name? I haven't kept up with that stuff in years."
"He's not a star; he's the chairman of Puhuike Investment Company and your accomplice.
We've discovered your joint plan to retaliate against Kerman Pharmaceutical Company.
You seek vengeance, while he's after profit."
Thomas Colley pondered for a while, "Since you've found out, why come to me?"
"We need you to identify Lennon Ochoa."
Thomas Colley chuckled, "So you mean all those assumptions earlier were just guesses, without evidence."
"No, we've found evidence, more than you think. I'm giving you a chance to ease your culpability, turn state's evidence, and secure a favorable plea deal; think it over."
"I have terminal illness; no plea deal holds any significance for me."
"I know you care about your ex-wife and daughter, and you've left all your assets and a warehouse to them in your will.
We've found that warehouse and the evidence of your conspiracy with Lennon Ochoa."
Thomas Colley showed a defeated expression and smiled bitterly, "Since you've found the evidence I left behind, does my identification of Lennon Ochoa even matter anymore?"
If it were an ordinary suspect, Luke might have already made an arrest.
But with someone as wealthy as Lennon Ochoa, Luke faced not only Ochoa but also his team of lawyers, who would seize any oversight.
The best strategy was to have Thomas Colley identify Lennon Ochoa, diverting Ochoa's and his lawyers' attention, thereby easing things for Luke and the police.
"I think this is the best choice, beneficial for both you and us."
Thomas Colley was silent for a while, finishing his coffee, "OK, I'll think about it."
Luke sensed the insincerity, "Listen, whether you cooperate or not, we will take action against Lennon Ochoa.
Even if you refuse to identify him, he won't appreciate it; he'll still believe you betrayed him.
At that point, your ex-wife and daughter may even face consequences." Luke showed a knowing look,
"By cooperating with the police early, you can minimize these impacts."
Thomas Colley glared at Luke, speaking coldly, "Are you threatening me?"
"No, the real threat to your ex-wife and daughter is Lennon Ochoa, and you know this well; otherwise, you wouldn't have left those evidences in the warehouse.
If you choose to turn state's evidence, your ex-wife and daughter will have police protection as well." Luke leaned forward, speaking earnestly,
"Hey, you're a smart guy; I trust you know the right choice to make."