Chapter 1319 - 596: The Politician’s True Colors
New York, near Central Park.
A black Chevrolet SUV stopped by the roadside, and Luke and Aamir Khan got out of the car.
Luke looked at the towering building beside them, "Are you sure that the deceased, Grace Bloomberg, lived here?"
Aamir Khan shielded his forehead with his right hand, looking up with envy, and said, "Yes, the whole of New York knows that the Mayor and his wife live here."
"Sorry, I'm only half a New Yorker." Luke shook his head, unable to understand why someone wealthy would want to live in such a tall apartment building. "I still prefer the architectural style of Los Angeles."
"Buddy, this is the Central Park Tower; it's right next to Central Park, in the most bustling area of New York.
Never doubt the taste of these wealthy people." Aamir Khan pointed upwards, "I've heard that the top-floor luxury apartment costs over 250 million US Dollars, and even with money, it's not easy to buy."
Luke understood the logic of every inch of land being invaluable, yet he still couldn't fathom spending 250 million US Dollars to share the ground with others. "Alright, let's see just how luxurious this place is."
Aamir Khan rubbed his hands, "I'm looking forward to it too.
If it weren't for the investigation, I probably wouldn't even have the chance to view this place in my lifetime. You know, just the brokerage fee for purchasing a luxury apartment like this can reach tens of millions of dollars."
Hearing Aamir Khan's words, Luke felt a bit uncomfortable because his villa in Los Angeles was also worth ten million dollars. For top-tier billionaires, his house was equivalent to their brokerage fee for buying real estate. Such was the gap between him and the ultra-wealthy.
Luke changed the subject, "By the way, why isn't Michael here? Why did they send you instead?"
Aamir Khan raised an eyebrow, "Because I'm the top criminal profiler in the FBI.
Sometimes, I don't need to ask or speak; just by observing the other person's attitude, behavior, or tone, I can discern many issues.
Michael doesn't have that ability.
Our interviewee this time is the Mayor of New York; Michael can't question him without restraint like he would an ordinary person of interest.
Otherwise, even if he caught the criminal, it would be hard for him to get promoted."
Luke laughed, "I asked why Michael didn't come, not for you to brag."
"I'm not bragging; I'm just stating facts."
"Alright, I hope you're as capable as you say."
Aamir Khan nodded at Luke, "I've always been that capable."
"I think you can shut up now." Luke, a bit speechless, quickened his pace.
"Ding dong..."
The elevator doors opened.
Luke and Aamir Khan walked into the elevator.
Inside stood a young female elevator attendant, who nodded slightly, "Gentlemen, which floor do you need?"
Luke glanced at Aamir Khan.
Aamir Khan replied, "130th floor."
"Gentlemen, do you have an appointment? The 130th floor is for private access; I don't have authorization."
"Yes, we have an appointment. I'm Aamir Khan."
"One moment, please." The elevator attendant picked up the phone inside the elevator, dialed a number, confirmed, and then pressed the button for the 130th floor.
The elevator moved upward swiftly and smoothly.
After a while.
"Ding dong..." The elevator doors opened.
Two men dressed in black suits stood outside, scrutinizing Luke and Aamir Khan.
Aamir Khan presented his credentials, "FBI, we're here to see Mr. Nasi Bloomberg."
One of the men in black gestured, "Please follow me."
Luke and Aamir Khan changed into slippers outside and followed the bodyguard into the room.
The living room was spacious and bright, with lavish decor.
The man in black said, "Please wait a moment, Mr. Nasi Bloomberg will be right with you."
Luke nodded and walked over to the tall floor-to-ceiling window. The view outside was vast, showcasing not only Central Park but also half of New York City, offering a panoramic view of the cityscape.
Aamir Khan walked over and said, "Did you know?
This is the tallest residential building in the world, overlooking the most bustling areas of New York and even providing a view of the distant sea.
It broadens your mind and vision.
Such a feeling can't be offered by lower-level residences."
"Tap tap..." With the sound of footsteps, a Caucasian man walked into the living room.
The man was roughly in his fifties, of average build, and looked somewhat weary.
"Sorry for the wait, I just finished a video conference."
Aamir Khan stepped forward and said, "Hello, Mr. Nasi Bloomberg, I'm FBI agent Aamir Khan, and this is FBI criminal expert Consult Luke."
Nasi Bloomberg sat on the sofa, gesturing to the opposite side, "Please have a seat, would you like something to drink?"
"No, thank you." Luke, who was based in Los Angeles, was least affected by this New York Mayor.
He cut straight to the chase, "Mr. Bloomberg, we're sorry about your wife's situation.
We're putting all our efforts into investigating the case, and we came here today to inquire about some things regarding your wife."
Nasi Bloomberg sighed lightly, "I never expected such a thing to happen.
When I heard the news, it felt like my world collapsed.
She was important to me; we've been married for over a decade, deeply in love with each other the entire time.
When I confirmed the news, I almost fainted.
"I was about to head to the scene... but I was stopped," Nasi Bloomberg spread his hands, helplessly, "If someone took a picture of me at the scene or going to the police station, the news of my wife's murder wouldn't be kept secret.
So, even if I want to see her, I must restrain myself, for New York."
Luke felt that this was a bit exaggerated. Grace Bloomberg's death might have some impact on the peace of New York City, but if Nasi Bloomberg truly loved his wife, he would definitely rush to the scene.
After all, for America, family is the most important.
Of course, Luke had no intention of delving deeply, as which politician doesn't speak in grandiose terms, claiming family is the most important, but everything needs a question mark when it comes to interests.
"Mr. Bloomberg, we would like to ask some questions about your wife."
"Alright, go ahead."
"When was the last time you saw Grace Bloomberg?"
"7 PM on the evening of October 3rd, we had dinner together at home."
"Was there anything unusual about Grace Bloomberg at that time?"
"I didn't notice anything.
However, the dinner wasn't very pleasant, we had a fight, and then she stormed out."
"How did she leave?"
"Driving her red Porsche sports car."
"What was the argument about?"
"She wanted me to go on vacation to Hawaii with her, but I couldn't get away from work.
She was very unhappy, felt I didn't value her.
I've been very busy with work lately, under a lot of pressure, so we ended up arguing.
She slammed the door and left home." Nasi Bloomberg sighed, took off his glasses, and wiped them, "Later, I called her, but her phone was already unreachable. I thought she was still mad, who knew...
Now I regret it very much...
My work is important, but family is more important, I should have gone on the trip with her, maybe this kind of thing wouldn't have happened..."
Luke rubbed his chin, vaguely sensing that the other was showing signs of lying, "Has your wife offended anyone recently?"
"Not that I know of, she was a very simple person, easy to get along with, all her friends liked her.
I can't think of anyone who would do such a horrible thing to her."
Luke felt he was still not being truthful, "What was your wife's occupation? Did she have conflicts with anyone at work?"
"She was a director at one of my companies and often participated in charity work, all very straightforward work, and she got along very well with those staff members. I don't see any connection between the two."
"Could her death be related to your work?"
Nasi Bloomberg pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "I don't think so."
"Do you have any enemies?"
"Whoa... that's a bit complicated.
I do have quite a few competitors, both in business and politics...
However, I don't think they would do something so lowbrow, because it wouldn't take me down, it would only make me more resilient."
Luke continued, "After Grace Bloomberg was murdered, her arms were cut off by the killer, do you know why?"
"Cut off her arms!
That damn pervert..." Nasi Bloomberg seemed to think of something, "Blood Hand Mac, isn't that his MO? A few years ago, that pervert made a mess of New York."
Amir Khan reminded, "Sir, five years ago, the FBI already captured Blood Hand Mac, and he's currently imprisoned in New York, it's impossible for him to reoffend."
Luke said, "Mr. Bloomberg, we at the FBI will review the Blood Hand Mac case.
What I want to ask now is, is there anything special about your wife's arms?"
"My wife's fingers are very beautiful, and she was very good at playing the piano." Nasi Bloomberg pointed to a black piano on the right side of the living room, "She would always play a piece when she was in a good mood.
And every time she went to a party, the host would invite her for a piano performance.
She was quite famous in her circle."
Luke pressed on, "So, do you think Grace Bloomberg was cruelly amputated by the murderer because of her piano skills?"
Nasi Bloomberg spread his hands, "I don't know either."
Luke stopped questioning, recalling the previous conversation, Nasi Bloomberg had answered the questions but had not provided any valuable clues.
A very typical political posture.
Luke said to Amir Khan on the side, "Contact Michael, see if there is any progress in his investigation."
Amir Khan paused for a moment, glanced at Nasi Bloomberg, then stood up and went aside to make a call.
Nasi Bloomberg then looked at Luke.
Luke said, "Mr. Bloomberg, I'm not a politician or a wealthy man, I'm not interested in the matters of your circle.
I know you're hiding something and even lying on certain questions.
I don't want to delve deeply nor uncover things I shouldn't know.
But if we don't investigate at all, it could delay the investigation progress.
So, I need a name, someone you think might be helpful to the case."
Nasi Bloomberg stared at Luke, mulling for a long time, "Mia Calioka.
She's a friend of my wife's.
After our arguments, she would often confide in Mia Calioka.
Maybe she might know something."
