Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Luke took a sip of coffee and asked, "Ms. Calioka, what do you think is the most important aspect of human relationships?"

Mia Calioka paused for a moment, seemingly unsure why Luke was asking this, and slowly said two words, "Respect."

Luke nodded, "That's right, respect is mutual. You respect me, and I can respect you.

Deception, however, is a sign of disrespect.

Just like you are now."

"I didn't lie, everything I've said is true." Mia Calioka looked sincere.

Luke continued to stare at her, probing, "Did you know about Grace Bloomberg's murder beforehand?"

Mia Calioka shook her head, "I didn't know. I just heard it from you."

"If that's your attitude, then we have no basis for further discussion." Luke stood up, took out his phone, and made a call, "Hello, Michael, it's Luke.

How did the suspect's confession go…

Mm, I see.

Since he's not cooperating and might be hiding other dangerous items, I think it's necessary to search the Venus Club thoroughly.

This will ensure the safety of every guest at the club.

Bring more people along to prevent any accomplices.

Alright, we'll meet at the club later."

Luke hung up the phone and said to Mia Calioka, "Ma'am, let's leave it at that for today. I have other cases to investigate."

Luke didn't lower his voice during the call, so Mia Calioka heard everything clearly. She knew Luke was threatening her; if her answers were unsatisfactory, he would search the club under the guise of capturing suspects.

Saying it was a search, but it was actually harassment. Such actions would invade the clients' privacy, making them feel that the club is unsafe.

Moreover, the Venus Club's clients were influential people. If they learned that the FBI was investigating suspects at the club, they'd undoubtedly feel displeased and would stop frequenting the club. Consequently, her club would eventually shut down.

Mia Calioka angrily accused, "You can't do this, using such despicable means to force me — how is that different from robbery?"

Luke feigned bewilderment, asking, "Ms. Calioka, what are you talking about?"

"Please stop searching the club. Such actions will bring catastrophic damage to the club's reputation.

This club isn't solely mine; there are other people behind it whom you can't afford to offend."

Luke chuckled, "Are you threatening me?"

"No, that's not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean?

Why are you constantly obstructing our investigation into suspects, or is it that you're connected to the suspects and fear we'll uncover evidence of your collaboration?"

"You're accusing me falsely. I know nothing about any suspects."

Luke said, "Every suspect I have checked said the same thing.

Before the investigation, they were innocent, good citizens; in private, they were ruthless devils." Luke stood up, "I don't have time to waste talking nonsense with you here.

Amir, please escort Ms. Calioka out."

Mia Calioka didn't stand up; her eyes remained fixed on Luke, her expression shifting between fear and anger, but mostly frustration, "Sorry, I lied earlier.

Please don't let the FBI search the club.

I'm willing to tell the truth."

Luke didn't sit back down; instead, he looked down at her and said, "Speak, I'm listening."

Seeing that Luke was ready to leave at any moment, Mia Calioka took a deep breath and dared not hesitate any longer, "I did know about Grace's murder beforehand.

That's also why I was avoiding the FBI."

Luke pressed, "So you admit you are connected to Grace Bloomberg's death."

"It's a bit complicated, relating to some private matters of Grace's, which is why I was reluctant to speak.

Once I say it, it may cause some trouble for Grace."

"The dead don't need privacy, nor are they troubled, you can say it now."

"Are you sure you really want to know? Sometimes, even if you haven't done anything wrong, knowing things you shouldn't can offend people."

"Who are you implying?"

Mia Calioka hinted, "Grace may be dead, but her husband is still alive."

"It seems you want to use the Mayor of New York to pressure me." Luke smiled, and countered, "Do you know why we're investigating you?"

"Could it be..." Mia Calioka seemed to realize something, a look of dejection crossing her face, as she sighed, "If that's the case, I don't need to hide it any longer.

That night, Grace did call me.

Although I didn't go over to comfort her, I sent someone else who I thought was more suitable…" Mia Calioka hesitated.

"Who?"

"Filippo Carter."

"Who is he?"

"An employee of our club."

"What was his relationship with Grace Bloomberg?"

"Good friends, very close — not only could he soothe Grace's loneliness, but he could also fulfill her physical void."

"Was Filippo Carter Grace Bloomberg's lover?"

"Not really, there was never genuine affection. For Filippo Carter, it was just a job, and Grace was well aware of that.

The purpose of Filippo Carter's existence is to make Grace happy.

To appear when she needs.

To leave when not needed, without any entanglement."

"Was it Grace Bloomberg who actively requested Filippo Carter to comfort her, or was it your instruction?"

"Grace didn't specify, but I can guess her thoughts.

She just had a fight with her husband...

I know very well that she can't possibly win against her wealthy and powerful husband and must be holding a lot of resentment.

This way, she can both take revenge on her husband and vent her inner anger."

Luke followed up, "Because they were having an affair, they would choose a secluded place, which is why they ended up dying on the hillside in the suburbs of New York?"

"I don't know where they went, and I wouldn't ask.

Besides, this wasn't the first time they went out, and there were no problems before—who knew something would happen this time?" Mia Calioka sighed, showing a self-mocking expression, "You know? I'm the one who's most unlucky in this whole thing.

I had good intentions, but now I'm in trouble, and it also impacts the club's business."

"How long have Grace Bloomberg and Filippo Carter known each other?"

"About three months."

"How are they getting along? Have there been any conflicts?"

"Absolutely impossible.

Our club never allows our staff to have conflicts with customers; the customer is always right.

And as far as I know, they get along well.

Filippo Carter is young, tall, handsome, and strong;

Grace has status, position, and she's not very old, actually quite elegant like a noblewoman.

They match well, and their relationship is harmonious in all aspects." Mia Calioka paused, licking her lips,

"Sorry, I digressed.

On the night of the incident, Filippo Carter called me and said Grace had been killed."

"Explain in detail what happened between them that night?"

"I asked Filippo Carter how Grace died, and he couldn't explain.

I kept asking if he did it, and he said no.

Besides, I don't think he has the guts for it.

As for what specifically happened, I didn't ask more.

The more you know about this kind of thing, the more trouble you'll have.

Just like now, I wish Filippo Carter had never told me anything.

That way, I wouldn't be implicated, and the Venus Club's business wouldn't be affected."

Luke ignored Mia Calioka's complaints and continued to ask, "Where is Filippo Carter now?"

"I don't know either; I gave him some time off, letting him stay away from the club temporarily as I was worried he'd affect the club." Mia Calioka said somewhat helplessly, "But I didn't expect you to still come knocking; I've told you everything.

I hope you won't make things difficult for me."

"So, you're saying your role in this case is that of a pimp?"

Mia Calioka frowned, "I don't like that term.

Grace preferred to call me a close friend."

Luke teased, "In the end, that close friend of hers got her killed."

"Grace's death has nothing to do with me.

I have no reason to kill her.

If anyone in this world didn't want her dead, it was probably me.

I assure you, in this I'm more sincere than her husband."

"Then who do you think killed her?"

"I don't know.

Really don't know.

For people like them, what goes on behind the scenes is very deep, and I'm just a small fry who can't see it clearly or understand it.

All I can do is serve them well and keep them happy."

Luke stared at her, "If you want me to believe you, help us find Filippo Carter's whereabouts."

Mia Calioka readily agreed, "I know Filippo Carter's residential address; you can find him there. And his phone number."

"Write it down."

Luke took out his phone and dialed Michael's number, "Buddy, Mia Calioka provided a new clue.

The other night, she sent a gigolo to attend to Grace Bloomberg.

Even if he's not the killer, he might be a witness; I'll send you the address."

After finishing the call with Michael, Luke turned to Amir and said, "Track Filippo Carter's phone and confirm his location as soon as possible."

Amir picked up the paper with the phone number and stood up, "Hope it's not too late."