Joway Gun Store
A Dodge Challenger rolled to a stop outside the gun store. Two figures emerged: a bald white man and a young man with black hair. They were David and Luke from the Robbery-Murder Division. Together, they stepped into the store.
The interior was stocked with an array of firearms—pistols, rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles, and more. Luke, momentarily overwhelmed by the assortment, approached the counter and flashed his police badge. "Who's in charge here?"
The store's owner, a middle-aged man with a beard, was polishing a rifle. "What's this about? I'm the owner."
"I'm Detective Luke, and this is Detective David." Luke pulled out a photo of the suspect, Tim. "Have you seen this person before?"
The owner glanced at the photo and shook his head. "No, I don't recognize him."
Luke then produced another photo—this one of a modified Taser. "Do you recognize this Taser?"
The owner inspected it briefly before responding. "We have a few X26-C Taser guns in stock. If you're interested, I could offer you a 5% discount."
"This isn't an ordinary Taser," Luke said firmly. "Its voltage and magazine have been altered, making it far more powerful than a standard model. The man in the photo used one just like this during a robbery. He claimed to have bought it here."
"How many modified Tasers do you have? I need a list of them and the names of every customer who purchased such a weapon."
The owner hesitated, then shook his head. "I'm a legitimate gun dealer. There are no modified Tasers here. You're mistaken."
Luke scanned the store and pointed to a security camera. "I want to see the surveillance footage."
"I'm happy to cooperate, but only with a search warrant," the owner countered.
David leaned in, his patience wearing thin. "If you want me to come back with a search warrant, it won't just be about checking the surveillance. You can either close up for a while or come with us to the station. Your choice."
The owner, uneasy but defiant, pointed at the camera. "That's a fake. I don't need real cameras with all the firearms I have here."
"Then we need to discuss this privately." David gestured to the waiters behind the counter. "Either have them leave or accompany us to the police station."
The owner instructed his employees to handle inventory in the back. David, picking up the Taser photo, began assembling a rifle from parts on the counter. "This is a civilian M16, semi-automatic. It only holds ten rounds, but it could easily devastate your shop."
"Are you threatening me?" the owner asked, alarmed.
"After I assemble this, if you still haven't provided the information, say goodbye to your store," David replied, continuing his task.
The owner looked to Luke for help. "Sir, I'm being threatened here. Aren't you going to say anything?"
Luke hesitated. According to department regulations, he should intervene to prevent David from causing trouble. But logic told him to support his partner.
"Given the number of guns in your store, occasional malfunctions are to be expected. If there's any injury, we'll call 911," Luke said, crouching and covering his ears. "This guy's a bit unhinged, so good luck."
David completed the rifle, loaded it, and aimed it at the owner's forehead. "It's time to talk."
The owner raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, I'll tell you everything. But once you're out of here, I won't admit to anything."
"Just provide us with the customer list, and we won't care about anything else."
Sweat beaded on the owner's forehead. "There's only one modified Taser here, and I sold it to him," he said, pointing to the photo.
"Why did you lie?"
"I didn't want trouble."
"Where did the modified Taser come from?"
"A guy known as 'The Postman' brought it in."
"Why did you sell it?"
"Ordinary Tasers go for a thousand dollars. The modified version could fetch three thousand. I was just testing the market."
"I need The Postman's real name and contact information."
"I don't know him personally. He approached the store himself. He's known for gun modifications, and everyone calls him 'The Postman.'"
"If you're hiding anything…"
"I swear, that's all I know."
David cleaned the M16's handle and placed it back on the counter. "Consider installing proper surveillance cameras."
Luke and David exited the store. Once in the car, Luke exhaled deeply. "You passed."
David took a swig from his water bottle. "I understand people like him. Without that pressure, he wouldn't have said a word."
"You were too aggressive. There are other ways to get information. I don't like threatening a store owner with his own weapons—it feels ridiculous."
"It was the quickest method," David said, glancing at Luke. "You've really changed."
"People mature," Luke replied, his discomfort clear. As a former Chinese criminal policeman, he had never experienced such aggressive tactics before. He worried about the potential for violence, considering the store's arsenal.
"Damn it," Luke muttered. "I'm never going on a mission with this lunatic again."
Luke left the car partway through the trip, his legs feeling weak and unsettled.
At Rose Bar, open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM, Luke entered to find the place nearly empty, with more waitstaff than patrons. Danny, the bartender, looked surprised to see him so early.
"Luke, first time I've seen you here at noon," Danny remarked.
"Yeah, me too," Luke replied, sitting at the bar.
"What can I get you?"
Luke ordered chicken curry rice. "Don't make a mistake. If I get fired, I won't be able to help you."
"Came all this way just for curry rice?"
Luke pulled a scratch-off ticket from his pocket and placed it on the bar. "Cash this out before my lunch is over. I want cash."
"Wow, you won $8,000!" Danny exclaimed.
"Is that a problem?"
"No, just surprised. I've played these tickets for years and never won more than $500. Seems luck is on your side."
Luke was aware of the issue. Winning such a large amount repeatedly could draw attention. He needed a long-term and discreet liquidity solution.
After finishing his meal, Luke received about $7,000, once taxes were deducted. He was increasingly convinced of his need for a long-term method to manage his winnings while minimizing tax exposure.