Luke pushed aside his own thoughts and asked with a steely resolve, "On March 4th, between 8 and midnight, where were you?"
Harry shrugged helplessly. "Come on, guys. Still don't believe me?"
Luke's tone grew firmer. "Harry, straighten up and answer the questions properly. It's in your best interest to help us verify your alibi. Your cooperation could be crucial in proving your innocence."
Harry grumbled, "Can I at least get dressed first? It's hard to think clearly like this."
David tossed him some clothes. "Cut the games. Today was supposed to be a good day until you messed it up."
Marcus leaned in with a sly grin, "Hey, was that black girl your girlfriend?"
Luke and David shot him sharp looks. Marcus had been holding onto that question for a while, and if it weren't for his useful information, David might have kicked him.
Sensing the tension, Marcus quickly zipped his lips.
Harry glared at Marcus. "I was with my girlfriend that night—the one you saw."
"And her name?" Luke asked.
"Julian."
"Where were you on February 25th, between 8 and midnight?"
"Probably drinking at a bar with friends. You know which bar."
"Who were you with?"
"Just some guys from the gang. Ask whatever you want."
"How about the evening of February 18th, between 8 and midnight?"
"I don't know; it was so long ago. Check it yourself."
David's patience was wearing thin. "Watch your attitude. I need you to recall it clearly if you want to clear your name."
Harry closed his eyes, struggling to remember. After a moment, he shook his head. "I really can't recall."
"You stay here. I'll check something outside," David said and left.
Marcus turned to Luke. "You might want to get some fresh air, too. I'll keep an eye on him."
Luke was taken aback by Marcus's unexpected kindness. "Shut up."
Marcus sat across from Harry. "So, how did you and Julian meet?"
Harry stayed silent.
Luke interrupted, "I told you to be quiet."
Harry looked at Marcus, then at Luke. "Officer Luke, is he really a cop? If so, I think I might be able to."
Marcus laughed bitterly. "Who gave you the guts to think that?"
Luke pointed at Harry. "And you, shut up as well."
Luke suddenly understood why Wei was always on edge during investigations. Dealing with deceitful characters day in and day out would wear anyone down.
"Dong dong…"
David knocked on the door. "Luke, come outside."
Luke warned, "Don't let anything change in the room while I'm gone."
David reported, "Raymond and Jenny confirmed Julian's alibi for March 4th and February 25th."
"So, Harry has an alibi?" Luke asked.
David nodded. "Yes. But we need to check other leads."
Luke and his team headed to Alisha's house. They split into two groups: Luke, David, and Marcus at the front door, Raymond and Jenny at the back.
Luke knocked firmly. "Dong dong…"
No response. He knocked again. "Dong dong…"
From inside came a groggy shout, "Which idiot is disturbing my sleep? @#￥%..."
Luke frowned. Did this guy just forget basic manners, or is he doing it on purpose?
The door creaked open to reveal Steven, swaying slightly, clearly drunk. He blinked, "Oh, Mr. Police, you're here again. I was about to come find you."
Luke raised an eyebrow. "You're drunk again."
"Sorry," Steven mumbled. "I was worried about Alisha last night, couldn't sleep, so I drank a bit."
Luke tested him. "You don't look like you've just had a little. Don't use drunkenness to dodge our questions. Any new leads on her?"
"Really?" Steven looked surprised.
"I swear it's the truth."
"Seems like your faith in God is not very high," Luke said. "Let's head to the station. Maybe you can give us some valuable information."
"I need to change clothes first," Steven said, trying to close the door.
Luke stopped him. "Aren't you going to invite us in?"
"Please come in," Steven said reluctantly, stepping aside.
"Go change, and leave us alone," Luke instructed as he entered the living room.
David noticed the courier box had a lock on it. He whispered to Luke, "The box is locked."
Luke nodded in acknowledgment.
A few minutes later, Steven emerged dressed and got into the police car. Marcus drove, David rode shotgun, and Luke sat beside Steven.
Steven looked uneasy. "Any updates on Alisha?"
"No," Luke replied. "What about you? Any new clues?"
"None."
"What do you do now?"
"I resigned. I'm planning to open a shop and start a small business."
"When did you resign?"
"Over a year ago."
"What do you do for a living now?"
"Alisha had a job. I did some part-time work here and there."
Luke asked, "What does Alisha do?"
"She's a dance teacher at a training institute."
"Any other side jobs?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Why do you ask?"
"We need to know everything about Alisha's life to find her quickly. If she's doing anything else, you need to tell us."
"I don't know."
"Who usually handles the express cabinet at your door?" Luke pressed.
"I do," Steven replied. "Why?"
"Is it normally locked?"
"Yes."
"So, did you put the photo at Alisha's parents' house?"
Steven's eyes widened. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You're aware that Alisha dances at a club?"
Steven began to sweat. "Are you accusing me?"
"Don't get defensive. We're just having a conversation."
Steven's lips moved, and after a pause, he said, "I want to speak to a lawyer."