Detective Bureau, Conference Room
Luke began the meeting by introducing the case and playing the video will on the projector.
In the video:
Laun sat on a sofa, waving. "Hey, if you're watching this, I'm probably already in heaven. Don't miss me too much..."
He spoke to his four relatives as if he were chatting with them, outlining the distribution of his inheritance:
Two properties, $1.8 million, and a Porsche sports car.His wife, Carolyn, received a property and $1 million in cash.The two daughters jointly owned a property worth $300,000.Brooke received $200,000.
From this distribution, it was clear Carolyn received the most, followed by the daughters, with Brooke getting the least. The video ended.
Susan asked, "What do you think?"
Marcus grinned, "Looks like there will be three more rich women in Los Angeles soon."
Everyone ignored him.
David pointed out, "I think we should investigate Brooke. He got the least money. If the written will is destroyed, he can get half of the house and $450,000 according to California inheritance law."
Susan turned to Luke and David, "What do you think of Brooke, based on your meeting?"
"He's full of lies, but he has an alibi," Luke sighed. "It's been more than ten days since the crime, and the evidence at the scene is long gone, making the investigation harder."
Susan continued, "How's Laun?"
"He's still in a coma. He might wake up in ten days or half a month, or he might never wake up," Luke replied.
The deputy captain concluded, "Laun's diagnosis report says he was electrocuted before falling into a coma, similar to Daisy's case. If the same group is behind both, their common goal could be the written will. Whoever benefits the most from destroying it is more suspicious. We should check Brooke's connections, especially his link to Thiem."
Susan ordered, "Deputy Captain, investigate Brooke. Also, based on existing evidence, the suspect's main goal was to obtain the written will. Luke, communicate with Daisy and get the written will to the police for safekeeping. Raymond, apply for the relevant procedures. Everyone else, investigate Laun's home for any suspicious persons."
"Yes, captain."
Later That Afternoon
At two o'clock, Daisy delivered the written will to the station. After reading it, Susan called another meeting. The written will displayed different inheritance details from the video:
Eldest daughter Sophia received two properties and $1.4 million.Stepson Brooke received $200,000 and a Porsche sports car.Wife Carolyn received $100,000.Youngest daughter Emma received $100,000.Additionally, there were miscellaneous items like jewelry, furniture, and golf clubs of little value.
The deputy captain laughed, "Looks like Mr. Laun wasn't straightforward. Sophia's the real winner, and her stepmother might be crying in the bathroom. Judging by the inheritance, it's a happy family indeed."
Jenny frowned, "Something's off. Even if Laun and his wife didn't get along, why would the youngest daughter get so little compared to the stepson?"
Marcus slyly commented, "Jenny, have you ever watched the Maury Show?"
Jenny responded seriously, "We're discussing the case, be serious."
"Hey, I am serious. I knew a guy who adored his eldest daughter and ignored his youngest because her teeth were whiter than his," Marcus laughed.
Susan cut in sternly, "Marcus, next time, just give us the conclusion."
"Graphic examples help," Marcus muttered.
"No need," Susan replied. "David, you said this morning whoever benefits most from destroying the written will is most suspicious. By that logic, Carolyn and Emma are more likely suspects."
Luke disagreed, "Only Laun and Daisy saw the written will. Carolyn and Emma didn't know the distribution was different, so they had no motive."
He continued, "I think Sophia and Brooke are more likely suspects. Sophia was first at the scene after Laun was attacked, and Brooke, as Laun's physician, could have concealed his injuries. They could've covered up Laun's condition together."
Jenny countered, "If Sophia was guilty, why call 911? And she might not have seen any traces in her panic."
Luke theorized, "Sophia might not have known the will's content. She could've wanted to save Laun to gain more from his gratitude."
The deputy captain pondered, "Why would Laun make a yin-yang will instead of a straightforward one?"
David laughed, "All four heirs are suspects. Why not arrest them all?"
Marcus asked, "What's going on in your mind?"
Luke quipped, "Don't know about David, but you're definitely thinking about women."
David and Luke fist-bumped, and Marcus muttered, "What a pair."
After much debate, no one could agree on a unified line of inquiry.
A knock on the door interrupted them. "Come in," Susan called.
Matthew entered, "I found some clues related to Laun's attack."
"Let me guess," the deputy captain said confidently, "related to Carolyn?"
David pressed, "Still sticking with the spouse theory?"
"Is there a problem?" the deputy captain asked.
"No," David shook his head, "but I guess Emma, because she didn't visit the hospital today."
Marcus said, "I guess Brooke. Is there a reward if I'm right?"
Luke added, "I think both Brooke and Sophia are suspects, possibly working together."
Susan, exasperated, said, "Matthew, just tell us."
"I checked road surveillance. On February 26, the day Laun was attacked, Tony Will appeared near his home."