David clapped Luke on the shoulder. "Report to the captain. I'm stepping out for a smoke."
Luke chuckled. "So, you've embraced laziness now?"
David smirked as he waved goodbye. "Yeah, take care, Teacher Luke." He left the monitoring room, disappearing from view.
Luke turned to Susan to update her on the situation. Based on the scene's evidence, it seemed two individuals were involved in Lawen's abduction: one distracted the patrol, while the other made off with Laun.
Luke completed his report and exited the room, but David was still nowhere to be seen. A quick call revealed that David was downstairs, taking his cigarette break.
Luke found him and asked, "What's the deal here?"
David exhaled a plume of smoke. "Hospital rules say no smoking indoors. Just needed a breath of fresh air."
"This isn't the David I know," Luke observed, noting David's unusual demeanor. Known for his fiery temper and dedication to the case, David's behavior seemed more akin to Marcus and Luke's own relaxed styles.
David crushed the cigarette underfoot. "You hungry? Grab something to eat first."
Luke's gaze shifted. "What's going on with Lindsay?"
David's face grew tense. "I'm not sure. Just... something feels off."
"Have you reached out to her?"
"No response to my calls."
"David, you're not one to drag your feet. Deal with Lindsay's situation—either get her into rehab or move on. Otherwise, her problems will drag you down."
"I know, but it's not as simple as it sounds..."
Luke chose not to press further. "So, what's your plan? Do you want to come with me to see Lindsay, or..."
"I'll call the captain for a day off," David said, hesitating. "If it's alright with you..."
He trailed off, unable to finish.
Luke didn't pry and watched as David walked away.
"Damn it!"
An hour later, a black Dodge pulled up outside Lindsay's residence.
Luke, seated in the passenger seat, checked his pistol and instructed Marcus, who was driving, "You stay put. Jenny and I will handle this."
Marcus, though content with the arrangement, bristled at Luke's authoritative tone. Despite their equal rank, Luke often took the lead, driven by a lack of trust in his colleagues.
Luke and Jenny approached Lindsay's door. Luke concealed himself to the side, while Jenny knocked.
"Knock, knock…"
After a brief pause and no answer, Jenny knocked again. "Knock, knock... Is anyone there?"
A voice from inside called out, "Who's there?"
"We're here to see Lindsay."
A middle-aged black man opened the door. "You've got the wrong address. No Lindsay here."
Luke flashed his badge. "LAPD. We need to speak with Lindsay."
"There's no one here by that name."
"When did you move in?"
"Four days ago. The last tenant was evicted for non-payment. I don't know her name."
"Can I contact the landlord?"
"I can give you my number: 626-846-4572. Don't mention me; I don't want any trouble."
"Understood. Thanks."
The man closed the door. Jenny remarked, "Looks like Lindsay's situation isn't great. Could be a motive."
"Maybe," Luke replied.
As they turned to leave, a commotion erupted nearby. "Fuck you!" "You damn bastard!"
Luke turned to see Marcus embroiled in a fight. Drawing his pistol, he rushed over. "LAPD! Stop now or I'll shoot."
Jenny took position on the other side, forming a perimeter.
At Luke's command, the combatants and Marcus stepped back. A man in a leather jacket raised his hands. "Don't shoot."
"Harry from the drag racing gang. Nice jacket," Luke said sarcastically.
"Officer Luke, I didn't start this. This guy attacked me first."
"Marcus, what happened?"
Marcus grumbled, "I got out to smoke, and this guy jumped me."
Luke eyed Harry, unimpressed. "Harry wouldn't risk attacking a cop without reason. Did you two have contact since our last encounter?"
"No. This is the first time I've seen him since then."
"So why the fight?"
Marcus shrugged. "I've met Julian, Harry's girlfriend. We've been seeing each other. Looks like Harry's upset about it."
Luke sighed. "You're trying to steal Harry's girlfriend?"
"They're not married. It's fair game. Harry's just sore about losing."
Luke, uninterested in personal drama, redirected. "What's your plan now? Charge him, or let him go?"
Marcus was noncommittal. "I haven't decided yet. Any suggestions?"
"Leave it to me."
Luke sat next to Harry in the car. "We're on a mission. Your actions could jeopardize it. I could arrest you for assaulting an officer, but..."
Harry's demeanor softened. "Sorry, didn't realize you were on duty. I was mad about my girlfriend."
Luke continued, "We're acquaintances, so I'll cut you some slack. But you need to help us fix the mess you made."
"What do you need?"
"Find someone for us. Take charge of this area. It's a straightforward task for you."
"Who?"
"Lindsay."