Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Luke and Val entered the living room, which wasn't very large and was somewhat cluttered.

From a person's living environment, one can discern their state of living, and Luke felt this guy probably wasn't doing too well.

After habitually scanning his surroundings, Luke sat in a corner of the sofa, "Sir, how may I address you?"

Did Luke know his name?

Of course he did, and it was not just his name he knew, but more detailed information as well.

But knowing was one thing; asking was still necessary.

This was not superfluous but quite essential.

Two strangers turning up out of the blue and immediately using your name would make anyone wary.

Whatever you'd say next, the other party would be suspicious.

Asking for the other party's name first would lower their guard and save unnecessary trouble.

"Pedal Newt. And how may I refer to you both?"

"My name is Luke Lee, and he is Val Sullivan."

Pedal Newt sat with arms crossed and elbows on his knees, looking at Luke and Val, "You can speak of your purpose now, but I don't guarantee I'll help you."

Luke nodded to Val as a signal.

Since they were asking for help, it was best to clarify things, appeal to emotion, and reason with him.

If you put yourself in their shoes, they might just offer help voluntarily.

Good people were scarce, yet they did exist.

Val spoke earnestly, "The person I fought with yesterday at noon is a suspect in a supermarket robbery,

It was his third time robbing our supermarket.

What he did was wrong, causing not only a loss to our supermarket but also a terrible impact on the entire community.

I couldn't stand it any longer, so I wanted to stop him.

I know it seemed foolish, but society needs some 'fools.'" Val's tone was sincere, like one wronged in the pursuit of justice,

"I followed him and saw he didn't pay, just pushed the cart out, so I chased him out of the supermarket and tried to stop him.

At first, I didn't lay a hand on him, just grabbed the shopping cart; he was the one who choked me first, and then I started fighting back.

He even spit on me and said a lot of insulting things; I lost my temper and hit him.

He struck first, so it was self-defense on my part, but it happened right at a blind spot for surveillance.

I can't prove any of this, and now the robber is accusing me of intentional harm.

I'm innocent, and you were there, so you must know clearly.

I hope you can testify for me."

Pedal Newt nodded his head, "Buddy, I sympathize with your situation."

"Thank you, you're the only one who can help me now. As long as you're willing to testify for me, you can prove it was self-defense."

Pedal Newt appeared troubled, "Well, this is going to be a bit difficult. You should understand. The robber is Black, and I'm also Black.

If I testify for you, things will get complicated.

It might even cause trouble in my life."

Luke said, "Mr. Newt, I don't quite agree with your view. Why make it about race? We're all Angelenos.

The guy robbing the supermarket is disrupting our city's order. We all should stop him, and let him face legal consequences."

Pedal Newt responded, "You make sense, but the issue of skin color does exist. Like how most people in this neighborhood are Black, and I too am Black. If I were to help a white man put another Black man in prison,

how would the other Black people view me?

It's a very real concern that I can't ignore.

Not everyone can view this issue rationally; there's a small group of extremists who won't let me off easily.

And this group is the most dangerous. If I really did this, I believe, my windows would be smashed by tomorrow, and my family would be threatened.

I'm not unwilling to help, but it can't affect my and my family's normal life."

Having been in Los Angeles for some time, Luke also understood the situation; Newt's concerns were reasonable, not merely excuses.

Luke decided to opt for the next best thing, "Mr. Newt, I saw in the video that you were recording the whole time. When did you start recording? Did you capture the suspect choking Val?"

Pedal Newt didn't hide anything, "Yes, I indeed filmed a video, starting from the moment Mr. Sullivan grabbed the shopping cart, when the two began to argue."

"I also captured the scene where the suspect was choking Mr. Sullivan."

Val showed a look of delight, "Mr. Newt, could you give me the video?

It's very important to me as it can prove my innocence.

Plus, you wouldn't have to go to court, and no one would know the video was filmed by you."

Pedal Newt hesitated, "Even so, I'm still a bit worried.

If you can find me, the suspect might as well. What if he finds out the video came from me and they retaliate?"

Luke persuaded him, "You don't have to worry about that, only the police will be able to see the video.

I assure you the suspect won't find you."

Pedal Newt sighed, "Could I take some time to think about it? Leave your contact information, and I'll get in touch after I've decided."

The evidence was right before them, and there was no way Luke would leave easily. He could tell that Pedal Newt wasn't the compassionate type, and Val's tragic experience didn't move him.

Then there was only one other way to go, "Mr. Newt, we really are sincere, and we understand your concerns. To show our gratitude, we're willing to pay you a finder's fee."

Pedal Newt glanced at his full lips, "How much?"

As expected, in the end, it still came down to money.

Luke named his price, "Three hundred US dollars."

Pedal Newt shook his head, "No, no no, that's too little, it's not a sincere offer."

Luke countered, "Mr. Newt, how much do you want?"

Pedal Newt touched his chin, "Before we talk, let's be clear about one thing, it's you who want to buy it, not me asking you for money, it's you who want to give it to me."

"Right, it's us who want to buy it."

Pedal Newt thought for a moment and then held up five fingers.

Luke guessed, "Five hundred US dollars."

Pedal Newt shrugged, "Add another zero to that."

Val looked troubled, "Buddy, I'm just an intern sales associate, let alone five thousand US dollars, I can't even come up with five hundred.

Even for three hundred US dollars, I would have to borrow from friends and family.

Considering that things are tough for everyone, could you give a discount?"

Pedal Newt was unmoved, "It's you who want to buy it, my asking price is reasonable. If you aren't willing, then forget it."

Val grew anxious, this concerned the rest of his life, "It's not that we're not buying, it's just that the price is too high, I really can't afford it."

"Then what do you think would be a fair price?"

Val thought for a while, "Five hundred US dollars, that's the highest I can offer."

Pedal Newt made a dismissing gesture, "Sorry, I'm afraid I can't help you. If you don't have anything else, please leave."

Luke made a concession, "We can give you one thousand US dollars."

Luke had received a thirty thousand US dollar consulting fee from the supermarket, he was willing to part with this amount.

"No, I said five thousand US dollars."

Luke urged, "Mr. Pedal Newt, money can always be earned, how about we become friends?

Send us the video, you won't suffer any losses, and with one thousand US dollars you can buy something nice for yourself or your family, it's a good deal."

"I've already said, by giving you the video, I will be taking on certain risks. If those people find me and hurt me, the one thousand dollars won't even cover the medical expenses," Pedal Newt said firmly.

Luke flashed his badge, "I'm a police officer, and I can ensure that no one will dare to trouble you over this.

If anyone bothers you because of the video, call me.

I promise to make them disappear, never to show up in front of you again."

Pedal Newt swallowed hard, looking at the badge, his face showing a hint of nervousness, "You're really a police officer?"

"Of course."

"Uhm... does the offer of one thousand US dollars still stand?"

Luke took out ten green bills and placed them on the table, "My word is always good."