"This amount doesn't match the stolen money."

The deputy team said, "Nothing in this world is constant; it's full of surprises.

I've interrogated many criminals. Their plans are meticulous, yet surprises occur every time. There are no flawless cases in this world.

This oil painting robbery is no exception." The deputy seemed to feel a bit hot, removed his coat, and continued, "The suspect originally planned to steal from the Getty Museum, which would have been more proactive, surely opting for some valuable paintings.

Even the price of one painting could exceed the total value of these ten paintings.

But because the Getty Museum's security measures are too tight, they chose to rob the transported paintings.

That reduces their autonomy greatly. Which paintings to transport or how many are decided by the museum.

So, the mismatch between the cash Albus Stone prepared to buy the paintings and the paintings' value can be explained."

Little Black said, "If Albus Stone is indeed the buyer, and he's almost about to die, why buy the stolen paintings?"

Jackson said, "Is it possible that Albus Stone was just pushed to the front, and the real buyer is someone else?

After all, he's just an elderly man unable to care for himself, which isn't hard to do."

The deputy team said, "That's what I wanted to say.

Albus Stone was used, and once his use was fulfilled, he was killed, severing all clues to the paintings.

And that's the situation we're facing now."

Little Black suggested, "Based on the time estimation, Albus Stone's body should have been moved to the church for the memorial, so we don't have any concerns.

Can we directly apply for a search warrant to search his villa?"

Before Luke could answer, the deputy team said, "It's hard to apply for a search warrant with current evidence.

Even though we've found out that Albus Stone hired detectives to investigate the oil painting robbery, that's not illegal.

As for the two detectives impersonating police officers, that's unrelated to him.

There's no clear evidence linking him to the robbery, nor proves he's the buyer.

Speculation is just speculation; it can't serve as evidence."

Little Black frowned, "Now that Albus Stone is dead, we can't investigate him directly.

And we don't have enough evidence to apply for a search warrant, and without a search, we can't find more evidence.

This makes it hard for the case to progress."

The deputy shrugged, "Although you're right, that's the reality."

In fact, with Luke's relationship with Judge Walker, applying for a search warrant wouldn't be difficult.

However, unless it's a special situation or he's absolutely confident, Luke doesn't want to use personal connections.

If no valuable clues or evidence is found, it would expend Walker's trust in him.

As captain, Luke thinks more comprehensively. Even if Albus Stone is indeed the buyer, he might not necessarily hide the paintings in the villa.

If the police rashly search without knowing the paintings' location, they might come up empty-handed, and he'd have to take responsibility as the captain.

After figuring it out, Luke said to everyone, "I'll find a way about the search warrant, but before that, I want to meet Albus Stone's other family members."

…

When Luke arrived at the church, the memorial service had ended, and Albus Stone's body had been moved to the cemetery, with the funeral scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Luke drove to Walther Cemetery.

Walther Cemetery is located halfway up the mountain, with beautiful scenery. The cemetery plots are large, and there's an individual mortuary and family rest area. Burial and cremation are available, with all facilities in place, offering comprehensive services. Those buried here are either rich or noble.

Luke, used to seeing life and death, couldn't help but feel a bit emotional. In life, there are ranks, and in death, there are still distinctions.

Mrs. Stone, being elderly and overly saddened and fatigued, didn't feel well and returned to the villa.

Currently in charge of arranging the after-services was Albus Stone's son, Tom Stone.

When Luke found him, he was overseeing the digging of the grave.

Luke got straight to the point, "Are you Mr. Albus Stone's son, Tom Stone?"

"That's me." Tom Stone looked under fifty, bore some resemblance to Albus Stone, sported a big beard, and was similar in height to Luke, though leaner, with high cheekbones, suggesting he's not an easy person to get along with.

"I'm Luke Lee, captain of Team One from the Robbery and Murder Department.

Mr. Tom Stone, if it's convenient, I'd like to have a word with you."

"My father just passed away; I can't think of anything else before handling his funeral." Tom Stone curtly declined.

"Actually, my purpose today is related to your father."

"My father is already dead. Aren't you a bit late?"

"Your father is connected to a major criminal case. Whether sooner or later, we need to get to the bottom of it."

"Are you trying to intimidate me?"

"I'm just stating the facts."

"My father has been seriously ill for a long time; how could he be involved in any criminal case?"

"We hope it's a mistake too, which is why we're here to clarify matters and clear your father's name."

Tom Stone shook his head, "My father is already innocent. You don't need to prove anything. You can leave now."

"It's better to talk now than for me to come back tomorrow with a search warrant."

"Are you threatening me?"

"No, I'm just doing my duty."

"To hell with your duty; I'm not buying it." Tom Stone pointed at Luke, his voice a bit resentful,

"Do you know?

I know a deputy police chief.

One of these days, I'll ask him about the so-called duty."

"Do you know?

I know the Great Commander of America.

He personally awarded me a medal.

If I say it's so,

then it is."

Luke smiled and patted him on the shoulder,

"See you tomorrow."

"Wait." Tom Stone pinched his forehead, sighed, and said, "Tomorrow morning is my father's funeral.

I don't want it to be affected…"

"I don't want that either, which is why we need to have a proper discussion. What do you think?"

"OK, let's talk."

"Great."

"Let's talk over there." Tom Stone led Luke to a quieter place, "Ask whatever questions you have."

"I heard, your father's company has been handed over to you to manage."

"Yes, he has been too ill in recent years to manage the company himself, and he didn't trust a professional manager, so I had to take on the responsibility."

"It's evident he trusts you."

"He only had two children, and not much choice."

"Recently, your father withdrew 10 million US Dollars in cash from the bank. Are you aware of this?"

Tom Stone thought for a moment, "No, that's his money; he doesn't need to report to me."

"Are you aware he hired private detectives lately?"

"No. Why hire private detectives?

Was it to investigate me or my sister?"

Luke countered, "Why would he investigate you?"

"Many family heads want to 'understand' their heirs before they pass away; it's quite normal."

"Unfortunately, your father wasn't interested in either of you siblings. He hired detectives to investigate a robbery case."

Tom Stone slightly frowned, "What robbery case?"

"Recently, there was a robbery at the Getty Museum, where ten paintings were stolen by robbers.

Your father also hired a detective to investigate this case.

As the saying goes, who knows a father better than his son? Why do you think he did that?"

"I…" Tom Stone hesitated for a moment, "I don't know either."

Luke took out a few sketch images, including the professor's forensic sketch, "Do you recognize anyone in these?"

Tom Stone looked at them and shook his head, "No."

"Look carefully."

"No."

"Did your father buy any new paintings recently?"

"No." Tom Stone answered decisively.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I also like paintings.

If he bought a painting, he would have let me appreciate it."

Tom Stone was firm in his statement.

But Luke felt he seemed a bit nervous, as if he might be lying.

He must know something inside.

Could it be…

He's the buyer behind the scenes?