Case 17: Checkmate

1

My apartment isn't too far, only about 30 minutes. It's all almost over, I just need to get my evidence, my laptop, and my personal items.

There's more news about Los Carnales. Another body has been found.

 

BREAKING NEWS - 9:02 PM - San Diego

Update - A fourth body has been found, and it seems to match the witness's story. The body was found in the back of the restaurant and burned beyond recognition. Authorities are telling us that this is the attacker's body.

 

The bomber's body was found... So... Roman is dead? The description the witness gave was a tall man in a black suit with distinct features that match Roman's...

Well, I'm almost home... and then I can put this all behind me.

Why are there so many police? I've already seen six different cop cars with sirens on speeding past me...

What the... Is that my apartment building?

Oh, my... The Triad... Roman, they tried to kill me.

MY COMPUTER! My evidence!!! It's all gone! They blew up my apartment unit...

I need to turn around immediately, time to get out of Los Angeles... Just drive... I just need to hit the road. Now.

There's no way Roman is dead... He probably ordered the Triad to kill me as well. I've just traded one evil for another...

I'm hitting roadblocks at every turn...

 

Los Carnales Attack

 

My Apartment's Attack

 

Where should I go?

2

So far, the news has reported a total of four bodies. Three Mexican Cartel members were found in the main room, and a very badly burned body was found in a back room.

 

3

Witness 1: A man walked into the restaurant and went to the restroom, then he walked out and threw an explosive at a table killing three men instantly. He then immediately ran back into the restroom, but that room was on fire... Two other men came running inside and sprayed bullets at the restroom, they checked the bathroom and saw someone laying on the ground. They sprayed the body again, and had to rush out of the building because of the flames...

 

4

There were many survivors, the bomb only killed three men, but injured many more. Los Carnales was severely damaged and will most likely be closed for good.

 

5

Witness 2: There was this guy, he was tall and had a solid black suit. He had super blue eyes... almost... ghostly eyes. Anyways, he walked inside, and I said he could take a seat wherever he wanted... and he just stared into my soul, and whispered: "Leave quietly... unless you dare... to face death..."

 

6

These witness statements describe Roman quite well, but did he really bomb Carnales himself? Why wouldn't he send someone else? Why did he take this risk... I don't understand.

 

7

Did Roman order a hit on me right after I told him everything? He would have killed me inside Lukshon, right? Unless... he waited for my files to complete their transfer and then he ordered the hit.

 

8

I gave a false name and identity to my landlord, so my identity is concealed from the LAPD. I have time to run, but I need to alter my appearance slightly.

 

9

I honestly think... at this point... all I should do is run. I have a window, and I need to take it.

 

10

Now I can't supply police with any real evidence other than just speculation. I can still tell them everything I found... but I might sound like a crazy person if I don't have evidence.

 

11

I need to board a plane as soon as possible. I wonder how quickly authorities will find out that I'm running away. I should have enough time, but anything can happen.

 

12

I can tie up loose ends when I'm in London, my first priority is to get out of the United States. For all I know, I could be a suspect. The issue with these high-level crime organizations is that nowhere is safe. The LAPD can have cops being bribed by the Triad. I know some of the police work for the Sinaloa, what stops them from working with the Triad?

 

13

Just one last step, I'm so close. I don't think there is much the Triad can do if I leave the country, unless they are also located in London.

 

Conclude Investigation

1. What gives me enough time to make my escape?

  • The Triad does not know where I will go
  • The Triad thinks they killed me
  • The Triad won't be able to trace my location to London
  • The Triad has no power in London

 

2. What will happen when the Triad finds out I didn't die in the explosion?

  • I will be too far away and they will never find me
  • They will never stop looking for me... and eventually, they will find me
  • I will keep running away and stay hidden forever

 

3. What about Roman?

  • I think he is dead...
  • There's no way Roman bombed Carnales himself... The fourth body isn't Roman's.
  • The witness saw Roman. He must have bombed Carnales... but I don't think he's dead.

Correct Answers

1. What gives me enough time to make my escape?

  • The Triad thinks they killed me

 

2. What will happen when the Triad finds out I didn't die in the explosion?

  • They will never stop looking for me... and eventually, they will find me

 

3. What about Roman?

  • The witness saw Roman. He must have bombed Carnales... but I don't think he's dead.

Hopefully, I am not a suspect in any of these bombings yet... My window of time narrows, but what am I going to do with this rental car...? Just leave it at the airport, then what?

Time is my only ally at the moment! Let's move!