Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Of course, these are all still speculations. What's important is finding the relevant incriminating evidence.

"Bang."

The door to the conference room opened, and Matthew walked in, "Guys, you should take a look at this."

Matthew turned on the television in the conference room and played back a news segment.

"Good evening, viewers, I'm Pari Jones from CFP Television, bringing you some urgent news.

I believe the name George Banerbert is not unfamiliar to everyone.

We at CFP Television have been following his case closely. Based on various investigations, we have received some unfortunate news.

Last night, George passed away after unsuccessful medical treatment.

Yes, it's a sad piece of news, one I also wish not to believe, but reality is that cruel.

LAPD arrested George on criminal charges. Let's not discuss whether George was guilty or not for now, but even suspects have the right to life, which LAPD had no reason to take away.

To prevent more incidents like this from happening, we at CFP Television will continue to follow and report on this matter.

I'm reporter Pari Jones."

Jackson pointed at the TV and said, "I know this woman, she seems to know Marcus..."

Luke laughed, "Detective Marcus, looks like your girlfriend is getting famous."

Marcus's face looked a bit unpleasant, "She's not my girlfriend, okay? Just one of many admirers. Not my type at all."

The deputy chief warned, "Stay away from this chick; she'll be the death of you sooner or later."

Matthew said, "George is dead? How come I didn't know."

Luke was nonchalant, "She's just sensationalizing for the sake of a news highlight; it's not something to make a fuss over.

George isn't dead, he's just fine."

Susan cautioned, "Guys, be careful these days.

The news of George's death might cause quite a stir and trouble, stay safe, everyone."

CFP Television was the first major news organization to broadcast the news of George's death, and the story was quickly picked up by other media outlets.

George's death became headline news.

It garnered tremendous national, and even international attention.

As the reporter who first delivered the news, Pari Jones also gained considerable attention within the industry.

Although Luke had been prepared, the speed and impact of the case's spread still exceeded his estimates.

And his level of involvement.

Just as Reid had said, there might be other forces behind this case.

But that was a level currently out of Luke's reach.

So, Luke focused his energy on the case itself.

...

Padden Motel.

This motel was located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, next to Highway 7.

The motel covered a decent area, with three floors, a convenience store, a swimming pool, a gym, and a gas station—it was a relatively upscale motel.

Inside Room 305.

A teenage African-American boy was staying there; the room was a bit messy, looking like it hadn't been cleaned for days. There was trash strewn about on the bed and floor, and the young man was sitting at the desk playing a video game, surrounded by snacks like cola, chips, and chocolate.

"Fuck! Are you an idiot? Can you even play? Heal me!"

"Knock, knock..."

A knocking sound came from outside.

The boy's face tensed up as he stood, "Who's there?"

"Room service."

"I didn't call for room service."

"We have an event at our motel today, and every guest receives a souvenir."

"I don't need a souvenir; you can go."

"Click..."

Just then, the sound of a key card being swiped was heard.

"Fuck! Not again."

The boy turned and ran to the balcony.

The door swung open, and two men burst in, one with black hair and the other African-American—it was Luke and "Little Black."

With Luke's prompt, "Little Black" had intensified the search and narrowed down Derek's whereabouts.

After storming into the room, they saw the boy they suspected to be Derek running towards the balcony.

Luke had checked beforehand; there were no other ways out from the balcony. The kid had no escape.

However, what happened next shocked both Luke and "Little Black."

The boy ran swiftly to the balcony, stepped on a stool, then on the balcony wall, and jumped down straight from the third floor.

"Little Black" was left wide-eyed, "Fuck!

Have you lost your damn mind, thinking you're Spider-Man or something?"

Instead of the expected scream, they heard a "splash" as he hit the water.

Luke and "Little Black" went to the balcony and looked down, only to see the African-American boy had jumped right into the swimming pool below and was even flipping them off.

Derek didn't just stay in his room to play games; he had already calculated an escape route. There was a distance between the balcony and the swimming pool that required a running start to jump into the pool. Unfamiliar with the layout, the cops wouldn't start with a run, and that time gap was all he needed to escape.

Derek swam to the side of the pool, about to climb out, when suddenly a blur flashed beside him, and then he felt a foot pressing on his head, pushing him back into the water.

"Gurgle, gurgle..." Derek's breathing was disrupted, and he swallowed several mouthfuls of water, choking until his eyes rolled back.

Desperately flailing his arms, Derek made it to the edge of the pool where a large hand pulled him out.

Seeking Derek, it wasn't just Luke and "Little Black"; Raymond and Jenny were there too.

It had been Raymond who had pulled him out of the water.

Derek lay on the ground, gasping for air, "Who are you guys?"