Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Even if he did nothing, he would still get an annual consultant fee of $320,000. Why bother with cases that offer such low prices, which would only lower his own standards?

Orty said, "I suggest you listen to the details of the case first. You might find it interesting. If you're not interested after hearing it, you can still refuse then."

"No need, I stick to my own principles."

Orty sighed lightly, still with a smile on his face, "OK, although our first cooperation didn't reach an agreement, at least we understand each other better now."

"You're right, cooperation itself is based on mutual understanding and trust," Luke started the car and drove Orty home.

On the way, Luke also asked about some matters concerning Pinkerton Detective Agency, and Orty answered each one of them.

In fact, Luke was somewhat prepared for Orty's visit today, just like Grandpa Robert had said, a capitalist's money is not that easy to earn.

Once you take their money, they expect you to work for them.

However, it was clearly stated in the contract that Luke simply needed to be on the rolls of the Detective Agency to receive an annual consultant fee of $320,000.

Whether to accept a commission was entirely voluntary.

This was also why Luke refused the commission without even listening to its content.

He just wanted to see how Pinkerton Detective Agency would react to his refusal.

For an initial cooperation, Luke couldn't possibly trust the other party entirely.

In fact, just like Luke, Orty was also probing Luke, both testing each other's attitudes and bottom lines.

This situation was like a spring -- the stronger you are, the weaker it becomes, and the weaker you are, the stronger it becomes. As long as it doesn't snap, the tougher your stance, the more likely you are able to take the initiative.

Although the two parties said they would cooperate, there would also be a primary and secondary distinction.

If Luke was too agreeable, he would be dominated by Orty, who could arrange commissions at will. What about Luke's main job?

He didn't want to be led around by a woman.

He hoped to have absolute initiative in his cooperation with Orty.

Of course, he wasn't against taking commissions. First, the price had to be right; second, he had to have the time; and third, he had to be willing to take it.

You can choose not to commission me, and I can also choose not to accept it.

You have the right to suggest, and I have the deciding power. That is the foundation of our cooperation.

...

The next morning.

A little after eight.

Luke had a sandwich, a glass of milk, and a cup of coffee, preparing to go to work.

Just as he left his room, he saw his neighbor Marshall placing a suitcase in his car.

Though Luke was not one to meddle in others' affairs, he was still vigilant, relatively more attentive towards this particular neighbor, "Mr. Smith, are you going on a long trip?"

"Yes, the company has sent me on a business trip. By the time I get back, the house should also be renovated."

"Where are you headed for your business trip?"

"New York."

"Wishing you a safe journey."

"Thank you."

The two got into their cars and left.

In the car, Luke pondered over Marshall's situation, wondering what kind of person he was, whether he should look into it or not?

But from a police officer's intuition, he seemed to harbor no malice towards Luke.

Besides, with the man off to another state, even if he had done something illegal, it wasn't Luke's concern.

Driving to the Detective Bureau, Luke arrived just in time to see Little Black parking his car.

Little Black came over to the Mercedes, curious, "Where were you last night?"

"Nowhere, just at home."

Little Black squinted his eyes, gossiping, "I saw it all." He gestured an S shape with his hand, "That super hot chick, what's your relationship with her?"

Luke laughed, "A suitor."

"You're pursuing her?"

"She's pursuing me."

"Really? I don't believe you wouldn't be moved by that kind of woman."

"You should care more about Julian," Luke patted his shoulder and walked into the Detective Bureau building.

At 9:05 a.m., as usual, Susan held a meeting.

Although Susan held meetings every day, she had one good quality, and that was not talking nonsense.

After the meeting, Luke started to flip through the case files from previous cases. Although the last case wasn't complicated, it was quite involved.

After solving a case, Luke would always re-examine the details of the case to summarize the experience and techniques used in solving it.

At ten in the morning, Reid came to the Robbery and Murder Department and called Luke into the meeting room.

Luke took the initiative to ask, "Chief, what did you need to see me about?"

Reid said, "A friend of mine had a leaky roof, so he hired a construction crew to repair it. Unfortunately, a worker accidentally fell off the roof and died while at work.

My friend wasn't home at the time, only his wife was.

His wife was terrified...

I want you to go there and take a look at the situation of the deceased.

Accident? Suicide? Or homicide?"

"What's your friend's name? Where is the address?"

"I will send it to your phone in a moment."

"Alright."

After their conversation, Luke left the meeting room, reported to Susan, and with Little Black, rushed to the crime scene.

...

The Acre community.

It was an upscale, predominantly white community.

Almost every household had a swimming pool, which was the kind of house Luke had always wanted, but he couldn't afford it just yet.

However, Luke believed that with his earning speed, he would be able to own his luxury villa before long.

Many residents in the community were curious onlookers; some stood in their yards, some chatted on the streets, and others headed towards the west side where the police cars were.

At the southwest corner of the community, outside a house, police cars were parked with caution tape strung up.