Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

"Jack, you're only 13 years old. Can you talk like a normal kid?"

"I have to find Maggie and ask why she broke up with me. If I don't get that clear, I won't let it go."

"Do you need me to come with you?"

"Can you also distract Maggie's dad for me?" The plump boy showed a hopeful expression.

Luke "..."

...

Fickley Gun Club.

Luke, uninterested in his nonsense, finished breakfast and went to the shooting range alone to practice shooting.

Luke still had one Pistol Card and three Rifle Cards left.

Luke felt his pistol skills were already quite good and decided to practice with rifles first.

He already had some understanding of rifles. After using the Rifle Card, his practice efficiency doubled. Much of the knowledge that previously remained theoretical was quickly mastered.

Before he knew it, it was already noon.

Luke was having lunch at the club's restaurant. He had just ordered when his phone rang.

Luke picked up his phone and saw that it was a call from his mom.

Her purpose in calling was simple—just to ask about the plump boy's situation.

Although she spoke harshly, she had raised the plump boy herself, so how could she not care about him?

Luke told his mom the situation and reassured her a few words before hanging up the phone.

By then, his ordered dishes had arrived—a seafood paella and a roast chicken, both cheap and in large portions.

Just a simple meal.

After the meal, Luke's phone rang again.

Luke glanced at the screen and pressed the answer button, "Hi, Miss Dean."

"Deputy Team Leader Luke, do you have time today?"

"What's the matter?"

"Indeed, there's something, can we meet to talk?"

"I'm at Fickley Gun Club and will be here practicing shooting this afternoon. Come over here."

"Is it outdoors?"

"Yes."

"It's too hot today, I don't want to go to such a place.

How about this, I will rent a room in a hotel, one with a swimming pool, and we can talk comfortably."

Luke laughed, "OK, but not in the afternoon. Let's meet in the evening."

Luke hung up the phone, rested for half an hour, and continued shooting practice.

In the afternoon, he practiced with pistols, using the last Pistol Card.

Luke's pistol skills had become impressive, second only to Raymond in his entire squad. With the use of the Accuracy Card, he had even surpassed Raymond.

At five in the afternoon, Luke finished practicing. A system prompt sounded in his mind, "Congratulations host, with the help of the Pistol Card, you have unlocked the potential of your pistol technique, awarded ten chances for a draw."

Then, the option for the Pistol Card disappeared.

Luke knew his pistol skills had peaked.

His feelings were mixed, a bittersweet moment.

In the evening, Luke arrived at the Hilton Hotel.

Orty had booked a room with a swimming pool.

When Luke arrived, Orty was already swimming in the pool, like a seductive mermaid.

Orty emerged from the water, brushing back her hair, "Do you plan to just stand there and watch?"

"I didn't bring a swimsuit."

"I prepared a towel for you in advance."

Luke gave a wry smile, this woman really had a strong sense of revenge, "Do I need to get in the water? Recording wouldn't be good for me either."

"You're right, I'm not worried about you recording, but I think it feels more equal and comfortable this way."

Luke took off his clothes, wearing shorts that were almost like a swimsuit.

Luke had been out in the sun all day. After getting in the water, he swam a couple of laps in the pool before swimming up to Orty, "Can we talk now?"

"Actually, my purpose in coming here today is simple, just to bring you some money."

"What money?"

"The poisoning case of Wisen-brand mineral water, you provided some valuable clues. I've brought your consultation fee."

"How much?"

"Ten thousand US Dollars. Do you want a check or a transfer?"

"Transfer it."

"OK, it will be transferred to you first thing tomorrow morning."

"Is this the only reason you wanted to meet?"

"If I hadn't clarified in advance, would you have accepted this money?" After several encounters, Orty could tell that Luke was a cautious man.

"Thank you, you're very considerate."

"No need for thanks, I hope you'll be considerate towards me in the future as well."

Luke leaned forward, looking at Orty's charming face, "Like how?"

"For example, I have a suitable commission I'd like to discuss with you now. Would you like to hear it?"

Luke thought for a moment, "Not now, maybe later. I have a lot on my plate right now and can't spare the energy."

Orty pursed her red lips, "This is the second time you've refused me."

"It's not that I want to refuse you, but I really am busy."

"I hope there won't be a third time."

Luke smiled and said nothing.

Then, Orty stretched out her slender right hand, "200 US dollars."

"What do you mean?"

"The room with a swimming pool costs 400 US dollars, we split it half and half, fair enough?"

"If I pay, can I stay here tonight?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm staying here."

"But I also paid half of the room fee... How about we both stay here?" Luke suggested.

Orty sighed softly, "Deputy Luke, you can leave. I'll cover the room fee."

"Now that I'm here, shouldn't we have a meal together?"

Orty chuckled, "I don't eat dinner."

"That's a pity, I was actually planning to invite you."

Orty remained silent.

...

Back home.

The light was still on in the second bedroom.

Luke opened the door and glanced inside, the chubby boy was lying on the couch watching a movie.

The movie was called Forrest Gump, one of the few inspirational films Luke enjoyed.

The chubby boy looked gloomy, his eyes red, still displaying a sad demeanor.

First love, after all, pain is inevitable.

You get used to it eventually.

Luke greeted him, then went to wash up and sleep.

...

The next morning, Luke got up and went to work.

Before leaving, he thought of waking the chubby boy, but when he opened the door, no one was there.

This...

Luke had thought that with time, the chubby boy would gradually forget.

But it now seemed he had oversimplified things.

It was necessary to have another chat with the chubby boy, to prevent any mishap, for which he, as an elder brother, would be to blame.

Luke had work today, so it had to wait until the evening.

Not long after Luke arrived at the Robbery and Murder Department office, Reid also showed up.

They sat next to each other and chatted.

At nine-o-five in the morning.

Squad one was promptly called to a morning meeting, which Reid also attended.

Reid did not sit in the chief's seat but chose a spot on the bottom right.

Susan, with an inquiring tone, said, "Director, would you like to start?"

"No, you go ahead, I'll add to it."

Susan nodded, wiped her glasses, put them back on, and her expression grew more serious, "Everyone, today we are not discussing cases, but something else.

I have been with Squad One of the Robbery and Murder Department for a while now… and it's time to say goodbye.

I know my way of doing things… sometimes makes people uncomfortable, and I'm not a likable captain.

But I am pleased to have worked with all of you and I cherish this time…"

Hearing this, those present were somewhat surprised.

Jenny couldn't help asking, "Captain, are you being transferred?"

"Yes, I might be moving to the General Bureau's Internal Affairs Department."

Deputy widened his eyes, "Wow, congratulations on your promotion, Captain."

Jack pressed, "Captain, why are you returning to the internal system?"

Susan showed a rare smile, "Because you have a more suitable captain now."

"Who?" Jack voiced everyone's question.

Susan gestured invitingly, "Let Director Reid explain."

Reid scanned the crowd and continued, "I know you all are disappointed about Captain Susan's departure. Susan has been a good captain and took on a lot of work for me, and I am also reluctant to let her leave.

But the headquarters needs people, and I can't refuse them.

I am also conflicted." Reid's tone was sincere, "Captain Susan, thank you for your contributions to the Robbery and Murder Department during this time, this place is always your home."

"Thank you, Director, and I'm sorry everyone.

You don't have to be sad, I understand you all, and we will still see each other often," Susan said ambiguously.

Luke "..."

Jack "..."

Everyone was at a loss for words.

Big sister, is that polite?

"Cough…" Reid coughed softly, then continued,

"Although Captain Susan has left, Squad One's work must not slacken.

She recommended Deputy Luke to take over the role of squad leader.

After careful consideration, the bureau's senior management has accepted her suggestion.

Deputy Luke will temporarily take over as the acting squad leader of Squad One."