Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Police Detective Bureau, Robbery and Murder Department.

Luke and David walked into the office one after the other.

The silver-haired deputy chief smiled and said, "Oh, the two aces of the Detective Bureau are back. Did you find the suspect Tony?"

David offhandedly replied, "No, we found Tony's house, but no one was there. Judging from the state of the house, he's been gone for at least a week."

"Since you didn't see Tony, how did you get into the house?" the deputy chief's words fell, and he waved his hand, "Never mind, forget I asked. You'd better go report to the chief."

Jenny said, "David, are you injured?"

David subconsciously wiped at the corner of his mouth, "We had a little accident while gathering information about Tony, but the good news is that we've turned a member of the local racing gang into a temporary informant. He's agreed to help look for clues about Tony."

With that, David looked towards the clerical staff, "Matthew, we need more information on Tony. You need to step it up."

Matthew stood up, pushed his glasses, and explained, "I've been looking, but there's not much on his record.

Decades ago, Tony ran a small restaurant, which didn't last long before it closed down. There are also some stock trading records, but that didn't last long either.

After that, he had no legitimate work.

There are some medical records, the most recent from three years ago when he was hospitalized for drug overdose.

He's also been to rehab five times, but clearly, it was unsuccessful."

Marcus pursed his lips, "There are many people like him in the slums, who belong on the fringes of the city. It's hard to find them based on official records. The best way is through gangs or friends and family."

Luke pressed, "What about Tony's immediate family situation?"

Matthew replied, "Tony's hometown is in Nevada. He moved to California twenty years ago, and his relatives are in Nevada. We haven't found a way to contact them yet."

America doesn't have a household registration system, and there is significant movement between its cities. As the second-largest city in America, Los Angeles sees a massive influx of people every year.

Luke turned to David and asked, "Do you want to report to the chief, or shall I?"

David pointed to his face, "Do you think I look suitable in this condition?"

Luke knocked on the door and entered the chief's office.

"Chief, I've come to report on the progress of our investigation," he said.

Susan gestured to the chair opposite her, "Sit down and talk."

Luke briefly recounted visiting the gun shop and Tony's house.

He tweaked his expressions a bit, highlighting his own role while downplaying David's actions.

It wasn't that he was deliberately taking credit. Some of David's methods weren't fit to be disclosed to Susan, so it was a form of protection for David.

It was for the benefit of both of them.

After listening, Susan asked, "Is that informant trustworthy?"

"He has no direct connection to Tony, and for the sake of his freedom, I believe he will do his best."

"Keep a close eye on this person. We can't have any mess-ups."

"I will," Luke said, then changed the subject, "Chief, there's something else I'd like to talk to you about."

"Go ahead."

"I'd like to change partners."

"Why?"

"Maybe... David and I don't quite get along."

"But as far as I know, you get along quite well personally."

"Couples who've lived together for a long time can have conflicts, let alone partners. I'd still like a change of partner."

"Then give me a reasonable reason."

After a moment's thought, Luke said, "David and I have different ways of conducting investigations. I feel that some of his actions are a bit too aggressive, and while they are for the sake of the investigation, they could likely result in complaints.

I've advised David to be more rational, but clearly, he won't listen."

"You're right. David's investigative methods are indeed aggressive and reckless, and he has frequently violated department regulations. We were well acquainted when working in internal affairs."

"So, you agree to me changing partners?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Glad to see we're on the same page. You two are partners, and you can stop David from making mistakes in real-time, keep an eye on him for me."

"Are you joking?"

"I'm serious. You can report to me at any time if necessary."

"So, I've become your informant?"

Susan pointed outside, "Everyone in this office is my informant, is there a problem?"

"No... you're the boss."

"Good, you can go now."

Luke got up and walked to the door, then turned back and said, "David has been in the Robbery and Murder Department for many years, his experience is greater than mine. Even if I try to advise him, he won't listen."

"So what do you propose?"

"Could I take the lead when we're out on duty? That way, I could better control the situation."

"That's possible."

"If you could talk to David personally, I believe he would hold himself back a bit."

"David is a Detective Chief, and you're just a detective. I can't command him to listen to you. I will support you, but not like that. If you want the initiative, you have to fight for it yourself."

"How do I fight for it?"

"That's your problem. Close the door on your way out, thank you."

"Talking with you... has been a pleasure." Luke shut the door forcefully.

...

David glanced at Luke, "You're looking a bit pale, did you try buttering up the boss and slip up?"

Luke was somewhat dejected; it seemed he was stuck with this guy for the time being.

"Ring ring ring..." Luke's phone rang.

An unfamiliar number.

"Hello."

"Is this Officer Luke?"

"Speaking. Who is this?"

"This is Daisy. Do you have time tomorrow? As a token of my gratitude, I'd like to treat you to a meal."

Luke said, "Miss Daisy, catching criminals is my duty. I can sense your sincerity and I appreciate your invitation, but it's really not necessary."

"It might not seem much to you, but it's important to me. You saved my life. I would feel uneasy if I couldn't thank you in person."

Luke said, "I'm working overtime today, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to take a day off tomorrow."

"I won't disturb you while you're working then. I'll contact you later."

David asked, "Have you got a new date that quickly?"

"It's the lady I saved. She wants to thank me by treating me to a meal."

Marcus showed interest in this topic and leaned in. "Then just go. If I remember correctly, her name is Daisy. She's pretty and has a great figure. Maybe..."

Marcus winked, giving a knowing look.

Luke said, "She already has a boyfriend."

Marcus curiously asked, "How do you know that? Did you know each other before?"

In China, Luke usually wouldn't go, but this is Los Angeles, and he wasn't quite sure.

Just right, he wanted to hear what his colleagues thought.

Luke shared the story of their first chance meeting and what happened before the case.

After listening, Marcus laughed, "What she called having a boyfriend was just a brush-off, an excuse to reject a pickup attempt. It doesn't mean she actually has a boyfriend.

"Women who really have boyfriends tend to not mention them right off the bat. Trust me, these are words of wisdom."

Marcus stroked his chin, "The real question now is whether you're interested in her or not?"