Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

As David's partner, Luke knew his investigation style the best: somewhat reckless and irritable, easily drawing complaints from the subjects under investigation.

This was also one of the reasons why he hadn't been promoted to deputy chief.

Such complaints would be much fewer during law enforcement operations involving gangs or drug meals.

From a certain perspective, the Anti-Gang and Narcotics Department might indeed be a better fit for David's personality.

Of course, a person's character isn't formed in a single day. According to Luke's speculation, David's temper could be attributed to his ex-wife to some degree.

Ever since their divorce, David's temper had improved quite a bit.

He used to explode frequently, but now it was more sporadic.

After sailing out for over a dozen miles, Luke stopped the boat, dropped anchor, and everyone started fishing.

Reid raised his cup to signal, "Cheers to the hard work."

Luke replied nonchalantly, "I actually quite enjoy sailing the boat."

He wasn't just being polite; at least his excitement hadn't worn off yet.

The group dropped their fishing hooks.

They began to chat leisurely on the deck.

Basking in the sea breeze, drinking beer, and snacking on fruits, they were in utter comfort.

Percy inquired, "Deputy Luke, I've heard you've just solved a murder case related to the 'Vampire.' I'm quite interested, could you tell us about it?"

Luke looked towards Reid.

The latter nodded.

With the boss speaking up, and everyone present being colleagues from the police system, and the case already solved, there was no harm in talking about it.

Luke recounted the details of the 'Holy Blood' case.

After listening, Percy expressed his envy, "I've always felt that the Robbery and Murder Department's work is more... exciting might be an inappropriate word, but compared to the Internal Affairs Division, it's certainly not as mundane.

When I was young, I thought about joining the Detective Bureau, but ultimately, I ended up in Internal Affairs for various reasons."

Reid chuckled, "Are you serious? You actually wanted to join the Detective Bureau?"

"Of course. Whether it was our generation or the current one, most films and TV dramas about the police are related to detectives.

Have you ever seen a TV drama themed around Internal Affairs?

I bet no one wants to make or watch that." Percy revealed a wry smile.

Mercedes Maso agreed, "I concur with Percy; there are also few dramas about patrol officers.

Even though our job is the closest to citizens' daily lives."

"Maybe it's precisely because it's closer to everyday life that it lacks a sense of mystery." Reid responded with a laugh, then changed the subject,

"Percy, I heard your son also became a cop. How is he performing?

Does he have your flair when you were younger?"

Percy gestured invitingly, "You should ask Chief Inspector Mercedes Maso; my son is one of her subordinates now."

Mercedes said, "Percy's son is very talented, indeed a chip off the old block, exceeding the mark. In the police academy, he broke several records, and after joining the Western Division, he ranked first amongst the fellow probationary officers in his cohort.

He is a rare find.

Of course, from what I know of him, he is not well suited for Internal Affairs."

Percy shrugged, "You're right; I've talked to him about it, but he's not keen on joining Internal Affairs."

Reid joked, "It seems like your hopes for a family legacy in the force are going down the drain."

Percy replied with some resignation, "The young people nowadays all have their own ideas; I can't control it, so I let him be."

Luke listened to the three seniors' casual conversation while fishing.

To Luke, these three heavyweights, except for Reid who was fishing alongside chatting, didn't seem like the type who would truly enjoy fishing.

By now, Luke was no fool to believe that the group was here purely for the pleasure of fishing.

Perhaps someone enjoyed fishing, but there surely were other reasons.

Luke started to analyze the conversation between the trio, which wasn't difficult for him.

First, he needed to connect the relationships between the three.

Reid, Deputy Chief of the Detective Bureau, in charge of the Robbery and Murder Department.

Percy, a bigwig in the Los Angeles Police Department's Internal Affairs Division.

Mercedes, head of the Patrol Division in the Western Bureau.

Among them, Reid and Percy seemed to be more acquainted.

Meanwhile, Percy's son was a subordinate of Mercedes.

Patrol is a fundamental division, where most officers undergo training and service; subsequently, some continue in the Patrol Division, while others are reassigned elsewhere.

From Percy's earlier remarks, it appeared he intended to help his son transfer departments, but his son had no desire to join Internal Affairs.

Reid's role was now clear.

Percy's son likely wanted to transfer to the Detective Bureau, possibly even to the Robbery and Murder Department.

If that was the case, why then was Jones, the head of the Anti-Gang and Narcotics Division, present here?

Ah.

David.

The Robbery and Murder Department was a case of musical chairs.

Only if David transferred could a new recruit be seamlessly introduced.

And as for Luke himself, the newly promoted deputy, perhaps they hoped he would take Percy's son under his wing.

However, Susan was also part of the Detective Bureau's Internal Affairs Division, and even if they didn't work together, she should know Percy.

Why didn't Percy seek her help?

Luke, appearing nonchalant, joined the conversation, "Chief Inspector Mercedes, I know a rookie named John; he must be from your division, right?"

Mercedes smiled, "Indeed, he's a quite interesting guy; he used to work in real estate renovation contracting and only switched careers after his forties.

He is of the same cohort as Percy's son, also one of the oldest probationary officers we've seen in years. Their superiors once considered dismissing him, thinking he couldn't handle the job.

But he persevered, and he's been doing quite well.

I have high hopes for him."

Luke laughed, "I've had a few dealings with him; he's indeed quite a character."

After a brief chat, Luke turned to Percy, "Chief Percy, do you know our Captain Susan?"

"Of course, we don't work in the same station, but we often need to coordinate on work matters.

She's somewhat severe and fits Internal Affairs perfectly.

I believe she would remain impartial even if her relatives violated police regulations.

To be honest, I was rather surprised when she transferred out of Internal Affairs."

Percy's words cleared Luke's doubts.

Susan was too 'impartial,' not sparing even close relations who erred. Much less would she do so for Percy's son.

Therefore, Luke, the newly promoted deputy, was indeed the best choice.

Having grasped the gist of the situation, Luke began to focus on fishing in earnest...