Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

The next morning.

Jaden yawned as he entered the Robbery and Murder Department.

He didn't go to his own seat but headed straight to the pantry to pour himself a cup of hot coffee.

Luke asked, "How did it go?"

Jaden took a big gulp of coffee and grimaced from the heat, "Oh... don't even mention it, it was a mess.

I drove Jaden and his mom around most of Los Angeles; all the shelters were full, and we couldn't find a single bed.

What is going on with Los Angeles?

Why are there so many homeless people?"

The deputy shook his head, "It's not what's wrong with Los Angeles, it's what's wrong with this damn society?

When there's a problem in a society, inevitably, there will be a large number of homeless people."

Luke asked, "So, how did you resolve it in the end?"

Jaden said helplessly, "I took them to a hotel and booked a room."

Luke shook his head.

Jaden continued, "I know it's foolish, but… I couldn't just watch them sleep on the streets. We registered at a single mother's shelter already; as soon as there is a spare bed, they'll call Laura."

Luke said, "That's not a sustainable solution; you can't keep helping them like this."

Jaden nodded, "I know, I'm going to visit the Bureau of Economic Crimes later to see if it's possible to recover the money."

Luke didn't say anything else; he thought it was unlikely.

Jaden's plight was indeed sympathetic, but with such an unreliable mother, there is only so much outsiders can help.

"Creak..."

The office door was pushed open from the outside.

Reid walked in followed by a handsome Caucasian young man.

Reid cleared his throat, "Everyone, take a break from your work. Jenny, call out your captain.

I have an announcement to make."

Jaden looked at Reid, then at the young Caucasian man, and whispered to Luke nearby, "Why has boss Reid brought a white kid in? This kid doesn't seem like he's from our department, but he looks somewhat familiar."

Jaden thought for a moment, then continued, "Right, he seems to be the patrol officer in charge of the security at the kidnapping scene. What's he doing here?"

Luke probably guessed the reason, "Stop guessing; you'll find out soon enough."

Shortly after, Susan came out of the office and whispered something to Reid.

After their discussion.

Reid stepped beside the young Caucasian man and said, "Ever since David transferred, your team has been a bit short-staffed; I've brought you a new member."

Then, Reid turned to the Caucasian young man, "Jackson, introduce yourself."

The young man nodded towards everyone, "Captain Susan, everyone, I'm happy to meet you here, my name is Jackson Beach.

I used to be a patrol officer in the western subdivision, and I'm thrilled to become a part of the Robbery and Murder Department's first squad. It's always been my dream."

Then, he took out a carry bag, "I brought everyone some donuts; they are from a shop I really like, they have a great taste, please try them."

Vincent, the deputy captain, laughed, "This young man is not bad, knows how to please."

Reid continued, "Although Jackson is young, he is a very excellent officer.

He broke multiple records in police school, and his performance during the internship was among the best; I believe he'll be able to handle the job at the Robbery and Murder Department soon."

Then, Reid turned to Susan, "Captain, it's up to you to assign Jackson's specific duties."

Susan still had that expressionless look, "Jackson, welcome to the Robbery and Murder Department.

For now, you'll start by learning from deputy captain Vincent.

If we have an assignment, you will follow deputy captain Luke's instructions."

Perhaps it was the donuts, or maybe it was Reid, but the deputy captain was quite accommodating this time, proactively saying, "I'm Vincent, the donuts you brought are good, they suit my taste."

Luke greeted, "I'm Luke, we've met before."

Jackson responded, "I'd heard about the two deputy captains when I was at the western subdivision; it's my honor to learn from you both."

"Good, get to know each other better," Reid said, and then turned to Susan, "Captain, come outside, I have a few more things to say to you."

Susan said, "Vincent, find a spot for Jackson and show him around the office."

Vincent gestured OK without giving Jackson David's old spot but found him a place on the side.

Jackson had no complaints and started getting organized, wiping the desk and the chair.

Jaden kept watching him and whispered to Luke, "I don't like this guy."

Luke countered, "Why?"

Jaden thought for a moment, "Hmm, he seems a bit effeminate…"

Luke cautioned, "You might not like him, but don't provoke him."

"Why?"

"No so many whys, just listen to me," Luke replied.

Trusting Luke, Jaden didn't say anything more.

But his gaze on Jackson tightened.

...

Figueroa supermarket.

Val, dressed in the supermarket uniform, was pushing a cart stocking shelves.

Though the work at the supermarket wasn't very physically demanding, it was quite tedious.

Val complained more than once that it was a woman's job.

But he couldn't do anything else.

Suddenly, Val heard an unusual noise and went to check it out.

He saw a masked black man shopping in an unconventional way.