Reborn: The Rookie Detective

Maureen's eyes became somewhat hazy, and she pouted her red lips, offering a wet kiss: "No wonder Zoe was so crazy about you that she almost broke her promise to her family. You're practically Helen of Troy."

Jack was both amused and exasperated, thinking to himself, 'What is all this about?' However, a question arose in his mind: Was Zoe's accidental death in the original story really just an accident written arbitrarily by the screenwriter because the actress withdrew? Or was it reinterpreted in this world, with some other reasons added?

He secretly reminded himself to pay close attention to the police station's situation during this period, not only to prevent Zoe's accident from happening again, but also to prevent any unforeseen complications.

The next day, Jack and Hannah arranged a dinner gathering for everyone that evening. They had previously agreed to treat Nolan and Lucy, who were still in their rookie stage, to a big meal, and they also invited Tim and Angela.

The case of serial killer Angus Lucius was handled discreetly. A gag order was issued within the police department, and at the same time, the Los Angeles City Hall, fearing public panic, reached a deal with several mainstream media outlets, suppressing all related reports.

Because the case was solved so quickly, there weren't many insider leaks, and even if it was leaked online, it wouldn't cause much of a stir.

The only regret was that the District Attorney's Office, under scrutiny from above, worked too efficiently, and Tim and Jack, who fired the shots, only received three days of administrative leave.

This time, Jack really went all out, not letting Hannah spend any money. He spent nearly $400 on ingredients alone, specially going to a Japanese supermarket to buy some good quality ingredients. Besides the braised pork kakuni that everyone strongly requested, he also made several other hearty dishes.

At 7 p.m., everyone arrived, and Jack finally finished his work in the kitchen. Satisfied, he opened the system, and sure enough, a notification appeared: [Congratulations to the host for upgrading cooking skills through self-learning.]

Now, besides handgun shooting, he finally has a second master-level skill. Although cooking skills don't directly help his police career, after finishing a case, being able to sit down and enjoy a meal with friends is the best way to relax and dispel negative emotions.

Today, Tim brought a bottle of his favorite Gordon's gin for everyone to try. Gin, also known as juniper berry liquor, is one of the most popular spirits among Americans.

As they ate and chatted, the topic circled a few times, but eventually returned to the serial murder case.

Hannah scoffed, "Do you know what happened after you left last night?"

"Those two detectives from the Major Crimes Division actually came to Zoe to complain about us, saying we should have notified them before entering the suspect's residence to search."

Angela's face was full of sneer. "Captain Anderson didn't coddle those babies. This case hasn't been officially transferred to the Major Crimes Division, so they have no reason to complain. Only useless people complain when they don't get credit."

Hannah nodded. "Zoe just kicked them out of the office, saying that if they had taken the Kara family's report more seriously, the two girls wouldn't have suffered so much."

"That bald detective named Motta was furious."

"So, that's the end of it?" Jack's words were pointed at Tim. During the chase yesterday, both of their body cameras fell off for some reason; only the two of them knew what happened afterward.

"Since the higher-ups have given the order, of course it's over. Anyway, the killer is dead, no one will care about the details, right?" Tim said nonchalantly.

"Dr. Carrie said that the girl named Emma will need at least three months to fully recover. Letting that beast die like that is too easy for him." Hannah's expression was still somewhat indignant; this case had touched a raw nerve.

Jack smiled and clinked glasses with Tim, then downed the rest of his drink. "Alright, Hannah, we're just cops, not God. We did what we could. Let's talk about something happier. It's gossip time."

Nolan smiled mysteriously and began to reveal, "When I was in Captain Grey's office, someone came in and said he was considering applying to be a commander."

Angela, who was enjoying her meal, froze upon hearing this. It took her a long time to swallow the food in her mouth. She looked at Tim in disbelief, as he was the only one among the people present who met the qualifications.

"Impossible, you bastard Tim! You were laughing at us when Bishop and I were competing for the detective position."

She mimicked Tim's usual furrowed brow as he spoke. "I don't understand why you two are so heartless, leaving the patrol team. Being a patrol officer is fun, isn't it?"

She slapped Tim on the shoulder. "Huh? You're giving up your fun now?"

Tim didn't even blush. "I just don't want to wait until you officially become a detective, being bossed around by you every day. I joined the police force two years before you."

Angela still pointed at him angrily, her tone fierce. "You better pray you pass the sergeant's exam on your first try, otherwise, once I become a detective, I'll drag you along to help me with every case."

Tim launched a counterattack. "Angela, aren't you going to tell me what's going on between you and that rich playboy lawyer?"

Everyone's eyes turned to this usually carefree girl, including Lucy, who was completely absorbed in Jack's cooking for the first time, and they all looked up with bright eyes.

Jack noticed that Angela was unusually blushing and stammering.

"We've only dated a few times. Can't I have a private life?"

Lucy's eyes widened in disbelief. "The lawyer you helped get his suitcase back from a thief, and then tried to file a complaint against you for excessive force?"

Jack raised his hand to prove it: "I was there. They were arguing so fiercely, Angela even threatened to slap him."

"Wow!" The onlookers all looked on with anticipation.

"Wesley apologized to me later. One of my four brothers was getting married, and if I couldn't find a male companion to accompany me to the wedding, my mother would spend the whole night trying to set me up with the best man."

"So?" Everyone exclaimed in unison.

"That best man smelled like cat litter, and I don't think he even owns a cat," Angela said with a sweet smile. "Besides, Wesley is really handsome, and he was very gentlemanly when he apologized."

Hannah suddenly seemed to realize something, slapping her forehead, her voice rising eight octaves with excitement.

"So that's why you suddenly asked me today what I should be careful about when Jack and I live in the same house."

"Oh my god, you're already planning to live together, and you're planning to keep it from me? Aren't we best friends anymore?"