Chapter 1160 - 509: Each to Their Own
As soon as this voice appeared, a wave of supporters emerged.
But more netizens still thought that the Los Angeles police did a great job this time, protecting the city. Laura's point of view seemed a bit like kicking someone when they're down.
Supporters of the two different opinions started arguing online.
Robbery and Murder Department, Squad One.
The news of the Los Angeles City Government being attacked by a bomb swept the internet.
The Robbery and Murder Department also gained some attention.
Little Black looked at the comments online, initially feeling a bit proud that, as a member of the Robbery and Murder Department, he had a share in this honor.
But as he continued reading, he started feeling uneasy and discontented, saying, "Are these people out of their minds? We've successfully captured the terrorists and evacuated the crowds, yet they're still picking faults with us.
Bringing up injured officers and homeless people to cause trouble is truly shameless."
The deputy squad leader said, "Nothing to get angry about, this is America, there's always someone who likes to go against the grain."
Little Black was a bit surprised, "Deputy, this doesn't seem like your style."
The old man chuckled, "As long as there are still people out there who believe the earth is flat, I can feel at ease."
"Now that you mention it, it does make sense." Little Black felt much less agitated, realizing that the world never lacks contrarians.
Luke didn't take it too seriously either, "They can say whatever they want, it's not like it'll harm us in any way."
Jackson asked, "Captain, now that Tapani Reagan is dead and we've lost the lead, should we still continue investigating?"
Luke had also thought about this. In the final moments of his confrontation with Tapani Reagan, what Reagan said made him feel that this matter might not be so simple.
However, if they continued investigating, anti-terrorism wasn't primarily the Los Angeles police's responsibility.
"Knock, knock..." There was a knock on the office door.
Reid pushed open the door and walked into the office, "Guys, I have two announcements to make."
The deputy eagerly replied, "I don't want to hear any bad news."
"No bad news, it's all good news. The first piece of news is that the city government has decided to increase the Los Angeles police budget by 10% compared to last year."
Jackson laughed, "Cool, does that mean we get a raise?"
Jenny said, "You wish, I'd be satisfied with an increase in overtime pay."
The deputy displayed a hint of sarcasm, "They cut budgets every year, this year is indeed an exception."
Little Black laughed, "Shouldn't everyone in the Los Angeles police department be thanking us?"
Everyone was aware that if it weren't for the police promptly notifying the city officials to evacuate, they might have turned to dust. The Los Angeles police saved them this time, and they might not save them next time, so for their own safety, they had to express some gratitude.
Of course, credit was also due to Frank's active lobbying.
Jackson was a bit expectant, "Chief, what's the second piece of good news?"
"For successfully capturing the terrorists, everyone deserves a break, so I've decided to give you all five days of paid leave."
Little Black said, "But the dismemberment case isn't solved yet, nor is the terrorist attack case, and Tapani Reagan might still have accomplices."
Reid said, "I know, but the higher-ups at the Department of Homeland Security reached out to Chief Frank, hoping to take over the terrorist attack case."
Luke asked, "Frank agreed."
Reid explained, "Why wouldn't he? Our achievements this time are already significant enough, and we need to share some credit with other departments. Besides, capturing terrorists isn't really our inherent duty. If we hog all the credit, it would be like snubbing the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
We captured a terrorist and successfully rescued key city officials, which is enough glory for us, and it's time to quit while we're ahead."
The deputy said, "Even though you have a point, handing the case over to another department midway isn't the way we do things."
"I know you might feel a bit regretful.
So I'll also strive to gain some rewards for everyone." Reid comforted.
Little Black asked, "Like what?"
"To commemorate the anti-terrorism operation, everyone involved will receive a customized firearm.
Additionally, those with outstanding performance on this case will perhaps be awarded medals and promoted.
Everyone will get what they deserve." Reid glanced at Luke, "What do you think, Luke?"
Luke was quite looking forward to the customized firearm, as well as the potential promotion. He's currently a second-class detective, and the next promotion would make him a third-class detective.
Beyond that, he could become an inspector.
Though there's no clear direct correlation between positions and ranks.
Nonetheless, promotions to certain key positions do require considering rank and experience.
Luke is currently the head of the Robbery and Murder Department, and the next step up would be deputy director of the department.
Since Luke's experience is relatively shallow, if he wanted to become deputy director, it would be best to first be promoted to inspector.
Thinking of that, Luke said, "I'll follow the higher-ups' arrangement."
"Good." Reid looked at the deputy, "Anyone else have thoughts?"
The deputy waved a hand, "Buddy, don't look at me, I'm not 'anyone else' and at my age, what's there left to worry about?"
Reid awkwardly chuckled.
Little Black licked his lips, "Chief, is there a bonus?"
Reid's smile broadened, "There has to be."
Little Black shrugged, "Then I have no objections either."
"Alright, problem solved." Reid switched gears, "Guys, you've worked hard. Rest well for a few days."
Reid waved goodbye to everyone and left the Robbery and Murder Department.
The deputy scoffed, "Looks like those damned media actually had some effect."
Little Black chimed in, "I'm also curious to see how the Department of Homeland Security measures up against us."
The deputy advised, "Don't underestimate them, those guys have their methods. I'd rather deal with the FBI than cooperate with them."
Luke wasn't particularly attached to the case, or to the terrorists, for that matter. With a paid vacation offered, he might as well enjoy it.
Luke returned to his office, tidied up the case files a bit, and noted that the dismemberment case couldn't be concluded yet; it'd probably require catching the rest of the terrorists before it could be fully resolved.
Luke was also pondering whether to take the vacation now or wait a few days.
Near the end of the workday, his cell phone rang, and he was somewhat surprised to see Nami Inoue's number on the screen.
Luke pressed the answer button, "Hello, this is Luke."
"Captain Lee, this is Nami Inoue."
"What's up?"
"Congratulations on catching the terrorists. I went to the city government too, but didn't manage to get in. Although I'm confident in my figure, I don't have that much of an advantage size-wise."
"Thanks, but I doubt you called just to congratulate me."
"You're right, I do have something to discuss with you. I recently found a nice bar, how about a drink after work?"
Luke chuckled, "That depends if it's business or personal."
There was a moment of silence on the other end before Nami Inoue said, "This evening, our TV station received another threat video, and I'm not sure if you're aware, so I wanted to let you know."
Luke frowned slightly; this kind of thing shouldn't be discussed over the phone. Of course, it's also possible this woman is deliberately piquing his interest to prevent him from declining.
Luke said, "The Los Angeles police are no longer in charge of the terrorist attack case."
Nami Inoue said, "Captain Lee, it seems you're not aware of the new threat video.
In the video, the terrorists mentioned you."
Luke wasn't one to meddle in affairs nor was he foolish enough to privately investigate the terrorists.
But if the terrorists mentioned him in the video, that was a different matter altogether.
After all, it was he who drove Tapani Reagan to his death, and he thwarted the city government bombing; Luke had become quite well-known.
Who knows whether the terrorists might seek revenge on him?
Luke's expression became serious, "Let's have that drink tonight, I have some personal matters to discuss with you."
