Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

In the blink of an eye, it was already October, and many merchants began planning and promoting Halloween events. The pumpkin decorations everywhere gave Los Angeles a Halloween vibe.

During this time, the writer Romit Bull often came to chat with Luke, and the two gradually became familiar with each other.

After some serious consideration, Luke agreed to the licensing of the novel character prototype.

Once the novel, inspired by Luke, is published, it's sure to boost Luke's reputation to some extent.

This matter has both pros and cons.

Overall, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

Luke can own a luxury house and have a fortune of over ten million US Dollars, which is not just from his police salary.

More importantly, it comes from the fame he accumulated after participating in solving major criminal cases.

Currently, Luke is only somewhat famous in Los Angeles, but if one day he becomes renowned across the US, this fame will also convert into profit, snowballing as it goes.

To increase one's reputation, just working hard is not enough; the key is having someone to promote you.

Romit Bull, being a well-known detective fiction writer, his novel is likely to be a bestseller. A bestseller goes through a series of promotions before its release, indirectly promoting Luke's name too.

Additionally, after reading the novel, readers will also become interested in Luke's identity and may even actively seek out Luke's stories.

As the promotions from various aspects take place, Luke's fame will grow, and he will become synonymous with the contemporary famed detective.

At the end of the day, this is also a kind of persona.

As long as Luke continues to successfully solve cases, the detective persona can be maintained.

With the persona, comes heat, and the benefits follow.

Of course, these are just the rosy promises Romit Bull painted for Luke. Though reasonable, it still seemed somewhat speculative.

Therefore, Luke put forward some more concrete demands, such as instead of a licensing fee from Romit Bull, he wanted to receive 10% royalties from the new book.

10% royalties from a bestseller involve significant interest and represent a long-term revenue, which Romit Bull had to consider seriously.

Two days later, Romit Bull agreed to Luke's request but also proposed a condition.

Luke must also participate in the creation of the novel, providing material and professional advice for the new novel.

Luke also agreed to the conditions proposed by the other party.

However, they did not formally sign a contract but worked together for a few days to see if they got along.

Luke doesn't know how to write novels, so the style, outline, plot, rhythm, etc., were still handled by Romit Bull.

Luke primarily provided materials and detailed suggestions.

As for the confidentiality agreement with the police, it wasn't much of a concern.

Since it's a novel, there would definitely be modifications and can't be identical to the original case.

By trimming some details, making some changes, and then rearranging, it becomes more dramatic.

After a few days of collaboration, Romit Bull's creation speed significantly increased. The materials provided by Luke were very helpful, and more importantly, Luke provided some case detail suggestions.

Though they were just small suggestions, they increased the authenticity of the case, and the novel's professionalism and readability were enhanced.

These were exactly what Romit Bull was most lacking.

Subsequently, they officially signed a co-creation agreement, tentatively titling the new book 'Detective Chief Luke'.

After signing the contract, they opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

Luke was very happy; even though he only had 10% of the new book's royalties, it's a long-term income, something to use as his retirement fund.

Whether it was the end of the month Halloween drawing away the attention of Los Angeles citizens or for some other reason, no major criminal cases emerged in Los Angeles recently, giving Luke a rare period of leisure.

On Saturday noon, as Luke was eating in a restaurant, his phone rang.

"Ring ring ring..."

Luke picked up his phone and saw that Negan Thomas's number was displayed on the screen.

Negan Thomas is the head of the FBI New York office. When Luke visited New York for family, his relative ran into some trouble, and it was he who gave Luke a temporary Criminal Investigation Consultant identity at the FBI New York office.

Returning the favor, Luke assisted him in solving a murder case and caught Gambling King Zhou Tiansheng.

The villa Luke currently resides in was actually Zhou Tiansheng's illicit property, which Luke purchased at a low price through Negan Thomas's connection. In a way, Luke owed him thanks.

Luke pressed the answer button and said, "Good afternoon, Chief Thomas."

"Luke, is it convenient to talk now?"

"Yes, I'm on a day off today."

"I need your help. Can you come to New York?"

Luke was a little surprised as Negan Thomas hadn't contacted him since he returned from New York, "What's the matter?"

"Last night, a murder occurred in New York. The FBI found a set of footprints at the scene. You're a footprint analysis expert, and I hope you can join the investigation."

"What kind of case is it that can alarm someone like you, the head of the FBI New York office?"

"Have you heard of Blood Hand Mac?"

Luke thought for a moment, "No, I haven't."

"Blood Hand Mac is a serial killer who has committed multiple crimes in New York over several years. More than eight known victims.

He has two distinct characteristics in his crimes: first, he cuts off the victims' hands, and second, he leaves a special killing symbol at the crime scene.

His brutal methods have caused significant fear among New York citizens, and the New York police have been investigating him for years but have never captured him.

New York police sought aid from the FBI, and the FBI joined in the investigation of this serial murder case, eventually capturing him five years ago." At this point, Negan Thomas sighed, "Last night, another murder took place in New York, and after the victim was killed, both hands were cut off.

Next to the body was also left the murder symbol belonging to Blood Hand Mike."

Luke said, "Wasn't Blood Hand Mike caught by the FBI?"

"That's right, after learning about the case, we contacted the prison. Blood Hand Mike is still there and hasn't escaped.

We're also not sure if it's an imitation... or if we caught the wrong person five years ago."

"You want me to go to New York to investigate this murder case?"

"Yes, this case is very important and could potentially affect the peace of the entire city of New York."

"You know, I'm not only the captain of the Robbery and Murder Department, but also a criminal investigation consultant for the FBI LA office.

So, I need to discuss with my superiors to determine if I can participate in this case."

"Before I called you, I already contacted the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI LA office. They all agreed to my request."

Luke was somewhat surprised, "It seems this case is more serious than I imagined."

"I'll take your agreement as a given."

Luke thought about it. His superiors had already agreed, so he had no reason to refuse. Besides, considering this mansion, Luke couldn't really decline Negan Thomas's request, "I'll book the fastest ticket to New York."

"Don't worry about the ticket. Just pack your bags, and I'll send someone to pick you up."

"OK, you should know where my house is." Luke said and hung up the phone.

Although Negan Thomas said he had already informed his superiors, Luke proactively contacted Reid and Aysha Gard to explain the situation.

Both of his superiors agreed for him to go to investigate the case in New York.

After that, Luke quickly packed his bags.

He had just finished packing when the doorbell rang.

So soon?

Luke opened the video phone and saw Romit Bull standing outside with a bottle of red wine in his hand.

Luke shook his head. Lately, whenever he had spare time, this guy would come over, and Luke was starting to suspect if he was seriously writing his novel.

Luke unlocked the door, allowing him into the yard.

Luke opened the front door as well and dragged his suitcase into the yard.

The two met in the yard, and Romit Bull looked curiously, "Hey, man, where are you going?"

"Business trip, to New York."

Romit Bull knew Luke was a criminal investigation consultant for the FBI New York office and asked, "Is there some big case in New York?"

Luke replied casually, "Murder case.

Sorry, that's all I can tell you."

Romit Bull didn't mind, placing the bottle on a nearby table, and took out his phone, "Since it's a big case, it should be on the news." He searched on his phone but frowned, "No relevant news."

Luke said, "Maybe the police have sealed the information."

Romit Bull shrugged, "Or maybe the case you mentioned isn't that big."

Bzzzz...

At this moment, a helicopter appeared above the sky, slowly landing on the road outside the Luke family, and the loud noise immediately alerted the surrounding residents.

Romit Bull opened his mouth wide, filled with wind as he mumbled, "What's happening?"

Luke patted Romit Bull on the shoulder, "Romit, I've got to go.

We'll drink the red wine when I get back."

Romit Bull watched as Luke boarded the helicopter, only snapping back to reality when he saw the helicopter fly away, muttering to himself, "No wonder he's the prototype of my novel's main character.

I should write this scene into the novel, super cool."

Romit Bull became more certain that his new novel would be a big hit.

Luke took the helicopter to the airport, then took a shuttle bus to the tarmac, where airport staff ushered him onto a private jet.

As soon as Luke boarded, the flight attendant closed the cabin door, and the plane was ready to take off.

The arrangement shocked Luke as well.

This was his second time on a private jet; the first time was thanks to Lilith.

But this time was different; he was the only passenger on the entire plane.

Luke called for the flight attendant.

The flight attendant smiled and asked, "Mr. Li, how can I help you?"

"Whose plane is this?"

"Mr. Nasi Bloomberg's."

"Where's the destination?"

"New York City.

Sir, would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you."

Luke found the name familiar, searched online, and raised his eyebrows—Nasi Bloomberg, a financial tycoon, and currently the mayor of New York City.