Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Luke went upstairs to the bedroom full of questions.

The father and son exchanged a glance, and Luke didn't know how to start the conversation.

As the younger one, it wasn't really appropriate for him to ask about the elder's love life.

If anyone should ask, it should be Luke's grandparents or his uncle, but as a son, he wasn't in the position to ask.

Li Zhaofeng, as an adult, has the right to choose his romantic life, even if Luke is dissatisfied with Aunt Chen, he has no reason to separate them.

Luke opened his suitcase and organized his belongings.

Li Zhaofeng pondered for a moment, "Luke, it's too late today. Let's talk about your Aunt Chen when you have time."

Luke nodded; Chen Shuhua was downstairs, and it was indeed somewhat inappropriate for the father and son to talk behind her back.

After tidying up, Luke went downstairs, had a bowl of soup, chatted briefly, and returned to the bedroom to rest.

Lying on the bed, it was already one o'clock in the morning, but Luke wasn't sleepy at all.

He thought again about his father and that Aunt Chen.

This matter was indeed a bit sudden, but thinking carefully, it was reasonable. His father wasn't too old and had a decent job, and with Luke and Jack not around, finding a new partner was quite normal.

This matter didn't affect Luke much; he had grown up and had a stable career of his own. Even if his father remarried, it wouldn't affect him; it'd just be another relative.

As for the little guy, Luke wasn't sure how he would react, given that people his age were difficult to figure out, but since the little guy lived in Los Angeles, it wouldn't directly affect his life either.

Lastly, there was Linda. Luke always felt Linda had thoughts of getting back together, and he guessed she might be somewhat disappointed to know this.

But Luke also thought it wasn't a big problem. Linda and Li Zhaofeng were both adults and had been divorced for many years; starting a new relationship was normal. Besides, they had been apart for so many years without reconciling, which already explained a lot.

Thinking about it, Luke slowly drifted off to sleep...

"Beep beep..."

In the morning, Li Zhaofeng was making breakfast in the kitchen when he heard a car horn from outside.

Luke walked down from the upstairs staircase, "Dad, a colleague is driving to pick me up.

I'm leaving now."

Li Zhaofeng turned around and called out, "Breakfast is almost ready. Invite your colleague in to eat and leave after breakfast."

"No, this case is quite urgent. We need to hurry to the meeting." As he spoke, Luke walked out the door and saw Louise sitting in the driver's seat waving, and Luke got into the car's front passenger seat.

Louise started the car and asked, "How did you sleep last night?"

"Okay." Luke replied perfunctorily and asked in return, "Did you have breakfast?"

"I'm not hungry in the morning, just a cup of coffee will do."

"Stop by the breakfast shop on the way; I'll get something to eat.

Are you sure you don't want anything else? My treat."

"No, thank you."

The two resolved breakfast in the car and arrived at the FBI's New York office by eight in the morning.

Luke went to the criminal investigation department office, receiving a warm welcome from the agents.

Amir Khan, the criminal profiler, smiled with a messy bedhead, "Luke, I thought you would arrive last night, so I waited a whole night for nothing."

Michael Jett walked over, shook hands with Luke, "Buddy, welcome back.

I originally wanted to throw you a welcome party, but... now isn't really the right time.

When there's time, I'll buy you a drink."

Other agents also came forward to greet Luke.

After a round of pleasantries, Luke asked, "Michael, who's in charge of the Grace Bloomberg murder case, is it you?"

Michael Jett shrugged, "No, the case is led by Supervisor Thomas, with our team mainly responsible for the investigation."

Luke was a bit surprised; he didn't expect the head of the FBI New York office to personally oversee the case. Even if it's just nominally, the level of importance is very high.

After all, it's just a murder case; it's just that the victim's identity is somewhat special.

While chatting, the office door opened, and Negan Thomas walked into the office from outside, asking directly, "Good morning, everyone. Any clues from the surveillance near the crime scene?"

Michael Jett spread his hands, "Sorry sir, we've been checking surveillance video all night, and haven't found any suspicious vehicles yet."

Negan Thomas looked at Luke, "When did you arrive? Was the journey smooth?"

"I arrived in New York at midnight.

Sir, I'm ready to get involved in the investigation at any time."

"Very good." Negan Thomas patted Luke on the shoulder, then pulled up a chair to sit down, scanning the room with his eyes, "I don't care what methods you use, you must find a breakthrough in this case quickly.

This case can't be hidden for long.

Once the case hits the news, it will create an uproar across America, even globally, and our investigation pressure will increase.

So, what we need to do is find Grace Bloomberg's killer before the case is exposed and solve it."

Michael Jett sighed, "Supervisor, I agree with your decision, but finding the killer before the case is exposed... is very challenging."

"I know, which is why I brought in Advisor Li to assist.

Besides, if this case wasn't difficult, the NYPD wouldn't have asked us to take over the investigation directly." Negan Thomas changed the topic, pointing at Michael Jett, "Michael, if I remember correctly, you're still acting team leader, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"If you catch Grace Bloomberg's killer before the case is exposed, you'll become permanent."

Michael Jett showed a hint of joy but then composed himself, "What if I catch the killer after the case is exposed?"

"Where did you get so many 'what ifs,' I'm here to hear your investigation progress, not to negotiate terms with you.

If you feel you can't catch the killer, just tell me directly.

I can find someone to replace you right now."

"No, no, no, I can, I will definitely catch the killer."

"Then show me."

Michael Jett picked up a file from the table, "This is the autopsy report just completed by the forensic doctor.

According to the autopsy results, the time of death for the deceased, Grace Bloomberg, was between 9 PM and midnight on October 3rd.

The fatal wound was on the neck, strangled from behind, suffocating to death, and the arm was chopped off postmortem.

There are drag marks on the deceased, and she consumed alcohol before her death.

Additionally, the forensic doctor detected male genetic material inside the deceased, which has been compared in the database, but no match has been found yet."

Negan Thomas rubbed his chin, pondering, "Do you think the person who left genetic material inside the deceased might be the killer?"

Michael Jett thought for a moment, "If that's the case, it would be simple.

However, I think it's unlikely. If it was the killer, they could have used a condom; why leave genetic material inside the deceased?

That would be leaving ironclad evidence for the police."

"What's everyone's opinion?" Negan Thomas's gaze swept over the group and landed on Luke.

However, before Luke could speak, Aamir Khan said, "Sir, I have a different view from Michael."

"Go ahead."

Aamir Khan cleared his throat and said, "The killer's method is different from that of ordinary murderers. Not only did he possibly leave genetic material, but he also left a special kill symbol.

This implies that his thinking is inherently different from normal; from my experience, he is very likely a serial killer, and if not now, he might continue killing.

Assume my assumption is correct.

Serial killers often have mental issues, and their methods differ from those of ordinary killers. If they were to assault a victim, they might not use a condom.

Because this is how they achieve a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

I know this may increase their risk of being caught, and they realize it too.

But they mostly kill to satisfy some perverse psychological need; if they were afraid, they wouldn't commit the crimes."

"Both of your arguments make sense." Negan Thomas nodded, glancing at Michael Jett with a teasing tone, "Michael, better step up; you've got a tough competitor now."

Michael Jett chuckled, "Sir, no need for your reminder.

I've always known there's a rebel in the team."

Aamir Khan shrugged innocently, "I was just analyzing."

Negan Thomas adjusted his neck, which seemed uncomfortable, and asked Luke, "Consultant Li, what's your opinion?"

Luke replied, "Actually, compared to the forensic doctor's findings, I'm more curious why the esteemed New York City mayor's wife would drive alone to a remote hillside at night?"

Aamir Khan concurred, "Good question, I'm curious too."

Louise said, "Me too."

Negan Thomas snorted, "I hope your curiosity is driven by the investigation, not gossip." He then muttered under his breath, "Damn, I'm actually curious too."

Everyone stifled their laughter.

Luke shrugged, "Don't tell me you haven't interviewed the deceased's family yet?"

Michael Jett obliged, "If you're referring to the New York City mayor.

That's right; we haven't conducted his interview yet.

It's not that I don't want to; it's that we haven't had the chance..."

Negan Thomas interrupted Michael Jett, "I'll coordinate to get you all to interview Nasi Bloomberg as soon as possible.

Anyone else have progress on the investigation?

Any aspect of leads is welcome."

Luke opened his notebook and said, "Sir, on my way here yesterday, I analyzed the set of blood footprints found at the scene and deduced a rough profile of the shoe print owner."

Negan Thomas showed expectation, "Great, go on."

"According to the shoe print features, it appears to be a pair of thick-soled, horizontal-striped leather shoes.

Shoe print owner's gender: male

Height: 180-185 CM

Weight: 85-90 kilograms

Age: between 20 to 25 years old."

Negan Thomas noted down the data and said, "Include these data as criteria for suspect screening."

"Yes, sir."

After the morning meeting, Negan Thomas called Luke aside, "Luke, I'm glad you could come.

And for promptly providing valuable clues."

"Sir, I also appreciate your trust."

"I heard the FBI Los Angeles office has also hired you as a criminal investigation consultant?"

"Yes."

Negan Thomas laughed, "No surprise, Aysha Gard completely copied my assignment."

Luke thought to himself, it's different. At the FBI Los Angeles office, I'm a formal criminal investigation consultant, not only having my own office but also a real salary.

Luke is only a temporary criminal investigation consultant at the New York office, without a salary. If it wasn't for the villa, he wouldn't have rushed to New York for the case.

Negan Thomas encouraged him, "Work hard, once this homicide case is solved,

I'll recommend you to the headquarters, maybe you'll become a criminal investigation consultant at FBI headquarters."

Luke is currently just a criminal investigation consultant at the branch office. He's also curious about the difference between the two roles and jokes, "Does the pay increase?"

Negan Thomas laughed, "Of course, it'll definitely be more than Aysha's offer."