Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

[Good evening, everyone, welcome to the evening news.

I am Tiffany Wheeler, a reporter from the CBS Television New York office.

Our station is closely following the latest developments in the New York serial dismemberment case.

This afternoon, the FBI successfully caught the perpetrator of the serial dismemberment case, a male extreme religious believer...

His methods of killing are extremely brutal. He killed three victims in succession, including the New York mayor's wife and an international model, and dismembered their bodies cruelly...]

"Cheers!"

In a bar in New York.

Luke and his colleagues from the FBI sat around together, while the television hanging not far away was broadcasting the news of their case being solved.

Negan Thomas, the head of the FBI New York office, put down his wine glass and smiled, "You did a great job this time, catching the culprit within a week. I just received a call from the mayor, expressing his gratitude for your effort and dedication."

Michael asked, "Just verbal acknowledgment, no tangible rewards?"

"Does making you a permanent team leader count?"

Michael laughed, "Are you serious?"

"I can still take it back now."

"No no no, this is the best news I've heard this year. I've been waiting for this day for so long.

I promise, this is definitely the best decision you've made.

I won't let you down." Michael picked up a beer bottle and clinked it with Negan Thomas's glass.

Luke raised his glass, "Buddy, congratulations."

"Congratulations, Michael," the others also chimed in their greetings.

Amir teased, "Glad you won't lose sleep over this anymore."

"I wasn't losing sleep, I always knew I would become permanent, always knew." Michael said with confidence.

Amir shrugged, knowing better than anyone how much Michael cared about becoming permanent, but instead of teasing him further, he said, "Although we caught the killer, the Eternal Sect issue is far from over.

This sect has existed for at least five years, and it's likely more than just the few dozen followers listed."

Negan Thomas replied, "You're right, the Eternal Sect is indeed more complex than expected, and the followers aren't just the dozens on the list.

Blood Hand Mac also used to believe in the Eternal Sect, yet he didn't appear on that list.

From what I understand, over the past five years, the Eternal Sect has developed at least hundreds of followers, luring these believers into donating money, some of whom had no further use after their donations.

Some have seen the true face of the Eternal Sect.

Many others have already died.

None of these people appeared on the list.

And this list of followers only includes those whom Bellam Solo, the head of the Eternal Sect, deems valuable and will continue to donate."

At this point, even Negan Thomas felt a sense of helplessness. In fact, there are quite a few similar religious groups in New York, but due to the principles of freedom of belief and voluntary donations, effective management is difficult.

Luke only focused on catching the culprit and wasn't very concerned with the aftermath of the religious aspect, smiling, "Guys, I'm heading back to Los Angeles in a few days.

Anyone wants to visit Los Angeles? I'll be your guide."

Louise shrugged, "I've already used my annual leave this year."

Amir said, "I'd really like to go, but I have to discuss it with my girlfriend to see her plans."

As for Michael, he didn't want to go anywhere, anxiously waiting to become permanent.

The group chatted in the bar for two hours before leaving.

Before leaving, Negan Thomas patted Luke on the shoulder, "Come to my office tomorrow morning, I have something to discuss with you."

Luke nodded, "See you tomorrow."

It was already ten at night when Luke got home.

Li Zhaofeng hadn't gone to bed yet and was sitting on the living room sofa watching TV.

He brewed a pot of tea and poured a cup for Luke.

Luke said, "Aren't you afraid drinking tea at night will affect your sleep?"

"I'm used to it." Li Zhaofeng put down the teacup and said, "I just saw on the evening news that the serial killer who dismembered bodies has been caught?"

"That's right, he's an extreme cultist.

His life was rather tough, plus he got a terminal illness, which led to some mental issues."

"Indeed, a normal person wouldn't dismember bodies." Li Zhaofeng didn't inquire much about the case, looking at Luke, "When you have time, let me know in advance, and we'll gather the family together.

Your grandparents often mention you when you're not around.

Since you're here, it's not right not to show up."

"I've been thinking the same." Luke thought for a moment and replied, "I have to go to the FBI New York office tomorrow, but after that, there should be nothing else.

I'll host, and we can invite Uncle and Aunt's families for some fun."

"That works too." Li Zhaofeng knew his son wasn't short of money now.

Moreover, he had started working, and being able to handle things himself was better than him organizing it.

Luke smiled and asked, "Dad, should we invite Aunt Chen?"

Li Zhaofeng also smiled, albeit a bit awkwardly, "She's quite busy recently, maybe next time."

The father and son chatted for a while longer.

Having worked on the case all day, Luke was a bit tired, so he washed up and rested early.

The next morning.

FBI New York office, director's office.

"Knock knock." There was a sound of knocking from outside.

Sitting behind the desk, Negan Thomas looked up, "Come in."

The door opened, and Luke walked in from outside, "Good morning, Director Thomas."

Thomas stood up, smiled, and walked to the sofa, inviting Luke to sit down, "Coffee or tea?"

"Coffee."

Negan Thomas poured two cups of coffee, handed one to Luke, then sat on the sofa on the side, "These are coffee beans grown in a friend's estate, sent to me every year. Try it and see how it tastes."

Luke took a sip and nodded, "Not bad. It's smooth and rich in flavor."

In fact, Luke thought that all black coffee tasted about the same.

Negan Thomas put down his coffee cup and said, "This time you've worked hard, coming all the way from Los Angeles to assist us in the investigation.

With your help, the case was solved so quickly."

In Luke's view, the case wasn't very complicated. However, the brutality of the crime mirrored Blood Hand Mac's methods from five years ago, and the victim's special identity carried significant influence. That's why Negan Thomas couldn't stay calm and asked him to come from Los Angeles to assist with the investigation.

Negan Thomas continued, "This time you all found a lot of gold in the suspect's home, valued at over three million US dollars.

This money will be distributed as rewards to the agents involved in the investigation.

Among them, you will receive a reward of five hundred thousand US dollars, which will be deposited directly into your account."

"Thank you for your generosity, Director." Luke couldn't help but marvel that Negan Thomas remained as generous as ever.

Previously, after assisting Negan Thomas in capturing the Asian Gambling King, he bought a mansion worth ten million at thirty percent of the price.

This time, solving the dismemberment case, he received another substantial bonus.

"You deserve it. When do you plan to return to Los Angeles?"

"Since the perpetrator has been caught, I believe Michael will handle the follow-up matters.

I'm planning to take care of some personal affairs and leave in a couple of days."

Negan Thomas was silent for a moment, "If you're not in a hurry, you could stay a few more days."

Luke asked, "Director, is there anything else?"

Negan Thomas rubbed his hands, saying, "I have a friend in business who's recently had some trouble and needs a security consultant.

I recommended you to him.

Of course, it depends on your own thoughts."

"A security consultant?" Luke spread his hands, "As you know, I'm only good at investigations, not at protecting people."

"My friend has professional bodyguards. If he just needed protection, he wouldn't ask me for help."

Luke asked, "Then what can I do?"

"My friend wants to acquire a large dock in Los Angeles.

You should know that the dock's supply sources and clients are complicated, involving many different people.

His acquisition plan might affect some people's interests.

Since expressing interest in acquiring the dock, he has continuously received threats.

Some even threatened that if he dared to step into Los Angeles, they'd take him out directly.

While hiring bodyguards can protect him, it's hard to address the root problem. Even if he successfully acquires the Los Angeles dock, there's still the issue of whether the dock business can run normally."

"He wants to connect through me with the Los Angeles police."

Negan Thomas didn't answer directly, "If you're interested, I can arrange a meeting for you two to talk."

"OK." Luke chatted with Negan Thomas for a while longer, then left.

Negan Thomas took out his phone and made a call, "Hello, this is Negan."

"Hey, old buddy, I've been waiting for your call.

I heard you've already caught the murderer of the mayor's wife?" A middle-aged man's voice came from the other side of the phone.

"It was just a small case." Negan Thomas dismissed it with a sentence and continued, "The connection you asked me to find, I found.

The person is in New York now."

"That's great, I'd love to talk to him personally.

Is he with the FBI or the Los Angeles police?"

"His last name is Li. He's both an investigative consultant with the FBI and a captain in the Los Angeles Police Department."

The man on the phone questioned, "Captain? Isn't that too low of a position?"

"Some people can't be judged by their titles alone. Even if you know the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, he wouldn't personally go to the dock to drive away the troublemakers with a gun.

You lack no high-level friends, so why not directly find someone who can get things done?

For small matters, he can help you handle them.

For big matters, he can liaise with the Los Angeles Police Department or the FBI's Los Angeles office to help out."

The man on the phone said, "I understand. He's like a bridge.

It seems someone who can work at both the FBI and the police department is not an ordinary person."

Negan Thomas said, "He's young and very capable.

As far as I know, both the high-levels of the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI's Los Angeles office appreciate him greatly.

Including me."

The man on the other side of the phone spoke solemnly, "Thank you, old buddy.

I will take this matter very seriously.

Watch for my good news."

Negan Thomas teased, "Be careful not to get yourself killed in Los Angeles."