Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

The news of Silver Cloud's hijacking spread through various channels.

Because of the many channels, there was no unified narrative, and the truth about the hijacking was widely debated.

Rumors had it that the cruise was hijacked by a group of pirates near the Mexican coast, who bribed the ship's security for an inside job, aiming to hijack the cruise and kidnap passengers.

Another report claimed the hijackers were a dangerous terrorist organization.

There were even conspiracy theories, saying the mastermind behind the hijacking was a major country trying to force America to make some concessions.

More outlandish rumors suggested the hijackers were aliens intending to abduct the passengers for human biological experiments, and that the FBI and Navy SEALs joined forces to defeat the aliens.

All these explanations sounded more and more absurd, but each had its supporters, with the seemingly most irrational alien abduction theory being discussed the most eagerly and a group of people firmly believing in it.

October 28th, morning.

Amidst the crowd's anticipation, the Silver Cloud sailed into the harbor.

The dock was packed with people, almost all of whom were there to welcome the hijacked ship's passengers.

Many of them were family and friends of the passengers, waiting eagerly at the harbor, concerned about their loved ones.

Some were enthusiastic citizens driven by sympathy or curiosity about the hijacked passengers.

At the front of the dock stood several people in FBI uniforms, maintaining order while peering into the distance.

As everyone waited, a towering cruise ship appeared on the horizon, getting closer and slowing down, showing the faint letters 'Silver Cloud'.

At the bow of the ship stood a black-haired man, none other than Luke.

Nami Inoue came over, looking at the crowd on the dock, faintly hearing waves of shouting, a smile appearing on her pretty face, "Finally back. This cruise trip was really thrilling."

Luke laughed, "Next time you vacation, will you take a cruise again?"

Nami Inoue thought seriously, "I probably won't for a while, but who knows about the future?"

Luke asked, "Did you send the news interview video to the TV station?"

"Of course, everything's ready," Nami Inoue smiled and continued, "I arranged with the director that as soon as the ship docks, the news interview about the hijacking will be aired, and this is the perfect and peak time for the news.

I believe the broadcast will be sensational, especially the footage of you shooting the hijackers in the cruise restaurant, it's more thrilling than a blockbuster."

Luke felt both anticipation and anxiety, unsure what specific effects the news might bring.

What was certain was that after the news played, his fame would certainly rise; previously, he was somewhat known in Los Angeles, but now the whole of America would know about him.

As for how much this fame could translate into actual benefits, that remained to be seen.

But for now, it seemed there were no negative impacts on him.

"Woo-woo..." The ship gave a long whistle and slowly docked.

The cheers of the crowd on the dock rose and fell, and Luke could even make out the smiling faces full of emotion.

Smiles were contagious, and a smile unknowingly appeared on Luke's face.

In the crowd, Luke spotted a few familiar figures, led by a middle-aged white woman with short hair, an ordinary face, wearing a black business suit. She was Lynn Brouss, the deputy director of the FBI Los Angeles Office and the head of the Anti-Terrorism Department, also Luke's nominal superior.

Previously, Luke had a few collaborations with her, making them somewhat acquainted.

Because of their past collaborations, Luke was also no stranger to other agents in the Anti-Terrorism Department, even having good relationships with a few whom he'd had drinks with.

By now, the passengers had gathered on the deck with their luggage, and the Navy SEALs were maintaining order on the deck.

The cruise lowered the gangway, and Luke was the first to disembark.

Lynn Brouss stepped forward, shook hands with Luke, and said, "Welcome to officially join the FBI Anti-Terrorism Department, buddy."

Luke smiled, "Isn't it surprising? It's the same for me."

Lynn Brouss shrugged, "I'd call it a delightful surprise. You haven't even officially reported and have already made meritorious achievements. You're the perfect fit for the Anti-Terrorism Department."

Luke joked, "Honestly, did my arrival make you feel pressured?"

Lynn Brouss gestured with her right thumb and forefinger, "Just a little."

Luke laughed, "Relax, buddy. My main focus is still on the Robbery and Murder Department. I have no intention of replacing you."

"Then why were you suddenly transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Department? I didn't even hear a whisper about it."

Luke shrugged, "It was Aysha Gard's decision. Perhaps she felt handling this case as part of the Anti-Terrorism Department would be more appropriate."

"Anyway, it's great that you could join the Anti-Terrorism Department." Lynn Brouss forced a smile, though she didn't seem entirely at ease.

Upon suddenly receiving news that Luke was being transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Department as deputy chief, she felt a bit uneasy. Luke's unique status and outstanding abilities made her feel a sense of crisis.

Hearing Luke's words now, she felt slightly relieved. Since Luke wasn't intent on replacing her, his threat diminished by more than half, but she wasn't entirely relaxed either.

Luke's appointment was directly arranged by Gard. Could it mean the chief was dissatisfied with her recent work, sending Luke to chasten her? Or was she overthinking it, and it was just a temporary reassignment?

However, that old lady is no pushover. I'd better be careful in the near future.

FBI senior agent Armand Hains approached and shook hands with Luke, "Consultant Li, we can work together again. No, now I should call you Deputy Chief Li."

"Haha, you can call me whatever you like." Luke patted Armand Hains on the shoulder. During his previous cooperation with the Anti-Terrorism Department, Armand Hains had been assisting him, and he asked, "How's the investigation into the cruise ship robbers' connections in Los Angeles going?"

Armand Hains replied, "Those guys are responsible for selling the stolen drugs. We have them under surveillance and can arrest them at any time."

Luke pressed, "What about the gunman's background?"

Armand Hains said, "His background is quite complicated. He doesn't seem to be involved with drug trafficking and selling but might be tied to other cases."

Luke nodded and introduced the situation of Hamidi Shawn and the gunman.

"Your friend wants to acquire a port in Los Angeles?" Lynn Brouss slightly furrowed her brow and asked, "It's not this port, is it?"

"That's right, it's this one."

Lynn Brouss said, "I've heard some news too. The port's management is experiencing problems, and smuggling is quite severe, involving conflicts among several local gangs.

Local forces are hard to deal with, let alone outsiders."

Luke laughed, "That's why he needs our friendship with the FBI. Interested?"

Previously, Luke had agreed with Hamidi Shawn to get him safely to Los Angeles.

Before the cruise ship arrived at the port, Hamidi Shawn found Luke, asking him to continue investigating the gunman who attacked him and to find the person who hired the assassin. This person posed a greater threat to him; as long as he wasn't found, the other side might send another killer.

Hamidi Shawn also hoped Luke could continue ensuring his safety in Los Angeles, and was willing to pay a considerable consultant fee to ensure the port acquisition proceeded smoothly.

Luke pondered carefully. The interests involved in port shipping are significant. If a problem arose, it wouldn't be a minor issue, and he couldn't handle it alone. He'd definitely need to leverage the power of the FBI or police then.

Instead of seeking help at the last minute, it was better to involve the FBI now. The port is involved in global cargo transportation, making it more suitable for the FBI's Anti-Terrorism Department to join, allowing for greater authority.

Moreover, Luke was not short of money now. There was no need to take it all for himself. Bringing in more people would expand the network, thereby solidifying his position.

With the support of the FBI Anti-Terrorism Department, Luke wouldn't bear too much risk and could gain a stable income, which was also a benefit for his new colleagues at the FBI Anti-Terrorism Department.

Lynn Brouss thought for a moment and said, "The port involves various interests, and there are often gang fights over it, affecting the stability of all Los Angeles. It indeed needs close attention.

I think we should discuss it."

Luke said, "Then let's quickly find out who hired the gunman, so Hamidi Shawn can see our capabilities.

I believe someone doing big business like him won't skimp on consultant fees for safety."

The three of them chuckled and began discussing the next steps.

Luke and Hamidi Shawn, with Lynn Brouss providing backing, Armand Hains was the executor of the plan.

Just as Luke said, if Hamidi Shawn succeeded in acquiring the port, it would be a long-term income for everyone to benefit from.

By then, the whole Los Angeles port was bustling with activity. Passengers disembarked from the cruise ship, reuniting with family and friends, hugging and greeting each other, creating a joyful scene.

A lot of media who had gotten the news also captured this touching moment.

At the same time, Nami Inoue's interview news was officially broadcast on CBS. During the heist, Nami Inoue was at the scene, capturing many precious, thrilling moments with her phone, like Luke shooting the robbers in the restaurant, the SEALs attacking their accomplices at sea, and Luke giving a speech on deck.

Nami Inoue also interviewed many cruise passengers, who vividly described the thrilling and exciting scenes, with many of them expressing admiration and gratitude for Luke.

After Nami Inoue's news aired, it brought the cruise ship hijacking event back into the spotlight, with global media covering the story, and Luke's heroic deeds became a popular topic of conversation.

For a time, Luke became the hero of Los Angeles in people's mouths.