Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Figaro Supermarket.

Val was pushing a cart, arranging goods, while a TV hung at the top end of the shelf, playing a news channel.

The news was showing the hijacking of a cruise ship, and upon seeing Luke's image, Val couldn't help but stop, showing concern on his face.

An African American employee came by and stood next to Val, watching the news on TV and said self-deprecatingly, "You know what? This kind of thing would never happen to me because I can't even afford a ticket for such a luxury cruise, haha..."

Val made a gesture for silence, focusing intently on the news.

The African American employee watched the news while commenting, "I think I know this guy in the news, yes, Luke Lee, he seems to be a pretty great cop in LA, how did he end up with the FBI?"

Val replied, "He was always an FBI consultant on criminal investigations."

"How do you know that?" The African American employee turned to look at Val, noticing him posing with his right hand under his chin, and frowned, "What kind of pose is that?"

Val laughed, "Don't you think we look alike?"

"You and Luke Lee?" The African American employee stared at the TV for a closer look, "Alright, you do look a bit like him, but he looks more manly, definitely a tough guy."

"No no no." Val wiggled his finger, "It's not that I look like him, it's that he looks like me. I'm his uncle."

"Are you kidding?"

Val said with a serious face, "His mom is my sister, trust me, nothing could be more real."

"Oh my! That's quite surprising. You've got such an amazing nephew!" The African American employee looked puzzled, "So why are you working at a supermarket?"

Val was momentarily speechless, wanting to say it's his interest, but couldn't bring himself to say it.

Just then, his phone rang, relieving him of the awkwardness. He handed the cart over, "I'll take this call."

"Alright, it's not like you have such an amazing nephew. But, are you really not lying to me?" The African American employee remained a bit skeptical.

"Of course." Val pointed at his phone, "See, it's a call from his mom."

Val walked aside with a smile and pressed the answer button, "Hi, my dear sister, what's up?"

Yes, I saw the news too.

You're right, it's a day worth celebrating.

Okay, got it..."

7 PM.

Palisades Community.

A black SUV with FBI lettering stopped at the Luke family home.

The car door opened, Luke stepped out, greeted the driver, and watched as the black SUV drove away.

Luke opened the door and walked into the yard, where the lawn was neatly mowed. He hired a professional gardener to come regularly.

Back in the day, Luke often mowed the lawn at his mom's house, but his new home is too big to compare. If he handled it himself, it would take him half a day at least.

Wanting to live in a mansion means not just being able to buy it but also being able to afford its upkeep.

Dragging his suitcase to the front door, Luke opened it to find the living room lights turned on.

"Surprise!"

Linda, Robert, and Val suddenly popped out.

Luke laughed, "What brings you all here?"

Linda laughed, "My son is America's hero, how could we not come to celebrate?"

Val said, "That's right, my manager knew about it and gave me half a day off."

Robert walked over to hug Luke, "My dear child, you are the pride of our family!"

Linda walked over, looking Luke up and down, "How are you? You're not hurt, right?"

Luke smiled and said, "I'm fine, really.

In fact, the cruise hijacking wasn't as dangerous as imagined, everything was under control."

Val said, "Don't stand at the door. Dinner is ready, let's eat while we talk.

I only had a burger for lunch, and I'm starving."

After putting down his luggage and quickly freshening up, Luke went to the dining room where the table was filled with a sumptuous meal, "Where's Jack? Haven't seen him."

Linda shrugged, "He's at home."

Luke replied, "What's up with him? This isn't like him at all."

Val laughed, "Haha, that brat got dumped. No, to be precise, he was dumped."

Robert rolled his eyes, "That's not something to be happy about, why are you so excited?"

Val said seriously, "A breakup is a necessary path to a man's growth. Only those who have gone through a breakup can become real men.

Though it might mean temporary pain, in the long run, it's a rare experience for Jack."

Linda came over with a plate of salad, puncturing Val's words, "No, you're just gloating. You don't have a girlfriend and don't want others to have one either.

Besides, Jack just had a quarrel with his girlfriend, they haven't really broken up."

Val quickly shook his head, "No no no, I don't lack girlfriends, the female employees and customers at the supermarket like me, several have even confessed to me."

Linda teased, "My dear brother, it's not time to dream yet, hurry up and eat."

Robert said, "I quite like Maggie, hope Jack makes up with her soon." He raised his glass,

"Family, let's toast to Luke.

To this American hero who saved hundreds of passengers."

"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses and began tonight's dinner.

Having been busy at the FBI office all day, Luke hadn't eaten much. He picked up a piece of steak and began to eat heartily.

After the four of them had been eating for a while, Robert put down his knife and fork, took a sip of red wine, and said, "Luke, tell us about what happened on the cruise. I can't wait to hear how it all went down."

Val echoed, "That's right, I also want to know how you managed to rescue hundreds of passengers on a cruise. It's unbelievable."

Linda looked at her son with a gratified expression.

Luke didn't disappoint them and started recounting what happened on the cruise...

The group chatted late into the night before finally parting ways.

...

The next morning.

Luke sat in the yard in his pajamas, drinking coffee and browsing the Los Angeles news on his phone.

The cruise hijacking case still occupied the headlines of major news sections. Luke felt that CBS Television must be pushing it because they got first-hand interview material this time.

Nami Inoue also gained significant attention with this interview, and her glamorous appearance and professional demeanor left a deep impression on the citizens of Los Angeles.

"Ring ring..."

Luke's phone rang, displaying Director Reid's number on the screen.

Originally planning to rest for a day and then report to the police station, Luke pressed the answer button, "Hello, Director."

"Luke, when did you become the Deputy Director of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division?"

Luke replied, "It was during the cruise hijacking. Director Aysha Gard thought it might be a terror attack case, and this position was more suitable for handling such cases.

But it's only a nominal position and won't affect my work at the Detective Bureau."

"That's good. Where are you now?"

"At home."

"You've taken so many days off and still have the nerve to stay at home. Get yourself to the police station. I want to see you within an hour."

"Director, don't be so stingy. I just caught a gang of robbers; let me rest for another day."

"I'd like to let you rest, but there's a case that needs your investigation."

"What case?"

"A murder case that happened two days ago."

"Since the case occurred two days ago, who's in charge of the investigation?"

"Squad Two."

Luke said, "Then what's there to worry about? Captain Clint of Squad Two has plenty of experience in handling cases, so why involve me in the investigation?"

"It's a bit complicated. Come to my office, and we'll talk in person."

"Alright, you're the boss." Luke hung up the phone, tidied himself briefly, and drove to the Detective Bureau.

As Luke drove into the parking lot and got out of the car, he was warmly greeted by everyone.

"Captain Lee, long time no see.

I saw you on the news. Great job, especially the footage of you taking down the robber in the restaurant—super cool."

"Morning, guys." Luke greeted them with a smile.

"Hey, American hero, I heard you're transferring to the FBI."

"Don't be silly; I'm not going anywhere."

"Luke, you got quite the spotlight this time. All the TV stations are broadcasting your story."

"Are there ever too few stories about me? You should be used to it by now. Haha..." Luke chatted with everyone for a while and promised to take them to a bar for drinks in the evening before heading to the director's office.

"Knock knock."

"Come in."

Luke pushed the door open and entered the office, "Director, I came as soon as I received your call."

Reid stood up, walked to the sofa, and invited Luke to sit down, "Want something to drink?"

"No need, let's get straight to the case."

Reid nodded, "The crime scene is at 104 Wilson Community. The victims are the homeowner Blanchie Coluk and her boss Gallian Coffey.

Gallian Coffey is the current chairman of Koffi Company. You must have heard of this company."

Luke said, "I've heard of it, but don't know much."

"Koffi Company was established sixty years ago. It was originally just an investment company. After sixty years of development, it has expanded into finance, real estate, tech, shipping, tourism, sports, charity, and several other fields. It's a large-scale company.

Moreover, the Coffey family has a good relationship with the Los Angeles Police Department. Just last year, they donated three million US Dollars in charity to the LAPD.

With all the news about you on TV recently, they have high hopes for your abilities and want you to take over the case investigation."

Luke showed a wry smile. Fame certainly has its perks, but sometimes it also brings corresponding responsibilities.

"What about Clint? I don't want him and Squad Two to feel like I'm taking over their case.

If it affects the relationship between the two squads, I'd rather not take the case."

"I'll communicate with Squad Two, so you won't have a hard time."

Luke rubbed his chin, still seeming a bit hesitant, "I don't really like how Koffi Company is interfering with police work."

Reid continued, "Neither do I, which is why I initially refused.

However, as a gesture of goodwill and apology, Koffi Company is willing to put up a one million US Dollar reward for solving the case.

I'm planning to form a joint investigation team with Squad One and Squad Two, so Squad Two won't have too many objections.

Of course, the investigation will still be led by you, and I'll have Clint cooperate with your actions."

Reid added, "Once we catch the murderer, I'll grant you an extended vacation."

Luke smiled, "Sounds good."