Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

8 PM, Green Tree Bar.

This is an open-air bar located in the suburbs. Unlike traditional bars, the atmosphere here is quieter, making it perfect for friends to chat and gather.

"Cheers!"

Members of Squad One and Squad Two of the Robbery and Murder Department raised their glasses together.

The deputy commander put down his glass and looked around with some dissatisfaction, "Why meet here? I'm still more used to Mezke Bar."

Jackson explained, "This is a newly opened bar, with a 30% discount on all drinks, very cost-effective."

Blackie looked around and chuckled, "I like the environment here, good scenery, spacious, lots of beauties."

"True, but there are also lots of mosquitoes." The deputy commander slapped his right hand on his left arm, immediately leaving a bloody mosquito mark.

Jenny took out a small box from her bag and asked, "This mosquito repellent works well, want to try it?"

"No, that's only for women. My skin is thick enough that mosquitoes can't bite through." The deputy commander shook his head and glanced around, "Reid, not coming today?"

Luke said, "He has plans today."

The deputy commander spread his hands, "If it were at Mezke Bar, he might show up."

Luke teased, "Exactly, that's why I chose this place."

"Haha..." Everyone burst into laughter.

"You bunch of rascals." The deputy commander shook his head and joined in the laughter.

Chen Kelin raised his glass and said, "It was a pleasure working with you."

Luke also raised his glass, smiling, "Not 'you', it's 'us'."

"Indeed, we are 'one family'." Chen Kelin said to everyone around, "For us, cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses once more.

The deputy commander put down his glass and smacked his lips, "The whiskey here has a unique taste." He savored it again, "Heavy on the smoky flavor, rather smooth, not bad."

Blackie laughed, "That's why we should try new things. Going to the same bar all the time, no matter how good the drink is, you'll get tired of it."

"Compared to the quality of the drinks, I still think the drinking atmosphere is more important." The deputy commander paused, as if remembering something, "Guys, isn't it a bit early to start celebrating now?

Although Michael Kamara admitted to killing Gallian Coffey and Blanchie Coluk, he still refuses to admit involvement in the two murders from forty years ago.

Do you have any ways to make him talk?"

Chen Kelin said, "According to Luke's theory, the two cases from forty years ago are exchange murders, then Michael Kamara should be the real culprit of the Silver Cross case. Also, his fingerprints were found at the Silver Cross crime scene.

But the problem is, since the case is already forty years old, the fingerprints alone are insufficient for conviction.

Deputy commander, you were involved in the investigation of the Silver Cross case back then, so you have more say on this."

The deputy commander thought for a moment, "If it's truly an exchange murder, then Wang Shaokang might be the other murderer. The victim in the Silver Cross case ran over Wang Shaokang's mother, and he always wanted revenge for her.

Michael Kamara killed Wang Shaokang's enemy.

And Wang Shaokang avenged Michael Kamara's sister by killing the first chairman of the Coffey Group, Burnett Coffey.

Could I use Wang Shaokang as a breakthrough?"

Blackie shrugged, "Wang Shaokang is now an excellent lawyer.

Getting him to confess to a murder case from thirty-nine years ago without direct evidence is a waste of time."

The deputy commander said, "Then let's give Michael Kamara an immunity deal. As long as he's willing to cooperate with the police, we won't pursue his crimes in the Silver Cross case, relieving his worries."

Luke said, "Good idea, you can try it, but I don't hold out much hope."

The deputy commander asked, "Why?"

Luke replied, "Considering Michael Kamara's current situation, admitting to one murder and admitting to two doesn't make much difference.

The reason he won't acknowledge the Silver Cross case is more like protecting Wang Shaokang."

"You think the immunity deal won't work." The deputy commander took a sip of whiskey and countered, "Then what good ideas do you have?"

Luke thought for a moment and smiled, "There's a saying in China, 'throw it in the cold'."

The deputy commander spread his hands, "What does that mean?"

Chen Kelin laughed, "You're planning to abandon investigating the two old cases?"

"Why not? Our task was to investigate the murders of Gallian Coffey and Blanchie Coluk.

We've caught the perpetrator, completing the task.

Solving two old cases from forty years ago isn't our responsibility.

Moreover, I personally am not very keen on investigating such 'controversial' cases." Luke made this decision after careful consideration.

Firstly, these cases are decades old, making them very difficult to solve. Unless the suspect confesses, it's hard to find evidence to convict.

Secondly, they are typical revenge cases.

Take the Silver Cross case as an example. The victim was a white thug who ran over Wang Shaokang's mother but was never legally punished.

Wang Shaokang's revenge was out of sheer helplessness.

This kind of plot often appears in TV dramas.

A villain who commits all sorts of evil, raped and looted, gets killed, and the killer may actually be a good person. Should the police arrest the killer?

From a legal perspective, the police must arrest the killer to uphold judicial fairness.

But from a moral standpoint, arresting the killer seems like avenging the villain, which seems a bit unjust.

Most TV dramas ultimately have the police arrest the killer for judicial fairness.

In theory, there's nothing wrong with this.

But it leaves people feeling stifled, and some might even point fingers at the police, saying they arrest the good instead of the evil.

Luke finds similar situations very distasteful.

These two old cases have a similar feel, so why should Luke voluntarily take on such thankless dirty work?

He's not someone who would ignore all ties for so-called judicial justice.

As for the case of Michael Kamara killing Gallian Coffey and Blanchie Coluk, that is completely different.

...

Saturday, morning.

Robert yawned and walked out of the bedroom. He made himself a cup of coffee and walked to the window. The warm sunlight fell upon him, "Praise Los Angeles, another beautiful day."

Robert turned around and called upstairs, "Val, time to get up."

No response.

"Hey, young man, don't make me drag you out of bed.

"You know I'm not a patient person."

Val's disgruntled voice came from upstairs, "Dad, let me sleep in, please."

"You've slept long enough, time to go to the grocery store."

"I told you, I don't have work today, I'm on vacation."

"I know, that's why I'm asking you to drive to the store to buy some groceries. Don't forget what day it is."

A few minutes later, Val came downstairs rubbing his messy hair, "Yeah, I obviously remember, today is family gathering day."

"Why not schedule it for dinner instead of lunch?"

Robert shrugged, "It was Linda's idea. If you have any complaints, you can tell her in person later."

Val felt a bit deflated, not wanting to offend both bosses, "I don't have any complaints, just asking."

"Okay, now that you know, hurry up and make breakfast. After we eat, we'll go to the supermarket."

"Why do I have to make breakfast?"

"Because this is my house. If you have a problem, you can move out."

Val immediately perked up, "No, I have no problem at all.

I'm happy to make breakfast for you. I love you, Dad, you know that."

"That's right, my son who could soon be homeless, I love you too."

Val forced a smile, "Haha, Dad, you're such a joker."

Robert laughed, "I'm glad you like it.

Don't overcook the eggs."

"No problem, my dearest Dad, I love making fried eggs, haha." Val's awkward laugh echoed again in the house.

Past ten in the morning, Luke drove out in a black Raptor pickup, first picking up Linda and the little chubby kid at the Eno community, then heading to Grandpa's place.

Looking through the rearview mirror at his listless brother, Luke asked, "Jack, are you dieting?"

The little chubby kid didn't reply.

Linda answered, "He hasn't had much of an appetite lately, probably post-breakup syndrome."

Luke said, "I thought you and Maggie had patched things up."

Linda reminded, "Don't mention that name, or he'll start crying again."

The little chubby kid retorted, "I'm not crying."

Linda stared at her younger son, "Then why are your eyes red?"

"The window was open too wide, got blown by the wind."

Linda rolled her eyes, "You always have an excuse, you're such a troublesome kid."

"I'm not a kid anymore, and don't treat me like one." The little chubby kid turned his head to the other side.

"My bad, shouldn't have brought it up." Luke closed the window a bit.

Soon, the car entered the Becca community, and Luke parked the car in the Robert family's yard.

Robert waved, "Hi, the weather's nice today. How about we eat in the yard?"

"Sounds perfect." Luke jumped out of the car, "Grandpa, is there anything you need me to do?"

"Go get the awning from the garage." Robert pointed to a patch of lawn nearby, "Set it up over there."

"No problem."

Val came out wearing a blue cartoon apron, "Hi family, glad you're finally here. I can take a breather now."

Linda teased, "Val, you got fatter, that's why you're out of breath just wearing an apron."

Val: "..."

As noon approached, a sumptuous lunch was laid out under the awning.

Beef stew with potatoes, grilled lamb chops, pan-seared tuna, cola chicken wings, vegetable salad, ham, Russian soup, and the main dish, Spanish seafood paella.

Seeing his slightly haggard brother, Luke, in a rare moment, spoke with concern, "These cola chicken wings are something I made just for you, have some more."

The little chubby kid nodded, picked up a cola chicken wing, and began eating.

Robert, holding a beer, turned to Linda and asked, "The kid still hasn't gotten over the breakup."

Linda shrugged, "Why don't you just ask him directly?"

Robert hesitated a bit, "I got two NBA game tickets, Jack, do you want to go?"

"No, thanks, Grandpa."

"Why not? You really like watching basketball games, don't you?"

Jack forced a smile, "I just liked going with someone, not alone."

"Okay, anyone else want the tickets?"

"Grandpa, I do."

"Great, they're yours, Luke."

"Thanks, Grandpa, do you want to go with me?"

"No, it's better for you young folks to go together." Robert pointed to the little chubby kid nearby.

Val patted the little chubby kid on the shoulder, "Jack, I've had a lot of similar experiences, want to hear my advice?"

Robert interrupted, "My advice is, don't easily listen to others' advice.

Especially from those who are still single."

Linda nodded, "Agreed."

"I just want to care for my nephew, why are you all picking on me?" Val complained.

Robert said, "I'm just telling the truth.

If you want to give Jack some advice, first get yourself a girlfriend, that would be more convincing.

I would also keep my mouth shut."

Linda laughed, "I also think you need a new girlfriend more than Jack does.

Dear brother, you should step it up."

Jack looked up, "Thank you, Uncle."

Val was a bit confused, "Thank me for what?"

Jack shrugged, "Nothing, just suddenly feel a lot better."

Val: "..."