Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Los Angeles, Police Station.

"Ow..."

A roaring sound similar to a wildcat echoed as a black Hellcat Challenger drove into the police station courtyard.

It caught everyone's attention and drew a crowd.

The rough guys at the station couldn't resist this muscle car that's all about power.

"I love this sound, it's so appealing."

"Yeah, that Hellcat's got the street on fire."

Luke stepped out of the driver's seat and was immediately surrounded.

"Captain Lee, is this your new car?"

"How much did it cost?"

"It's even cooler than I imagined."

"If I had a Hellcat, I wouldn't even want a wife."

"Haha..." Everyone burst into laughter.

Luke chatted with the crowd for a bit, then headed toward the office building.

"Did you hit it big again? Managed to get yourself a Hellcat!"

A gruff voice came from behind, and without looking, Luke knew who it was, his old partner David.

Luke said, "A while back, I solved the case of the Koffi group's chairman's murder and got a decent reward, so I bought it."

"Harley, Ford Raptor, Hellcat." David looked envious, "You've got a pretty good eye for cars.

If you ever decide to sell the Raptor, don't forget to let me know."

"Then you'll have to wait." Luke smiled, "Busy lately? Haven't seen you in a while."

"You're either busy with cases or on vacation, so it's not unusual to miss me," David had a look of pretending to understand Luke.

Luke patted his shoulder, "Want to grab a drink tonight?"

"Can't do tonight..." David glanced at Luke, "You don't know yet?"

"Know what?"

"Some big shot is coming to LA, I have to go clear the area and make sure the gangs behave."

"OK, let's reschedule then." Luke wasn't really interested in the so-called big shot.

"I'll come find you guys when I have time." David waved and walked toward the Organized Crime and Narcotics Division office.

Luke went to the Robbery and Murder Department office.

Through the door, he heard Blackie's voice, "Guys, guess how much this T-shirt cost me?"

Jackson guessed, "Five dollars."

"Nonono, too expensive."

Jenny guessed, "Three dollars."

"Still too much."

Port answered, "Two dollars."

"Haha, see, married men know how to manage money, exactly, two dollars.

Isn't that cheap?" Blackie said with a bit of pride.

The deputy captain sneered, "That shirt of yours looks like a big rooster, I wouldn't wear it even for a dollar."

Blackie snorted, "Deputy, you're too old, we're from different generations, I don't care about your opinion."

The deputy laughed, "Any normal person would think the same as me."

"Creak..." Luke pushed the door open and walked in.

Blackie pointed at his shirt, "Captain, what do you think of this T-shirt, does it look good?"

Luke touched his nose and said, "Not bad, perfect for a vacation."

Blackie was stunned for a moment, then grinned, "You think like my wife, she specifically got this for my vacation.

It only cost two dollars."

"You've got a good wife." Luke nodded seriously, "How's the house hunting going?"

Blackie shrugged, "Haven't found a suitable one yet, but we've bought a lot of stuff we'll need after moving, quite a bargain."

"Same here." Luke's new house also needed some things, and during Black Friday the other day, he did a big haul.

In addition, the Hellcat was bought at Black Friday's price, and the dealership threw in a lot of freebies, saving him quite a bit.

The deputy shook his head, "You guys always think you've snagged a deal, but honestly, those sly capitalists never come out on the losing end."

Luke was accustomed to the old man's contrariness and changed the subject, "Deputy, how's the team doing lately?"

The deputy asked back, "Heard you had another big operation in the northern suburb of LA."

"You're well-informed."

"The advantage of living long is you get to know more friends."

Luke said, "This operation involved the FBI's witness protection program, so I can't say much."

"Honestly, I'm not that interested either." The deputy shrugged and continued, "Yesterday, Reid summoned the middle and senior management for a meeting, you weren't there, so I went."

"What did Reid say?" Luke wasn't too interested in such meetings either, the more people attending, the less valuable the meeting.

"On December 10th, unless there are special circumstances, no one in the station is allowed to take a leave.

We're expecting a big shot."

Jackson was curious, "Is the Great Commander coming?"

The deputy wagged his finger, "This is California, not his jurisdiction."

Blackie said, "So, is the California governor coming?"

"No." The deputy wagged his finger again, "It's gubernatorial candidate Henrik Laurie."

Blackie raised an eyebrow, "He's just a candidate, do we need such a big fuss?"

The deputy explained, "He's the donkey party candidate, well-educated, good background, and highly supported. If nothing unexpected happens, he'll be the new California governor next year.

So, from certain perspective, this new gubernatorial candidate is more worth sucking up to than the outgoing governor."

Blackie was indifferent, "I don't see the difference, his background means he won't actively increase police funding, being spared from budget cuts would be a blessing.

So, I don't see the point of cozying up to him?"

Jackson thought for a bit, "Actually, it's not about cozying up, if we do our jobs well and maintain good public security in LA, they wouldn't have an excuse to cut our budget."

The deputy praised, "Well said, that's exactly what Reed meant.

If we do well, maybe we won't get any rewards, but if anyone screws up, it'd be giving them ammunition.

So do your jobs well, guys."

Blackie suddenly asked, "If he gets knocked off, wouldn't the governor's office be up for grabs?"

"In a sense, his political opponents should be thankful to us."

"According to you, if nothing unexpected happens, that would be best. But once something does happen, then..." Jackson made a throat-slitting gesture.

"Quite an intriguing idea." Luke laughed.

The deputy shrugged, "It's not funny at all.

When the day comes, we might also be involved in the protection mission. If Henrik Laurie has an accident, we would be responsible as well.

The whole LAPD would become a joke.

Don't be foolish."

Little Black laughed, "Deputy, don't be nervous, we're just joking."

...

December 8th.

Morning.

Eno Community, Linda's home.

The little chubby stood by the mirror in the living room, carefully arranging his clothes, and his hair was meticulously styled. He turned his head and shouted towards the dining room, "Mom, come over and see how these clothes look on me?"

Linda walked to the living room, looked her younger son up and down, "These clothes suit you very well."

"Are you sure? I think the black T-shirt just now made me look slimmer."

"But didn't you say that shirt was a bit tight and the cut wasn't right?"

The little chubby shrugged, "That's why I'm hesitant and wanted your opinion."

Linda sighed, "Jack, you've been up since six in the morning, showering, doing your hair, changing clothes, and now you've been fussing for over two hours. I've already given you plenty of advice.

I think you look perfect now, super cool."

"I haven't seen Maggie for a long time. I just want to leave a good impression..." The little chubby's tone was a bit melancholic.

Linda came over, patting her son's head, "Jack, I understand how you feel. When your father and I divorced, I..."

The little chubby waited a while, not hearing more, and pressed, "What happened to you?"

"I..." Linda pursed her lips, "was very uncomfortable, but I still had you and Luke by my side, and I had to be strong.

As days went by...

I am now very fulfilled and happy.

Listen, there's nothing you can't get through. You have to believe in yourself..."

"Beep beep..." A car horn sounded outside.

"Go ahead, it should be your brother."

"Let him wait a bit; I need to get the gift for Maggie." The little chubby said, and ran upstairs.

Not long after, the little chubby came running out with a delicate bag, sat directly in the front passenger seat of the Ford Raptor, and looked at Luke, "Why didn't you drive the Hellcat today?"

Luke was puzzled, "Why should I drive the Hellcat?"

The little chubby pointed at his outfit, "I think this clothing matches better with the Hellcat."

Luke was a bit speechless, but didn't want to dampen his brother's spirit today, so he simply started the car, heading towards the address Maggie gave them.

After nearly half an hour of driving, they arrived at a typical white community.

Luke followed the address to a white three-story townhouse, with a black SUV parked in the yard.

Luke got out of the car, and the little chubby jumped out of the front passenger seat, asking, "Is this the place?"

Before Luke could answer, the door of the house opened, and Agent Sabina Dodd came out, waving at the two of them, "Minister Lee, we meet again."

Luke nodded, "It's clear Maggie trusts you a lot."

Sabina Dodd smiled, "We've known each other for many years."

Maggie's father, Walker Baruch, also came out of the house, warmly shaking Luke's hand, "Captain Lee, I've heard it was you who captured those killers in time, allowing me to safely rush to New York."

"You're welcome," Luke asked, "Was this trip to New York successful?"

"Let's talk inside." Walker Baruch gestured for them to enter.

The little chubby entered the living room, his big eyes surveying the place, "Mr. Baruch, where's Maggie?"

Walker Baruch pointed to the staircase, "Maggie's waiting for you upstairs."

The little chubby didn't respond, rushing up the stairs in a hurry.

Walker Baruch poured Luke a cup of coffee, "This time went well. That bastard was convicted and has to be in prison for at least twenty years."

Luke asked, "Has this case been resolved?"

Walker Baruch shook his head, "No, the cryptocurrency trading platform's business spans the globe. That co-founder was in charge of the European business; there are partners in Asia, Australia, and elsewhere who will also be extradited to stand trial.

When the time comes, I may have to testify in court again."

Luke asked, "So, you still need to continue hiding your identity."

"Yes, the Marshals Service has already prepared new identities and new lives for us, and everything has to start over.

I'm used to it but for Maggie, it's very difficult..."

"Have you ever thought of ending this lifestyle?"

Walker Baruch exhaled deeply and nodded, "Of course. I promised Maggie, everything will end before she goes to college.

I will let her return to a normal life.

This is also what a father should do."

Luke nodded, without further probing, knowing that asking too much might touch upon confidential information.

At ten in the morning.

Maggie and the little chubby came down the stairs, both with red eyes, as if they had been crying.

"Luke, it's great to see you." Maggie came over and gave Luke a hug.

Luke gently patted her back, "If you ever encounter danger in the future, feel free to contact me."

"I will." Maggie nodded earnestly.

Agent Sabina Dodd glanced at her watch, "Okay, I know this is hard, but we should get going."

Under Sabina Dodd's urging, the group left the house.

Luke and Jack watched as the three of them got into the car.

Maggie waved from the backseat, tears streaming down her face.

The little chubby held back his tears, trying not to cry, "Maggie, I'll miss you."

The car slowly started, and Maggie stuck her head out of the window, "Jack, I'll wait for you at university!"

"Maggie..."

The little chubby couldn't hold back anymore, breaking into tears, running desperately, chasing after Maggie's car.

He ran far, until the car disappeared at the horizon...