Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

January 2nd.

11 PM.

Kazka Street, Lawson's Convenience Store.

A patrol car is parked by the roadside, and the door of the passenger seat opens. John, dressed in a police uniform, steps out of the car.

He jogs in place for a few steps and does a few squats. Sitting for long periods of time in middle age can be uncomfortable.

A young Mexican police officer gets out of the driver's seat and walks over to John, mimicking his movements to stretch.

John looks at the Mexican officer and then at the police car, asking, "Rookie, did you forget something?"

When he says the word rookie, John's feelings are mixed, a bit resistant yet a bit excited.

The resistance comes from how people used to call him a rookie, but now he has the right to call someone else that. That's right, he's got a new partner and has become the officer's training officer. That feeling... it's damn cool.

"Sir, what are you referring to?"

"You didn't lock the car."

"But we're right by the police car..."

John says, "According to police department regulations, after both officers exit the vehicle, the driver must lock the car immediately to prevent any accidents."

"I've noted that." The Mexican officer casually locks the car door.

Seeing the indifferent look on his face, John says, "Juan, I'm not nitpicking, but this is crucial.

Once, I knew an officer who forgot to lock the car door during a task, and a suspect seized the opportunity to drive away the police car, injuring a passerby.

The department had to pay a hefty compensation, and that officer was suspended.

Most importantly, such a basic mistake is embarrassing, understand?"

"Yes, I understand." Juan's attitude becomes more serious.

"Good." Johnson smiles and asks, "Do you want some coffee?"

Juan shakes his head, "No, thanks."

"But... I want some."

Only then does Juan react, "Oh, yeah, I'll go buy it. Do you want sugar?"

"The usual amount." John watches him go and smirks, "What a... not-so-bright kid."

After a while, Juan comes out with two coffees, handing one to John, "Sir, yours."

"Thank you." John sits on the plastic chair at the store entrance, takes a sip of coffee, and says, "You know? When I first joined the force, to learn more and get higher evaluations, I often queued to buy meals for my training officer.

In hindsight, it was pretty interesting."

Juan asks, "Did it help?"

John shrugs, "At least it didn't hurt."

"Sir, at what age did you become a cop?"

John puts down the coffee cup and asks back, "Are you saying I'm old?"

"No, I'm just curious... why you suddenly wanted to be a cop."

"You're not the only one curious, many people are. I used to be a building contractor, not very big, and the business wasn't great.

Once, I went to the bank for some business, and a gang happened to rob the bank.

One of the robbers pushed over a pregnant woman, and I stood up to protect her. That robber pointed a gun at my head...

That was the closest I've ever been to death...

Later on, I thought about becoming a cop."

Juan nods, "Sir, it shows you're a person with a strong sense of justice."

"Rookie, you have a lot to learn.

Keep at it; I started from this step too..." John says in a veteran manner.

Juan yawns and asks, "Sir, can you share some tips on staying awake? Coffee doesn't work for me."

John laughs, "That's because you drink too much.

Actually, I wasn't used to night shifts at first either. The day and night reversal felt terrible.

In these situations, you need to relax. Los Angeles at night is beautiful too, without the daytime hustle and bustle, like a sleeping beauty..."

At this point, a black Honda zooms past in front of them.

John stands up from his chair, "This street is speed-limited, and that car was obviously speeding.

Time to work, rookie."

"Yes, sir." Juan drops his coffee, hits the car unlock button, and jogs to the driver's seat.

"No, you go to the passenger seat; I'll drive." John gets into the driver's seat, starts the car, and steps on the gas pedal hard.

He turns on the police lights and siren, signaling for the car ahead to pull over.

The black Honda doesn't stop but speeds up instead.

"I bet there's definitely something wrong with that car in front," John insists.

Juan picks up the radio, calling the dispatch for backup.

Suddenly, the black Honda sharply turns right ahead and drives into the alley on the right side. The alley is narrow, allowing only one vehicle to pass through.

The black Honda drives a short distance into the alley, stops, and a figure pushes open the driver's door, fleeing into the shadows of the alley.

John jumps out of the car and raises his pistol toward the fleeing silhouette, "LAPD, don't move!"

However, the figure doesn't stop and turns into the right alley.

Worried there might be accomplices in the car, John holds a flashlight in his left hand, a gun in his right, and checks the black Honda at the front, finding no one else inside.

Juan said nervously on the side, "The driver ran off, should we still chase him?"

John glanced into the dark alley and shook his head, "Call for backup, it's hard for just the two of us to find him."

"Alright." Juan returned to the patrol car, called for backup, and reported the location.

John opened the car door and searched inside the black Honda, noting that the driver had fled without hesitation, clearly indicating something was wrong.

John sniffed and faintly detected a bloody scent. He shone his flashlight on the back seat of the car but saw no bloodstains or contraband.

He pressed the trunk release, walked to the back of the car, and lifted the trunk lid. A strong scent of blood rushed into his nostrils, and a white man lay in the trunk...

Morning of January 3rd.

Robbery and Murder Department office.

Everyone had just returned from vacation, still carrying some holiday cheer and excitement.

Little Black asked, "Guys, how was your Christmas?"

The deputy said, "I went to Vitos Town, the environment there was beautiful, full of Christmas atmosphere, it was an unforgettable holiday."

Jenny said, "I've heard of that town, I heard a lot of couples go there for holidays, very romantic."

Little Black laughed, "Whoa, deputy, which ex-wife did you go with? Didn't think you still had a romantic soul."

"None of the ex-wives. It was a lady I met last year, she's very elegant and caring, we have many common hobbies."

Little Black was taken aback, "You have a new girlfriend again?"

The deputy shrugged, "Is there a problem?"

Little Black pouted, "You used to call me a playboy, now you know who the real playboy is."

The deputy said, "I'm different from you, you were just messing around irresponsibly.

I'm different, I'm serious with every lady, I'll be responsible and marry them."

Little Black nonchalantly said, "That's why you still have to work now."

The deputy grunted, "I like it."

Jackson was a bit curious, "Deputy, are you going to get married again?"

The deputy retorted, "Why not?"

Even the usually quiet Raymond couldn't help but say, "You are truly a brave soul!"

Seeing everyone look at him with complex expressions, the deputy felt a bit embarrassed and said, "Why hasn't Luke arrived yet?" Before anyone could answer, he continued, "If I'm not mistaken, he's probably late again."

...

Outside the deputy director's office.

"Knock, knock..." Luke knocked on the office door.

"Come in."

Luke pushed the door open and walked in, not only seeing Reid with a serious face but also David with a troubled expression.

Luke raised an eyebrow, "David, why are you here too?"

David remained silent, looking at Reid without answering.

"I got it." Luke seemed to guess something, saying, "Director, did David mess up?

If he wants to return to the Robbery and Murder Department, Squad One is always welcome."

"It's not about David." Reid still had a serious expression, pointing to the chair beside him, "Sit down."

Luke sensed the gravity of the situation and asked, "What happened?"

Reid sighed, "Jones is dead."

Luke paused for a moment, then reacted, "Captain Jones?"

Reid said, "Yes, his identity has been confirmed, Jones was murdered last night."

The office was silent for a moment, then Luke asked, "How did Captain Jones die?"

"Last night, patrol officers stopped a speeding car, the driver abandoned the car and ran, officers found Jones's body in the trunk.

This morning Jones's identity was confirmed."

Luke looked at David, then at Reid, "Do you want Squad One to investigate this case?"

Reid nodded, his tone firm, "We must catch the killer of Jones, the entire detective bureau, no, the entire LAPD will cooperate with your actions."

"I understand, Jones was not just my colleague but also my friend.

We will definitely catch the killer." Luke agreed promptly, feeling a strong sense of duty.

David said, "Our Anti-Gang and Narcotics Division will also participate in the investigation."

Reid didn't answer immediately, looking at Luke, "What do you think?"

"That's fine, but don't mess around, all actions must listen to my command."

Jones was the head of the Anti-Gang and Narcotics Division. Even if Luke didn't agree to their involvement, they might investigate privately.

Rather than letting them cause trouble, it's better to agree to the investigation.

"No problem." David trusted Luke's investigation abilities and was not averse to it.

Reid, also worried about the Anti-Gang and Narcotics Division messing up, felt relieved with Luke overseeing it and said,

"Jones was our colleague, our partner.

Whoever killed him is challenging the entire LAPD.

Jones's death must be explained.

No matter the cost, the killer must be brought to justice."

"Yes, sir!"