Police Detective Bureau, Robbery and Murder Division
Luke and David entered the office one after the other.
The silver-haired deputy greeted them with a grin. "Well, look who's back! Our two finest officers. Have you tracked down the suspect, Tony?"
David responded nonchalantly, "We located Tony's house, but he wasn't there. From the state of the place, he's been gone for at least a week."
The deputy raised an eyebrow. "So, how did you manage to get inside the house?" He waved off the question. "Never mind. Just report to the captain."
Jenny glanced at David. "Are you hurt?"
David wiped his mouth absently. "We had a little mishap during our search for Tony. On the bright side, we've recruited a local drag racing crew member as a temporary informant. He's promised to help us track Tony down."
David turned to Matthew, who was seated nearby. "Matthew, we need more details on Tony. You'll have to dig deeper."
Matthew adjusted his glasses and began, "I've been looking into it, but there's not much to go on. Over ten years ago, Tony had a small restaurant that didn't last long. There are some stock trading records, but nothing substantial. His most recent medical record is for a drug overdose from three years ago. He's been to rehab five times, but clearly, it didn't take."
Marcus interjected, "People like him are common in the slums—outsiders who aren't easily tracked by official records. Our best bet is to go through gangs or personal connections."
Luke inquired, "What about Tony's immediate family?"
Matthew replied, "Tony's from Nevada and moved to California twenty years ago. His relatives are still in Nevada, but I haven't been able to find their contact details."
Given the lack of a national registration system and the high population turnover in cities like Los Angeles, tracing such individuals can be challenging.
Luke then asked David, "Do you plan to report to the captain, or should I?"
David pointed to his disheveled appearance. "Do I look like I'm in a state to report?"
Luke knocked and entered the captain's office.
"Captain, I'm here to update you on the investigation."
Susan gestured to a chair. "Sit down and tell me what's happening."
Luke briefed Susan on the developments at the gun store and Tony's residence, subtly emphasizing his own contributions and downplaying David's actions. This wasn't about taking credit but ensuring Susan was shielded from some of David's more controversial methods.
Susan asked, "Is the informant reliable?"
"He has no direct connection to Tony. For his own freedom, I believe he'll be motivated to help."
"Keep a close eye on him and prevent any issues."
"I will." Luke shifted the topic. "Captain, there's one more thing I need to discuss."
"Go ahead."
"I'd like to request a new partner."
"Why's that?"
"David and I don't mesh well. I believe I'd be more effective with a different partner."
"I've heard you two get along fine."
"Even couples argue; partners are no different. I still think a change would be beneficial."
"Then give me a good reason."
Luke pondered for a moment. "David's investigative methods differ from mine. His aggressive tactics, while effective short-term, might cause problems later. I've tried advising him, but he hasn't listened."
"You're right; David's methods are often reckless and against regulations. I'm familiar with his work from the Internal Affairs days."
"So, are you on board with the switch?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I appreciate your viewpoint, but you two are partners. When David errs, you need to address it immediately and keep a close watch on him."
"Are you serious?"
"I am. Report any issues directly to me."
"So you want me to be your informant?"
Susan pointed to the office. "Everyone here reports to me. Is that a problem?"
"No… you're the boss."
"Very well, you're dismissed." Luke got up to leave but stopped with a last thought. "David's been in the division longer than I have. Even if I try to persuade him, he's unlikely to change."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"Can I be the lead on field operations? That way, I can better manage the situation."
"Alright."
"If you could speak to David directly, it might help."
"David is an Inspector; you're just a detective. I can't compel him to listen. I'll support you, but not this way. If you want to gain the upper hand, it's up to you."
"How?"
"That's for you to figure out. Close the door on your way out. Thanks."
"It was a pleasure talking with you." Luke closed the door behind him with determination.
David glanced at Luke, "You look a bit off. Was the meeting with the captain not as successful as you hoped?"
Luke was clearly disheartened. It seemed that, for now, getting rid of David wasn't an option.
Just then, Luke's phone rang with an unfamiliar number.
"Hello?"
"Is this Officer Luke?"
"Yes, who's calling?"
"I'm Daisy. If you're free tomorrow, I'd like to thank you with a dinner."
Luke replied, "Miss Daisy, it's my duty to catch criminals. I appreciate your offer, but there's no need."
"It may have been a routine task for you, but it's significant to me. You saved my life, and I want to show my gratitude."
"I'm working overtime today and might not make it."
"Then I won't keep you. I'll reach out again later."
David remarked, "You've got a dinner date already?"
"It's the woman I rescued. She wants to thank me."
Marcus, intrigued, leaned in. "Well, what's stopping you? I remember her—Daisy, right? She's quite attractive. Maybe…"
Marcus winked suggestively.
Luke replied, "She has a boyfriend."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "How do you know that? Were you acquainted before?"
Luke, torn between his instincts and the new environment, sought his colleagues' advice.
He recounted their initial meeting and the events leading up to it.
Marcus chuckled. "Her claiming she has a boyfriend is probably just a polite way to deflect. It's not a real excuse. Believe me, it's from experience."
Marcus stroked his chin. "So, are you interested in her?"