Chapter 6 Taser

[Distributed to the host through appropriate channels, depending on the situation.]

Luke, a dedicated police officer, relies solely on his salary for income. Eight thousand dollars is a significant sum, and he must find a legitimate way to earn it. Fortunately, he still has five unused lottery tickets he bought earlier.

Taking out one of the scratch-off tickets and a dollar coin, Luke prepared to play. The game's rules were straightforward: reveal the fruit symbols under the coating, and if he uncovered the same fruit multiple times, he would win a corresponding prize.

Luke scratched off the coating, revealing a variety of fruits: bananas, apples, grapes, watermelons, and oranges. Unfortunately, he missed on the second, third, and fourth tickets. Feeling a bit disheartened, he hoped the last ticket would bring him luck.

As he scratched off the final ticket, he uncovered bananas, bananas, and more bananas, with $8,000 written on the back.

"Yes!!!" Luke cheered, pumping his fist in triumph. His excitement wasn't just about winning the money; it also meant the 'Detective System' could continue to help him earn more.

...

On Friday at 7:58 a.m., Luke entered the police department office with renewed energy, greeting everyone, "Good morning," his back straight and voice vibrant. The prospect of money had given him a boost in confidence.

David, touching his bald head, grumbled, "For you, it's morning, but for us, it's still work time. We're slogging through case files and coffee. Maybe it's time I consider a career change?"

Luke placed a plastic bag on the table. "I brought breakfast for everyone, on me."

David looked at Luke, surprised. "What? Are you serious? You're starting to act weird. Maybe you should see a doctor."

David, known for his irritable and reckless demeanor, often clashed with Luke, but their relationship was relatively close. Despite his sarcasm, he was a soft-hearted friend.

Luke shrugged, "If you're set on losing weight, I won't stop you. Though, with your belly, you're catching up to a pregnant woman."

Vincent, not one to hold back, smiled and said, "I'll take hot dogs and a nonfat vanilla latte. I'm starting to like you, kid."

"You'll get used to it," Luke replied, finishing up the breakfast distribution. He then knocked on the captain's office door and announced, "Captain, breakfast is here."

The door opened, and Susan, her eyes lined with eyeshadow from a sleepless night, stepped out. She took a cup of milk tea, saying, "Thanks, I'll have a bit too."

Everyone knew Luke was trying to win favor, but the money he spent was real.

As Luke munched on some hand-cut fries, he asked David, who was devouring his food, "How's the interrogation coming along?"

David, sipping his Coke, said, "I'm surprised you're asking about the case. It's rare for you to take the initiative."

"I've arrested the suspect, so it's my right and duty to follow up on the investigation."

Though the 'Detective System' hadn't explicitly instructed him, Luke had figured out that solving cases or catching suspects granted him a lottery chance, which could potentially earn him money.

"You don't need to remind me. The whole department knows," David said, handing Luke a transcript. "The suspect confessed to the robbery last night but denies involvement in the previous ones. He claimed to have imitated the 'Taser robbery' after seeing it on the news, trying to frame the other party."

Luke considered this, noting the differences in crime details despite both suspects using a Taser. "What's his motive?"

"His name's Tim. He's an unemployed alcoholic in financial trouble. He wanted quick cash."

Luke remembered the arrest scene from last night. "Did he have an alibi for the previous 'Taser robberies'?"

Marcus yawned, "I stayed up to check. During the second robbery, he was at his girlfriend's house, working out. His girlfriend's a well-built African-American woman. I don't get how she's with him..."

Susan cut him off, "For the last time, no one talks to the news without my permission. I don't want any more imitation cases. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Susan continued, "While the cases aren't directly related, both suspects used Tasers. Raymond, can you explain the guns they used?"

Raymond, calm and serious, put down his burrito and said, "The suspect used an X26-C Taser, known for its powerful shock. It fires two wires and can incapacitate someone from up to 15 meters away for 10 to 30 seconds."

Luke added, "But the Taser used seemed more powerful. The victim was unconscious for several minutes, and her consciousness was hazy afterward."

"Correct. The Taser was modified," Raymond confirmed. "While the standard X26-C delivers 50,000 volts, the one used had 100,000 volts."

"Modified Tasers are more dangerous, causing longer stun periods and higher fatality rates," Raymond noted, picking up a photo. "The modified magazines also differ. Standard ones eject over forty small pieces of paper with the gun's serial number. The suspect's magazine was missing."

"Bingo, that's exactly what I was getting at," Vincent interjected. "No confetti was found at the previous robbery scenes. The longer stun time indicates the Taser was more powerful, suggesting the suspect used a modified version. They might have purchased it from the same place."

Susan ordered, "Raymond and Marcus, check out Joe Wei's gun store."

Vincent leaned in and whispered, "I recommend David and Luke for the job—they're the most efficient."

Susan replied, "I know, but they're also the most troublesome. Can you ensure there won't be any issues?"

Vincent shrugged, "I'm out of options. It's Friday, and the suspect might strike again today."