Chapter 46

The Next Morning

Luke and Daisy walked into the Robbery and Homicide Division office together, drawing a lot of attention from their colleagues.

"Good morning, everyone," Luke greeted them, intending to take Daisy to the lounge to avoid any awkwardness.

When they reached the lounge door, he noticed someone moving inside. "Who's in there?"

Jenny sighed, "Steven's mother is here, and the captain is talking to her."

"Got it," Luke said, leading Daisy into the meeting room. "Please sit for a while. I'll get you a glass of water." He patted her shoulder and left the room.

Marcus, looking annoyed, remarked, "You're unbelievable. We stayed up all night working on the case, and you were out having a great time."

"What are you talking about? My mission last night was to protect Daisy."

Marcus handed Luke a cup, nudging him with his shoulder. "Be honest, did you get some exercise?"

Luke looked exasperated. "I'm working too."

Marcus grinned, "No conflicts then? We can work and exercise together."

Jenny rolled her eyes. "Marcus, that's gross. Even if Luke likes Daisy, he wouldn't take advantage of her situation."

The deputy captain chimed in, "I agree with Jenny. Show some empathy, Marcus."

Marcus threw up his hands. "Why is everyone ganging up on me?"

"Show some empathy," Luke repeated, returning to the meeting room with the water.

Daisy looked curious. "What were you talking about out there?"

"They were complimenting me on my taste," Luke said with a smile.

"Did you tell them about us?"

"I didn't need to. This is the Detective Bureau; they're the best in Los Angeles..."

Daisy nodded, resigned.

Just then, the door to the conference room opened, and Susan walked in. "Miss Daisy, sorry to keep you waiting."

Daisy stood up. "Thank you, Captain Susan, for your timely help last night."

"Just doing my job. Please, have a seat," Susan said seriously. "Let me update you on yesterday's inspection. Our technical team found a camera in your study, but no other surveillance devices. They collected biological traces, and you can go home today."

"Thank you."

"From the camera's angle, it seemed to be pointed at the safe. Is there anything valuable in it?"

"Some jewelry and documents."

"Any idea who might have installed it?"

Daisy glanced at Luke, who nodded slightly. "I suspect it's related to the robbery on March 2."

"You think the robbery wasn't an accident and there's more to it?"

"Yes."

"Do you have any evidence?"

"On March 2, my law firm's office was broken into, and then I was robbed. Yesterday, a surveillance camera was installed. These incidents happened within two weeks. It's too much to be a coincidence."

"Has anything like this happened before?"

"No."

"Have you recently offended anyone or come into possession of something valuable?"

"I'm handling a will case at the moment. I suspect it's related to that," Daisy explained, recounting her conversation with Luke.

Susan nodded. "From a motive perspective, the client's family might have a reason. Can you tell us the name of the testator and the will's details?"

Daisy looked hesitant. "I can provide the client's name, but I can't share the will's contents due to professional confidentiality. I'm sorry."

"No problem. If I were in your position, I'd do the same," Susan replied. "Give us the client's information. We'll investigate. If we find a connection to the will, we'll apply for the necessary procedures to review it."

"Thank you for understanding, Captain Susan."

Daisy revealed the testator's identity, and Luke took notes.

Half an hour later, Daisy left the Robbery and Homicide Division. Luke walked her to her car. "What are your plans for today?"

"I'll handle some work at the firm and get the place cleaned up this afternoon."

"Call me if you need anything."

Daisy smiled. "Can we meet even if I don't need anything?"

Luke leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Anytime."

As Daisy drove away, Luke's phone rang. "Hello, Boss Paul. Didn't expect your call."

"Officer Luke, glad you saved my number."

"What's up?"

"I wanted to ask about Alyssa. She works at my club, and I hope she can return safely."

"You're a good boss."

"How's Alyssa? Any clues?"

"We rescued her last Saturday. She's doing well."

"Great job. I appreciate the Detective Bureau's work. At least our taxes are well-spent."

"Is that a compliment?"

"Yes, sincerely. Now that Alyssa's safe, I'm relieved. She's an excellent employee."

"Is Harry the culprit?"

"I can't reveal case details."

"Understood. Visit the club when you can."

"Is it free?"

"Do you want to see me dance?"

"No."

"Then enjoy a 20% discount on drinks."

Luke hung up, shaking his head. "What a character."

Back at the office, Susan called a meeting.

"Everyone's here. Let's start."

Susan looked around. "Steven's mother left. She hopes we find Steven."

The deputy captain said, "I think Dave killed Steven and buried him in the Gobi Desert."

"Do you have evidence?" Susan asked.

"If I did, I wouldn't be sitting here," the deputy captain shrugged. "I think Dave killed Tony too."

"Then you're responsible for finding Steven and Tony," Susan interrupted, turning to Luke. "Tell us about Daisy's case."

"Daisy was robbed on March 3. I caught the suspect, Tim, who claimed it was a random 'Taser robbery.' But it might be more. Daisy's law firm was broken into on March 2, and the surveillance camera installed last night is likely connected. Daisy is handling a will case and thinks these incidents are related."

Luke introduced the will case and displayed a document on the projector.

Client Information:

Name: Ron BullDate of Birth: May 12, 1970Mobile: 626-876-3178Address: 102 Jon Street

The deputy captain speculated, "Why make a video will when there's a written one? It just causes trouble."

Jenny suggested, "Maybe he wanted a personal farewell."

The deputy captain was skeptical. "Has Daisy seen the video?"

Luke shook his head. "She knows it exists but hasn't seen it. It's a farewell from the testator."

Susan said, "The key isn't the written will. Daisy hasn't disclosed its contents, not even to the client's family. If someone is upset about the inheritance, it's likely they saw the video will. That's the real trigger."

Luke nodded. "I agree with the captain." He knew that flattering the leader appropriately could lead to better opportunities.