Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

I'm on vacation today, with a lovely companion, of course, we need to eat something good.

Luke lifted his wine glass and clinked it with Orty's beside him, "Didn't you say you had something to talk to me about last night? What is it?"

Orty took a sip of wine, "Can't I just invite you out without a reason?"

Luke leaned forward, "So, is today considered a date?"

Orty didn't answer directly, instead asking, "Are there any artworks here you like?"

Luke laughed, "That museum's treasure isn't bad, how much can it sell for now?"

Orty said, "This kind of unique painting is hard to estimate, conservatively it's over 100 million US Dollars."

"Having a painting like that, I could retire early."

Orty took out a photo, "Recently, the museum received an anonymous letter claiming they'll steal this painting 'Irises' during the Christmas holiday."

Typically, the Christmas and New Year holidays in America are connected, usually from December 22 to January 5.

Luke picked up the photo to examine it, a letter was displayed, 'Hi, Mr. Curator, long time no see.

The last time we met was at your employment welcome party.

I envy you.

Envy you becoming the curator of the Getty Museum, it's something I've long desired.

You know what?

Every time I stand in front of Van Gogh's 'Irises', I feel an urge to possess it.

It has a magic that's hard to resist.

I'm going crazy.

Crazy for it.

Therefore, I'm planning to take it away.

After this holiday, it will belong to me.

I'll take good care of it, don't worry.'

Luke put down the letter, "How is the museum planning to respond?"

Orty said, "The museum contacted the Pinkerton Detective Agency, offering a reward of 200,000 US Dollars to investigate the source of the letter."

Luke asked, "You want me to take on this commission?"

Orty shook his head, "This isn't your expertise, at least you yourself would find it challenging to complete this commission."

"Then why bring it up to me?" Luke didn't believe Orty brought him here without another reason.

Orty pointed at the photo with her slender fingers, "A dubious letter like this, for which the museum offers a 200,000 US Dollar reward, imagine how much they'd reward to retrieve the 'Irises' if it truly gets stolen."

Luke said, "Isn't it a bit early to discuss this now?"

Orty put away her phone, "I want you to be prepared beforehand, otherwise, even if the artwork gets stolen and the museum offers a high reward, you alone would be unable to take on such a high commission."

Luke suspected, "Is someone wanting to collaborate with me?"

"It's not collaboration.

I wish to organize a detective team in your name."

Luke took a sip of his wine, he recalled visiting the North American branch of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, where President Bailey once proposed this idea, but Luke refused at that time.

He had four reasons for refusing.

Firstly, Luke's Detective System hadn't upgraded yet, each case he solved came with a high bonus, but now those bonuses are gone, cutting off his major and stable source of income.

Secondly, at that time, Luke hadn't worked long with the Pinkerton Detective Agency, and the mutual trust wasn't high.

Thirdly, when President Bailey proposed this, Orty wasn't aware, if Luke rashly agreed, it might disrupt his collaboration with Orty.

Fourth and most importantly, Luke worried about overlapping between detective commissions and police investigations, discussions could involve sensitive topics, he and Orty would use Detection Cards for security when discussing sensitive topics.

If a detective team was established, the frequency of using Detection Cards would increase, back then they were achieved through a lottery mechanism; he only had three Detection Cards and couldn't exchange them freely.

But now it's different, the Detective System has upgraded, Luke can freely exchange Detection Cards with his points, he currently has 120 points, which can exchange for 12 Detection Cards, this issue is no longer a problem.

As time passed, the previous four reasons for refusal no longer stood.

Seeing Luke hesitating, Orty continued, "Luke, you've cracked dozens of major cases, gaining wide recognition, maybe not throughout California, but at least in the Los Angeles police circles, you are very famous.

Fame and fortune are like twin brothers; now you have fame, you can use it in the right place to gain corresponding benefits.

I believe you should form a detective team."

Luke knew accepting commissions was a quick way to earn money, but forming a team was risky, what if the team didn't work out? Dissolve it?

This isn't a matter solved with a single sentence.

Luke said, "My primary job is as a police officer, I don't have much time to manage a detective team."

"I hope you form a detective team because of your investigative skills and your reputation.

For instance, if the museum's famous painting gets stolen, they'll certainly hire detective teams to recover this valuable artwork, and the hiring fee and reward would be sky-high.

There's fierce competition among detective teams, ordinary teams have no chance at such commissions.

If you organize a team, the chance of getting commission will greatly increase.

The hiring fee would also increase due to the detective's fame.

As for the details, when you have time, you can handle them.

When you're busy, you can delegate to others without affecting your main profession." Orty hinted, the Pinkerton Detective Agency is reputable, but not without competitors.

She had heard rumors that the museum might consult other detective agencies too.

A policeman's salary alone isn't enough for Luke to buy a mansion and achieve ultimate success.

Yet starting a detective team isn't simple, beginnings are always hard.

"I'll consider it."

"If you have any thoughts, communicate with me.

While you can take on commissions solo, real profitable commissions require a team; one person can only go so far." Orty didn't intend to persuade Luke completely in one go, just planting the idea was a positive start.

Seeing Luke's fame not being well-utilized made Orty feel it was a waste.

Luke didn't continue this topic, asking, "Has there been any progress in investigating the origin of that threatening letter?"

Orty sipped some soup and wiped her lips with a napkin, "Not yet, there are too few clues.

Besides, the sender's motive is unclear.

Have you ever seen a thief inform the homeowner before stealing?"

Luke pondered aloud, "That's quite interesting."

Orty leaned forward, her coat tensed with elasticity, "If you had a detective team, people skilled in gathering news,

I would definitely bring this commission to you."

Luke half-jokingly teased, "Makes me a bit tempted, if I agree to form a team, what's the procedure?"

Orty "..."

Shouldn't you be listening?

Where are you looking?

"Ring ring..."

Just then, Luke's phone rang.

It was the phone of a chubby friend.

Last time the chubby friend disappeared and scared Linda, so she bought him a phone afterward.

Luke pressed the answer button, "Hey, what's up?"

A stressed voice came through, "Brother, where are you?"

"What's the matter?"

"Come back quickly.

A lot of police are here outside!"