Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

"Hey, guys, what are you talking about?" Reid walked into the restaurant yard.

The deputy waved, "Sit over here, I saved you a spot, thought you weren't coming today."

Reid sat down with a smile, "I heard the baked snails here are good, I've been wanting to try them, just no one invited me."

The deputy laughed, "That's easy, just give our squad more funding, we'll invite you often."

"Is your squad's funding still lacking? Should be the most in the entire detective bureau, no, the entire LAPD.

Eating here for a month straight wouldn't be a problem."

Luke raised his glass, "Director, tell me where you want to eat next time."

"That's more like it." Reid took a sip of his drink and teased the deputy beside him, "Old buddy, take notes."

The deputy rolled his eyes, looking disdainful.

Dining on French cuisine takes a while, and everyone chatted as they ate.

Luke ordered smoked salmon, mushroom soup, baked lobster, steak, goat cheese with blueberries, tea, and whiskey.

After everyone ordered individually, they also ordered three big buffet dishes, so anyone still hungry could help themselves.

Jackson asked, "Chief, what do you think about the Latifa Gallo murder case?"

Reid put down his knife and fork, wiped his mouth, "Is that what you were discussing earlier?"

"Yes, I think this case is a tragedy, it could have been avoided.

Latifa Gallo didn't need to die, and Teresa Lewis didn't need to go to prison."

Reid shook his head, "I have a different perspective on this matter.

Some things that seem coincidental are actually destined.

The conflict between Latifa Gallo and Teresa Lewis wasn't recent, it might have existed since the day Teresa Lewis was born.

Their conflict was long buried; an eruption was just a matter of time.

This incident was just a catalyst."

Jackson said, "I mean, if there was external intervention and proper guidance, their mother-daughter relationship could have been set right."

Reid laughed and looked at Luke, "What do you think?"

Because this case was sensitive, Luke hadn't engaged in the discussion, but since Reid asked, he had nothing to hold back, "I agree with the director.

They are both the closest and most hated by each other; if viewed through a cinematic lens, this mother-daughter pair is engaged in a fated battle.

Even if they escaped this time, there would be another."

Jackson shook his head, "I don't really believe in fate, I think individual effort is more important."

Luke took a sip of red wine and asked, "Do you know how Teresa Lewis's biological father died?"

Jackson thought for a moment, "Seems like he died in an accident."

Luke said, "I specifically looked into his situation.

Teresa Lewis's biological father couldn't bear the control of his ex-wife, so he filed for divorce.

Latifa Gallo was very angry, feeling betrayed by her ex-husband, she fought hard for their daughter's custody to get back at him.

Teresa Lewis's biological father loved her dearly and constantly tried to win back custody but failed.

Soon after, he died in a traffic accident.

His death was a heavy blow to Teresa Lewis and also planted a seed of hatred.

Whether Latifa Gallo had anything to do with his death, Teresa Lewis would subconsciously blame Latifa Gallo.

Even if it's suppressed now, one day it will erupt.

This is also why Teresa Lewis was so angry as a stepdaughter when Latifa Gallo proposed divorce from her current husband, Alec Wyatt.

She probably saw her biological father's shadow in her stepfather.

She didn't want things to repeat, feeling it was all caused by Latifa Gallo, hence she acted so fiercely."

Hope sighed, "It's terrifying, I don't care if my daughter becomes accomplished in the future, I just want her to grow up happily, and I'll do my best to provide her a relaxed environment."

Luke raised his glass, "Here's to you, future great dad."

Reid rested his elbows on the table, interlacing his fingers, "OK, let's move on from the case, talk about something cheerful."

Hope laughed, "Are we getting bonuses?"

"Not bonuses, but I believe this is more meaningful. Given the hard work of Squad One this past year and their exceptional performance in the terror attack case, the department has decided to award everyone in Squad One a Hero Medal, and some members will receive a rank promotion."

"Wow..." the deputy patted his chest, "Looks like I can add another medal to my chest. I feel like I should have collected all of LAPD's medals by now."

Matthew said expectantly, "Do I get a medal too?"

Reid laughed, "If you don't want it, you can give it to me."

Matthew said excitedly, "No way, I definitely want it, it's an honor."

Luke suggested, "Guys, let's raise our glasses, to this terrible yet wonderful day."

The deputy raised his glass, "Congratulations, you've grasped the true essence of life."

...

Early the next morning.

Daisy's house, bedroom.

"Ding-dong, congratulations to the host for successfully solving the prison guard murder case, earning 60 points.

The host caught the home invasion suspect, earning 20 points."