"Captain Luke, congratulations on receiving the Public Safety Officer dal of Valor."
"Thank you." Luke took the box, "I like the champagne from this brand.
Co in, we might as well have a drink."
Luke invited Orty into his ho, opened the champagne, poured two glasses, and the snacks were corn chips and blueberries.
For Angelenos, those snacks were already quite nice.
"Cheers." Luke raised his glass as a gesture, took a sip,
"Good stuff.
Orty, what brings you here today?"
"Uh..." Orty gestured toward her clothes, "I ca in a hurry today, didn't book a hotel room with a swimming pool. Can I use your bathroom? And do you have a bathrobe?"
Luke laughed, clearly noticing a hint of discontent in her tone.
Luke had dealt with Orty a few tis; she was quite by-the-book, and their collaborations with the Pinkerton Detective Agency had been quite profitable.
Due to his status as a police officer, Luke was always cautious when interacting with Orty, insisting she wear cooler clothes when discussing sensitive issues in places like pools or hot springs. However, in this setting, it was a bit awkward.
Orty must have felt sowhat "aggrieved" inside. If it were soone with a strong sense of self-respect, they might take it as an insult, perhaps even harboring a secret grudge against Luke.
Having interacted with Orty on several occasions, Luke could tell from her attitude and reactions that she did not tend to hold grudges, but she was not exactly warm toward him either.
Their relationship had always been tepid.
That was understandable. Every ti they discussed business, Luke was distrustful, so why would she want to get closer to him?
Luke had thought it over carefully; such a relationship could hardly last. Given the recent interactions, the Pinkerton Detective Agency was still a valuable connection, as both parties benefited from the partnership.
"You don't need to go to the bathroom, just speak your mind. Of course, if you're planning to stay overnight, feel free to use the bathroom."
Orty seed surprised, "Wow, that's not like your usual self."
Luke replied, "I'm indeed not very trusting, but if I choose to trust soone... I do it without reservations."
"That sounds sowhat touching. So, am I soone you trust now?"
"Of course." Luke responded, and imdiately used a Detection Card.
He now had five Detection Cards; instead of leaving them idle, it was better to use them.
After using the card, no abnormalities were detected, so Luke could talk at ease.
"I appreciate your trust, that might be my biggest gain today," Orty said sincerely.
"So, are you planning to stay the night?"
"So other ti." Orty smiled, then quickly changed the subject, "Luke, we should talk business now."
"I'm all ears."
Orty took out a brand new check from her bag, "This is for you."
Luke glanced at the amount, "One hundred and fifty thousand US dollars, this exceeds my expectation."
Orty explained, "After the North Hollywood Bank robbery, the insurance company suspected there was an issue with the claim amount and hired a detective agency to investigate. For whatever reason, you solved the case, and the client is very grateful to you. Fifty thousand US dollars is the consultant fee the detective agency is paying you, which will be paid out as a labor subsidy.
As for the other hundred thousand dollars, it's an additional reward from the detective agency after you received the Public Safety Officer dal of Valor."
"That's generous. Do you need to do anything else?"
"You are a consultant for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The more well-known you are, the more it helps the agency.
In theory, you don't need to do anything.
However, the Pinkerton headquarters are in Washington, and I could give you a tour there; many people want to et you.
Not only does Pinkerton have its headquarters in Washington, but many big companies have their main and branch offices there as well. If you're willing, I can introduce you to so friends."
"I'll think about it."
"Have you ever been to Washington before?"
"No."
"Let know when you decide, I'll be a good guide, and besides, you've just received the highest national honor for public safety officers. It would be a sha not to take advantage of this opportunity and attend so events."
Luke thought for a mont, "Will you be a free guide?"
"Just cover als."
"Deal." Luke raised his glass, and they clinked glasses.
Orty took a sip of champagne and asked curiously, "Luke, did you receive the Public Safety Officer dal of Valor for the Las Vegas shooting incident?"
"That's right."
"I've read about that shooting. The open-air concert had over eight hundred casualties, and yet there was only one gunman. Can you tell how you apprehended him? I'm really curious, super curious... "
Luke replied, "Actually, the process wasn't complicated. Many were frightened by the number of deaths, but besides carrying a large amount of modified rifles, the shooter was no different from a typical criminal.
After I located the shooter, I rushed to the hotel room imdiately, broke in, opened fire, and he chose to commit suicide by shooting himself after being hit.
To be honest, there was a large elent of luck in receiving this dal of Valor..."
The two chatted casually for half an hour, and by the ti the bottle of champagne was empty, Orty suggested it was ti to leave.
This was the first ti since they had known each other that Orty had so much 'idle chat' with Luke. Previously, it was all business, and she would leave as soon as work was done.
Luke escorted Orty to the gate.
Orty spontaneously kissed Luke on the cheek, "Thank you for your trust."
Luke watched as Orty got into her car and waved goodbye.
By Orty's attitude, Luke felt his choice was right; relationships are reciprocal. Trust soone, and they will open their heart to you in return.
Being the interdiary between Luke and the Pinkerton Detective Agency, it was essential to cultivate a good relationship and deepen trust with Orty.
Of course, trust is trust, but if sensitive topics co up, Luke would still use the Detection Card.
Better safe than sorry.
With won, especially beautiful won, all the more so.
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