Luke and another officer escorted the assistant director Clapbo Hino back to the Robbery and Murder Department.
Luke returned to the office first, while Little Black took care of writing the report and the detention proceedings.
A familiar voice rang out, "Congratulations, Host, for successfully solving the 'hired assault' case. You've been awarded 5 lottery draw chances."
The case was relatively simple, and the suspect Ada confessed quite easily, so the reward was modest.
Options appeared in his mind, with the inventory interface on the left.
On the right was the lottery drawing interface, with the number 5 written in the bottom-right corner.
Luke thought about it and didn't go for the draw, reasoning that the odds of winning were small with so few chances.
He'd wait until he solved another case and then draw all at once, hoping for a more impressive reward.
"Hey, Luke, what are you thinking about? Daydreaming again?" Little Black sneaked over.
"Is the report done?"
"Of course," Little Black whispered in Luke's ear, "The Harley's been modified. Do you want to wrap things up tonight?"
"Why not?" Luke perked up.
"No, I'll bring the rookie patrol officers. They're better suited for catching people."
"That's true. Four of us should be enough, after all, it's just a petty car thief."
Susan approached with a cup of coffee, "Did you catch the assistant director?"
"Yes, Captain, we were just about to report to you." Luke briefly went over the arrest process and also relayed the new leads provided by assistant director Clapbo Hino.
Susan asked in return, "Do you believe what Clapbo Hino said?"
"This guy wants to reduce his sentence, so he shouldn't be lying."
"Good, congratulations on catching another suspect and successfully solving an old case."
"It's everyone's credit, we just got lucky," Luke said modestly.
Susan then turned to Raymond, "Any progress on your investigation?"
Raymond turned his head and gestured for Jenny to speak.
After thinking for a moment, Jenny answered, "We checked the hotel surveillance and it basically matched the producer Rossi's account—they entered the hotel room one after the other, with no third person present.
But while reviewing the surveillance, we noticed a suspicious figure," Jenny said, as she played a video on the projector,
A woman wearing a hat, mask, and sunglasses walked through the lobby. Her figure closely resembled Courtney's, followed by another woman in a black long dress.
The woman in the black dress followed all the way until Courtney entered the hotel room.
Jenny explained, "In the video, Courtney Bass is heavily disguised, making it difficult for the average person to recognize her. If the woman in the black dress was able to identify her, she was either prepared or an acquaintance.
From the video, it's quite clear that the woman in the black dress was tracking Courtney."
Susan asked, "Did you find out who this woman is?"
Jenny shook her head, "Not yet. We asked at the hotel front desk, she didn't go through the check-in process.
We will verify her identity as soon as possible by other means."
"Knock, knock..." A knocking sound came from outside.
A white man in his thirties, tall and bald, exuding presence, stood at the door, "Is this the Robbery and Murder Department, Squad One?"
Luke stood up, "Yes, what can we do for you?"
The man surveyed the office, "Are you investigating Courtney Bass's case?"
"My name is Boris Boss, and I am Courtney's boyfriend."
Everyone looked at him simultaneously.
Wasn't Courtney's boyfriend supposed to be Peter Dester? Why is there another one suddenly?
Little Black pouted, eyes wide, "What did you just say, you're Courtney's boyfriend?"
The bald man countered, "Is there a problem?"
Little Black blurted out, "Have you two ever played poker together?"
The man frowned, "Has the Police Department become this frivolous? If mere poker games could define relationships, my girlfriend count would be endless."
Luke said, "This guy just got dumped and is a bit touchy. Mr. Boss, pay him no mind, please have a seat over here, and I'll take your statement."
"I want to see Courtney; she left in such a hurry, I didn't even get to say goodbye."
"Once we've taken your statement, I'll arrange for someone to take you to see her."
The man sat at an empty desk, and Luke turned on the recorder, "What's your name?"
"And you're Courtney's boyfriend?"
"I've already said so. Is there a problem?"
Luke replied dismissively, "We've just never heard of you, just confirming."
Boris said, "It's normal that you haven't heard of me. Courtney is a celebrity; paparazzi are always on her trail. She worried that going public might affect my work and life, so she's very protective of my privacy."
Luke nodded, "That's considerate."
Boris nodded, his eyes slightly red, "Although ours is a long-distance relationship and we don't have many opportunities to meet, every encounter is memorable. She's an amazing woman, and I was just about ready to propose to her."
"How long have you known each other?"
"Two years and three months."
"You remember that pretty well."
"I cherish every day with her. There's nothing happier than being with the one you love. Even doing the most boring things together can be exciting if you enjoy each other's company.
I really like that feeling, being that version of myself."
"You don't normally live in Los Angeles, do you?"
"Right, I'm part of the management at a casino in Las Vegas. I spend most of my time in Las Vegas. Sometimes I come to Los Angeles to see her, and other times she comes to Las Vegas to see me.