Luke rested at home for three days.
By the time he returned to the detective bureau, he was full of energy.
Today, the detective bureau was different than usual, with noticeably more people wearing police uniforms.
Although Luke didn't change into his uniform right away, he had a neatly folded police uniform in his bag.
Today was the day medals would be awarded!
As soon as he arrived at the office, Luke noticed that Little Black was showing off in his crisp police uniform.
Little Black pointed to his uniform and asked, "What do you guys think? How do I look in a police uniform? I haven't worn one in a long time."
David chuckled, "You should walk around the police station in that uniform so everyone knows you're going to the award ceremony."
"Good idea. What do you think about me visiting the PR department first? There are more girls there."
Little Black scurried off.
Jenny shook her head, "Some things never change; he's still the same old him."
The assistant team leader smiled and said, "The quickest way to get over a relationship is to start a new one."
In a way, Little Black's approach was correct.
Jenny rolled her eyes and thought, Now I finally understand why you've been married so many times.
Luke's phone rang, and he pulled it out to see it was Lawrence's number.
After a moment's hesitation, he still answered, "Hello."
"Luke, it's Lawrence."
"I asked you for a favor last night, do you remember?"
"Last night..." Luke paused, as if thinking, "Oh, I remember now. We had drinks together last night, and you got me drunk.
I didn't expect that; you're not that young but you can really hold your liquor."
Lawrence began to curse internally, Was I the one getting you drunk? You were drinking yourself under the table.
"You should remember what I told you last night."
Lawrence reminded, "About Gordon, Gordon's legal case."
"Gordon? The NBA basketball guy?"
Lawrence was perplexed, "Is there a Gordon in the NBA?"
"Seems like it, right? What's up? Do you want to watch an NBA game together?"
"No, I'm not asking you to watch basketball with me." Lawrence was a bit speechless, "Do you have time tonight? We need to talk."
"Sorry, tonight's not good, the police department has an event. I'll probably have to work late."
"When are you free then…"
Before Lawrence could finish, Luke cut him off, "Sorry, my captain is calling me. Let's talk another day."
After saying that, Luke hung up the phone.
"Assistant team leader, you've been married so many times, how do you deal with your fathers-in-law?"
The assistant team leader raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure you want to know?"
"We don't meet that often, maybe just once or twice a year, and I usually bring a bouquet of flowers."
Just after one in the afternoon.
Police cars began to arrive in the parking lot of the Los Angeles Conference Center.
At two in the afternoon, the medal award ceremony would officially start.
Familiar music melodies started playing in the hall.
"As the wind picks up outside the window, today I set out, I want to fall into your arms, to embrace you, Los Angeles..."
Walking in rhythm with the music, Luke, Susan, the assistant team leader, David, Raymond, Marcus, Jenny, and Matthew, all dressed in neat police uniforms, made their way into the venue.
Luke had been here before, but last time he came alone for a promotion ceremony.
This time, the entire team was attending the award ceremony together.
Recently, Luke had solved quite a few cases, thanks to both his individual effort and the teamwork.
Due to a team medal being awarded, there were even more officers at this ceremony than at the last promotion ceremony.
The stands on both sides were filled with family members of the officers; Robert, Linda, and the chubby kid were all present.
Chief Frank Reagan stepped onto the stage to speak. Some people are born to be the main character; just standing there gave Frank an aura of security and trustworthiness, even without saying a word.
He was someone who seemed very reliable.
Although Luke couldn't be certain yet, from the bits Reid had let slip, Chief Frank was likely the real organizer of the fishing club.
Of course, with Luke's current rank, it was unrealistic for him to participate in Frank's network; it wasn't that they looked down on him but the gap was too great; it was difficult to have any common ground.
However, being allowed to join the fishing club showed that this big shot did appreciate Luke, or at the very least saw potential in him.
Luke had indirectly learned about Frank during this time. The big shot had considerable influence in the Los Angeles police system. To give a simple example:
His father had also been the chief of the LAPD, and he had a very stern approach to crime, always advocating for strict punishment for criminals.
The Reagan family was a quintessential law enforcement family; his son and daughter were also involved in the judicial sector.
If Luke could earn the admiration of this big shot, it would secure his position in the LAPD, and a promotion and salary increase would just be a matter of time.
Frank didn't speak for long, and soon after, the medal award ceremony officially began.
The first awards given were the group medals.
The first squad of the Robbery and Murder Department had recently performed exceptionally and solved many major cases, thus receiving the collective excellence medal.
Susan led the team onto the stage to receive the award.
Vincent pushed Luke to be the second to go on stage.
Vincent gladly played the supporting role to Luke's lead.
David stood tall and proud, striding with confidence.
Raymond bore a restrained demeanor, serious and undemonstrative.
Little Black lifted his chin, all smiles.
Jenny wore light makeup, looking a bit like a classic police beauty.