"We are here to find him as well."
"Are you with those two LAPD officers who fired their guns?"
"Could you describe the two individuals?"
"Two Black men, one wearing a gold chain around his neck, the other with an earring in his left ear. Do you know them?"
Luke recalled for a moment, "No, we don't have those two individuals in our department."
Based on the current situation, Derek either had other cases on him and was approached by officers from another department,
or someone was impersonating LAPD."
"Why would someone impersonate LAPD? What kind of trouble has Derek gotten into?"
Luke confirmed, "Do you know where Derek is now?"
"I don't know. That kid is quite independent. Sometimes he stays over at friends' houses, and I'm not sure where he could have gone.
If I had been calmer, maybe I could have handled it better."
"You did very well already." Luke's words were not just to comfort but were sincere.
In that situation, whether those two were officers from another department or suspects impersonating LAPD, as soon as gunfire was involved, it became very dangerous.
If Brown had made any risky moves, he might have been shot.
Then, the person Luke would have met wouldn't have been Mr. Brown standing.
Luke arranged to secure the scene and contact a technical team to inspect the area.
Brown, sensing that Luke and the previous two officers were different, improved his attitude significantly and actively invited Luke and his colleague into the living room, "Vice-Captain Luke, please have a seat.
Have you also come for Derek?"
"Yes, we want to learn about his situation."
"Why are you looking for him?"
"We are investigating a murder case, and the victim is likely a friend of Derek's."
"Oh my gosh, can you tell me which friend?"
"Would you like to see a photo of the deceased?"
Brown thought for a moment, "Okay, I can do that."
Luke took out a photo of Kunni'er, "Have you seen him?"
"I've seen him; he used to come here looking for Derek, but I didn't like him much. He was difficult to get along with, and I was afraid he would lead Derek astray, so I told Derek to keep his distance."
"What is your relationship with Derek?"
"Derek is an orphan; he has been fostered in our family, like one of our own.
Although he can be mischievous and occasionally makes mistakes, we all really like him and are willing to accept him as a member of our family."
"Has Derek been acting unusually lately?"
"Derek used to occasionally stay out overnight, but he doesn't anymore. He has changed for the better. He considers this his home now, which is a good sign.
We are considering formally adopting him."
"Can you help us find him?"
"Before answering that, I want to clarify something. Why did those two officers shoot at him?
If you can't give me a reasonable explanation, I won't help you find Derek.
I never want my child to be shot at again."
Concerning those two claiming to be LAPD, Luke knew too little and wasn't sure if they were real police officers.
If they were fake police, these two could likely be related to Kunni'er's death, and they might even be the murderers. Their visiting Derek suggests that Derek may know some critical clues.
From any angle, finding Derek is a priority.
If those two claiming to be LAPD were real police, then they could be from another department.
Thus, whether the situation at the scene was as Brown described remains unknown, such as Derek carrying a weapon or making some risky move.
So, the main priority now is to figure out exactly what happened?
"I can assure you, the two officers you described aren't from our department. Has Derek gotten into any other trouble lately?"
"Is that no, or you don't know?"
Brown thought for a moment, "I don't know. Derek is fourteen already, he can think independently, and I can't monitor him all the time as it would make him uncomfortable."
"If it's as you say, and Derek hasn't caused other troubles, then there shouldn't be officers from other departments looking for him.
The two claiming to be LAPD are most likely suspects impersonating police.
They could even be the killers of Kunni'er, and since Derek is Kunni'er's best friend, he likely knows some clues.
If my hypothesis is correct, Derek is in danger now, being hunted by those impersonating police, and we must find him immediately.
We need your help. Only you can lead us to Derek so we can help him."
Brown hesitated slightly, "Can I trust what you're saying?"
"Derek has always wanted a cellphone, and this year for his birthday, I gave him one.
I've tried calling him, but it's currently unreachable.
I can give you the number, I know you can locate the phone.
However, I have a condition."
"What's the condition?"
"Derek is just a kid; he won't harm anyone, please don't shoot.
I really don't want what happened tonight to happen again.
This is a free city, a beautiful city; it shouldn't be filled with gunfire everywhere.
If you don't agree, I won't tell you."
"Okay, I agree. As long as Derek has no weapons and doesn't make any dangerous moves, I absolutely won't shoot."