"Captain Luke, congratulations on receiving the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor."
"Thank you." Luke took the box, "I like the champagne from this brand.
Come in, we might as well have a drink."
Luke invited Orty into his home, 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,
Orty, what brings you here today?"
"Uh..." Orty gestured toward her clothes, "I came 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 times; 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 somewhat "aggrieved" inside. If it were someone 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 time 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 seemed surprised, "Wow, that's not like your usual self."
Luke replied, "I'm indeed not very trusting, but if I choose to trust someone... I do it without reservations."
"That sounds somewhat touching. So, am I someone you trust now?"
"Of course." Luke responded, and immediately 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?"
"Some other time." Orty smiled, then quickly changed the subject, "Luke, we should talk business now."
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 Medal of Valor."
"That's generous. Do you need me 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 meet 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 some friends."
"I'll think about it."
"Have you ever been to Washington before?"
"Let me 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 shame not to take advantage of this opportunity and attend some events."
Luke thought for a moment, "Will you be a free guide?"
"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 Medal of Valor for the Las Vegas shooting incident?"
"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 me 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 immediately, broke in, opened fire, and he chose to commit suicide by shooting himself after being hit.
To be honest, there was a large element of luck in me receiving this Medal of Valor..."
The two chatted casually for half an hour, and by the time the bottle of champagne was empty, Orty suggested it was time to leave.
This was the first time 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 someone, and they will open their heart to you in return.
Being the intermediary 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 come up, Luke would still use the Detection Card.
Better safe than sorry.
With women, especially beautiful women, all the more so.