The much-loved BBQ was up next.

Luke absolutely adored it and planned to do it weekly from then on.

The ingredients included steak, lamb kidneys, lobster, oysters, chicken wings, shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, and garlic chives—he had prepared all these ingredients, but it was too much for two people to finish.

Luke started the charcoal, while Daisy fetched the ingredients from the refrigerator.

"You've prepared quite a bit here. Expecting other guests?"

Luke wrapped his arms around her waist, "No, all this is just for you."

Daisy pointed to the lamb kidneys, "What's this? It's my first time seeing it."

"Lamb kidneys. They taste amazing when grilled."

Daisy looked worried, "Are you sure?"

"Of course, I love them."

The two of them chatted as they grilled the meat.

Daisy opened a bottle of beer and handed it to him, "I went to the canyon precinct to check out the situation. The suspect in the Harley theft has already been bailed out. I'm planning to hire a detective to check his family background, it might cost some money."

"How much?"

"About two thousand US dollars."

"Seems like detective work can be quite profitable."

"I'm using a detective agency we often collaborate with, and this price is already quite low."

"I know, but I have a better way." Luke took out his phone and called Matthew,

"Buddy, what are you up to?"

"I'm helping a neighbor fix a computer. Why do people always think that if you know about computers, you must know how to repair them?

I'm totally lost with this thing, but I can't just refuse to help. What should I do?"

"Simple, break the computer."

"Is that okay to do?"

"At least nobody will ask you again next time."

"That does sound pretty good."

"It takes a bit of finesse, just be smart about it."

"Got it. By the way, what did you need?"

"Almost forgot about the case. When I was arresting the suspect Elizabeth in the body dumping case, there was another man named Cabin Posia nearby. Help me dig up some info on him.

I suspect this man might also be involved with the case. I need more detailed information, including his family background. Wouldn't want the case dismissed over an evidentiary issue; you get me?"

"No problem, I'll get it to you after work."

"Thanks, buddy."

After hanging up, Luke slapped Daisy's buttocks, "All set. I'll give you the details in person once I get them."

"Sounds way more efficient than a detective agency."

"That's true, but it's just a one-off thing. We can't do it often."

"I understand."

Luke sniffed, "The barbecue is almost ready, we can start eating now."

They then officially started their BBQ just for the two of them.

Beef, lamb kidneys, lobster, oysters, and garlic chives—all exquisite choices.

Tonight, a good workout was definitely on the cards.

"Ding-a-ling-a-ling…"

The ringtone of the phone sounded.

Luke pressed the answer button, "Chief, do you have any instructions?"

Reid's voice came from the phone, "I don't have any specific orders, just wanted to remind you to remember to wear your uniform tomorrow."

...

A large indoor venue.

Early in the morning, the area around the venue was already filled with police cars.

Ten in the morning.

Faint melodies began to resonate in the hall.

"The wind rises outside the window, on this day I set forth, I wish to embrace and hold you close. Embrace you, Los Angeles…"

As the music played, rows of people clad in navy blue police uniforms entered, their faces bearing confident smiles. Although they were not very approachable, they could exert a formidable oppressive force on criminals.

Luke was among them, and this was his first time officially wearing an LAPD uniform.

Promotion ceremonies like this were held approximately every quarter.

Such ceremoniousness also strengthened the cohesion of the LAPD, making them a strong backbone for the city.

Officers being promoted sat in the hall, surrounded by the upper echelons on the seats, with the invited family members sitting around them.

This honor belonged not just to them personally, but also to their families.

Linda, Robert, and Val all attended; Chubby wanted to come, but Linda wouldn't take leave for him.

Frank Reagan, the Chief of the Los Angeles Police, stepped up to the stage, his large frame and thick beard giving him a commanding presence.

"Standing here at the podium, filled with praise, gratitude, and blessings, you are well-trained, battle-hardened, world-class police officers, always ready to protect and defend Los Angeles.

You are the heroes of this city.

I am honored to preside over this promotion ceremony…"

Following Frank's heartfelt speech, the promotion ceremony officially began.

Luke too ascended the podium to be promoted, his rank elevating from a first-level detective to a second-level detective.

Among those being promoted in the same batch, he was relatively young, his recent standout performance in solving cases having shortened the time needed to elevate in rank.

Frank shook hands with Luke, and even patted his shoulder, "I've heard about you from Reid. You're a fine young man. Keep up the good work."

"I will, sir."

Luke was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected there to be so many people getting promoted—and that Chief Frank actually recognized him.

This was, after all, the big boss of the Los Angeles city police.

Of course, Deputy Chief Reid must have played a key role in this; from this, it was evident that Reid truly valued Luke.

It made sense, as Reid himself had risen from the ranks of the Robbery and Murder Department's first squad, and now even doubled as the department head while being Luke's immediate superior.

Moreover, Reid had once partnered with the deputy squad leader, and now Luke was also from the first squad, a bona fide insider.

Luke's knack for solving cases and understanding human nature made it reasonable for Reid to promote him.

After the promotion ceremony ended, the officers and their families gathered together, basking in this warm moment.

Robert, Linda, and Val also found Luke.

Robert embraced Luke, "I'm proud of you. I haven't attended a proper award ceremony in a long time. Our family needs such honors.

You are a real man of this family, hmm."

Val "..."

"My son, I'm proud of you," Linda also embraced Luke, choking up, "Seeing your accomplishments today really makes me happy.

Do you know?

There was a time you really acted like Val, just...

I was always worried, you…

It's all in the past now, the current you is the best.

I'm proud of you."

Val "..."

"Grandpa, mom, Uncle Val, thank you for coming to my promotion ceremony.

This honor belongs to you too." Over this time, Luke had truly integrated into this not-so-harmonious family.

"Luke, thank you for still remembering me, I thought I had become invisible," Val was already regretting it.

He shouldn't have come.

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