The next morning.

Susan held a case summary meeting in the conference room.

Luke reported the investigation's findings from last night truthfully.

Susan said with concern, "Luke, you did a great job. If you need a break, I can give you some time off."

"I'm fine, I don't need any time off." The case had reached a critical moment, and Luke did not want to withdraw halfway.

"If you need counseling, I can help you apply."

"No, I don't need it at all."

Susan did not insist and continued the meeting, discussing the case.

Luke said, "The guy we found last night is from the Skull Gang. Marcus suspects that the shooting might be related to the Skull Gang.

After that, we went back to Theodore's place, but Triss wouldn't open the door again; she might have been threatened and watched by the gang."

David reminded, "I heard the FBI is also targeting the Skull Gang."

The deputy chief pondered for a moment, "If the Skull Gang is the mastermind behind the shooting, what is their goal? To think it's because of school violence is a joke. There's no need to make such a big fuss to kill a football player." He paused,

"There's also the reason of FBI agent Fannie. Fannie is officially here to investigate school violence, but could she have other tasks?

Or did she uncover some issues in her investigation, so she was silenced?

From my experience, the FBI is definitely hiding something in this matter."

Susan asked, "Marcus, are you sure about the Skull Gang involvement?"

Luke replied, "I can't say I'm sure, but we can talk to the leader of the Skull Gang, maybe we'll discover something."

"Do you need support?"

"No, it's not necessary. Luke and I will go. Having too many people might cause their displeasure and lead to unnecessary misunderstandings."

Susan looked to Luke who was at her side, "What do you think?"

"No problem."

"Good, be careful, and I await your good news."

...

In a Ford Explorer.

Luke started talking nonsense again.

"Buddy, don't worry, I've got your back. I deal with gangs often; they're just a bunch of paper tigers. Just watch how they react to me."

Luke asked in return, "Have you met the leader of the Skull Gang before?"

"No, but I'm very familiar with leaders of other gangs, just like buddies. They respect me a lot, you know.

And, familiarity breeds ease. I believe if I meet the Skull Gang leader a few more times, he will become a good friend of mine too."

"That's an idea." Luke nodded. He didn't have much interaction with gangs and this was his first time dealing formally with a high-level gang.

Luke drove to a five-story apartment building.

Both men checked their firearms, then got out to inspect the surroundings.

At the entrance of the apartment, a large oil drum was placed, around which several African Americans were gathered, drinking beer and chatting, with several large skewers and chicken wings on the drum.

Luke and Marcus quickly drew the attention of the surrounding African Americans.

One of them, wearing a headscarf, called out, "Hey, who are you guys? Why are you here?"

Marcus showed his badge, "I am Detective Marcus, and this is Detective Chief Luke. We have an appointment to meet with Boss Pike."

"I'm aware of that, I can take you in." The man in the headscarf scrutinized Luke and Marcus, "Are you carrying weapons?"

Luke showed his Glock pistol at his waist, "Is there a problem?"

The man with the headscarf said, "If you want to enter the apartment, you need to hand over your guns."

Luke responded, "Dream on, no one touches my gun."

The man with the headscarf hummed in a rap tone, "It's the rule here, no searches, no entry."

Luke dug his finger in his ear, "Come one meter closer, and I'll shoot you."

After a standoff, the man with the headscarf eventually backed down and led Luke and Marcus through the apartment door.

Marcus whispered in surprise, "Wow, that was intense just now."

Luke smiled, "I was just testing their attitude. If things went south at the door, we still had a chance to run."

By then, Luke had begun to understand why Americans were reluctant to give up their guns. With a gun in hand, there was no panic. He wouldn't fear meeting the Great Commander, let alone the gang leader.

Upon entering the apartment, Luke was constantly observing the surroundings to be prepared in case a conflict erupted.

They took the elevator to the fifth floor where an African American was guarding outside, another was at the staircase entrance, leaning on a long wooden board, and another African American was guarding right at the door of the innermost room.

After passing through several layers of guards, Luke and Marcus finally met the gang leader, Pike.

This was a man in his forties, bald, with a gold chain around his neck, sitting on a sofa smoking a cigar, with a black woman standing behind him massaging his shoulders.

On a small sofa beside him sat a tall African American man, wiping a pistol with a cloth.

Seeing Marcus, Pike stood up and pointed, "Hey, you must be Marcus. I've heard about you, doing well in the police force.

What brings you to my place?"

Marcus pointed at Luke beside him, "This is Detective Chief Luke, actually he's the one who wants to meet you."

Pike took a puff of his cigar, sizing up Luke, "I don't like you."

Luke retorted, "Why not?"

Pike blew out a puff of smoke, "You are too white."

Actually, Luke liked sunbathing and was more of a wheatish complexion, not exactly white, but it depended on who you compared him to. Compared to the present company, he was definitely 'white'.

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