Chapter 6

【Distributed to the host through proper channels. (Depending on the actual situation)]

Luke is a police officer, earning a fixed salary with no other means of income.

Eight thousand dollars is not a small amount; he needs to find a way to make money.

Scratch-off tickets.

Luke had five scratch-off tickets that he hadn't used yet, and they were just what he needed.

Luke took out the scratch-off tickets and a one-dollar coin.

The rules for the fruit scratch-off are simple: under the coating are fruits. If a row of fruits is the same, you win the amount of money indicated.

Luke scratched off the coating, revealing bananas, apples, grapes, watermelons, and oranges—a variety of fruits.

The second scratch-off didn't win.

The third didn't win.

The fourth didn't win.

Luke felt a bit depressed. Only one scratch-off ticket was left. Could he have been wrong? Was this method of making money not feasible?

He started to scratch the fifth ticket.

Banana, banana, banana, and behind them was written "8,000 dollars."

"Yay!"

Luke punched the air with enthusiasm.

He was not just excited about winning eight thousand dollars.

More importantly, it confirmed the "Detective System's" ability to generate a steady stream of income.

...

Friday, 7:58 AM.

Detective Bureau.

Luke entered the office with high spirits, "Good morning."

His posture was straight, and his voice was louder.

Money gives men courage, no matter the country.

David rubbed his shiny head, "It's morning for you, but for us, it's just after a night shift. We need to drink some coffee and continue investigating cases."

"Oh my God, is it too late for me to change careers?"

Luke placed a plastic bag on the table, "Everyone, you've worked hard. I brought you breakfast, free of charge."

"What?"

David looked at Luke in surprise, "You're getting weirder. Do you need to see a doctor?"

David's personality is irritable and reckless, and he isn't well-liked in the "Robbery and Murder Division." Although he often bickers and mocks Luke, their relationship is actually closer.

In short, they are like-minded troublemakers.

Luke shrugged, "If you want to lose weight, I won't force you. Your belly is almost as big as a pregnant woman's."

"I want a hot dog and a fat-free vanilla latte." Vincent wouldn't be polite, smiling at Luke, "Kid, I'm starting to like you."

"You'll get used to it." Luke said, then knocked on the captain's office door.

"Captain, it's breakfast time."

The door opened, and Susan walked out, her eyes slightly dark, probably from a sleepless night.

Susan took a cup of milk tea, "Thank you, I'll enjoy it."

Everyone knew Luke was trying to win favor.

But he was using real money, so it was a fair play.

Luke picked up a box of hand-cut fries, eating them while asking David, who was devouring his food, "Any progress with the interrogation?"

David took a sip of cola, swallowed, and said, "You're actually taking an interest in the case? That's rare."

"I caught the suspect, so I have the right and duty to know the investigation status."

Although the "Detective System" didn't explicitly state it, Luke had figured out the rules from last night's events: solving a case or catching a suspect earns a chance to draw a prize.

Each draw has a chance to win a thousand dollars.

With such a promising future, how could Luke not be excited?

"Everyone in the detective bureau already knows that." David found a statement in a pile of messy files and handed it to Luke.

"The suspect admitted to last night's robbery but denied involvement in the previous two 'Taser Robberies.'"

"He claims he saw news about the Taser Robberies and decided to mimic them to frame the real culprit."

Luke had considered this possibility. Both suspects used Taser guns, but the details of the crimes were different. He asked, "What was the motive?"

"The suspect's name is Tim. He has no legitimate job, is an alcoholic, and is in poor financial condition. He wanted to make some quick money."

Luke recalled the arrest last night; Tim indeed had a strong smell of alcohol. He confirmed, "Does he have an alibi for the previous two 'Taser Robberies'?"

Marcus yawned, "I verified it overnight. During the second Taser Robbery, he was at his girlfriend's house exercising."

"His girlfriend is an African American woman with a great figure." Marcus gestured, "I can't understand why she would go for a guy like him..."

Susan interrupted Marcus, "I'll say this one last time: no one is to give interviews to the media without my permission. I don't want any more copycat crimes. Understand?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Susan continued, "Although the cases are not directly linked, the suspects used Taser guns. Detective Raymond, please introduce the weapon used by the suspect."

Raymond Boca is of Mexican descent and is an expert in various firearms.

Unlike Luke, David, and Marcus, he is calm and serious, fitting the image of a reliable police officer in the eyes of Los Angeles residents.

Raymond put down his burrito, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and said, "The suspect used a Taser X26-C model produced by Taser International."

"The X26-C can fire two probes with a powerful charge. According to the manufacturer, this model can incapacitate a person with malicious intent from 15 meters away."

"Once the target is hit, they will be incapacitated for 10 to 30 seconds."

Luke recalled for a moment, "But from my observation, the Taser used by the suspect was more powerful. The victim was unconscious for several minutes and was disoriented afterward."

"That's correct, and that's the issue. The Taser used by the suspect was modified. The original X26-C model delivers a 50,000-volt shock, but the suspect's Taser delivered 100,000 volts."

"The modified Taser is more dangerous, causing longer unconsciousness and a higher risk of death." Raymond paused and picked up a photo from the table.

"The cartridge was also modified. Taser International's standard cartridge releases over 40 colorful confetti pieces with the serial number of the gun. The suspect's cartridge did not have this."

"Exactly, that's what I wanted to point out." Deputy Vincent snapped his fingers and continued,

"The previous two 'Taser Robberies' also had no confetti at the scene, and the victims were unconscious for several minutes, indicating a more powerful Taser."

"This suggests that the suspect may have used a modified Taser."

"Even if the two suspects are not directly connected, the modified Taser guns they used might have been purchased from the same place."

"According to the suspect from last night, he bought his Taser from Joe's Gun Shop."

Susan instructed, "Raymond, Marcus, you two investigate that gun shop."

Deputy Vincent walked over and suggested in a low voice, "I recommend sending David and Luke. They are the most efficient."

"I know, but they are also the most likely to cause trouble. Can you guarantee they won't cause problems?"

Deputy Vincent shrugged, "We can't worry about that. It's Friday, and the suspect might strike again."