Mezke Bar.

Reid and the first squad from the Robbery and Murder Department had a small get-together.

In Los Angeles, meals are generally split according to the AA system, though there are occasional treats for specific reasons, such as promotions, raises, birthdays, etc.

The last gathering celebrated Luke's promotion to Detective Chief, and he picked up the tab.

This gathering was to celebrate his rank promotion; as expected, he would probably pick up the tab again. Everyone's presence was meant as a gesture of respect; money wasn't a big deal.

Money was something Luke wasn't short of now.

And it wasn't just talk; he had more than two hundred thousand US Dollars.

While incomes are high in Los Angeles, very few people can pull out that much cash.

The group sat around an oval table with Reid at the head, raising his glass, "Luke, congratulations on your rank promotion. You've taken another step forward."

"Thanks." Luke also picked up his glass and took a sip.

Little Black spoke with a hint of envy, "Chief, I'm a year older than Luke, and I'm still at the first level detective rank. When can I get a rank promotion?"

"Don't rush it. Do your job well, and you'll have your chance, hmm." Reid encouraged.

The deputy head laughed, "If only you put as much effort into cases as you do with women, you might have been promoted alongside Luke."

Little Black retorted, "Deputy Chief, I disagree with you there. I was a big help in the Courtney murder case; I've always been certain that Boris is the killer."

"Of everyone here, no one is more convinced than I am; it's the rest of you who waver," he added.

The deputy head curled his lip, "You're convinced Boris is the killer, not based on evidence or reasoning, but simply because you dislike him."

"Boris won't be convicted because of your dislike but based on evidence, got that?"

Little Black argued back, "Although I don't have evidence, I did rely on reasoning... yes, it was through reasoning that I was sure he was guilty."

The deputy chief shrugged, "As long as you believe so."

Susan interrupted the two, "Gentlemen, can we change the subject? After work, we should talk about something more relaxing and pleasant, shouldn't we?"

"I agree," Luke quickly changed the topic, "Does anyone know any fun places? I want to take Daisy out next time I'm on vacation."

Little Black asked, "Which kind, exactly? I might have some suggestions."

Luke smiled, "Something close to nature, you know. Like going camping in a scenic spot or sea fishing on a boat. Further away is fine too, as long as the boss grants the leave."

After some thought, Little Black said, "The Forest Park is nice, 50 miles from the city center. Easy to find camping spots, and beautiful scenery. There's also the Cooper Canyon Falls nearby where you can swim. Just watch out for bears."

"Sounds good, I'll give it a try." Luke was eager for a taste of nature. As for black bears, he wasn't too concerned—the American black bear was one of the most timid bears in the world.

If you spread your arms wide, making yourself look big and make a lot of noise, there's a good chance of scaring it off.

There's an old American saying, "Play dead with a brown bear, fight back with a black bear."

The deputy head took a sip of his whiskey, "Speaking of sea fishing, I've only gone once. It's old men's stuff, not for me.

But, you could ask Reid about it; he enjoys it quite a bit."

Reid laughed, "Deputy Chief, it's not that you don't like it, it's just that you're pretty lousy at it."

The deputy head waved it off, "I can't stand all the dumb rules. Those idiots won't even let me keep a few hooks, and when I finally catch a fish, I have to let it go because of the season."

"You know how I felt then?"

Reid said with a smile, "Of course, I know. You're allowed to fish different types each month; it's normal. I often release some fish. I think it's a good practice; you could try looking at it differently."

Dismissing the suggestion, the deputy head replied, "NO, you take Luke with you. He might enjoy it."

Reid looked at Luke, "Have you ever done sea fishing before?"

"No, that's why I want to try it. I've seen some sea fishing shows, and it seems interesting."

After a pause, Reid said, "It's good to be interested. I'll check with the sea fishing meetup organizer, and if he agrees, I can take you with me."

Luke was somewhat surprised, "You're part of a sea fishing meetup?"

"They happen pretty much every week, though I don't always attend, maybe once a month.

The number of participants varies. We spend a total of 1500 US Dollars to rent a boat, sometimes hiring a crew to pilot, other times taking turns. A trip out to sea always feels different.

The primary purpose of these gatherings is to reduce the cost of going out to sea."

"Sounds quite nice, who's the organizer?"

Reid grinned, "You've met him before."

At this, Luke paused briefly, guessing at what that could mean, but he didn't pursue further.

"Ding-a-ling..." Little Black's phone rang. He answered, "Hey, baby...

I really am with my colleagues at a get-together.

Of course, why would I lie to you?

David's here too, do you want him to talk to you?"

David kept his mouth shut, neither objecting nor saying anything.

"OK, I'll be home soon." Little Black ended the call. "She's great in every way, just a bit too clingy."

David said, "You should be content, kid. Luke never even gets calls from his girlfriend."

Luke gave him a glance, thinking about his own eligibility to comment. David was the least competent in handling relationships. Luke replied nonchalantly,

"I think it's pretty good this way. Everyone has their own life. Meeting up occasionally allows us to enjoy both the romance and the single life."

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