"Then you should have asked Frank for it, not me."

Luke gave a bitter smile, "Well, I'd have to actually see him for that."

"Better start preparing. The Great Commander himself is presenting this Medal of Valor, and it's the highest honor for a cop. Like you said, you're not going to Washington alone; you represent the entire Los Angeles Police Department. Let me know if you need anything.

The department will help you out if you run into any difficulties."

"Before I go, I'd like to take a couple of days off to unwind."

"As long as you hand over your work to the deputy team leader, that's not a problem."

"Can I bring family members to the medal ceremony?"

"Of course. The honor is not just yours, but also your family's."

"Wow, that's gonna be quite an expense."

"Don't think about getting reimbursed by me, the department only covers your expenses."

"How many days should I stay in Washington?"

"You can hang around for a few days, consider it a vacation. I'll send you the details of the medal ceremony and schedule."

"Thanks, Chief. You're so considerate."

"However, I must warn you. Washington isn't Los Angeles, so don't be impulsive."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Great, I'm off." Reid left the captain's office and announced to the officers in the working area,

"Guys, I've got some good news. Captain Luke is treating us tonight."

Luke spread his hands, escorting Reid to the office door.

Little Black chuckled, "Captain, what are we having tonight? Hot pot?"

Luke was speechless, damn shameless, not even asking if I want to treat, just straight up asking what's for dinner?

Jackson curiously asked, "Captain, why are you treating? Are you getting married too?"

Luke replied, "I'm single."

Little Black thought this sounded familiar, why does it feel like something I would have said in the past? Damn shameless.

The deputy team guessed, "Did you get a promotion?"

Little Black agreed, "Exactly, that's what I was thinking."

"No, actually, I also think the treat should wait until after I've been made permanent." Luke laughed,

"How about this, I'll give you guys a day. If you can guess the reason, I'll treat; if not, we'll all go out when I'm promoted."

Matthew said, "Captain, you've been awarded the Public Safety Personnel Medal of Valor!"

Luke was surprised, "How did you know?"

Matthew replied, "Check the department's website, front page headline. Captain, you're famous."

"Wow..." Everyone looked envious and started checking their computers.

Little Black shouted, "Luke, it's true! There's even a photo of you."

Luke was also surprised; it was so quick for the department to post it on the official website right after Reid told him.

The deputy team leader said, "Luke, there's no two ways about it, you have to treat us. And it's got to be a big meal, receiving this medal is even more celebratory than getting promoted."

Little Black said, "Hot pot."

Jackson chimed in, "Mexican food isn't bad either."

Jenny added, "Actually, I'd rather have French cuisine."

Luke "..."

Frickin' hell, French, as if you're trying to bankrupt me.

...

Seven o'clock in the evening.

Papá Niño Mexican Restaurant.

Luke ended up getting stuck with a dinner bill, and after thinking it over, Jackson's suggestion seemed the most reliable.

The more this kind of situation arose, the more low-key he wanted to be, which is why Luke didn't even invite David and only asked a few people from the team.

The deputy team lifted his glass, "Fellows, let's raise our glasses to Captain Luke."

"Captain, congratulations on receiving the Public Safety Personnel Medal of Valor," everyone toasted.

"Thanks." Luke also lifted his glass and took a sip.

The deputy team said with a smile, "Do you guys realize? I suddenly feel like my future is looking bright, I might have a chance to become captain again."

Luke reminded, "Deputy team, I'm still here."

"I know, but I have a feeling you'll be promoted soon. When that happens, who else but me would take over here?" the deputy team glanced around.

Luke laughed, "Deputy team, I don't mean to burst your bubble, but I haven't even been made permanent yet; promotion is a long way off."

The deputy team said, "It seems you don't realize the significance of the Medal of Valor. This medal is the highest honor the country bestows on public safety officers, presented by the Great Commander himself, and the benefits that come with this national honor will follow the police officer for life.

If I had this medal, even Frank would have to show me some respect when he sees me.

Luke, you're going to make it big."

Little Black's curiosity piqued, "Deputy team, what benefits and perks come with this medal?"

The deputy team was silent for a moment, "Well, it seems that after receiving the medal, you get a special pension of 300 US dollars a month for life... I can't quite remember the rest..."

"And here I thought you knew everything."

"Please don't trouble an almost seventy-year-old man. Besides, I haven't received it. You should ask Luke; he's the one who got the medal."

"I'll tell you all about it when I get the award," Luke said with a smile, raising his glass,

"Guys, thank you for your support. Without you, I couldn't have received this honor.

You all have a share in this recognition.

Thanks."

...

Past eight in the evening, everybody dispersed.

Little Black suggested going to a bar for round two.

But Luke didn't join them, Orty had texted to meet up.

Around nine, Luke returned home to find a white sedan parked outside and Orty sitting on a bench in the yard, waiting for him.

Luke had a good impression of Orty, the bringer of fortune.

"Hey, beautiful coach, sorry to keep you waiting."

"I wouldn't dare call myself your coach anymore; you're even better at freediving than I am." Orty picked up a gift box from the round table,

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