Los Angeles Detective

  Chapter 222 Press Conference (Big Chapter)

   Luke lay in the hospital all day.

  After the physical examination results came out, everything was normal. As for the chest pain that Luke said, it might just be a slight contusion, and there was nothing serious about it.

  Luke got off the car at the entrance of the hotel and saw a lot of people gathered around the opposite square. The blood on the square had been cleaned up, but the cordon was still pulled.

  There are flowers and photos outside the square, which should be mourning the dead in the shooting.

  Reports about the shooting have been overwhelming these two days.

  The identity of the shooter was also picked up.

   I don’t know if the Las Vegas Police Department played a role. Luke’s identity has never been revealed.

  The Los Angeles CPF TV station once reported the news that the Los Angeles police uniformed the gunman, and many people are speculating on Luke's identity.

   However, some people doubt the authenticity of this news.

  Because the Las Vegas police did not answer positively from beginning to end.

  However, experienced media people can guess that the news is likely to be true based on the response of the Las Vegas police.

   Many journalists want to find out the mysterious police officer who subdued the gunman.

  The police officer not only subdued the gunman, but was also the first to arrive at the scene. If he could be invited to do a program to tell the process of the shooting, the ratings would definitely explode.

  Actually, even if they found Luke, Luke would not be interviewed, some things are too much.

  If Luke appeared in a high-profile interview, he would definitely be called a "hero" by everyone at the beginning, and he would receive extremely high praise and reputation in a short period of time.

  There are too many examples of being praised by the media on the Internet. The higher the praise, the worse the fall.

  Luke hopes that others will know him first, from his identity as the deputy captain of the police department, and then after getting to know him, he knows that he is the "hero" of the shooting at the Las Vegas Music Festival.

  The other party will think, wow, so he is not an ordinary policeman, but a hero.

   Instead of others first knowing that they are the "hero" of the shooting at the Las Vegas Music Festival, and then knowing about their other situations, they find that they are just an ordinary policeman.

  The other party will think that what kind of shooting hero is a policeman.

  For Luke himself, the Las Vegas shooting has come to an end. According to the original plan, he has already driven back to Los Angeles.

   But it's different now, before leaving, he still has two things to do.

   First, he is still waiting for a bonus of 500,000 yuan from MGM.

  People offered to give money, and the reasons for giving the money were clearly stated. They had already thought about it in the name of being brave, and if Luke refused to accept it, he would be a fool.

  He has never been a fake high-minded person.

  The second question is that the shooting is still under investigation. As the first person to arrive at the scene and wound the shooter, he still needs to assist in the investigation and cannot leave Las Vegas for the time being.

  He also heard news that the case may be taken over by the FBI for investigation.

   This is a good thing for Luke. Lest the Las Vegas police look down on me and wear small shoes for myself.

  Luke returned to the hotel, it was fine to be alone, and he didn't want to go to the casino again, he was sad.

  He found out that there was a gun club nearby, and he wanted to go to that gun club to practice rifles.

   This idea came before Las Vegas.

   While investigating the last case, Luke and others arrested the suspect Domit James, who was shot by his father.

  Dormit James' father was a ruthless man. He shot and threw grenades at the police from the second floor. If it wasn't for the bullet-avoiding card, Luke might have confessed.

  Yesterday, he chatted with Jackson, and Jackson also mentioned the suspect's sister, Anna James.

   This is also a ruthless person, who took a rifle to avenge his rival's house.

  The rival's father died on the spot.

  The rival mother died on the way to the hospital.

   Needless to say, the shooting this time made Luke realize the power of the rifle once again.

  If the shooter is shooting with a pistol, the rate of fire and power are much worse, and it is absolutely impossible to cause such a large amount of damage.

   On the other hand, Luke took a pistol to fight with the gunman, and he himself felt a little guilty.

  Luke doesn't know how to use a rifle, and once he faces a gangster with a rifle, he will be a little stretched.

  Of course, this does not mean that rifles completely crush pistols, but that the two types of guns have their own characteristics, and that different guns are more likely to save lives in different periods.

  Luke drove the Mercedes-Benz G500 straight to the Fossari Gun Club.

   Along the way, Luke felt that the number of tourists had decreased significantly. It seems that this shooting incident still has a certain impact on Las Vegas tourism.

   The Fossari Gun Club is located in the northern suburbs of Las Vegas, about ten minutes away by car.

  The gun club has a large area and is also very luxurious. Compared with other places, the business here is good.

  Luke also saw a lot of Asian faces.

  Asians belong to a group that uses guns less. At this time, practicing guns is likely to be insecure and for self-protection.

  Luke didn't care too much, registered with his social security card, paid another three hundred dollars deposit, and then followed the waiter to the gun warehouse to choose a gun.

  The guns here are very complete, and Luke is a bit picky.

  There is another reason why Luke chooses to practice guns at this time. He got two rifle cards in the last lottery draw [you can quickly learn and comprehend marksmanship]

  The shooting incident drew a lottery, and another one was drawn, and now there are three in total, so learning is more effective with half the effort.

  After three cards are used up, it is estimated that his rifle level can be greatly improved.

   Next to the gun warehouse is a small fixed shooting range. After choosing a gun, you can try it there. Luke tried several rifles with good performance, and finally chose an M4.

  This gun is not only good in overall performance, but also easy to use.

  M4 full name M4 carbine, is an assault rifle designed by Colt.

  M4 is also one of the largest individual weapons equipped by the American army.

  Luke came to the practice range, and also started practicing from shooting fixed targets.

  The feeling of a rifle and a pistol is completely different. The bullets of a rifle are much longer than those of a pistol, and the shape is also very different.

  Pistol bullets are rounded, while rifle bullets are pointed.

  The shooting posture is also completely different. The recoil force of a rifle is much greater than that of a pistol. Every time you shoot, you have to adjust the direction, which is a bit unaccustomed to a novice.

"Da da…"

  Luke shot at a 100-meter target, 30 rounds were fired, and the hit rate was about two-thirds.

  Luke played a few clips, and he had some feeling of using a rifle, and his arm was also a little numb.

"Da da da…"

   At this moment, a white man next to him was also shooting a target, holding a rifle and shooting from a standing position. The rate of fire was very fast, and it took only one-third of Luke's time to finish a clip of bullets.

  The target moves forward, and there is almost no off-target situation.

  The white man next to him took off his earmuffs and smiled at Luke, "Inspector Luke, no, it's Luke's deputy team. Let's meet again."

   "Agent Anthony, long time no see, why are you here?"

  Anthony raised the rifle in his hand, "Would you like to have a contest?"

  "If you want to compete, you can try shooting with a pistol, and the rifle is fine."

   "You are the hero who subdued the gunman, so you have no confidence in your rifle marksmanship?"

   "At this distance, if I shoot with a pistol, you don't even have a chance to use a rifle."

  Pistols are more flexible and suitable for close combat.

  Anthony raised his hands, "I surrender, how about we talk?"

   Luke speculates, "You're here for the shooting?"

"Yes."

   "Are you also involved in the investigation of this case?"

   "That's right, so I want to talk to you. It's better to talk here than the Las Vegas police department, what do you think?"

  The words reached Luke's heart, he didn't want to go to the Las Vegas police station again, "After talking with you, can I return to Los Angeles?"

"Can."

   "You mean what you say?" Luke made a pun.

   "Of course, you are a big hero in Los Angeles now. If I cheat you, I won't dare to set foot on the land of Los Angeles again."

   "Forget it as a hero, I don't like this title."

   The two went to a coffee shop in the club.

  The TV hanging in the coffee shop also broadcast the news of the shooting.

  The coffee shop was empty, with only two customers, Luke and Anthony.

  Luke cut to the chase, "What do you want to ask?"

  Anthony put down the coffee cup, "Tell me in detail the purpose of your coming to Las Vegas, the people you are with, and what you have experienced."

  "Although I know that this is an investigation procedure, as a brave person, I have done good deeds, but I have to be interrogated again and again, and I am even restricted from leaving here. I feel very uncomfortable.

   And I have to pay my own expenses in Las Vegas, which I think is a bit unfair. "

  Anthony spread his hands, "So I'm here to save you."

  Luke had no choice but to narrate the case.

  After listening to Anthony, he asked, "Have you seen the shooter before? Or have you had any other contact?"

"No."

   "Have you been to Las Vegas before?"

"first."

  "You are a policeman. You were at the scene when the gunman shot, and you were the first to rush to the scene of the shooting. Based on your judgment, why did the gunman attack the tourists at the music festival?"

   "I have been to the scene of the crime, but I know too little about the case.

   And, this is Las Vegas, I have no sources at all, what do you want me to say? "

  Anthony introduced, "The shooter's name is Stephen Parker, he is 64 years old this year.

  His father was a robber who lived in prison for many years, so Stephen grew up in a single-parent family.

  He worked in real estate and auditing from youth to middle age, and his life is relatively affluent.

   But this man is a gambler by nature, and he hangs out in Las Vegas casinos all year round, with high stakes.

  Since 2015, I have been losing money and suffering from depression, often taking antidepressant drugs.

  One week before the shooting, he reserved two adjacent rooms on the 32nd floor. In addition to the shooting scene you found, he also reserved room 135 next door. "

  Listening to Anthony's introduction, Luke had a general impression of the gunman, and asked, "Do you have a will?"

"No."

   "Do you have a record of contact with gangs or terrorist organizations?"

"No."

"Criminal record?"

"No."

   "Religious belief? Political affiliation?"

   "He's an atheist. No political affiliation."

   "I found more than twenty rifles at the scene, how did he get into the hotel?"

   "Two days before the shooting, he packed the guns into boxes and shipped them into the hotel room in batches."

   Judging from Anthony's description, the relationship between this person is relatively simple.

  Reminiscent of his experience of losing money in the past two days, Luke analyzed, "I guess he may have lost money in the casino for a long time, and he has lost his eyes, and has changed from a rich man to a poor man.

   Wants revenge on the hotel, revenge on Las Vegas. "

  Luke's guess is not unfounded. Since the shooting, the number of tourists in Las Vegas has decreased significantly. Moreover, it is estimated that Las Vegas will not dare to hold music festivals in the future.

  Anthony nodded and said with a smile, "The situation you mentioned is very likely.

  But there are also some people who have proposed conspiracy theories. For example, you rushed to the shooting scene at the first time, not to save people, but to kill people. "

  Luke's face became a little ugly, "Then show the video of the law enforcement camera to that idiot. Or let him come over and tell me in person."

  Anthony shrugged, "You should know, I'm not targeting you. It's just that some people like to engage in conspiracy theories.

  For example, there are still many Americans who do not believe that the moon landing is real, or even that the earth is round. "

  The TV hanging in the coffee shop also broadcast the news of the shooting.

   At this time, a voice suddenly sounded from the TV station.

   "This is CNJ TV station, broadcasting the latest development of a shooting case.

  According to what the reporter learned from the hospital, the number of dead in the shooting has increased to 58 and the number of injured has reached 848.

  The case has been handed over to the FBI for investigation.

  In addition, according to the reporter's investigation and investigation, the shooting occurred at 10:06 in the evening, and the Las Vegas police arrived at the room where the shooter was at after 11:00.

   It was not the Las Vegas police who really stopped the gunman from shooting, but a Los Angeles police officer who was on vacation.

   This police officer is likely to be Luke Lee, deputy captain of the Robbery and Murder Division of the Police Detective Bureau.

  We have not been able to contact him for the time being, and we don't know why he appeared at the shooting scene.

  We will conduct continuous follow-up investigations and return the truth to the victims of the shooting. "

  Anthony smiled, "Congratulations, the hero of Los Angeles, you can go home."

   Luke laughed too, "Let me go so soon."

   "I'm worried that if you don't let you go, the video of the law enforcement recorder will be on the news tomorrow. By then, the Las Vegas police will not be the only ones who will have a headache."

   "I wish you solve the case as soon as possible." Luke stood up and waved his hand, "I'm going to practice shooting."

  Anthony laughed, "You even have problems with the posture of holding the gun. I suggest you find a coach first. You can't get results behind closed doors."

   "Do you have any recommendations?"

"What do you think about me?"

   "Don't you need to investigate the case?"

   "Don't forget, you are the object of my investigation, and staying with you for a while will not do me any harm."

   "That doesn't sound very friendly."

   “I was a former Navy SEAL and I was the absolute best rifle instructor.”

   "Sounds good."

   Subsequently, Luke began to practice rifles under the guidance of Anthony.

  Luke doesn't know if Anthony has other goals, but his marksmanship is indeed very good, and he is also a good coach.

  He taught Luke not only how to use a gun, but also many practical skills.

  Take advantage of this opportunity and start learning eagerly.

  With the assistance of the rifle card, Luke has made rapid progress. In just one day, the shooting level of the rifle has improved a lot, which makes Anthony a little impressed...

  The next day, Luke returned to Los Angeles in a Mercedes-Benz G500.

   As for the bonus of 500,000 yuan promised by MGM Group, it has not yet arrived, but Luke is not in a hurry, he believes that the other party will definitely give it.

  MGM would be kidding Luke if they don't.

  Just like what MGM Group worried about before, as long as they offend Luke, it is likely to affect the next high-priced claims.

  As long as they are not fools, they will definitely not do such a small thing.

  Luke drove back to Los Angeles. The drive of more than four hours was a bit boring and hard. There were two people when they came, but they became one when they went back.

   Having nothing to do these two days, he also carefully considered his relationship with Daisy.

  After Daisy returned to Los Angeles halfway through her trip, Luke has not contacted each other.

  Afterwards, Luke felt a little regretful.

  He regretted not because he was afraid of Daisy's anger, but because he felt that his performance... was not something a mature man should do.

   Playing petty temper.

   Having nothing to do these two days, Luke thought about it carefully again. In fact, he is not immature, but his mentality is a little unbalanced.

   To put it simply, I feel that I have paid, but I have not received the feedback I deserve.

  He has always treated Daisy as his girlfriend, but Daisy's attitude is somewhat vague.

  At first, Luke thought Daisy was just concentrating on her work and didn't take it too seriously.

  But when he looked back, he and Daisy didn't have much sweetness from the beginning, and they didn't have the feeling of falling in love.

  The reason why he is with Daisy is because of Daisy's body, but he doesn't like Daisy's strong woman character very much.

  The reason why Daisy and Luke were together was because of a robbery and a camera was installed at home. She was in a state of high stress and needed help and support, and Luke happened to stand up.

   To put it bluntly, Daisy was with him more out of a sense of security.

  The relationship between the two people has been getting along until now, either Daisy goes one step further, or Luke takes one step back.

  Luke tried the former and it didn't work.

  That can only take a step back, without too much expectation, there will be no disappointment.

  He understands the relationship between himself and Daisy as a close friend, helping each other when there is something to do, and making an appointment with each other when there is nothing to do.

  Normally everyone does not interfere with each other and has their own work and life circles.

  Of course, there are some things that don’t need to be said clearly. Luke will gradually change his relationship mode. Daisy is a very smart woman and should be able to understand his thoughts.

  Perhaps, such a relationship will make the two of them last longer.

   After twelve o'clock, Luke drove back to the Redu community.

  Originally, he planned to go to the square restaurant to have some food before going home.

  However, as soon as I entered the community, I felt a difference.

  There are more people and cars in the community.

  He didn't stop at the square, but drove directly to his home, and saw more vehicles parked outside his rented house, one of which had a Peugeot of the TV station.

  Luke immediately understood that yesterday's news report had an effect, and these reporters should have come to interview him.

  If Luke is going into politics now, maybe an interview is a good choice, but he also wants to continue to be a policeman, so he can't overexpose himself.

  Being exposed as the hero of the shooting is completely different from being the hero of the shooting on your own initiative.

  The latter is vulnerable to backlash.

  Luke is not in politics now, and there is no need to realize his reputation.

  Luke didn't stop, just drove over, and then went straight to his mother's house.

  Luke's mother's house had fewer vehicles, but according to Luke's intuition, there were also reporters squatting around, so he didn't stop and drove away.

Where to?

  Daisy's house?

  No, he won't go to Daisy's house during the day.

  Go back to the police station, that's the only way to go.

   No matter how good this group of reporters is, they dare not forcefully break into the police station.

   Subsequently, Luke drove to the police station.

  As soon as you entered the game, many people greeted you.

   "Whoa, Luke, I heard you were the hero behind the shooting."

   "Luke, did you really wound the shooter?"

   "Good job buddy, you saved a lot of people, you are the pride of lapd."

   "Deputy Luke, tell us about the situation at that time, isn't it very dangerous?"

   Luke made a perfunctory sentence, and strode into the First Squadron of the Robbery and Murder Division.

  After seeing Luke, the team members were all surprised.

   "Luke, you're back!"

   "Stop!

   Everyone, don’t ask about Las Vegas anymore. I will tell you carefully about drinking another day, but not now. "

  Xiao Hei asked, "Dude, what's wrong with you?"

  The deputy team laughed, "You don't need to ask, he's a walking news now."

  Susan nodded, "It's good that you come back safely."

   "Thanks, guys, nice to meet you."

  Luke took a break in the office, chatted briefly with the team members, and then went to Reid's office.

   As a police officer, if he is watched by reporters every day, he can't do anything, and he doesn't want his life to be overexposed.

  Luke told Rhett about his distress, and Rhett proposed a compromise.

   Hold a press conference on behalf of the LAPD.

   He openly admitted that he was the one who subdued the shooter, and only said what was related to him, but did not describe the case too much, and publicly stated that he would not accept media interviews alone. Without suspense, the reporter lost interest.

  The more Luke refuses to accept interviews and hides, the more reporters will stare at him, thinking that he has big information in his hands.

  …

  The next day.

  Many cars of news TV stations were parked outside the police station, and many reporters surrounded the yard.

   These people are all here for the press conference.

   Most of them are familiar faces, as well as Luke's "old friend" Pari Jones.

  She had a straight face, a little depressed.

  She thought that Marcus was settled, but who knew that this guy turned around and sold the news to others.

  Pari Jones became even more depressed when she saw other news TV stations reporting that Luke was the police officer who subdued the gunman.

   This should be news that originally belonged to her.

  Although she doesn't like Luke, she likes the news.

  Damn Marcus!

   Actually... ignoring me...

  Although she complained about Marcus, she had to admit that Marcus did give her a surprise and told her big news.

  Unfortunately, she didn't grasp it well and only got the first half of the news.

   Now she has to squeeze here with a group of reporters waiting for an interview. This is not the treatment she deserves.

   After about ten minutes, she saw two familiar figures, Deputy Director Reid and Deputy Team Luke.

  She doesn't like Luke, but compared with work, some small grievances can be put aside.

   She doesn't mind working with Luke as long as she can get good news.

   Without this measurement, she would have been unable to survive in the TV station.

   Besides, she and Luke have no essential conflict of interest, and her real competition is the group of guys around her.

   Soon, Director Reid stepped onto the stage and said a few words on the scene.

   Next, it was the turn of the press conference.

  Luke stepped onto the stage, glanced at the crowd, and sighed,

   "From the moment I left Las Vegas, I told myself the shooting was over.

   But when I got home and saw a group of reporters gathered around the door, I knew this matter was not over yet.

  I didn't want to be interviewed by the media, I just wanted to go home and have a good sleep.

   But obviously I don't give interviews, and I'm afraid this matter can't be closed.

  So, I held a press conference today, hoping to bring this matter to an end.

  Although I don't know how the reporter found out, it was indeed me who subdued the shooter that night.

  I was traveling in Las Vegas, singing and dancing at a music festival, and it just happened...

  Everyone knows what happened afterwards, and I don't want to describe it too much.

  Although I was the first to rush to the room where the shooter was, I did not participate in the investigation of the case.

  I told the Las Vegas police and the FBI everything I knew, they knew better than I did.

   I just wounded the shooter and stopped him from shooting, that's all.

   I also hope that everyone will stop staring at me.

   I just did what a cop should do.

   If you want to know more, go to the Las Vegas police or the FBI.

   Besides, I've said all I have to say.

  I will not accept individual interviews with any news media, thank you. After Luke finished speaking, he left the podium gracefully.

  He didn't give the reporter a chance to ask questions, but only left everyone a back view.

   The Las Vegas shooting is over.

   Write a new case in the next chapter.

   Thanks for the reward from book friends!

  (end of this chapter)