Los Angeles Detective

next morning.

Pinkerton Detective Agency.

A black Mercedes-Benz was parked at the door, and Luke got out of the car and looked around.

The detective office has two floors, with a bar on the left and a video store on the right. It is not far from the subway entrance, with convenient transportation and a lot of traffic.

In Luke's impression, detective agencies are generally opened in remote places, rarely in busy streets.

Luke entered the detective agency, and a Mexican female receptionist in her thirties was sitting at the front desk on the right. She stood up and asked, "Sir, do you have an appointment?"

"Yes, I want to see Miss Dean."

"Are you Mr. Li?"

"it's me."

"Miss Dean's office on the east side of the second floor, I'll take you there."

The female receptionist led Luke upstairs and knocked on the phone in Orti's office, "Miss Dean, Mr. Li is here."

"Please come in."

Ortie walked to the door to greet her. She was wearing a light blue dress and white high-heeled shoes, showing two slender thighs. "Deputy Luke, it's nice to see you again. What would you like to drink?"

Luke looked at the office environment and Orti himself, "Is there any green tea?"

"No, there are only coffee and black tea here."

"Then black tea."

"I thought you'd say whatever you want."

"I'm not a random guy."

"OK, I'm going to make tea, you sit down first." Orti pointed to the sofa with his right hand and made a gesture of invitation.

Luke put the briefcase on the table. Through last night's research, he has decided to cooperate with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. At least from the current point of view, there is no harm to him.

After making the black tea, Orti walked over with her slender waist twisted, handed a cup of black tea to Luke, took another cup of black tea and took a sip, "This is a black tea grown by a friend himself, how would you like it?" ?”

Luke took a sip. The tea was cold, sweet and sour, similar to iced tea. "You added honey and lemon?"

"And ice, so you don't have to wait for the tea to cool."

Luke said, "Since you like a fast pace, I'll cut to the chase. I read the consultant contract you gave me. Most of the terms are satisfactory, but I think the employment period is a bit long."

"How long do you think is appropriate?"

"The employment period is half a year, and the consultant fee is still 200,000 US dollars." To be honest, Luke didn't know what to ask for this condition.

But buying and selling are naturally negotiated, even if the other party disagrees, you can still talk about it.

Orti's expression didn't change much, "Do you have any other requests?"

"Your detective agency can recommend me to clients privately, and you can also use my name on the company website or within the agency, but you can't publicize it in the public media."

"There's no problem with that. You're targeting high-end customers, and the detective industry doesn't need extensive advertising."

"That's all right."

"Wait a minute, I need to make a call and ask the senior management of the detective agency for instructions."

After speaking, Orti left the office.

Luke was not in a hurry, sitting on the sofa playing with his mobile phone, he saw Xiao Hei send a text message, "Luke, do you have time today? I'm going to buy a car, do you want to go with me?"

Luke replied, "You should have bought a car long ago, but I don't have time today, so I can't go with you. You should discuss it with Julian."

"What are you doing?"

"You can buy a car first, and we'll talk about it another day." Luke said perfunctorily.

Not long after, Orti opened the door and walked in, "Deputy Luke, I've kept you waiting."

"How did the negotiation go?"

"I asked the high-level person in charge for instructions, and he proposed a compromise plan, one-year employment period, 300,000 US dollars."

Luke said, "Half a year's employment period, $150,000."

"One-year employment period, 320,000 US dollars." After Orti offered the price, fearing that Luke would disagree, he advised, "Our detectives are very sincere and want to cooperate with you for a long time.

What is the difference between one year and half a year? As long as everyone cooperates happily, the contract will be renewed. "

In fact, Luke is not really concerned about the time of the employment period. Before that, the detective agency offered a yearly employment fee of 200,000 US dollars.

He proposed to shorten the employment period from one year to half a year, which is tantamount to indirectly increasing the price of consultant fees.

The employment fee of US$200,000 for half a year is US$400,000 for one year.

The two sides bargained for a while, and raised the employment fee from US$200,000 a year to US$320,000 a year.

This price has exceeded Luke's expectations.

It can also be seen from this point that those so-called "high-end customers" may not really take money as money.

For the face of Orti, a beautiful woman, Luke agreed "reluctantly".

Orti goes to sort out the new contract.

In the afternoon, in the presence of lawyers from both parties, a formal consultant employment contract was signed.

After signing the contract, the lawyers of both parties left, leaving only Luke and Orti present.

Ortie laughed. "That Attorney Daisy is beautiful, and your relationship seems to be going well."

Luke glanced at her, "Are you jealous?"

"Hehe." Ortie chuckled lightly, rolling his beautiful eyes, "Deputy Luke, we will be colleagues from now on, please take care of us in Los Angeles."

"I will."

"I hope that the incident of being stopped by the police will not happen again in the future."

"I can't guarantee this. You have your own problems."

Orti said innocently, "What's wrong with me?"

"You are so beautiful, it's normal to be approached. The police are also normal people."

"Thank you for your comfort, you can really talk."

"I have a good teacher."

"Then he must have a lot of female friends."

Luke smiled. "He's getting married."

Ortie squatted down, opened the safe and took out a check, "Deputy Luke, here is your one-year consulting fee, $320,000."

"Thank you." It was the first time Luke got such a large check, and put it in a document and put it in his briefcase, "Do you have time tonight? I'll treat you to dinner."

"Are you dating me?"

"No, just to express my gratitude."

"If this is the case, I want to keep this thank you, just eat."

Luke nodded, not intending to leave, "What happened to the thief Orleans Sith who went to your house that night?"

"Why did you suddenly think of him?" Orti asked back.

"If you don't want me to ask, forget it."

"Is there anything wrong with him? Is he really one of yours?"

"He's not mine."

"Then why did you mention him?"

"During the interview that day, I found that he had been lying. He didn't steal randomly. He should know you, and there may even be someone behind him."

"Why didn't you say it earlier?"

Luke spread his hands, "You're a detective, I thought you'd figured it out."

Orti was a little embarrassed, but also a little inexplicably irritated, "Thank you, I will be careful."

"I don't owe you any more food." Luke got up and left.

...

Evening, half past six.

Levins Cafeteria.

This is a high-end seafood buffet restaurant, located on the top floor of the seventh floor of the hotel, with a beautiful view of half of Los Angeles.

Luke, Linda, Fatty, and Robert walked into the restaurant.

Luke reserved a table for six in advance, but only four people actually arrived. The advantage is that everyone can sit more spaciously.

The little fat man looked very excited, "I bought it, I like this restaurant.

I saw this restaurant on my friend's facebook, the last time his dad got a promotion, the family ate here. "

Linda said, "Your memory is really good. It would be even better if you can use it in your studies."

Robert said, "I'm looking at things here, you go and get something to eat."

Luke said, "Grandpa, what do you want to eat? I'll get it for you."

"Let's have something to drink first, beer and champagne."

"OK."

Afterwards, Luke's family of three began to choose meals.

King crab legs, lobster, Wagyu beef, sea urchin, tuna, beef tongue, foie gras...

Champagne, beer, red wine, liquor, cocktails, all kinds of drinks are available.

The little fat man was quickly attracted by all kinds of delicacies, and took a lot of them in a short while.

Robert reminded, "Jack, don't take too much at once, you can take it after eating."

Luke was holding a plate containing beer, champagne, red wine and cocktails. With the little fat man, he didn't have to take food, which saved a lot of trouble.

The little fat man looked at the wine on the plate, "Can I have a drink?"

"It's not theoretically possible, but...you can drink it secretly." Luke handed him a cocktail.

"Thank you bro."

With the efforts of the little fat man, all kinds of food were placed on the table.

The little fat man picked up a piece of wagyu beef and took a bite, "It's super tender, I like it."

"Then you can eat more, I think you are the most likely to get your money back." Luke smiled.

The little fat man looked at the environment of the restaurant, "It must be very expensive here."

"$250 a person, you are half price, and there is a 10% tip."

"Wow, this is the first time I have eaten such an expensive buffet. I remember that the most expensive buffet I ate before was 80 dollars a person. Dad took us there." The little fat man showed an excited look. He usually ate The buffet is 25 yuan per person, which is ten times more expensive.

"You like to eat, I will bring you here in the future."

"Brother, are you rich?"

"It's not a fortune, it's just an extra part-time job."

Linda raised her glass. "Good luck with your new job."

"Thanks."

The little fat man took out his mobile phone, took pictures, and said, "I must take pictures to make those classmates envious, and Uncle Val, he will definitely regret not coming."

Linda asked, "That's right, why didn't Val come?"

"I called him and he said he was working the night shift and asked me to hire him another day."

Linda shook her head, "He can really speak."

"I'm going to treat him to a hamburger next time."

"Good idea, Daisy?"

"She's working overtime, busier than me."

"Then leave them alone, I will take a photo and post it on Facebook."

"Mom, are you sure you want to do this?" The little fat man was a little surprised, he didn't expect his mother to be so 'vain'.

"Of course, my son treats me to a big meal, is there anything more worthy of showing off?

The last time I came to such a high-end restaurant... I can't remember when it was. "

Robert nodded, "You're right, I want to post on Facebook too.

I bet none of my old friends have grandchildren who buy them a $250 buffet.

They'll be so envious.

Definitely a day to brag about. "

After hearing what his family said, Luke's mood...is very complicated.

He thought the meal was worth it.

Isn't it the meaning of making money to use the money you earn to improve your family's life?

It's a great feeling.

Robert took a sip of champagne, "Luke, tell me about your new part-time job."

The little fat man planted another lobster in his mouth, "I want to know too."

Luke said, "Grandpa, do you know the Pinkerton Detective Agency?"

Before Robert could speak, the little fat man rushed to answer, "I know." The little fat man cleared his throat and said in a rough voice, "We never rest."

Luke said, "I'm not talking about the game, but the Pinkerton Detective Agency in reality."

Robert nodded, "I heard that this detective agency has been established for more than a hundred years, there are many legends about them, and the 'Pinkerton Act' was even introduced to limit their development.

This detective agency wants you to be a part-time detective? "

"A consultant to be exact, I have solved several cases in Los Angeles, and I am quite well-known. They want to hire me as a consultant for a detective firm, just in name, and they will give me a considerable amount of consulting fees every year.

Some clients will also be recommended to me, however, I have the right to refuse. "

"Brother, are you going to be a detective?"

"No, I don't plan to take the case for now."

Robert put down his knife and fork, "Based on my experience, this money is not easy to get, and the faces of capitalists are all the same.

I guess it won't be long before they come to you for a case.

You have to be prepared. "

"I remember." Luke responded, not paying much attention.

In Los Angeles, no one can threaten him.

...

next morning.

Luke rests.

After he got up, he washed up briefly, poured a pot of tea and drank tea in the yard.

He didn't want to go anywhere today, so he just had a good rest at home.

An extra detective fee made his life more comfortable.

Once people have no pressure to survive, they will reduce their work motivation and become lazy.

"Woo..." At this moment, a truck drove over and parked not far from Luke's house, facing the neighbor on the east side of Luke's house.

There was a small car behind the van, and a white man got out of the car. He was of medium build, in his thirties, and looked very strong. Luke had never seen him before.

Ruidu community is a Chinese community, most of them are Chinese, and the white population is only about ten percent.

Two Mexican men got out of the truck, wearing blue overalls and looking like porters.

Under the command of the white man, two Mexican men began moving furniture from the van to the house next door to Luke.

New neighbors?

Luke didn't pay much attention to it. After drinking tea, he went to have breakfast.

A bowl of soy milk, an egg, a bowl of beef noodles, served with pickles, Luke was very satisfied.

When he got home, the truck had already left, and it was estimated that the things had been moved.

In the morning, Luke didn't go out again, and studied handwriting identification at home.

He bought a lot of paid learning materials online, and planned to learn this skill during the rest time.

"Ding dong..." Luke's doorbell rang.

Luke walked over to open the door and saw the white man who had moved standing outside with a red wine bag in his hand.

"Hello, my name is Marshall Smith. I just moved next door and I want to come over to say hello."

"My name is Luke Li. Nice to meet you." The two shook hands.

Marshall pointed to the house next to him, "I just moved here, and the house needs to be renovated. I'm sorry, it may be noisy these days, and it will bring you some noise."

"I can understand."

Marshall handed the red wine to Luke, "Thank you for your understanding, this is a gift for you."

"Thank you." Luke took the red wine and invited, "Please come in and sit down. I'll pour you a cup of tea."

"no thank you.

The house is in a mess now, I have to clean it up, I guess I'm busy today. "

"Do you need help?"

"not needed for now."

Luke sent Marshall to the door, "Do you live with your family?"

"No, I'm single."

Looking at the other person's expression, Luke felt that there was a sign of lying, and continued to ask, "What do you do for work?"

"I'm a wine merchant, and I often need to travel to sell wine. I can't remember how many places I've been to."

lie.

"Are you from Los Angeles?"

"Yeah, I grew up in Los Angeles and I went out of state with my parents and I'm back now.

There are many memories here for me, it is a very special place. "

lie.

Luke probed further, "I think you look familiar, have we met before? Do you know me?"

"I don't know each other. I haven't been to Los Angeles for a long time. This should be the first time we've met."

This sentence is not a lie.

"Welcome to the Redu community." Luke said politely.

"Thank you, see you another day." Marshall waved his hand and went back to his home.

A guy full of lies, Luke became wary.

However, since the other party doesn't know him, it shouldn't be for him.

who cares.

There are too many liars in this world, as long as there is no threat to him, Luke doesn't bother to get to the bottom of it.

Some troubles are self-inflicted, why bother?

Of course, if the other party threatens you, that's another matter.

...

next morning.

At nine o'clock in the morning, Luke arrived at the Robbery and Murder Division.

Everyone was having breakfast, and Xiao Hei handed Luke a burrito and milk, "I'll keep it for you."

In the morning, Xiao Hei sent a message to Luke, asking him to invite him to breakfast.

When Luke arrived at the office, he realized that he didn't treat himself alone, but bought breakfast for everyone in the team.

"your treat?"

"That's right, I bought a car yesterday, please have a meal and celebrate."

"Didn't you buy the car the day before yesterday?"

Xiao Hei took a sip of coffee, "The car is not a hamburger, how could I buy it immediately, I just picked up the car yesterday, Julian and I went together."

The deputy team said, "Congratulations on your reconciliation with Julian. To be honest, I was surprised to hear this news."

Jenny echoed, "Yeah, that's not his style."

"You two boring guys are just envious." Xiao Hei laughed.

Luke took a sip of milk, "What car did you buy?"

Xiao Hei pretended to be mysterious, "Guess?"

"Hehe." Luke chuckled, I still can't figure out what's on your mind.

"I'll take you to see, the car is parked below."

"OK, I want to see it too."

Afterwards, the two went down to the police station building.

Luke glanced at the parking lot, but did not see the new car suspected of being Xiao Hei, "Where is your car?"

"There." Xiao Hei pressed the car key to unlock it.

"Didi."

Not far away, a black Toyota Camry turned on its headlights.

Luke was a little surprised, "Is this your new car?"

Xiao Hei patted the car and introduced, "It has a beautiful appearance, electric seats, and great sound effects. The most important thing is that it is cheap. Julian and I both like it."

"I thought you'd buy a Cadillac?"

"The one Cadillac I like is so expensive it needs a loan...

I am not alone now.

So, I chose this car, which sold well and performed well. "

Luke patted him on the shoulder. "You'd be a good father."

Thanks to the book friends for the reward!