Chapter 255 Family
The next morning.
Pinkerton Detective Agency.
A black Mercedes-Benz parked at the door, 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. 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."
"Come in."
Orti 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 would say casually."
"I'm not a casual person."
"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, a little sweet, a little sour, similar to iced black tea, "Did you add honey and lemon?"
"There are also ice cubes, so we don't have to wait for the tea to cool."
Luke said, "Since you like a fast pace, then 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 make a big splash in the public media."
"There is no problem with this. You are targeting high-end customers, and the detective industry does not need extensive advertising."
"Then it's fine."
"Wait a minute, I need to make a call and ask the senior management of the detective agency for instructions."
After finishing speaking, Orti left the office.
Luke was not in a hurry, sitting on the sofa playing with his mobile phone, and 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 kept you waiting."
"How's the discussion going?"
"I asked the senior 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, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars."
"One-year employment period, 320,000 US dollars." After Orti offered the price, fearing that Luke would disagree, he persuaded, "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. "
Actually, 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 parties bargained for a while, and increased 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 for money.
Looking at the beauty of Orti, Luke reluctantly agreed.
Orti 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.
Orti laughed, "That Attorney Daisy is very beautiful, and your relationship looks good."
Luke glanced at her, "Are you jealous?"
"Hehe." Orti chuckled lightly, rolling his beautiful eyes, "Deputy Luke, we will be colleagues in the future, please take care of us in Los Angeles."
"I will."
"I hope that the car 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 is normal to be approached. The police are also normal people."
"Thank you for your comfort, you really can talk."
“I have a good teacher.”
"Then he must have many female friends."
Luke smiled, "He's getting married."
Orti squatted down, opened the safe and took out a check, "Deputy Luke, this is your annual 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, simply express gratitude."
"If this is the case, I want to keep this thank you, just eat."
Luke nodded, not intending to leave, "What happened to Orleans Sith, the thief 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 something 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 already seen it."
Orti was a little embarrassed and 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, "Damn it, I like this restaurant.
I saw this restaurant on my friend's Facebook, and the last time his dad was promoted, the family came here to eat. "
Linda said, "Your memory is really good. It would be even better if you can use it for study."
Robert said, "I'm looking at things here, you go 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 carrying a plate containing beer, champagne, red wine and cocktails. With Little Fatty, 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 back your money." Luke laughed.
The little fat man looked at the environment of the restaurant, "It must be very expensive here."
"$250 per 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 considered a fortune, it's just an extra part-time job."
Linda raises her glass, "Good luck with your new job."
"Thanks."
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, where's Daisy?"
"She is working overtime, busier than me."
"Then leave them alone, I will also take a picture 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 'vanity'.
"Of course, my son treats me to a big meal, is there anything more worthy of showing off than this?
The last time I came to such a high-end restaurant... I can't remember when it was. "
Robert nodded, "You are 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 dying of envy.
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.
Using the money you earn to improve your family’s life, isn’t that the meaning of making money?
It feels great.
Robert took a sip of champagne, "Luke, tell me about your new part-time job."
The little fat man planted another crayfish in his mouth, "I want to know too."
Luke said, "Grandpa, do you know 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 to hire you as a part-time detective? "
"A consultant to be precise. I solved several cases in Los Angeles, and I'm quite famous. They wanted me to be a consultant for a detective firm, just in name, and they would give me a lot of consulting fees every year.
Will also recommend some clients 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 so easy to get, and capitalists have similar faces.
I guess it won't be long before they come to you for a case.
You have to be mentally prepared. "
"I remember." Luke responded, not paying much attention.
In Los Angeles, no one can threaten him.
…
The next morning.
Luke breaks.
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.
"Woooo..." 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 truck, 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 on and off the truck, wearing blue overalls and looking like porters.
Under the command of the white man, two Mexican men began to move the furniture from the van to the house next door to Luke.
New neighbors?
Luke didn't care too much. 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 was moving 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 and say hello."
"My name is Luke Lee. 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 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 right now, I have to clean it up, I guess I'm busy today. "
"Do you need help?"
"not needed for now."
Luke sends Marshall outside the door, "Are you living with your family?"
"No, I'm single."
Luke looked at the other person's expression, feeling a sign of lying, and continued to ask, "What do you do for work?"
“I’m a wine merchant, and I often 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 then 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 me, it shouldn't be for me.
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 himself, that's another matter.
…
The next morning.
At nine o'clock in the morning, Luke arrived at the Robbery and Murder Division.
Everyone was eating 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.
Luke arrived at the office only to find out 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 your thoughts.
"I'll take you to see, the car is parked below."
"OK, I want to see it too."
Then, the two got off the building of the police station.
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 looks beautiful, with electric seats and sound effects, and the most important thing is that it is cheap. Julian and I both like it."
"I thought you'd buy a Cadillac?"
“The Cadillac I like is too expensive and needs a loan…
I am not alone now.
So, I chose this car, and it sold well and performed well. "
Luke patted him on the shoulder, "You'd be a good father."
Thanks for the reward from book friends!
(end of this chapter)