Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

The next morning.

After saying goodbye to his father, Luke took his luggage and headed to New York International Airport by airport bus.

Getting the ticket, checking in the luggage, going through security, and waiting at the gate—Luke finally boarded the plane at eleven in the morning.

Luke's seat was by the window this time, next to a young, blue-eyed blonde girl with freckles and a full figure. She looked quite young, with lively big eyes that suggested a bubbly and outgoing personality.

Luke was very satisfied with this travel setup.

A window seat to enjoy the view, and a young girl sitting next to him—not necessarily needing to do anything, just feeling good.

Looking at the white girl sitting beside him, Luke asked, "Are you headed to Los Angeles too?"

The girl smiled and joked, "No, I'm just about to talk to the flight attendant to see if I can get off halfway."

Luke laughed too, "I meant to say, is your destination Los Angeles, or are you transferring somewhere else from there?"

"I'm headed to Los Angeles. My name is Sally, a New York girl who's been dreaming about LA since I was ten."

"I'm Luke. I also grew up in New York and now reside in Los Angeles."

"Did you move to LA because you love the place too?"

"To be precise, it's because my mom loves it that we moved to Los Angeles."

"Haha…" The white girl Sally laughed, "Then you should know about LA, right?"

"Fairly well. What are you planning to do in Los Angeles?"

"I just graduated from college and have always yearned for the city of LA, so I'm planning to develop my career there and try my luck."

"Are you going alone?"

"Is Los Angeles not welcoming to single women?"

"I didn't mean that. Going to a different city alone to develop isn't easy. I admire your courage."

"Actually, I've hesitated for a long time and do have some concerns, but I want to take a chance while I'm young. If not now, should I wait until I'm old?"

"You're right. I wish you success in achieving your dreams soon."

"Thanks. Could you tell me more about LA? Like job hunting and renting apartments?"

Luke had rented before, so he was quite familiar with it and shared his knowledge of the rental situations in various areas with Sally.

"Ring ring..." As they chatted, Luke's phone rang.

Displayed on the screen was the number of Anlek Raul, who was the first informant Luke developed, helping him with some matters, and one of the three informants Luke trusted more.

Luke furrowed his brow slightly; usually, he would call Anlek when something came up, and it was rare for Anlek to contact him proactively.

Luke pressed the answer button and spoke in a low voice, "This is Luke."

"Boss, it's Anlek. I'm in a bit of trouble and need your help."

"What trouble?"

"I was… caught by the LAPD and need some bail money."

"How much do you need?"

"Three thousand US dollars."

The money wasn't too much, but Luke was more curious about why this guy got arrested, "What happened?"

"Well, I needed money and went for a little 'zero-cost purchase,' but got screwed… the stuff I took exceeded 950 US dollars.

So, unlucky enough to be caught, but it's not a big deal. I'm now arrested on theft charges and wanted to ask you to bail me out."

Luke touched his nose, speechless. What kind of person is this?

However, on second thought, it made sense; if Anlek Raul was doing well, he wouldn't have stolen Luke's vinyl records then, let alone get caught and forced to become an informant.

It just shows that habits die hard.

Luke confirmed, "Is that really all there is, nothing else?"

"Yes, just this one thing."

"If you dare lie to me, you know the consequences."

"I absolutely wouldn't."

"I'll have someone bail you out. Be careful and don't cause more trouble."

"Okay, boss." Anlek Raul's voice sounded much more relaxed, "I was arrested by patrol officers from the Southern District."

"Just wait there."

Luke hung up the phone and glanced at the white girl next to him, seeing her turn her head aside, seemingly avoiding his gaze.

Luke didn't care and dialed his uncle Val's number, "Hey, Uncle, it's me."

After a while, a response came from the other end of the phone, "I know, I'll pick you up."

The voice sounded like it hadn't fully awakened.

"Uncle, I have one more thing to ask you for help."

"What is it?"

"A friend of mine got in trouble, caught by patrol officers from the Southern District, and needs someone to bail him out.

I'll transfer you three thousand US dollars, and you get him out."

Val yawned, "What did you say? I didn't catch that."

"The bail needs three thousand dollars, and I'll transfer you three thousand one hundred dollars, the rest as your trouble fee."

Val said, "I have something this morning…"

Luke raised the price again, "Three thousand two hundred dollars."

"Alright, since you're my nephew, who else will help you if I don't? I'll postpone my other affairs."

Luke couldn't be bothered to say more, "After bailing him out, bring him to meet me."

"Okay, boss, don't forget to transfer the money."

"Two annoying guys." Luke hung up the phone and transferred three thousand two hundred US dollars to his uncle, his good mood thoroughly ruined.

Luke put away his phone, and the white girl beside him had already put on headphones to listen to music, projecting an aura of "do not disturb."