Los Angeles Detective

  Chapter 384 Team

nine in the morning.

  Luke drove to the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains.

   A very modern art museum and a beautiful garden - the Getty Center - were built here.

  Luke parked the car in the parking lot and walked to the front square of the Getty Center. The surrounding buildings blended with the beautiful scenery. Perhaps it was because of Christmas. There were not many tourists today.

   Luke stretched his waist, breathing the fresh air, and it's nice to come to the mountains once in a while.

  A black man walked by, wearing a yellow hat, carrying a checkered bag in his hand, walked up to Luke and said, "Sir, I'm very hungry, can you buy me something to eat?"

  Luke looked at the other party, opened his clothes and took out money from his pocket, inadvertently revealing the pistol at his waist, and took out two dollars from his pocket, "Merry Christmas!"

"Thank you, sir.

Merry Christmas! After thanking the homeless man, he took two dollars and walked away quickly.

   Regarding the matter of giving money to homeless people, there are different opinions, and each has its own opinion. American homeless people are also divided into many situations, but they can be roughly divided into three types.

   The first type has hands and feet, can work, but is lazy, doesn't want to work, and eats benefits.

  The second type is sick and unable to work.

  The third type is educated, self-motivated, and ambitious. They have tried hard but failed.

   On the issue of giving money, there are mainly two groups. The first is in favor of giving money, because some homeless people are really poor and cannot afford to eat. If you give him one or two dollars, he can have a full meal.

  If you don’t give it, it may be the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.

   There is also a school of thought that you should not give money, as long as you give money, you will be stalked by homeless people.

  If you give him one or two yuan, he is not satisfied at all, and will keep chasing after you, and may even be in danger due to disputes.

  Luke thinks that what the above two factions say is reasonable, but in essence it depends on whether you have the strength.

  Just like Luke said, whether to give or not is up to one’s heart, looking at the other person’s pity, and really has no money for food, so give two or three dollars as a kindness.

   If the other party dares to entangle, continue chasing for money, find a place where no one is around and slap him, and you will be honest after a few slaps.

   Not far away, a slim and pretty figure walked over and said with a smile, "I never thought Captain Li would have such a kind side."

  Luke joked, "Are you a bit regretful that you missed the chance to get to know me better last night?"

  Orti didn't seem to understand, and didn't care, "So I invited you to eat at the museum today.

   This museum is very famous in Los Angeles, have you been there before? "

   "No, I'm a layman, and I rarely come to such an elegant place." Although Luke has never been to this museum, he has heard about the founder of the museum.

  This uncle is Paul Getty, who is also a ruthless man. His grandson was kidnapped by the Mafia and cut off an ear. He still refused to pay the 17 million yuan ransom.

  Luke has more or less knowledge of the inside story. It is said that after Getty’s grandson was kidnapped, a large number of emergency meetings were held within the family on the kidnapping case. It was biased to say that he wanted money and no people.

  Getty's public refusal to pay the ransom is because he is worried that other family members will become the targets of more kidnappers. Getty's indifference is a negotiation tactic.

  Getty has four wives, four sons, and more than a dozen grandchildren.

  No matter what the truth is, this kidnapping case is just a small wave in his life, not even a setback.

  This museum is Getty's "pro-grandson". The construction cost is as high as 2.2 billion U.S. dollars, which brings together his hard work.

  The theme building of the museum is mainly white, and the collections are mostly oil paintings and statues, including paintings by famous artists such as Monet, Manet, Chancellor, and Van Gogh.

  There are a large number of sculptures in the square of the museum, with strange shapes and various shapes, including men and women.

  The museum is free and can be visited at will.

  Luke rarely came to museums before, and always felt boring, but after walking around the museum, he felt a little different.

  Each painting has its origin, each painting represents a period, and is an abbreviation of a historical stage...

  In a sense, these sculptures and paintings are the epitome of Western civilization...

  If you just look at the flowers with the mind of killing time, maybe you are just wasting time.

  But if you feel it with your heart, you may be able to gain something and enrich your heart.

  While visiting the art exhibition, Orti acted as Luke's guide, and walked to an impressionist oil painting, "This "Still Life" is the work of Chamcey, which was sold for 60.5 million US dollars in 1999.

   Let art lovers all over the world have the opportunity to appreciate the works of the master, and at the same time confirm his status in the art world. "

   Luke observed carefully, perhaps because there were few visitors and lack of artistry, he didn't see any good things.

  The two walked forward for a while and came to the middle of the hall. Orti pointed to a pair of blue and green oil paintings, "This "Iris" is the treasure of the town hall, a masterpiece created by Van Gogh in 1889.

  In 1988, the Getty Museum spent more than 53 million US dollars from the auction, setting a record for oil painting auctions at that time. "

  Luke doesn't pay attention to painters, but he has heard of the name of Van Gogh. He just appreciates it and doesn't comment on his paintings.

  The two of them wandered around until noon and ate at a restaurant outside the museum.

   This is an Italian restaurant. Luke likes to eat Italian food, but he is usually busy and not as leisurely.

  I am on vacation today, and I have a beautiful woman to accompany me, so I naturally want to eat something good.

  Luke picked up the red wine glass and clinked glasses with Orti, "Didn't you say you needed me last night? What's the matter?"

   Orti took a sip of the red wine, "I can't ask you out if I have nothing to do?"

  Luke leaned forward, "So today counts as a date?"

  Orti didn't answer directly, but asked instead, "Are there any paintings you like here?"

  Luke smiled, "That treasure of the town hall is not bad, how much can it sell for now?"

  Orti said, "This unique painting is difficult to value, and it is conservatively estimated to be more than 100 million US dollars."

   "With a painting like this, I can retire early."

  Orti took out a photo, "Some time ago, the museum received an anonymous letter claiming to steal this pair of "Irises" during the Christmas holiday."

  Generally speaking, Christmas and New Year's Day in the United States are linked together, usually between December 22 and January 5.

  Luke picked up the photo and looked at it. On it was a letter, 'Hi, Mr. Curator, long time no see.

  The last time we met was at your inauguration welcome party.

I admire you.

   Envious of you being the director of the Getty Museum, which has always been my dream.

do you know?

  Every time I stand in front of Master Van Gogh's "Iris", I have an urge to keep it as my own.

  It has an irresistible magic.

It drives me crazy.

   Crazy about it.

   So, I'm going to take it.

   After this holiday, it will be mine.

  I will treat it well, don't read it. '

  Luke put down the letter, "How is the museum going to respond?"

  Orti said, "The museum contacted the Pinkerton Detective Agency and offered a reward of $200,000 to investigate the origin of this letter."

  Luke asked, "You want me to take over this commission?"

  Orti shook his head, "This is not what you are good at, at least it is difficult for you to complete this commission alone."

   "Then why did you bring this up to me?" Luke didn't want to believe that Ortie brought him for no other reason.

  Orti pointed at the photo with his slender fingers, "The museum is offering a reward of two hundred thousand dollars for a letter from an unknown source, if the "Iris" is really stolen.

  How many rewards will the museum offer for the recovery of the oil painting? "

   Luke said, "Isn't it a bit early to say this now?"

  Orti put the phone away, "I hope you have prepared in advance, otherwise, even if the painting is really stolen and the museum offers a high reward, you still can't take over this high commission by yourself."

   Luke guessed, "Is someone trying to work with me?"

   "Not a collaboration.

   Rather, I wish to form a team of detectives in your name. "

  Luke picked up the red wine and took a sip. Before he visited the North American branch of the Pinkerton Detective Agency in Washington DC, President Bailey had proposed this, but Luke refused at the time.

   There are four reasons for rejection.

   The first point is that Luke’s detective system hadn’t been upgraded at the time, and he would get a high bonus every time he solved a case, but now it’s gone, which is equivalent to cutting off his biggest and most stable source of income.

  The second point is that Luke and Pinkerton Detective Agency had not long cooperated at that time, and the mutual trust was not high.

  The third point is that Orti didn’t know when President Bailey said this. If Luke agrees rashly, it may destroy the cooperative relationship with Orti.

  The fourth point is also the most important point. Luke is worried that the cases entrusted by the detective and the police investigation will overlap, and the conversation will be more M-sensitivity. He and Orti will use detection cards when talking about M-sensitivity topics to ensure safety.

  If a detective team is established, the frequency of using detection cards will also increase. At that time, it was still a lottery mechanism. He only had three detection cards and could not freely exchange cards.

   But it’s different now. The detective system has been upgraded. Luke can use points to exchange for detection cards freely. He has saved 120 points and can exchange for 12 detection cards. This is no longer a problem.

  With the passage of time, the previous four reasons for rejection are no longer valid.

  Seeing that Luke didn’t express his opinion, Orti continued, “Luke, you have solved more than a dozen major cases, and your reputation is so famous that you dare not say that in the whole of California, at least in the Los Angeles police system.

  Fame and fortune are twin brothers. Now that you are famous, as long as you use it in the right place, you can get the benefits you deserve.

  I think you should assemble a team of detectives. "

  Luke also knows that accepting commissions can make money fast, but going up the mountain is easy and going down the mountain is difficult. What if the team formed is not ideal? Break up?

   This is not a matter of one sentence.

   Luke said, "My main job is the police, and I don't have much time to run the detective team."

   "I would like to invite you to form a detective team. One is to value your investigation ability, and the other is to value your reputation.

  For example, if a famous painting in a museum is really stolen, the museum will definitely hire a team of detectives in order to retrieve the priceless painting, and the hiring fee and reward will also be sky-high.

  There are more wolves and less meat, and ordinary detective teams are not qualified to accept commissions at all.

  If you come forward to organize the detective team, the chances of getting the mission will be greatly increased.

   Hire fees will also be at a premium due to the detective's fame.

  As for the specific affairs of the detective, you will be responsible if you have time.

   If you don't have time, you can also arrange other people to investigate, which will not affect your main business. "Orti didn't say a word. Although the Pinkerton Detective Agency is well-known, it is not without competitors in the industry.

  According to the information she received, the museum is likely to have contacted other detective agencies.

  A horse has no night grass and no fat. With the salary of a policeman alone, it is difficult for Luke to make a fortune, buy a luxury house, and reach the pinnacle of life.

  But every line is like a mountain, and it is not easy to form a detective team. Everything is difficult at the beginning.

"I will think about it."

   "If you have any ideas, you can communicate with me.

  Although you can accept the commission by yourself, the real money-making commission still requires a team of detectives, and it is difficult to fight alone for a long time. "Orti didn't intend to convince Luke once, as long as he had this idea, it was a good start.

  Seeing that Luke's fame is not being used reasonably, Orti has a feeling of being reckless.

  Luke did not continue this topic, and asked, "Is there any clue about the source investigation of that threatening letter?"

  Orti took a sip of the soup and wiped his red lips with a napkin, "Not yet, there are too few clues.

   Moreover, the purpose of the sender is still unclear for the time being.

  Have you ever seen a thief tell the homeowner in advance before coming to steal something? "

  Luke said thoughtfully, "It's kind of interesting."

  Orti leaned forward, his jacket was heavy and elastic, "If you have a detective team, there are people in the team who are good at scouting.

  I will definitely win this mission. "

  Luke joked half-truthfully, "I'm a little moved by seeing it. If I agree to form a team, what is the charter?"

   Orti "…"

   Shouldn't it be listening?

   Where are the eyes looking?

"Jingle Bell…"

   Just then, Luke's cell phone rang.

   is the cell phone of the little fat man.

  The last time the little fat man played missing, Linda was frightened, and later bought him a mobile phone.

  Luke pressed the answer button, "Hello, what's the matter?"

   An anxious voice came from the phone, "Brother, where are you?"

   "What's the matter?"

   "Come back soon.

  A lot of policemen are coming outside! "

  (end of this chapter)