Los Angeles Detective

Chapter 618 Silver Cloud

 October 17, nine o'clock in the morning.

 A black Maybach drove to the door of Li Zhaofeng’s house.

Luke dragged his luggage out of the house. The driver put his luggage into the trunk. Luke sat in the back seat of the car and waved goodbye to his father.

The black Maybach slowly left under the watch of Li Zhaofeng.

Luke turned to look at Hamadi Xiao sitting next to him, "Mr. Xiao, are you planning to drive this car to Los Angeles?"

Hamadi Xiao lit a cigar and handed it to Luke, "Consultant Li, there may be some changes to this travel plan."

Luke took a puff of his cigar and asked slowly, "What do you mean?"

Hamadi Xiao took out another cigar and cut off the top of the cigar. "I'm going to take a cruise to Los Angeles."

 Luke blew out a puff of smoke, "Are you kidding me?"

 “No, I’m serious.”

 “Why didn’t you tell me in advance?”

“What I thought before was to get to Los Angeles as soon as possible. It would save time to drive.

 However, the directors of my company have doubts about the acquisition of the terminal and suggested that I think carefully before the acquisition.

According to my understanding, there is a cruise route from New York to Los Angeles. It departs from the Atlantic Ocean, stops at several important ports in the United States, enters the Caribbean Sea, passes through the Panama Canal, then enters the Pacific Ocean, and finally arrives at the Los Angeles pier. I would like to conduct an on-the-spot inspection of the voyage. routes and important ports.

 This helps me make accurate judgments on acquisition plans. "

 “How long will this sea voyage take?”

"eight days."

Luke said, “Taking a cruise is a longer journey than driving, takes longer, and has more unpredictability.

 Once the cruise ship enters the sea, it will become an island.

If the person who wants to kill you also gets on the cruise ship, he will not even have a chance to escape, and he will have to fight to the death with him. The risk will be even greater. "

Hamadi Xiao said, “Once the terminal acquisition plan is launched, our company will invest billions of dollars, and I think this risk is completely worth taking.

Furthermore, the cruise trip to Los Angeles is completely confidential, only you and my bodyguard know about it.

  Take it easy, I'm sure it will be an easy journey compared to driving. "

 “You should have told me earlier.”

 “I swear, I really just decided yesterday.”

"Yeah?

 I thought you didn't trust me and were worried that I would leak the news, so you didn't tell me the real route. "

"How could it be? You are Negan's friend, that is, my friend. I will never deceive a friend."

Luke didn’t believe his lies. Hamadi Xiao had known for a long time that he couldn’t fly and would definitely study other routes to Los Angeles. How could it be a temporary decision?

But having said that, there was indeed no basis of trust when the two met for the first time, and Luke did not give a clear answer at the time. From Hamadi Xiao's perspective, it is understandable that he had reservations.

 But Luke also has his own attitude and wants to protect his own interests.

Luke sighed, "I have been studying the route to Los Angeles for the past two days, but it seems that it is no longer useful."

Hammadi Xiao said, "If everything goes well in Los Angeles, I will definitely acquire the terminal in Los Angeles. I will travel between the two places frequently in the future. It should be useful next time."

Luke continued, “Since we have decided to temporarily change the route, should our consulting contract also be changed?”

 “How to change it?”

Luke said very straightforwardly, “Taking a cruise to Los Angeles means the journey becomes longer, the time becomes longer, and the risks become greater.

 The consulting fee of US$200,000 is far from enough. I ask for it to be increased to US$400,000.

  If you feel it is inappropriate, we will terminate our cooperation now and I will keep the previous conversations confidential. "

Hamadi Xiao took a long puff of his cigar and said, "I changed the route temporarily, and you changed the consulting fee, which is very reasonable.

However, I don’t want something like this to happen again. "

"That's what I want to say." Luke only has a cooperative relationship with him, not his subordinates. Increasing the consulting fee is also an expression of his attitude.

 After the negotiations were settled, Luke began to ask about the cruise ship’s route and ports.

Although it is unlikely that someone will be intercepted halfway, we still have to take precautions. After receiving the money, we have to do the corresponding things well.

 Half an hour later, the car arrived at Tuckers Harbor, New York.

A white cruise ship appeared in front of Luke. It was about 156 meters long and nine stories high. There were big blue letters "Silver Cloud" printed on the side of the cruise ship.

 On this trip, in addition to Luke as the security consultant, Hamadi Xiao also accompanied him with four bodyguards.

 At this time, passengers have already passed through the security checkpoint and boarded the cruise ship one after another.

 A group of people surrounded Hamadi Xiao in the middle and lined up for security check.

There is also a loudspeaker broadcasting at the security checkpoint, saying, ‘Welcome passengers to board this cruise ship.

 This cruise is an American East Coast cruise. It departs from New York, crosses the Panama Canal, and ends in Los Angeles.

 The journey time is eight days and seven nights.

To ensure the safety of all passengers, please go through the security check in sequence.

 All dangerous goods and weapons are prohibited on board the cruise ship.

 Thank you for your cooperation. ’

Luke frowned and asked Hamadi Xiao, "Do we also have to hand over our weapons?"

Hamadi Xiao pointed to the side of the cruise ship and said, "There are security guards on the cruise ship."

Luke looked up and saw two armed security guards standing at the front and end of the cruise ship, "I don't think it's a good idea to place your own safety on other people."

Hamadi Xiao said, “The management of this cruise ship is very strict. It has been sailing on the sea for decades and has never heard of any major navigation accidents.

 Furthermore, even if someone who wants to kill me gets on the cruise ship, they cannot carry weapons and the risk will be greatly reduced.

 Not to mention that cruise ships also have security guards to maintain order. "       Luke asked, "Is there any way you can bring a pistol on the cruise ship? "

 “No.” Hamadi Xiao shrugged.

 Soon, it was Luke and others’ turn to conduct the security check.

One of them took a security wand and checked Luke's body, making a beeping sound, "Sir, do you have any weapons on you?"

 Luke opened his coat and showed his gun, "Yes."

“Sorry, our company has regulations that all passengers are not allowed to carry weapons on board the cruise ship.”

“So, you want me to throw the pistol into the sea?”

“Customized Nighthawk 1911, this is a good gun. It would be a pity if it was thrown into the sea.” The security guard saw the model of the gun at a glance, “I suggest you separate the bullets and put them in the suitcase for check-in.

 When the trip is over, you can just pick up your suitcase. This is the easiest way.

In addition, the weapons can also be handed over to the cruise management office for custody. "

Luke didn’t like either of these methods very much, “Who is your person in charge? I want to talk to him.”

“If it’s a matter of carrying weapons, I don’t think it’s necessary. It’s useless to talk to anyone.”

Luke showed his FBI ID, "I didn't hear what you just said clearly. Can you say it again?"

The security guard was stunned for a moment when he saw the FBI ID. "Please wait a moment, I need to report to my superiors."

"Thank you." Luke turned to Hamaidi Xiao and said, "You go and wait for me on the cruise ship."

“See you soon.” Hamadi Xiao smiled. If Luke could carry a gun on the cruise ship, he would also have an extra layer of protection.

 The security guard made contact via the walkie-talkie, and then asked Luke to wait in the office at the pier.

Soon, a white man with a big beard walked into the office and greeted Luke, "Hello, I am the first mate of the Silver Cloud, Rory Carton."

“Hello, Chief Carton, I’m FBI consultant Luke Lee.” Luke showed his police officer ID.

“Sir, I heard that you want to bring weapons on board the ship?”

"Yes."

“But our company has clear regulations that all passengers are not allowed to carry weapons on board the cruise ship.”

Luke said, "I respect your company's rules, but what is the reason for customizing the rules?"

 “To ensure the safety of cruise passengers.”

“What should passengers do if they are in danger without carrying weapons?”

“We have security guards on board the cruise ship to ensure the safety of every passenger and prevent things that infringe on the interests and safety of passengers in a timely manner.”

Luke said, "Very well, the purpose of your cruise ship is the same as ours at the FBI.

I carry a weapon to protect myself and the passengers on the cruise ship. "

Rory Carton looked embarrassed, "If every passenger is required to carry a weapon, the order on the cruise will be very chaotic."

  Luke showed his FBI ID again, "I am not only a passenger, but also a law enforcer. I ask to bring a pistol on the cruise ship."

 “Sorry, I can’t make the decision.”

“Then you should contact the person who can make the decision. I’m not here to cause trouble, and I don’t want to embarrass you.

 If an accident happens on the cruise ship, I will stand with the security guards to ensure the safety and order of the cruise ship.

 Furthermore, I only have one person and one gun, so I won’t cause any harm to the cruise ship. What do you think? "

Rory Carton thought for a moment, "Please wait a moment."

Rory Carton walked aside and took out his mobile phone to make a call.

 When he came back, he said, "Sir, what weapons do you want to bring on the cruise ship?"

  Luke showed his sidearm, "1911."

 “No other weapons?”

“Yes, I was just trying to defend myself, not trying to rob the cruise ship.”

 “Can I see your ID again?”

  Luke handed him the FBI ID.

“Sir, is your cruise this time a business trip or a private one?”

Luke glanced around and lowered his voice, "I think it's better that you don't know."

Rory Carton frowned slightly, "Is there anything you need our help with?"

 “Not yet.”

Rory Carton returned the certificate to Luke, "You can carry a pistol on the cruise ship, but please do not tell other people, and do not be seen by others, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble."

"Thanks.

 I don’t mean to break the rules of your cruise ship, but for professional reasons, I am not used to not having weapons around me. "

Subsequently, Rory Carton personally led Luke onto the cruise ship, and the security guard in charge of the security check did not search Luke again.

“Sir, I wish you a pleasant journey.” After boarding the cruise ship, Rory Carton and Luke said hello and left.

Hamadi Xiao saw Luke boarding the cruise ship and came over with two bodyguards. He smiled and asked, "Consultant Li, is everything going well?"

 Luke opened his clothes and let Hamadi Xiao see his gun.

Hamadi Xiao gave a thumbs up and said, "Well done, our safety is a little more guaranteed."

Luke shook his head, "On the contrary, you have to be more careful. It's best not to leave the room unless you have something to do."

"Why?"

“I can bring a gun on a cruise ship, and so can everyone else.”

 (End of this chapter)