Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Morning.

Luke opened the bedroom window, and a fresh, damp air rushed in, carrying a hint of 'fragrance' from the soil.

It had rained all night long, and Luke slept soundly in his new home.

Los Angeles is mostly sunny, and it rarely rains, so an occasional heavy rain feels rather pleasant.

Maybe it's the rainy weather making him feel a bit lazy. Today is his day off, so he decided to stay at home, choose a good TV series, cook some favorite dishes, have a few drinks, and then enjoy a delightful nap in the afternoon.

Luke is a person who enjoys life. When he thinks of something, he does it. He first went to the wine cellar to pick a good bottle of wine.

The wine cellar is 400 square feet, temperature-controlled, with various types of liquor: white wine, red wine, whiskey, rum, etc. The variety is rich, but the stock isn't large, and the entire wine cellar feels empty. He plans to stock up more when there's a chance.

Especially with white wine, as long as the storage conditions are right, it gets better with age.

"Ring ring..."

Just as Luke picked up a bottle of blue and white porcelain, his phone rang.

He took out his phone and saw Lilith Finn's number displayed on the screen.

Since last time, when she invited Luke to a party which he declined, they hadn't been in touch.

Luke thought for a moment and pressed the answer key, "Hello, this is Luke."

"It's Lilith. Are you busy lately?"

"I was quite busy a few days ago, but I'm off today. Is there something you need?"

Lilith playfully replied, "Can't I contact you for no reason?"

"Of course you can. I've just moved to a new home and was thinking of inviting you over for a visit.

Do you have time this afternoon?

We could have a good drink together."

Lilith paused for a moment, as if remembering something, "I've recently stopped drinking."

"That's not a good habit," Luke said, holding a bottle of wine, returning to the living room, and asked, "Or are you just deliberately declining my invitation?"

"No, I want to come.

However, I'm facing some trouble now, and I want your help."

"What's the matter?"

Lilith teased, "It's a kind of alternative treasure hunt. Are you interested?"

"Forget it, treasure hunts aren't in my plans right now."

"Hmph." Lilith snorted lightly, surprised by how straightforwardly Luke refused. Last time, you made money from the treasure hunt, and you also slept with me. What dissatisfaction do you have left?

"Was there anything unsatisfactory about the last treasure hunt?"

Luke laughed, "Regarding the last treasure hunt, I was quite satisfied, and it was thrilling—an unforgettable trip.

However, I don't need money right now.

I just want to enjoy my new mansion."

Lilith said, "No one ever has enough money, including me."

"My personal expenses aren't high, and I don't fancy luxury brands. My current savings are enough for me to live comfortably for several years.

Why not give myself a little break?"

"Maybe you're right, but...I need your help." Lilith pleaded in a coquettish tone, "You will come, right?"

Luke didn't directly answer, "Favors are like a currency; using them reduces them."

Lilith laughed, "You have a point.

But on the flip side, meeting in person can strengthen friendships, right?"

Bagus Club.

This is a private club in Los Angeles, with vast grounds, featuring a racetrack, golf course, and hosting concerts and auctions. The club's members are all wealthy and prestigious.

Luke drove his newly bought Ford Raptor and arrived outside the club. After giving his name, the guard let him through.

After entering the club, Luke followed the signs and parked his car in the parking lot.

A blonde beauty in a blue long dress was already waiting there, with fair skin, a graceful figure, and elegant demeanor, like a pixie from a painting.

As Luke got out of the car, Lilith approached him and smiled, "Luke, you finally made it."

Luke looked around and asked, "Is this club yours?"

"I wish it was.

It's the Finn family's. I'm just managing it for now.

As soon as I took over the club, problems arose, and quite a few people are probably looking forward to seeing me fail here.

Luke, you're the only one who can help me now," Lilith said charmingly, "I'm so glad you came."

Luke wasn't swayed by her flattery and asked calmly, "Could you explain what's going on?"

"Last night, the club held a small auction, and one of the items was stolen. That auction item was very valuable, and the seller is demanding compensation from the club, which is the first challenge I faced after taking over the club.

I hope you can help find the stolen auction item."

Luke asked, "Have you called the police?"

"Yes, we reported it last night.

But by this morning, the police hadn't found any leads on the stolen item. Official source ıs novel⦿fire.net

Moreover, the club's guests could leave at any time, and I'm worried that some guests might be involved in the theft. If they leave with the auction item, it might be impossible to recover it.

And I can't keep the guests at the club forever.

So, we must quickly retrieve that auction item."

Luke asked, "Do you want me to assist in the investigation in a private capacity?"

"Can the Robbery and Murder Department take over the case?"

Luke countered, "Was there a death?"

"No, I certainly don't want something like that happening at the club, it's too terrifying."

"The Robbery and Murder Department usually doesn't handle theft cases."

"But the auction item is very valuable."

"Will he donate that auction item to the police?"

"How could he?"

"What does the stolen auction item's value have to do with the Robbery and Murder Department?"

"OK, then I'll hire you as a private investigator to help find the auction item, and the payment will definitely satisfy you."

Luke nodded, not pressing for the exact amount of the fee, since the relationship between the two was somewhat complicated and discussing money could harm the relationship.

Of course, if Lilith's payment this time isn't satisfactory and doesn't help maintain their personal connection, Luke won't help her again next time.

However, from their previous interactions, Lilith is a smart woman and likely won't break her promise.

"If you trust me, I can help investigate.

However, I can't guarantee the auction item will definitely be found," Luke said, acknowledging that investigating in his personal capacity would have certain limitations, and he couldn't misuse police powers and resources.

"I believe you can," Lilith said, putting her arm around Luke's shoulder, "come on, let me introduce you to the relevant people."

As they walked, Lilith introduced the club's situation. This club is a membership club, and outsiders cannot enter.

The club has a variety of facilities and services, and the environment and living conditions even surpass those of a five-star hotel.

As they talked, the two walked into the club's lobby.

A tall white woman hurried over. She had short black hair cut to the ear, and she wore a deep blue tight-fitting vest and green yoga pants, her curvy figure impeccably outlined.

Quite a sight to behold.

"Lilith, where have you been? I've been looking for you."

"Hi, Cheryl, is there something you need?"

"Yes, there's something I need to talk to you about. My necklace is missing."

Lilith sighed lightly, glanced at Luke, and then said to Cheryl, "Let's go over to the sofa and talk."

The two women walked over to the sofa and sat down. Luke followed, sitting next to Lilith.

Cheryl glanced at Luke, "Is he your friend?"

"Yes," Lilith made a simple introduction, "he's Luke, a very trusted friend of mine.

If there's anything, just say it directly."

Lilith then introduced Luke to Cheryl, "She is Cheryl Garnasi, my close friend."

Cheryl Garnasi sized up Luke and said to Lilith, "I've met almost all of your friends… but I've never seen him before.

Is he your new boyfriend?"

Luke laughed, "I'm just an admirer of Miss Finn."

Lilith was quite satisfied with Luke's answer, but she wasn't in the mood to continue this topic, "Cheryl, what's going on?"

Cheryl Garnasi sighed a little, somewhat anxiously, "Do you remember the sapphire necklace I wore to the party the night before last?"

"Star of the Sea?"

"Yes, after the party, I put it in the hotel room safe.

This morning, when I went to check, I found the Star of the Sea was missing.

I was initially going to call the police, but considering you're now in charge of the club, I wanted to consult with you first."

Lilith froze for a moment, as if digesting the news, confirming, "Cheryl, are you sure the Star of the Sea was stolen and not just misplaced somewhere?"

"Such a precious necklace, I wouldn't put it just anywhere randomly. I'm sure it's stolen.

Lilith, shouldn't we contact the police immediately?"

Lilith felt a bit exhausted. The stolen auction item had not yet been dealt with, and now another valuable gemstone necklace had been stolen. If this news got out as well, her capabilities would surely be questioned again.

"Calling the police is a given, but keep it discreet for now. Leave it to me, and I'll help you retrieve the Star of the Sea as soon as possible," Lilith reassured Cheryl Garnasi, then looked at Luke, "Luke, what do you think?"

"Your approach is very prudent," Luke replied, then looked at Cheryl Garnasi, "When did you discover the Star of the Sea was stolen?"

"Ten minutes ago."

"Do you have any suspects?"

"No."

"What about the specific time of the theft?"

"I don't know either.

This morning I went to the gym, and after hearing about the auction item theft, I felt a bit uneasy, so I checked the safe for my valuables and found the Star of the Sea missing."

Lilith softly said, "Luke, I hope the theft of the necklace doesn't spread, as it would make club guests feel insecure, so could you investigate the Star of the Sea case first?"

Luke nodded, since the police were already investigating the auction item theft case, that case wasn't urgent, "Miss Garnasi, may I take a look at your room?"

Cheryl Garnasi vaguely overheard their conversation, asked Lilith, "Who exactly is he?"