Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

October 17th, 9:00 AM.

A black Maybach pulled up in front of Li Zhaofeng's house.

Luke dragged his luggage out the door, the driver put his luggage in the trunk, Luke got into the back seat of the car, and waved goodbye to his father.

The black Maybach slowly left under Li Zhaofeng's watchful eye.

Luke turned his head to Hamidi Shawn sitting next to him, "Mr. Shawn, are you planning to drive this car to Los Angeles?"

Hamidi Shawn lit a cigar and handed it to Luke, "Consultant Li, there might be some changes to our travel plans this time."

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

Hamidi Shawn took out another cigar and cut off the top, "I'm planning to take a cruise to Los Angeles."

Luke exhaled a puff of smoke, "Are you joking?"

"No, I'm serious."

"Why didn't you inform me earlier?"

"I initially thought it would be quicker to get to Los Angeles by driving.

However, my company's board has some concerns about acquiring the dock and suggested that I consider it carefully before proceeding.

Based on my understanding, there's a cruise route from New York to Los Angeles, departing from the Atlantic, stopping at several important ports in America, sailing into the Caribbean, passing through the Panama Canal, then entering the Pacific, and finally arriving at the Los Angeles dock. I want to personally inspect the navigation route and key ports.

This will help me make a precise judgment on the acquisition plan."

"How long will this sea journey take?"

"Eight days."

Luke said, "Taking a cruise is a longer and more distant journey than driving, with more uncertainties.

Once the cruise enters the sea, it becomes an isolated island.

If someone who wants to kill you also boards the cruise, there's no chance to escape; you'll have to fight to the death with them, and the risk will be greater."

Hamidi Shawn said, "Once we launch the dock acquisition plan, our company will have to invest billions of US Dollars. I think it's worth taking this risk.

Besides, the cruise trip to Los Angeles is completely confidential; only you, I, and the bodyguards know about it.

Relax, I believe compared to driving, this will be a more relaxed journey."

"You should have told me earlier."

"I swear, I only decided this yesterday."

"Really?

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

"How could that be? You're Negan's friend, which means you're my friend too. I would never deceive a friend."

Luke didn't believe his nonsense; Hamidi Shawn must have known long ago that he couldn't fly and would definitely have researched other routes to Los Angeles, so it couldn't have been a spur-of-the-moment decision.

But then again, they didn't have a foundation of trust when they first met, and Luke didn't explicitly agree either. From Hamidi Shawn's perspective, it's understandable to be cautious.

But Luke also has his stance, to ensure his own interests.

Luke sighed, "I've been researching the driving route to Los Angeles for the past two days, but it seems it's no longer needed."

Hamidi Shawn said, "If everything goes well in Los Angeles, I will definitely acquire the Los Angeles dock and will be traveling between the two places frequently, so it might be useful next time."

Luke continued, "Since you've decided on a last-minute route change, shouldn't our consultant contract be revised as well?"

"How should it be changed?"

Luke said straightforwardly, "Taking a cruise to Los Angeles involves a longer distance, more time, and higher risks.

The consultant fee of 200,000 US Dollars is far from enough; I demand it be increased to 400,000 US Dollars.

If you find it inappropriate, we can terminate the cooperation right now, and I will keep our previous conversation confidential."

Hamidi Shawn took a strong puff of the cigar, "I changed the route last minute, and you changed the consultant fee; it makes sense.

However, I'd prefer not to have this kind of situation happen again."

"That's what I wanted to say too." Luke and he are only in a cooperative relationship, not as subordinates, and raising the consultant fee is also a way to express his stance.

After reaching an agreement, Luke began to inquire about the cruise's sailing route and the ports it would pass through.

Although the possibility of a mid-route ambush is low, he must still take precautions. Receiving the payment means he has to do his job well.

Half an hour later, the car arrived at New York Turks Port.

A white cruise ship appeared in front of Luke, approximately 150 to 160 meters long and nine stories high, with the word 'Silver Cloud' printed in blue on its side.

For this trip, besides Luke as the security consultant, Hamidi Shawn also brought four bodyguards along.

By this time, passengers were already passing through the security checkpoint, boarding the cruise one after another.

The group surrounded Hamidi Shawn in the middle, queuing up for security check.

A loudspeaker at the checkpoint was looping the broadcast, 'Welcome aboard this cruise.

This cruise is part of the East Coast Route, departing from New York, traveling through the Panama Canal, with the final destination being New York.

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 the cruise.

Thank you for your cooperation.'

Luke frowned and asked Hamidi Shawn, "Do we have to hand over our weapons as well?"

Hamidi Shawn pointed to the ship's side, "There are security personnel on the cruise."

Luke looked up, seeing two armed security guards stationed at the bow and stern of the cruise, "Entrusting your safety to others, I don't think that's a good idea."

Hamidi Shawn said, "The management of this cruise is very strict, having sailed the seas for decades without any major nautical accidents.

Moreover, even if someone who wants to kill me boards the cruise, they also won't be able to bring weapons, greatly reducing the risk.

"Not to mention the cruise ship has security to maintain order."

Luke retorted, "Do you have a way to bring a handgun onto the cruise ship?"

"No." Hamidi Shawn shrugged.

Soon, it was Luke and his team's turn for the security check.

One of the guards scanned Luke with a security wand, which beeped, "Sir, do you have a weapon on you?"

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

"Sorry, our company has a policy that no passengers are allowed to bring weapons onto the cruise ship."

"So, are you suggesting I throw my handgun into the sea?"

"A custom Nighthawk 1911, that's a good gun. It would be a pity to throw it into the sea," the security guard recognized the model at a glance. "I suggest you separate the gun and ammunition, and pack them in your luggage for check-in.

You can retrieve your luggage directly after the trip, which is the simplest way.

Alternatively, you can hand over the weapon to the cruise management for safekeeping."

Luke wasn't too fond of either option, "Who is your supervisor? I'd like to talk to them."

"If it's about carrying weapons, I don't think there's a need for that. Talking to anyone won't help."

Luke flashed his FBI badge, "What did you just say? I didn't quite catch that. Can you repeat it?"

The security guard paused when he saw the FBI badge, "Please wait, I need to report to my superior."

"Thank you." Luke turned to Hamidi Shawn, "You guys go wait for me on the ship."

"See you in a bit," Hamidi Shawn smiled, thinking if Luke could bring a gun onboard, it would also add a layer of protection.

The security guard made some calls on the walkie-talkie, then invited Luke to wait at the dock's office.

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

"Hello, Chief Mate Carton, I'm FBI consultant Luke Lee." Luke presented his badge.

"Sir, I heard you want to bring a weapon on board?"

"Yes."

"But our company has clear regulations that no passengers are allowed to bring weapons onto the cruise ship."

Luke said, "I respect your company's rules, but what's the reason for setting such regulations?"

"To ensure the safety of the cruise ship's passengers."

"What happens if passengers are in danger without carrying a weapon?"

"We have security on board to ensure the safety of every passenger, and to timely prevent any actions compromising passenger interests and safety."

Luke said, "Great, your ship's mission is the same as ours at the FBI.

I carry a weapon to ensure the safety of myself and the cruise ship's passengers."

Rory Carton wore a troubled expression, "If every passenger requested to carry a weapon, the ship's order would be in chaos."

Luke again flashed his FBI badge, "I'm not just a passenger, I'm also a law enforcer, and I require a handgun on the cruise."

"Sorry, I'm not the one who has the authority."

"Then contact someone who does. I'm not here to make trouble, and I don't want to make things difficult for you.

If the cruise ship experiences an incident, I'll stand with security to ensure the ship's safety and order.

Moreover, it's just me and one gun, and it won't pose any threat to the ship. What do you think?"

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

Rory Carton stepped aside, took out his phone, and made a call.

When he returned, he said, "Sir, what weapon do you intend to bring on the ship?"

Luke displayed his gun, "1911."

"No other weapons?"

"No, it's just for self-defense, not for hijacking the ship."

"Can I see your badge again?"

Luke handed over his FBI badge.

"Sir, is this cruise trip business or personal?"

Luke scanned his surroundings and lowered his voice, "I think it's better if you don't know."

Rory Carton slightly frowned, "Is there anything we can assist with?"

"Not at the moment."

Rory Carton returned the badge to Luke, "You can bring the handgun on board, but please don't tell others, and avoid being seen by others to prevent unnecessary trouble."

"Thank you.

I'm not intentionally trying to break your ship's rules; it's just due to professional reasons, I'm not used to being without a weapon."

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

"Sir, enjoy your trip," Rory Carton called out as Luke boarded the ship and then left.

Hamidi Shawn saw Luke boarding the ship, approached with two bodyguards, and smiled, "Consultant Lee, was everything smooth?"

Luke lifted his clothes to show Hamidi Shawn his gun.

Hamidi Shawn gave a thumbs-up, "Well done, our safety has another layer of assurance."

Luke shook his head, "Quite the opposite, you need to be more cautious. It's best not to leave your room without reason."

"Why?"

"If I can bring a gun on board, so can others."