Val said, "I have work, I'm recording a song... Actually, I wanted to play my song for you all at the last family gathering. But I was afraid your mom would beat me up."
Luke nodded, "That's a possibility."
"Buddy, thanks. When I've finished recording the song, I'll give you a copy."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Good." Val said, then turned and walked away, taking a few steps before reminding, "Don't tell your mom I came here, she's super annoying."
Luke "..."
What can he say with an uncle like this?
Just at this moment, David and others came down from upstairs, "Your friend was here?"
"Right, an unreliable friend," Luke replied noncommittally, "Why did you all come down?"
"There's a case."
"What case?"
"We'll talk in the car."
After that, Luke, David, and Blackie got into the Ford Explorer.
David drove, Luke sat in the passenger seat, and Blackie listlessly sat in the back.
David said, "A female corpse was found on the beach."
