In May in Los Angeles, the sun was blazing overhead, and the ultraviolet rays were unusually strong. The California sunshine was globally renowned, and both Locke and David had to wear sunglasses.
The two had just dealt with a car accident. A Tesla driven by an IT programmer had collided with a roadside utility pole due to braking error.
Fortunately, Los Angeles had a low population density, and there weren't many people on the roadside. Aside from the driver being injured by the deployed airbags, which struck his face and neck, no innocent bystanders were harmed in the accident.
Upon arriving at the scene, Locke and David immediately comforted the balding programmer, called for an ambulance and tow truck, briefly recorded a statement from the driver, and helped him file an insurance claim.
In less than half an hour, the driver was safely rescued.
During the rescue, Locke and David stood a safe distance away. Locke muttered to David, "I'm worried this thing might explode."
David, troubled, replied, "Kesek drove this thing. No matter how much you advise him, he won't listen. Damn Elon Musk!"
Locke, caught off guard, quickly changed his tune. "Actually, electric cars are quite safe, environmentally friendly. They're the future. Katherine is very environmentally conscious."
David remained silent, but his expression was telling.
Locke, knowing David's curiosity would persist, hesitated and said, "Well, she looks a bit like Nicole Kidman, with the same fair skin, smooth as cheese..."
Locke had decided to tone down his usual style. After all, Parker Center's Emma and Emily were more his type—tank-like figures.
Unexpectedly, he had encountered a gem like Rachel Cole so quickly, which suited his taste perfectly. So, when Rachel proposed a long-term relationship in the morning, he readily agreed.
David, skeptical, retorted, "Dan, I don't believe a word you're saying!"
Locke rolled his eyes. "Ask Nathan later; you might believe him. He's a surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a Harvard Medical School graduate..."
David immediately lost interest in gossip. His pride, Catherine Murphy, was instantly shredded.
Their conversation shifted. Locke began inquiring about Los Angeles' criminal organizations. David appreciated Locke's eagerness to learn, sharing knowledge that would prove invaluable.
"DE3, 55 Wilshire Boulevard, Parma Building, Jeff Mackie Law Firm, report of an armed assault..."
"7ADA15, Py..."
Hearing the police radio, Locke and David's expressions immediately turned serious. Wilshire Boulevard was adjacent to Hollywood and one of the busiest streets in the jurisdiction.
This street was adorned with famous landmarks like Macy's, the Beverly Shopping Center, the Grove Shopping Center, and the Los Angeles Museum.
Jeff Mackie Law Firm, where the report originated, was one of the top five law firms in Los Angeles, with a boss who could directly communicate with the mayor.
The American police system operated commercially, relying entirely on funding from the Los Angeles government and donations, most of which came from big corporations and the wealthy.
Therefore, the deployment of police forces in Los Angeles was biased, prioritizing areas crucial for the city's economy.
Locke immediately activated the siren and accelerated towards Wilshire Boulevard. David took the microphone, monitoring feedback from the public channel.
Locke and David were cautious because mismanaging situations involving big corporations and the wealthy could tarnish the LAPD's reputation and affect funding.
Inside the car, David questioned, "What's the situation?"
Nathan, sympathetically glancing at the detained man, explained, "Divorce dispute. The man lost custody and has to pay a high alimony. He couldn't accept it emotionally and came to see a lawyer."
Detective Mona, concluding her call, strangely addressed David, "When we arrived, the suspect was already subdued by the plaintiff..."
She then turned to Locke and instructed, "Locke, go take a statement from Miss Daisy Greenberg..."
"Okay!"
Locke readily agreed, feeling a bit curious. Why didn't Mona ask Nathan to take the statement?
Unbeknownst to him, the veteran beside him was looking at him with sympathy.
Following Mona's guidance, Locke walked into the adjacent office.
Inside, a young woman in a black suit was tidying up her desk with her back to him. She was tall and slender, with curves, her shoulder-length black hair cascading in waves. Her demeanor exuded a distant, icy aura.
Locke immediately understood why Mona didn't want Nathan to take the statement. This woman wasn't easy to deal with.
Glancing around the luxurious office, Locke noticed something remarkable on the mahogany bookshelf against the wall.
Immediately, he found an opening and said, "Miss Greenberg, can we talk privately for a moment?"
Daisy Greenberg turned around, revealing a flawless face with a sleek nose, partially obscured by black-framed glasses, hiding most of her beauty.
Locke was momentarily distracted. Not only was her face undeniably beautiful, but it also carried an Eastern charm, somewhat resembling Sophie Marceau. However, with her black hair and azure eyes, she lacked the "French Rose's" warmth and exuberance.
Daisy Greenberg remained expressionless, her gaze cold and aloof. She replied in a detached tone, "I've already told Detective Mona I'm busy. Please schedule an appointment with my assistant for the statement..."
Locke sighed, feeling impatient. He
tried again, "Miss Greenberg, can we talk privately for a moment?"