Chapter 314 - Guests At a Picnic
Chapter 314 Guests At a Picnic
Chris hadn’t declared bankruptcy yet because the company was his father’s lifelong work, and he felt very guilty toward his father.
Luke said, “Come to Los Angeles. I have some thoughts about your mines. I’ll have my secretary talk to you.” Chris was surprised. “What?” Why would a detective have a secretary? Why are you talking like a big boss? Are you serious? Luke simply patted his shoulder again thoughtfully. “Chris, the opportunity is right before you; it’s up to you whether or not to seize it. Don’t let Samantha down.”
Chris looked at Samantha, who was talking to Selina not far away. That familiar and mature charm wasn’t something he could give up. “Fine, I’ll talk to my aunt.”
Luke waved his hand. “Take Gladys with you. And Bruce, too. I’ll arrange your room and board in Los Angeles.”
Chris walked back in a daze, with no idea what Luke was up to.
It definitely wasn’t about Samantha. Charming as she was, she was 38.
However…
Chris looked at Ashley, who was standing next to Samantha. This one seemed to be of a more appropriate age.
But recalling everything that Luke had demonstrated last night, he subconsciously shook his head.
Ashley was the right age, but their temperaments and styles didn’t match at all.
Then, he remembered that Ashley had an elder sister who was Luke’s colleague.
But it still didn’t seem right, since Luke already had a hot detective named Selina with him.
For a moment, Chris became even more confused as he overthought things.
Eventually, Luke and Selina left in their car first.
However, both Samantha and Chris promised that they would visit Los Angeles in a day or two after they dealt with the aftermath of this incident.
They weren’t in a hurry to return, and Selina took a nap in the backseat after talking to Luke for a while.
Luke turned on the radio, making sure to turn down the volume.
“…God, aliens are attacking Earth. They have eight big claws, and hop about and kill human beings…”
Luke was lost for words. He recognized it as Boom Town’s resident radio station. The radio host was fine? S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn’t done anything about him?
But Luke then realized that it was impossible to gag hundreds of people forever. They had probably only been told not to exaggerate the story.
But what was this guy talking about? Aliens? Eight claws? Those who didn’t know might think that the monsters were octopuses.
Aliens like these appeared all the time on local radio stations across the country every day. Nobody would believe it.
Luke changed the channel to country music. He nodded in satisfaction and then… changed the channel again.
Some people said that listening to too much country music would cause depression.
Though Luke didn’t believe it, he wanted to listen to something more relaxing. A moment later, the pleasant sound of a violin rang out. Hands back on the wheel, Luke whistled a tune as he drove.
He drove all the way out of Arizona into California.
In the afternoon, after taking a turn, Luke couldn’t help but stop the car.
He observed the flat land that had more grass than trees. It was bright under the brilliant afternoon sun. The wild flowers in shades of pink and purple amidst the grass added color to the view.
Luke couldn’t help but look back at Selina, who was still sound asleep. With a smile, he turned the wheel and drove into the grass. A moment later, he woke Selina up. “Hey, it’s time to eat.”
Selina opened her eyes in confusion. “Huh? We’re in Los Angeles?” She sat up and turned in the direction of the noise.
Luke was standing outside. Behind him was glorious sunlight, as well as a blanket and food boxes on the grass. Selina smiled. “A picnic?”
Luke pulled her out of the car and showed her what he had been hiding in his left hand.
It was a bundle of tiny wide flowers in pink, purple and white. It wasn’t spectacular, but it was pretty cute.
“My angel, do you like it?” asked Luke with a smile.
Accepting the flowers from him, Selina observed them in satisfaction and smiled brilliantly. “Yes, I do.”
They then enjoyed a late lunch in the meadow under the afternoon sun. The tension of last night’s battle and the exhaustion from the long inquiry today gradually faded.
In the car, a female host was speaking passionately on the radio.
“…It’s camping season again! Let’s see what places are worth visiting nearby.
“… Lake Salton is big enough for most water activities… Lake Maxwell is closer… Huntington Park, which is 73 kilometers to the southeast of Long Beach isn’t bad either…
“…Do avoid the school holidays… However, the water at Crestview is clear, and kids love it…”
As Luke chatted with Selina, he couldn’t help but recall the famous opening line of a certain program in his previous life: Spring is the best season for mental and physical communication between living creatures.
They resumed their journey as the sun was setting, and night had fallen by the time they got back to Los Angeles. They headed straight for home.
Selina went to her room and put the flowers in a vase that she had never used.
She didn’t come out of her room again until Luke made dinner.
Just as they were about to enjoy the food, there was a knock on the door.
Selina opened the door. “Oh, Elizabeth, are you here for free food?”.
Luke was secretly amused. A visit during a meal was definitely one of Selina’s least favorite things.
Though she wasn’t happy, she still let Elizabeth in.
Luke looked at Elizabeth and asked, “Do you want some?”
Selina rolled her eyes and knew that he would say that. She hurriedly returned to her seat and made the first move as she picked up a huge chunk of steak and started chewing.
Elizabeth nodded without any hesitation.
She had learned that from Selina and Elsa.
The female detectives of the Major Crimes Division couldn’t be as coy as regular women, or they would never get their jobs done properly.
Luke didn’t talk about Boom Town during dinner.
Elizabeth’s family was safe, so it was unnecessary to talk about depressing things at the dinner table.
Thanks to their collective efforts, the food was finished very quickly.
Selina picked up the dishes to wash them in the kitchen, leaving the living room to Luke and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth even complimented her. “Ah, Selina, that was a wonderful dinner you made. You must teach me later.”
Luke chuckled, and Selina didn’t know what to say.