Thankfully, Director Brad broke the awkward atmosphere with a long and monotonous speech.
It was basically what Dustin said to Luke earlier, but couched in very subtle and implicit terms.
After he was done, Brad said, “Luke, Miss Perry would like to express her thanks to you alone. You’ll talk to her in the reception room.” The reception room was right next to the director’s office. They went in and Luke closed the door.
After a brief hesitation, Jennifer said, “I was saved a lot of trouble thanks to your efficiency. I’ll give you a million dollars as a personal reward.”
Luke shook his head in amusement. “No, Miss Perry, I didn’t contribute that much to the case, so the reward is unnecessary.”
He certainly didn’t want to take the money.
On one hand, the money wasn’t much to him, since he was living in a villa and had a million dollars in his bank account as well as another million which he looted off criminals.
On the other hand, Jennifer’s offer was a blatant attempt at keeping him quiet. If he took the money, he would feel like he was blackmailing her.
Biting her lip, Jennifer said, “Please take it.”
Luke knew what her intentions were. He thought for a moment, then said, “Will you be donating to my police department this time?” Stunned for a moment, Jennifer said, “Yes, I’ll donate a million dollars to the police department.” Naturally, it was meant to keep the police officers who were involved in her case quiet as well.
As for the two security guards who had committed murder, it didn’t matter what they said.
The most important thing was to prevent the police from backing up their statements.
Luke nodded. “Make it two million then. If you’re willing, I would be very happy if you could donate half the money directly to the Major Crimes Division.” Jennifer was surprised. “The Major Crimes Division?”
He was giving away a million dollars to the police department? For what? A bunch of medals?
Luke nodded and said solemnly, “Yes. I work hard because I’m paid by the police department, not by the victims. Okay, Miss Perry, I didn’t take your videotapes with me yesterday. I think my attitude should be clear enough. There’s no need to worry about it. I have better things to do.”
Jennifer almost felt ashamed after hearing that. Was she really overthinking it, and he was only trying to be a good police officer?
After duping Jennifer, Luke returned to the director’s office with her.
Luke said, “Director, Miss Perry and I are done with our talk.”
Brad looked at them and nodded. “Okay, you can get back to work.”
Luke saluted and left the office.
Selina was idly reading the case file when Luke returned. Her eyes glowed as she asked, “What did they give you this time?”
Luke chuckled. “Why don’t you think that Dustin summoned me to scold me?”
Selina said, “Of course he won’t scold someone like you who works hard and doesn’t want a promotion.”
Luke agreed with that. He gestured for Selina to lean in close, and he told her about Jennifer.
Selina was speechless.
Luke said, “Just keep it to yourself. Don’t tell anyone, not even Elsa or Dustin. Do you understand?”
Selina was dazed. “Huh?”
Luke said, “It’s all about acting, Detective Selina. You can’t get a promotion or a pay rise without acting skills.”
Selina said, ‘Okay, got it.”
Soon, the phone on Luke’s desk rang again. He picked it up and talked for a moment, only to look confused.
Selina: “Acting! It’s all about acting, Detective Luke!”
Luke: “… Hold that thought, it’s possible that I might have to act later.”
Selina was surprised. “What?”
Luke said, “The director just told me that the star wants to ask for a favor.”
Selina said, “Did she suddenly change her sexual orientation?”
Luke chuckled and went to the director’s office again.
Ten minutes later, he returned.
Selina looked at him curiously.
While Selina wasn’t a fan of any star in particular, Luke knew that she paid attention to everything about the stars, particularly embarrassing gossip on them.
“Alright, get ready. Give your case to Elizabeth for now. We have a new mission,” Luke said with a smile.
Selina quickly rose and handed the case to Elizabeth. She then came back and put on her coat.
Luke helped her pick up her purse, and they both walked out.
Selina asked, “What’s our new mission? Where are the files?”
Passing Selina’s purse to her, Luke said, “Let’s talk in the car.”
They went to the parking lot and got into the car. Luke then drove the car over to a Benz Sprinter, before he rolled down the window and gave a honk.
The Benz Sprinter slowly started up and moved forward, and Luke followed it.
Selina looked at the car and asked curiously, “Is that Jennifer’s car?” Luke said, “Of course. No regular person can afford such a luxurious car.”
Selina said, “How much does it cost? A hundred thousand dollars?” Luke said, “I don’t know, but the car has been modified; chances are the modifications cost more than the car itself.” Selina nodded. “Is she our new mission?”
Luke said helplessly, “She’s too rich for me to refuse her.”
Selina found that strange. “What happened?”
“Apparently a lot of accidents have been happening in the production team that she’s joining, so she’s hiring us to protect her for a couple of days on set,” said Luke.
Selina: “What? We’re not professional bodyguards!”
Luke: “But she gave us money.” Selina: “Huh? What money?”
Luke: “One million to the police department, and another million exclusively to the Major Crimes Division.”
Selina: “…Okay. In that case, I can protect her
24-7.”
Luke: “We just need to watch over her on set. You don’t have to be so excited. The money isn’t for you, anyway.”
Selina: “But we’ll definitely receive bonuses. I think we can celebrate at a big restaurant later.”
Luke couldn’t argue with that.
They had cracked the earlier case, and would certainly receive huge bonuses for it.
It would be too outrageous if they got nothing after the police department received such a huge donation.
As they spoke, Luke drove the car all the way to Hollywood