Chapter 356 A Piece of Cake, and Personal Grat.i.tude
After Luke saved Palmer last time, the DEA had cut a deal for the sniper to be transferred from Westside.
It was from this sniper that Palmer and her colleagues had learned more about the Maker.
Although they still didn’t know the Maker’s true ident.i.ty, they had been able to suss out an important drug transportation route.
At the same time, Palmer had gotten a deeper understanding of Luke’s combat ability.
That sniper was a special force veteran, but he didn’t even see Luke before the latter knocked him out.
Palmer didn’t think it would take Luke long to crack this case.
Luke chuckled and said, “This case isn’t important. We can drop it if you want. …So, how has Martin been?”
Palmer was quiet for a moment, and seemed a little down. “Martin isn’t in the best shape. Roger’s already helped him contact a quiet nursing home in the countryside where he’ll get more complete therapy.”
Luke was stunned. “Is Martin’s condition that serious?”
He had been too busy in the last few days with the cases that Roger and Martin had transferred to them to notice.
But thinking about it, he understood.
The fewer people who knew about Martin’s condition, the better; if word got out, Martin might not be able to go back to work even if he recovered.
Palmer was only telling Luke because the latter had been nice to Martin and she trusted him.
Luke nodded. “You know him better than I do. Consider this a favor. We haven’t started working on this case yet. You can have it.”
Palmer looked at him and said, “Thank you.”
Luke waved his hand. “Alright, don’t let us take up your time. Selina and I are going to have a picnic on the ridge. Feel free to have some food with us if you have the time.”
Palmer: “Huh?”
A moment later, four DEA agents, including Palmer, started their investigation. A thirty-year-old male agent turned back to look at the ridge and remarked, “Young, beautiful, and free to do what they want — I’m jealous.”
Palmer glanced at the two of them and quickly looked away. “He’s called Luke.”
The male agent was her new partner and didn’t really react to her words. “Skywalker?”
Palmer chuckled. “Luke Coulson, from the Major Crimes Division.”
The male agent was stunned for a moment. “Wait, that name… he’s that Luke?”
Palmer continued examining the field as she said, “Yes. If you’ve heard about the Nakatomi Plaza case, that’s him.”
Thinking for a moment, the male agent immediately shut up.
The Nakatomi Plaza case was a big deal.
More than 640 million in bonds, more than fifty hostages, explosions, and heavily armed robbers pretending to be terrorists — it had all the elements of a headliner.
To protect the officers involved in the case, Luke and McClane’s personal information wasn’t made public, but as another policing agency, the DEA knew a bit of the inside story.
For example, they knew that one of the detectives was from Los Angeles and had contributed significantly to the battle.
The rumors were never officially confirmed, but the police officers in Los Angeles had all heard some things, such as how there was an officer in LAPD who was crazy good at fighting The male agent had a lot of complicated feelings when he saw such a legendary person catching some rays on the ridge.
He didn’t dare comment on Luke anymore, or he might appear jealous and leave a bad impression on Palmer.
On the ridge, Selina enjoyed her drink and looked at the detectives who were searching for leads. “Is it really alright that we’re taking it so easy?”
Holding a piece of opera cake in his hand, Luke said, “I don’t think Agent Palmer would be happy if we’re more proactive.”
Selina asked, “Hey, are you always this unrestrained in front of a beautiful woman?”
Luke chuckled. “This one has Director Bill behind her.”
Selina nodded and said, “What are you thinking?”
Luke shrugged. “This isn’t a big favor, and Palmer can’t refuse when I ask her to do something for me later.”
Selina thought for a moment, and realized that it did make sense.
The DEA wasn’t simple. It was more like a combat unit compared with regular police departments.
At the same time, they had dense intelligence networks in the Americas and parts of Asia.
It was definitely worth doing this favor for Palmer, who had powerful supporters in the DEA.
Luke and Selina spent a leisurely afternoon, and Palmer waved at them before she left.
She was too busy climbing the mountain to say goodbye to them in person.
Luke had planned to take it easy until five o’clock before they returned home for dinner, but his phone rang slightly past four.
He said something over the phone, and then said to Selina, “Let’s go to the hospital.” Selina asked, “What for?” She began to pack up.
Luke said, “Do you remember the woman who was shot when that baby was taken? She called me and said that her husband wants to thank us in person.”
Selina found that odd. “Why thank us?”
After the gunfight in the park, they could’ve easily sued Luke for causing her to be shot, and it wouldn’t be a surprise.
Luke shrugged. “For saving her. Her husband insists on meeting us.” They got to the hospital and met the woman in a regular ward. Luke hugged her with a smile and asked, “How’s it going, May? Is your leg better?”
The woman called May grinned, showing off her gleaming white teeth. “Much better. The doctor says that my leg will be fine with enough rest and recuperation.”
Luke nodded. “That’s good to know. Do you have any other problems? Like medical costs or whatnot.”
May quickly shook her head. “Everything’s fine. I have insurance.”
Luke said, “Do tell me if you’re in any trouble. I can raise some funds for you.”
May nodded. “I’ll go to you for help if I need it.”