Chapter 72: Another Work Trip?

Brock didnt dare say anything to Thomas.

So, he found Luke and Selina even more intolerable.

If they had cursed him or resisted, their disobedience wouldve been noted down.

However, they didnt clash with him on the surface, and instead revealed their anger in subtle ways. Brock knew that it was impossible to make peace with them now.

Luke might be young, but it seemed that he had seen through Brock.

Brock couldnt back down.

His faction, his identity and his position didnt allow him to bend to two newcomers.

That afternoon, they got another case.

Luke went to Brock after reading the case file. Sir, is the Houston Police Department allowed to participate in this case?

What he really wanted to ask was, Are you not scared that something will happen again?

It was a case in Wolfkyle, which was to the east of Houston. A couple had been reported missing.

His face unchanged, Brock said, It isnt in our jurisdiction, so youll only help with the investigation. The local police will be in charge of the case. Is there a problem? The Major Crimes Division handles many similar cases. If you dont like it, you can report it to Chief Thomas.

Luke said calmly, Alright, got it. Ill go and get ready. He then turned around and left.

Brock was cold. What can you possibly do? It was Deputy Chief Sandra who took this case. Do you think Thomas will fight her for you?

Thomas had been craving a promotion, which would be impossible if he pissed off the other big shots in the police department.

Brock hoped that Luke would complain to Thomas.

That way, Thomas might clash with Sandra, and he might think that Luke shouldnt have gone to him. It would be a good thing for Brock either way.

Thinking for a moment, Brock made a call. He sneered and said, Hehe. Ive helped you out a lot. You better pay me back someday.

He was calling the local sheriff in Wolfkyle, and was full of condescension.

The sheriff wouldnt be able to stand the humiliation as long as he was a normal person, and he certainly wouldnt be friendly to Luke.

After he left Brocks office, Luke found Selina. They set off in their car.

Reading the file in the car, Selina complained, Another missing person case? This cant be another sham, right?

Luke said, Brock isnt so stupid. He wont make any more trouble until we get back. Now, were well, were working a case, thats all.

He remembered how he had described their last work trip as a holiday, and how they had returned to Houston only a day later.

It was best to not raise a flag like that for themselves again.

Selina was clearly thinking the same thing. She nodded. Youre right. Were investigating a case; were not on holiday.

Luke said, Come on, can you please not say it out loud? Youll jinx us.

But he didnt really think that they could be unlucky enough to run into an accident on every work trip.

Brock mustve thought the same.

Selina apologized. Haha, youre right. I was wrong.

They drove for an hour. Suddenly, Luke frowned and stopped the car.

Whats wrong? asked Selina.

Looking at the dashboard, Luke frowned. We have flat tires.

Selina said, So? Change them. Ill give you a hand.

Lost for words, Luke said, The problem is that we have three flat tires, and we dont have three spares in our car.

Selina exclaimed, What? Three flat tires? How is that possible?

Neither of them was great at fixing cars. Besides, even the greatest mechanic wouldnt be able to fix three tires without any tools.

Luke raised his head, only to find that they were stranded in a troublesome place.

Behind them, it was a hundred kilometers back to Houston, while the nearest town was fifty kilometers away.

In front of them, Wolfkyle was also fifty kilometers away. They were caught right in the middle.

Luke took out his cell phone, but there was no signal.

Luke thought for a moment, then waved at Selina. Lets go on foot.

Fifty kilometers wasnt too much for him. He could even carry Selina if he had to.

They hadnt brought more than a backpack on this trip, either.

Getting out of the car, they started walking unhurriedly.

Soon, they saw another car on the road.

Unlike their car, this vehicle was an RV.

Luke and Selina were both astonished to see what was happening next to the RV.

It was a family: a middle-aged couple was fighting, a teenage girl in a bikini was sunbathing on a chair, and a boy was playing with two dogs next to her.

It was like some sort of comedy show.

Luke asked them, Hi, are you going to Wolfkyle?

The couple had stopped fighting when they approached. The husband replied, Yes. You, too?

Luke nodded and was about to say something else.

The middle-aged woman, however, grew excited. Fantastic! Can you help us find a tow truck? We have flat tires.

Both Luke and Selina were speechless.

They had planned to hitchhike to Wolfkyle! After all, this RV was spacious enough for them, as long as the strangers didnt refuse.

Little did they expect that the family also had flat tires and had been forced to stop here.

Luke and Selina subconsciously glanced at the girl who was enjoying the sun next to the road.

Her casual posture had convinced them that her family was only taking a break in the middle of their trip.

Is it really alright to be so carefree when your familys vehicle is stranded in this desolate place?

Luke could only set off with Selina again after saying goodbye to the middle-aged man.

Unable to count on the family, they had to press on. It wouldnt be a problem to call a tow truck for the family when they reached Wolfkyle.

The sun was setting in the west. They walked forward unhurriedly.