Chapter 864 - 404 Visit_2 - Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth - NovelsTime

Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Chapter 864 - 404 Visit_2

Author: Rack running
updatedAt: 2025-09-21

Ruth Morgan is 50 years old this year. Her husband passed away a few years ago, and she lives alone in a suburban manor. It's not difficult to find her address.

Additionally, Matthew also discovered some of her auction records, which is an important piece of information and an excuse for Luke to talk to her.

Around eleven in the morning, Luke and Jackson arrived at the Morgan Manor.

Upon arriving at the manor, Luke's first impression was that it was enormous.

The two parked the car at the entrance, and Jackson walked to the large iron gate and pressed the doorbell.

A moment later, the screen of the video doorbell lit up, and a white woman in her forties appeared on the screen, "This is Morgan Manor, do you have an appointment?"

Jackson showed his badge, "Will this do?"

The white woman asked, "Who are you looking for?"

"Ruth Morgan."

"What's this about?"

"Recently, there was a heist at the Getty Museum where ten valuable oil paintings were stolen. We'd like to talk to her about it."

"A heist? Are you kidding? Is today April Fool's Day?

How could our lady be connected to a heist?"

Jackson smirked, "I guess the Getty Museum thought the same way earlier."

"What do you mean? Do you suspect someone is planning to rob Mrs. Morgan?"

"Are you Ruth Morgan herself?"

"No, I'm her housekeeper."

"This case is currently classified, and I can't disclose it to you.

We need to speak with Ruth Morgan herself, as it concerns her safety."

"I'll report to the lady, please wait a moment." After speaking, the white woman turned off the video.

"How polite?" Jackson couldn't help but comment.

Luke laughed, "Perhaps letting you flash your badge was already a courtesy to her."

Jackson murmured, "I felt a bit guilty for lying, but now, not at all."

"Then put on a good show."

After a while, the video doorbell lit up again, and the white woman said flatly, "The lady invites you in."

After speaking, the screen went black again, but the large iron gate opened automatically.

In the distance, an electric car drove over, somewhat resembling a golf cart.

Luke and Jackson looked bewildered.

A Black man in a suit sat in the driver's seat of the electric car. After disembarking, he saluted the two, "Honored guests, please get in."

Luke and Jackson boarded the electric car, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the manor. Shortly after, the car stopped in front of a three-story villa.

After getting out, a white woman approached, the same housekeeper from the video doorbell, "Officers, please follow me."

Guided by the housekeeper, Luke and Jackson entered the villa and were invited to sit on the living room sofa.

Soon after, a maid brought tea and pastries, and the housekeeper bowed slightly again, "Please wait a moment, the lady will be here shortly."

This wait lasted half an hour.

However, Luke and Jackson were not annoyed, as a maid attended to them the entire time.

They drank tea, coffee, and enjoyed various exquisite pastries, each piece was delicious, sweet but not overwhelming, and the ingredients were of high quality.

After they were satiated, the door at the back of the living room opened, and a white woman in her forties entered. She was fashionably dressed, elegant in demeanor, and wore a faint smile as she walked straight to the sofa, "Sorry to keep you officers waiting."

Luke stood up, "Are you Mrs. Ruth Morgan?"

"Yes, I am."

"Please sit. How shall I address you?"

"Captain Luke Lee, from the Robbery and Murder Department's first squad."

Ruth Morgan took a sip of the coffee just served by the maid and asked, "Captain Lee, what brings you to see me?"

"At the end of last month, ten oil paintings were stolen from the Getty Museum. Have you heard about it?"

"Slightly."

"Where did you hear it from?"

Ruth Morgan smiled, "The robbers told me personally."

Luke also smiled, "You have quite a sense of humor."

"I'm not used to people snooping into my privacy, so why not just get to the point?" Ruth Morgan was growing impatient.

"I heard you have an oil painting by the Impressionist master Duke West."

"Yes, I do have a painting by Master Duke West titled 'Spring Return.' I bought this oil painting at an auction for 9 million US dollars, and all the paperwork is in order. Is there an issue?"

"Among the paintings stolen from the Getty Museum, there was also a work by Master Duke West, the most valuable among the stolen pieces." Luke started his performance.

In fact, none of the ten stolen paintings from the Getty Museum were by Duke West; Luke said this entirely to set up what he would say next.

Ruth Morgan thought for a moment, "To my knowledge, there are eight surviving works by Master Duke West.

One of them, titled 'Starry Night,' is housed in the Getty Museum."

"No, among the ten stolen paintings, there was one called 'Starry Night' supposedly by Master Duke West." Before coming, Luke had done his homework; none of the ten stolen paintings were by Duke West, but the Getty Museum indeed housed a painting by Duke West titled 'Starry Night.'

"Sorry, I remembered wrong." Ruth Morgan chuckled, now appearing more serious, "However, what does this have to do with me?"

"I've been investigating this case, and based on the existing evidence, this group of thieves is extremely brazen, possibly a bunch of art enthusiasts.

We have already located one of their hideouts and found some information about Master Duke West's works there.

We suspect they may strike again, potentially targeting more of Duke West's works.

And you happen to own a painting by Master Duke West, 'Spring Return.'" Luke said solemnly, "Mrs. Morgan, these robbers are very ruthless. You'd best be prepared."

"You think they'll rob my painting 'Spring Return?'"

Luke shook his head, "The police have been investigating the case, and I don't actually think they'd dare to strike again openly, the chances are slim.

But… it's always best to be cautious."

"Thank you for the warning." Ruth Morgan showed a grateful expression, "What do you think I should do?"

"I am here to see if there's anything unusual around you?"

Ruth Morgan shook her head, "It seems not."

"If convenient, I'd like to ask you a few questions. These thieves are cunning, and ordinary people can barely notice them."

"OK, go ahead."

"Where do you keep the painting called 'Spring Return?' Is it safe?"

Ruth Morgan smiled, "I keep it in a bank, needn't say which one. I assure you the painting is very safe."

Luke was a bit disappointed as he originally intended to take a look, "Have you noticed any suspicious persons around?"

"No."

"Do you plan to buy any paintings recently?"

"Perhaps if I find one I like."

"Where do you usually purchase paintings?"

"At auctions."

"Have you ever bought paintings through illegal channels?"

"No."

Ruth Morgan was visibly alert, glaring at Luke, "I just remembered I have another appointment.

Let's end it here for today.

Sophie, see the guests out." Ruth Morgan nodded slightly at the housekeeper, then got up and left without looking at Luke and Jackson again.

"Please, this way."

Luke and Jackson were 'courteously' shown out by the housekeeper.

Jackson glanced at the manor behind them, "Captain, do you think Ruth Morgan is suspicious?"

Luke shook his head; during their conversation, he didn't detect any obvious signs of lying from Ruth Morgan.

However, this woman was quite cautious. Sensing Luke's invasive questions, she directly showed them the door.

But remembering he didn't immediately realize Mrs. Gray was lying last time, Luke felt somewhat uneasy.

After getting into the car, Luke asked, "What do you think?"

Jackson shrugged, "She seemed polite on the surface but had this aloofness, I didn't quite like her.

Her official age is fifty, but she looks only forty, very young.

I'd bet she spends more on beauty maintenance each month than my salary."

Maintenance, beauty.

Luke seemed to catch on to a crucial point.

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