2:30 PM, FBI Washington Headquarters, Mr. Clement's office.
The secretary opened the door, and Luo An whispered a thanks as he entered the office, then greeted Mr. Clement:
"Good afternoon, sir."
In the office, besides Mr. Clement, there was a middle-aged white man with a golden slicked-back haircut, appearing to be in his thirties.
Seeing Luo An enter the office, Mr. Clement nodded at him, then stood up to introduce:
"This is Group Leader Luo An Greenwood.
This is Ethan Mori from Nevada."
"Hello, Group Leader Greenwood."
The two shook hands, and Luo An vaguely guessed something, but still asked with some confusion:
"Sir, what do you need me for?"
Mr. Clement didn't answer but instead shifted his gaze toward Ethan Mori.
Seeing this, Ethan Mori immediately picked up his briefcase from the sofa, took out a document, and handed it to Luo An, explaining:
"Group Leader Luo An, I am the chief of staff for State Legislator Shemor Krista from Nevada.
A few days ago, after a dinner party, State Legislator Shemor Krista, his sister Lucille Krista, and their two bodyguards, a man and a woman, all four disappeared after leaving the party, neither dead nor alive.
This incident has had a very negative impact, and I hope you can lead Group 13 to participate in the investigation of this case."
Luo An looked at the information in the folder, his eyes slightly narrowed, silently.
In that previous case of the [Family Villa Massacre] (Chapter 441), the real target was a 75-year-old white woman named Krista.
The legislator Shemor Krista mentioned in the document is 40 years old this year, the eldest son of that 75-year-old woman.
Lucille Krista, 38 years old, is the second daughter of the elderly woman.
Besides, the elderly woman has another son, 33 years old, named Rister Krista.
According to the documents, the third son was traveling in another country at the time of the incident and is currently taking over and managing the affairs of the Krista family.
"Mr. Mori, I have a question."
After thinking for a few seconds, Luo An closed the folder and looked up to ask:
"This case, whether it's the local law enforcement in Las Vegas or Nevada's law enforcement, has the capability to investigate.
Chief of Staff Ethan Mori did not immediately reply but turned his head to look at Mr. Clement.
Mr. Clement waved his hand at Ethan Mori, who then nodded and walked out of the office.
Luo An frowned slightly:
Mr. Clement gestured for Luo An to take a seat, and after pondering for a few seconds, said:
"Luo An, Nevada is a swing state."
Swing state, a very federal term.
There are two political parties in the federation, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Every four years during the presidential elections, both parties vie for votes in all fifty states, trying to maximize their advantage.
Out of fifty states, the voting preferences of many state citizens can vary, possibly voting for the Democratic Party this time, then switching to the Republican Party next time.
These states with fluctuating voting preferences are referred to as swing states.
Luo An nodded, although not very focused on these matters, having lived in the federation for so long, he still knew somewhat.
Mr. Clement continued:
"In recent years, the struggle between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party in Nevada has intensified. It's now 2006, and soon we will have another presidential election.
State Legislator Shemor Krista belongs to the Republican Party camp in Nevada, and with his family's considerable influence behind him in business and politics, tangled together, it makes this case very difficult to investigate as nobody trusts anyone.
Therefore, some local authorities hope that our FBI headquarters will send someone to investigate and handle this case."
Mr. Clement finished explaining, and Luo An suddenly nodded:
It's a local mess, where nobody trusts anyone, and they had to sit down to discuss cooperation, seeking an outsider to break the deadlock.
"Also, the Krista family has their stance."
"The remaining third son, Rister Krista, has said that the missing individuals are his biological brother and sister. He is willing to fund the law enforcement officers investigating this case with 10 million US dollars designated for handling the case."
"...No wonder they're a family in Las Vegas, they really know how to solve cases."
Upon hearing this, Luo An's expression immediately turned serious, and he said in a deep voice:
"No problem, boss, I will definitely work hard to investigate this case."
Clement gave Luo An a speechless look, said a few brief words, and then Luo An turned and left the office.
13th Investigation Team, Office Area.
"So, another business trip?"
Reesi sat in the chair, spinning around boredly, looked at the documents Luo An brought back, and complained with an annoyed face:
"And it's Las Vegas again! Didn't we say we wouldn't go back to that gambling city unless something unexpected happens?"
"You said it yourself, 'unless unexpected'."
Luo An took the folder, tapped Reesi's head lightly:
"Now someone has died, isn't that an unexpected event?"
Reesi wrinkled her nose and gave Luo An a light snort. Luo An ignored him and turned his gaze to Michelle next to him, asking:
"You mentioned earlier that the Krista family is in very bad shape now. Are you referring to this incident?"
Michelle nodded, adding:
"Additionally, the cross that guy in the hospital mentioned, we returned it to the Krista family and it has been carried by State Legislator Shemor Krista ever since.
The ruby ring, on the other hand, is worn by his sister, Lucille Krista.
Now, both of them have disappeared, and both the cross and the ruby ring have vanished."
Winslow thought for a moment and said with a weird expression:
"Is there some kind of curse with this cross and ruby ring?"
Luo An and Michelle looked at him puzzledly, Reesi suddenly widened her eyes and slapped her hand, saying:
"That's a possibility!
Look, the initial 75-year-old woman Krista, wearing that cross around her neck and the ruby ring on her hand, ended up dead in that villa.
This time her eldest son took the cross and her second daughter took the ruby ring, and both have disappeared, neither alive nor dead to be seen.
Only the third son, who wore nothing, escaped this calamity."
Seeing Winslow and Reesi looking serious, Michelle and Chenier were speechless, Luo An helplessly waved his hand:
"Stop fantasizing, hurry up and pack up, the plane is ready and we're leaving soon!"
Michelle, Winslow, Reesi, and Chenier all nodded in agreement.
Luo An turned and walked into the team leader's office to pack up, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, muttering to himself:
Since Mona hasn't recovered well, she had to stay and rest at the villa in Washington D.C.
Two hours later, the 13th Investigation Group agents, along with Senator Ethan Mori, boarded the plane heading to Nevada.
Without conversation, after several hours of flying, everyone arrived safely in Las Vegas.
After a long flight needing rest, everyone took a taxi to the hotel booked in advance, planning to rest for the night and start the official investigation the next day.
Suddenly staying alone in a hotel, Luo An unexpectedly felt a bit uncomfortable, arranges his personal belongings, and then lies on the bed, viewing the relevant documents provided by Staff Chief Ethan Mori.
Ding-dong——Ding-dong——
Suddenly, there was a sound of pressing the doorbell from the door. Luo An got off the bed, and asked:
Upon opening the door and letting him in, Michelle didn't waste words, immediately took out a laptop and showed it to Luo An with a shocked face:
"Luo An, do you still remember that 19-year-old Rekasha O'Dell?
I just found out some news; she got engaged to the 33-year-old third son of the Krista family!"