Chapter 194 Slash Shaki, Detective Rocky's sidekick, is mowing the lawn in front of the house at this time. Franos and Leah got out of the car, claiming to be friends of Marklov, the owner of the Ping An Security Company, and wanted to know more about the situation.

Leah scrutinized Sharky's face as he returned to the car.

Sharky wasn't as formidable as his old partner Rocky, but he did look quite strong, and it seems that years of police work had made him lose faith in humanity.

He has the alertness and seriousness of the best cops, but he is clearly not a jovial man.

Sharkey led Frans into his house, a bungalow, dark and old, with a bleak appearance, like an apartment without women and children, and Sharky first called his current boss, Maklov, to verify the identity of the visitor.

Then, without being polite, he would not give up his seat or give anything to drink, but said directly to Franos: "Let's start asking." ”

Franos was silent, opened his briefcase, took out a stack of hundred-dollar bills, and said, "This is ten thousand dollars, and it is only as payment for listening to me." However, it will take some time. How about a seat and a beer? ”

Seeing this, Sharkey grinned silently.

He casually shoved the money into his pants pocket and said, "I like you, you're smart." You know it's money that makes people talk, not. ”

They sat at the back of the bungalow, at a small round table on the balcony, where they could overlook Ocean Street, with a view of the beach and the sea in front of them.

The two drank the beer poured from the bottle, and Sharkey tapped his pocket, convinced that the money was still inside.

"If you let me hear the right answer, I'll give you another $20,000 right after, and if you're silent about my visit, I'll come to you in two months with another $10,000," Franos said. ”

Sharkey grinned again, but this time there was a bit of cunning in his smile, and said, "You don't care who I reveal it to in two months, do you?" ”

"Yes." Franos said.

Sharkey said solemnly, "I can't tell you anything that would bring anyone to charge. ”

"Hey! Then you don't know who I am! Perhaps, you'd better call Maklov again. Frans said.

Sharky glanced at the other party and suddenly said, "I know who you are. Rocky once said to me, I always have to treat you right. Throughout. ”

After saying this, Shaki put on a deferential demeanor, which was his duty.

"You've been working with Rocky for the last 10 years, and both of you have made a lot of extra money," Franos said. Then you retired. I wonder why? ”

"So you're chasing Rocky? It's dangerous. He was the bravest and most savvy cop I ever knew. Sharkey said.

"Is he honest?" Franos asked.

Sharkey raised an eyebrow and said, "We're cops, and we're police in Los Angeles, do you know what that means?" If we do our job honestly and beat the Spaniards and blacks to the bust, we'll be prosecuted and lose our jobs. The only people we can arrest without getting into trouble are the rich white fools. Well, I don't have any prejudices, but why should I put white people in jail instead of another person? That's not right! ”

Franos said, "But I know Lodge has medals all over his chest!" You've got a few of them, too. ”。

Sharkey said in a somewhat contemptuous tone, "If you have the slightest guts, you can't help but be a heroic cop in this city." There are a lot of guys who don't understand that if they talk more elegantly, things will still be easier. Some of them are out-and-out killers. Therefore, we had to defend ourselves, and we received several medals. Believe me, we never provoke fights. ”

"Do you two do everything together? Do you know everything about everything? Frans said.

Sharky grinned again, "Rocky? He's always the head. Sometimes, I don't even know what we're doing. I don't even know how much we get paid. It was all taken care of by Rocky, who gave me what he said was a fair share. He has his own rules. ”

"And how do you make money?" Franos asked.

"We accept stolen money from several big gambling syndicates and sometimes bribes from drug dealers. Rocky refused to accept drug money, but every police officer in the world did, so we accepted it. Sharkey said.

"Did you and Rocky use a black guy named Hugh to accuse you of a drug tycoon?" Franos asked.

"Of course! Hugh, a good lad who was extremely timid. We've been using him. Sharky said as he took a sip of his beer.

"So, you were surprised to hear that Rocky ran away and killed him after seeing him rob and kill," Frans said. ”

"Never! They are all people from anti-narcotics classes. But they were always in a mess, and Rocky was in that situation, never giving warnings as taught. All he knew was shooting. Sharky said sarcastically.

"But isn't it a strange coincidence that they came together like this?" Franos said.

After hearing this, Shaki's face seemed to lose its tenacity for the first time, and it became sad, and said, "This thing is a little suspicious, and the whole thing is very suspicious. But I think I'll have to tell you a little bit about it now. Rocky is brave, women like him, and men respect him. I was his companion and respected him as well. But, in fact, he was always a suspicious person. ”

"So this could be a kind of planting?" Franos said.

"Nope! No! You should understand. This job motivates you to take bribes, but it doesn't make you a professional killer. Rocky would never do that. I don't believe it. Sharkey said.

"Then why did you retire after that?" Franos asked.

"It's just because Rocky makes me nervous." Sharkey said.

"I met Lodge a few months ago in the Malibu Villa area, and he was a man. Does he often not act with you? Frans said.

Shaki grinned again and said, "Sometimes he eats with others and doesn't want me to be there. ”

"One more thing! Is Rocky a racist? Does he hate blacks? Frans said.

Sharkey threw him a mischievous and surprised look and said, "Of course he hates. You're a damn liberal, right? Do you think that's scary? You go out on this errand for a year. You're going to vote for sending them all to the zoo. ”

"I have one more question! Have you ever seen him with a short man in a cowboy hat and short-legged pants? Frans said.

"A dwarf mule? We ate together, and then Rocky told me to go away. A weird scary guy. Sharky said as if recalling.

Franos reached into his briefcase and took out two more stacks of money, and said, "It's twenty thousand dollars, and you have to remember that if you keep silent, you'll get another fifty thousand dollars." All right? ”。

"I know who you are." Sharkey said.

"Of course you know, I instructed Marklov to tell you who I am!" Franos said, "I know who you are! That's why I didn't have to pay for your entire briefcase right away. That's why I'm going to keep quiet for two months. You and Rocky, I don't know who will kill me first. Sharky grinned, revealing his trademark smile.

Franos #Mitnik suddenly realizes that he has a serious problem in front of him.

Sharkey knew that Rocky accepted bribes from the Eastwood family, and knew that he was paid $50,000 a year and had additional rewards for special missions, but that didn't include murder. Franos was enough to make the final judgment - Thayer and Lodge had killed his father.

He makes this judgment easily, and he is not bound by legal evidence. He was trained entirely by the Eastwood family, which helped him to convict him. He knew his father's abilities and surname, and no robber could approach him. He also knew Thayer's surname and abilities, and knew that Thayer hated his father.

But now the main question for Franos is: did Thayer go his own way, or did Don command the killing?

He thought, "But there's no reason for the Eastwood family!" His father worked faithfully for more than 40 years and played an important role in the family's prosperity. He was a great hero in the fight against the House of St. Alden.

It wasn't the first time that Franos wondered why no one had ever told him about the war in detail, his father hadn't said it, Ilsa #Kenthal hadn't said it, and Alfred, Fixio and Hammer hadn't said it.

The more he pondered in his heart, the more convinced he became of one thing: Don had absolutely no involvement in the murder of his father. Because Don #Clint is a very conservative businessman! He rewards those who serve him faithfully, and does not punish such people. He was extremely just, even to the point of ruthlessness. However, the strongest argument is that if he had killed Tommy, he would never have allowed himself to live. A person as far-sighted as Don would never have expected that he would avenge his father, which is enough to prove that Don is innocent.

Don #Clint believed in the laws of nature and sometimes in fate, but he didn't believe in coincidence.

The robber killed Tommy, and Rocky was the cop who killed the robber, and Don would never believe in such a coincidence. He must have done an investigation and found out that Thayer was involved with Rocky. Not only will he know that Thayer is guilty, but he will also know what his motives are.

How about Thayer's mother, Theresa? What does she know? She heard that Tommy had had a worst seizure when he was killed, screaming and screaming, whimpering and crying, and Don said he had taken her to the East Hampton psychiatric hospital he had funded years earlier. She will be there for at least a month.

With the exception of Thayer, Alfred, Fixio, and Hammer, Don forbids anyone else to visit Theresa in the hospital. However, Franos often sent flowers and baskets of fruit.

So why is Theresa so broken? Did she know that Thayer was guilty and understood his motives? At this time, Franos remembered that Don had said that Thayer was going to be the heir to his property, which was a bad omen!

Franos made up his mind that he would ignore Don's ban and visit Theresa in the hospital. He goes with flowers, fruits, chocolates, and rocques, as well as a piece of true affection, but the purpose is to trick her into betraying her son!!

Two days later, Franos walked into the foyer of the East Hampton Psychiatric Hospital. There were two doormen at the door, and one of them led him to the reception.

The lady at the reception was a middle-aged man and dressed very well. Franos explained his intentions, and the lady threw him a charming smile and said that he had to wait for half an hour, because Theresa was doing a small medical procedure, and she would let him know when it was done.

Franos sat in the waiting room in the reception area next to the foyer, with tables and hard-cushioned armchairs.

He picked up a Hollywood magazine, flipped through it, and came across an article about the Los Angeles detective hero Rocky.

The article lists in detail his heroic deeds, the most outstanding of which is the killing of the robbery and murderer "Hugh".

There are two statements that amuse Franos.

His father is portrayed as the owner of a business intelligence agency, a victim of helplessness against murderous criminals.

The article also concludes with a striking statement that if there were more police officers like Rocky, street crime would be under control.

After a while, a nurse patted him on the shoulder, and she said with a pleasant smile, "I'll take you up." ”

Franos picked up the box of chocolates and the flowers he had bought, followed the nurse up a short flight of stairs, and then through a long corridor with doors one after another.

When the last door arrived, the nurse used a master key to open the door. She motioned for Franos to come into the house, and closed the door for him.

Theresa was wearing a gray dressing gown with her hair tied up neatly and was watching a small TV.

As soon as she saw Franos, she jumped up from the couch and threw herself into his arms. "Woo!" The ground wept.

Franos kissed her on the cheek and gave her chocolates and flowers.

"You came to see me, and I thought you hated me because I was sorry for your father." Theresa said with some sadness.

"You don't have a place to be sorry for my father." Franos spoke, leading her back to the couch. He turned off the TV, knelt next to the couch and said, "I'm so worried about you." ”

Theresa reached out and stroked his hair and said, "You're always so beautiful!" What a pity, you are your father's son. I'm glad to see him dead. But I knew something terrible was going to happen. Do you think my father will give up? ”

"Don is a fair man! He will never blame you. Frans said.

"He has fooled you, as he has fooled all people, never trust him. He betrayed his daughter, betrayed his grandson, betrayed his brother. …… Now I'm going to betray you again. Theresa said.

"Calm down, Theresa, tell me what troubles you have to come back here." Franos stared straight into the other's eyes, thinking how beautiful she must have been when she was young, and now her eyes still had an innocent look.

Theresa whispered, "Let them tell you about the war against the St. Alden, and then you will understand everything." ”

As she said this, Theresa looked behind Frans and covered her head with her hand.

Franos turned to see that the door had been opened, and Fixio and Hammer stood silently.

Theresa suddenly jumped up from the couch and ran into the bedroom, "Bang! The door slammed shut.

Fixio's stern face showed pity and despair, and he walked to the bedroom door, knocked on it, and said through the crack in the door, "Theresa, open the door." We are your brothers and will not hurt your ......"!

Franos said, "What a coincidence! See you here. I'm also here to visit Theresa. ”

Fixio turned around and said without saying a word, "We're not here to visit her. Don wants to see you in San Bernardino. ”

Franos immediately pondered the situation in his mind.

Apparently, the receptionist had called someone in San Bernardino. Moreover, this step has been planned for a long time. It was also clear that Don didn't want to talk to Theresa.

He sent Fixio and Hammer to find him, showing that he was not trying to murder him, and that they would not expose themselves so recklessly.

This is confirmed by what Fixio said next: "Fran! I'll go with you in your car. Hammer in his own car. Franos understood that the murder of the Eastwood family would never be one-on-one, and Don often said: Times are different!

Franos said, "We can't leave Theresa like that. ”

"Absolutely! The nurse will give her an injection. Hammer said.

Several people came out of the hospital and got into the car.

Franos said as he drove, trying to find something to say, "Fixio, you two guys are really fast." ”

"It's Hammer's car, he's a goddamn lunatic." Speaking of this, Fixio paused, and then said, "Frans, you know the rules, why do you still visit Theresa?" ”

"When I was growing up, Theresa was one of my favorite family members, she was beautiful! ”

"Don doesn't like you doing this, he is very annoyed and says it's not like Franos. He knew it. Fixio said.

"I'll explain, but I'm really worried about your sister. How's she doing? Frans said.

Fixio sighed and said, "This time it may not be better." You know she was very fond of your brother and father when she was a kid. Who would have thought that Tommy's murder would hit her so hard? ”。

Franos noticed that there was a vain tone in Fixio's tone, and he must have known what was going on.

But Franos didn't ask, just said, "They always like Theresa, too." ”

"In the last few years, Theresa has not liked him as much, especially when she has seizures. That's when you'll be able to hear what she has to say about your father. Fixio said coldly.

Franos said casually, "You also participated in the decisive battle against the St. Alden family. Why don't you guys tell me about it? ”。

"Because we never talk about big fights, my father taught us that it didn't help. You just keep going. There are a lot of troubles right now, and it's enough for you to worry about. Fixio said.

"My father is an amazing hero, though, isn't he?" Franos said.

Fixio smiled slightly, his cold face almost softened, and said, "Your father is a genius, and he and Sam can plan like Napoleon. Whatever he planned, he never went wrong. Maybe once or twice, but that's because of luck! ”。

"So, he planned the war against House St. Alden?" Franos said.

"Ask Don these questions! We should talk about something else now. Fixio said.

"Okay! Will I be killed like my father? Frans said.

As soon as he finished saying this, Fixio's usually cold face changed color, and he grabbed the steering wheel and forced Franos to stop the car on the side of the road.

When he spoke, his voice was so angry that his voice was a little choked: "Are you crazy? Do you think the Eastwood family would do such a thing? Your father has the blood of the heart of the family in his veins. He was our most outstanding warrior and he saved us. Don loves him like a brother. Oh my God, how do you ask such a thing? ”。

Frans said kindly, "I was just scared when you two guys suddenly appeared. ”

"Back on the road! …… In the most difficult days, your father fought side by side with me, Alfred, and Hammer. We can't be bad with each other. Tommy is just unlucky and bumps into a crazy to commit a robbery. Fixio said.

The two sat in the car and didn't say anything again.

When they arrived at the mansion in San Bernardino, there were two guards guarding the gate and a servant sitting at the door. There doesn't seem to be any anomalous activity.

Don #Eastwood and Alfred were waiting for them in the mansion's private room.

There was a box of Havana cigars at the bar, as well as a large mug filled with curved black square-tipped cigar smoke.

Don #Eastwood sits in a huge brown leather armchair.

Franos walked over and kissed the back of Don's hand and greeted Don, but he couldn't help but be taken aback, only to see Don "suddenly" stand up and hug him.

Franos thought to himself, "That nimble is no less than himself." ”

Don then motioned for Franos to sit down at the large coffee table, where rogue cheese and all kinds of dried meat were arranged.

Franos realized that Don wasn't ready to speak.

Don made a sandwich with lockey cheese and prosciutto.

Smoked ham is some thin, crimson slices of meat with a little bit of very tender white meat on the sides. The rockey cheese was a white ball, fresh enough that milk was still bubbling out. A thick, salty handle was tied to the top of the ball, like a knot in a rope. The closest Tang came to boasting in his life was that he would never eat locques cheese that had been cooked for more than half an hour.

Fixio and Hammer were also eating their own food, and Alfred acted as a bar buddy, bringing wine to Don and drinks to the others. Don only eats rook cheese with milk flowing through it and lets it melt in his mouth.

Hammer gave Frans two crooked cigars and lit them for him.

Franos thought to himself, "What an appetite the old man has. ”

At this time, Don #Eastwood suddenly said, "Franos, whatever you want to ask about Theresa, I can tell you." You suspect that your father died a strange death. You are mistaken! I had people do the research, and it was exactly as people had to say. Tommy was out of luck. He was the most cautious man in his line, but this kind of ridiculous thing happened all the time. Don't worry! Your father is a close friend of mine, a member of the Eastwood family! ”

"Tell me about the war with House St. Alden!" Franos said.

"It's dangerous to reason with stupid people."

Don #Eastwood first said an opening remark, then took a sip of wine in his glass and said, "You listen carefully. It's a long story, and everything is different from what it seems. That was thirty years ago......"

Speaking of this, Don turned to his three sons and said, "If I forget something important, remind me." ”

The three sons smiled and thought to themselves: how could he forget something important!

"I clearly recognize this situation in the ...... of the St. Alden family," Downton continued, "At one point, the St. Alden family was equal to us. However, they have made too many enemies, attracted too much attention from the political axe, and they have no sense of justice. They have built a world without values, a world without a sense of justice that cannot continue to exist.

"I have proposed many ways to negotiate with the Saint-Alden family, and I have confessed that I want to live in a peaceful world. However, by relying on their own power, they have developed a sense of power that is common to violent elements. They believe that power is everything. So we started fighting with each other. ”

Alfred interjected, "Why does Franos have to know about this history? What's in it for him and for us? ”。

Fixio looked away from Franos, and Hammer stared at him, Franos tilted his head back and muttered to himself that Don's three sons didn't want Don to tell this history.

"Because we owe it to Tommy and Franos." As he spoke, Don turned his head to Franos, and continued: "Whatever you may interpret this history, my son and I have not committed the kind of sin you suspected. Tommy is my friend and you are my nephew. You are all members of the Eastwood family. ”

Alfred said again, "It's not good for all of us. ”

Don waved his arm impatiently, and then said to his three sons, "What I'm saying is the truth, right?" ”

The three sons nodded, and Hammer said, "We should have killed them from the beginning!" ”

(To be continued)