Legendary FBI Detective-Chapter 836 - 838: Sunken Ship, Clues, and Action

"SS Central America?"

Upon hearing this term, Luo An's expression subtly changed, while Reesi, Chenier, and Mona were filled with confusion. Their knowledge in this field was virtually nonexistent, so they could only turn to Michelle, the most well-read person in the room.

"SS Central America?!"

Compared to the "unlearned" Reesi and others, Michelle was astounded to hear Winslow's words, her eyes widening in disbelief:

"Winslow, are you sure?"

Winslow spread his hands:

"That's what the trace inspection department said."

Seeing the astonishment on Michelle's face, Reesi looked around and asked:

"What's the deal with this SS Central America?"

"It's a steamship that encountered a storm and unexpectedly sank in 1857."

Michelle took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in her heart, and explained seriously:

"The sinking of this ship was one of the largest maritime disasters in the world.

The loss it caused triggered the financial panic of 1857, which is arguably the first global financial crisis."

Upon hearing Michelle's words, Mona, Chenier, and Winslow's faces all turned incredibly serious. Reesi paused slightly, asking:

"A ship sinks to the bottom of the sea, causing a financial crisis... Was there a lot of money on that ship?"

"Not much money, just some ordinary Double Eagle Gold Coins."

Michelle smiled slightly and said:

"However, the ship carried a bit of gold, about 19 tons."

"!!!"

"What?! 19 tons?! Gold?!"

Reesi's eyes instantly widened in disbelief, Chenier and Winslow's breaths quickened as they stood up abruptly, and Mona inhaled sharply.

Since the establishment of human society, gold has always been the hardest currency. Regardless of times of peace or war, the value of gold has never fallen.

Most ordinary people with some wealth are involved in purchasing gold jewelry, usually measured in grams.

Rich tycoons might buy some gold bars for storage as a precaution but not too much, as countries worldwide strictly control gold, making it impossible for ordinary people to acquire massive amounts of gold.

The metric of tons is rarely associated with gold for ordinary citizens, making Reesi, Chenier, and Mona feel a tingling sensation on their scalps.

Winslow took several deep breaths to suppress his emotion, turning to find Luo An still calm, surprised:

"Luo An, you also know about SS Central America?"

"I know a bit."

Seeing Reesi and the others looking at him in surprise, Luo An took a sip of coffee and smiled:

"Actually, the existing gold on SS Central America isn't as much as 19 tons.

In the 1980s, this shipwreck was discovered, and a layer of surface gold was salvaged."

"That's right."

Michelle nodded in agreement, adding:

"At the time, an engineer from Ohio led a team to salvage about 5% of the total gold, making a fortune."

Mona calmed down and, after thinking for a moment, asked:

"Why only salvage 5%? Was it because of technical limitations and difficulties back then?"

"That's part of the reason."

Michelle nodded and continued to explain:

"On the other hand, the engineer didn't have money at the time; he went to sea with raised funds.

After getting the gold, this guy absconded with the money, which then turned into a saga of legal battles and lawsuits."

"..." x4

Ding—

Just as Chenier was about to say something, Michelle's computer suddenly pinged. The group quickly turned to the screen, where a message appeared:

"Very well, give me the person. If there's no problem, I'll immediately pay the balance."

Michelle looked up at Luo An, questioning what to say next. Luo An directed his gaze to Mona, whose fingers flew across the keyboard:

"Give me a moment."

"OK."

Luo An thought briefly and said:

"Repeat this: Several of my men were injured because of this matter, and they're like brothers to me."

Michelle polished the text before sending it. After a few seconds of silence, the other party asked:

"What do you mean?"

Luo An chuckled:

"Add money."

"Okay."

To Michelle's surprise, the other side readily agreed, responding:

"I'm adding another $100,000, but you must ensure the person is fine. We exchange the person for the money on the spot."

"$100,000 isn't enough."

Luo An's eyes narrowed, and he said:

"I want $200,000, and furthermore, the location of the transaction will be decided by me."

"Impossible!"

This time, the other party refused outright, stating that temporarily raising the price was already too much and not to push it.

Michelle looked at Luo An with an odd expression. Luo An once again turned to Mona and asked:

"How's it going on your end?"

"Successfully located that guy!"

Mona smiled broadly, making an OK gesture with her hand, and explained:

"They are not in Atlanta, nor in Georgia. They're in Charleston, South Carolina!"

"I know Charleston! I've been there before!"

Reesi, filled with excitement, stood up straight and said loudly:

"It's one of the oldest cities in the federation. Before 1790, it was the capital of South Carolina and the richest town in the Southern Federation. Now it's home to one of the federation's most popular leisure vacation spots.

Additionally, it's well-connected, with a large port, perfect for going to sea!"

"So, they're already preparing to set out to salvage the shipwreck?"

Luo An's eyes glowed slightly as he looked to Michelle and said:

"Michelle, continue negotiating with them to buy time. We don't have to increase the money, but the transaction location must be decided by us, meaning Klaus!

The rest of you, pack up immediately. We're heading to Charleston!"

"Understood!"

"No problem!"

All the agents acknowledged the order in unison and quickly began gathering their things.

Once everything was swiftly packed, Michelle kept negotiating on the computer while Luo An and the others quickly headed to the airport with her.

Forty minutes later, at 9:30 p.m., the group successfully arrived in Charleston via plane.

Just as they stepped out of the airport, Michelle's expression suddenly changed. She rushed to Luo An, holding the laptop, and said:

"Luo An, they're not responding anymore. It seems they sensed something's wrong!"

Reesi and Winslow's faces tensed slightly, but Luo An gestured for everyone to remain calm:

"It's okay. As mentioned earlier, since they might know Klaus, noticing something's up is normal."

Luo An never intended to fool them indefinitely. He turned to Mona and asked:

"How about your end?"

"The IP address hasn't changed. It's in the Charleston Suburb."

Mona replied with a serious look, speaking quickly:

"That area doesn't have much surveillance, is easy to access, making it perfect for hiding and escaping."

"Good."

Luo An nodded and then inquired:

"Winslow?"

"The SWAT team is ready."

Winslow grinned, covering his phone, showing his white teeth:

"Ready to move at any time!"

"Very good."

Luo An smiled in satisfaction and commanded:

"Michelle, contact the local police and have patrols temporarily block roads. Mona, keep an eye on surveillance and police networks, report immediately if something emerges.

Winslow, notify the SWAT team that we'll meet on site. Reesi, Chenier, gear up. Let's move out!"

"Understood!" xN

Meanwhile, in a villa in the Charleston Suburb, a white man was full of rage as he kicked another man to the ground, pointing a gun at his head and cursing:

"You son of a bitch!"