The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 140: The Bloody Truth]

This wasn't the first time Hawke and Brian had collaborated, and they had built up a level of trust.

In addition to understanding his side of things, Hawke pressed to know more about the other party. "What's the situation on their end? Don't tell me you can't manage just one director."

Brian elaborated, "The target of this case is the assistant to the governor's office, Pope. Before taking up the position, Pope worked for a film private equity fund, which has repeatedly collaborated with both Wagenen and Robert Redford on film projects -- all participating in the investment."

Hawke understood the implication: "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

"Obviously," Brian continued. "Wagenen isn't that influential, but Robert Redford counts as a big shot in Hollywood. He established the Sundance Film Festival and has great media relations. Under pressure from him, the mainstream media ignored this news."

Hawke, knowing more about the media and the entertainment industry than Brian, remarked, "More than that, have you ever considered that this issue touches on a lot of people's sensitive nerves in Hollywood and the media? They don't want this turning into a hot news topic."

Brian added, "That's one of the challenges. The other is that there's no direct evidence. Even if LAPD gets involved, they maintain a neutral stance without tangible evidence -- they can't act against a prominent director or producer. The essence of the secrecy certainly won't escape Parker Center; Uncle Carter, despite being a member of the five-person committee, carries significant weight but must consider other commissioners."

He pulled out another document, "This is Wagenen's lawyer, Cheryl -- she's a tough one."

Hawke quickly skimmed through the basics regarding the lawyer, asking, "Find out as quickly as possible who manages Wagenen's PR."

Brian replied, "I'll have someone work on that immediately."

"You handle the legal procedures," Hawke stated, well aware of their strengths. "Leaving counteracting their dirty tricks and the underhand schemes to me."

This wasn't about seeking fairness or justice in legal proceedings; Brian sought Hawke's collaboration for exactly this reason.

Hawke continued, "We need to set up a dedicated office."

Brian pointed towards the exit, "Beverly Boulevard is right outside. It's very convenient here."

"We'll need reliable personnel once we have our office," Hawke remarked straightforwardly. "I will have two people in the clear; you don't need to worry about those clandestine operations."

Brian nodded, "I can bring three people with me, and I'll have personnel standing by in the shadows."

Hawke instructed, "Install covert surveillance around the villa -- we need to guard against any moves from opponents."

Brian replied, "I'll have someone come to set that up tomorrow morning."

As long as there is sufficient funding, none of these barriers stood in the way.

After considering, Hawke added, "I need to meet the parties involved as soon as possible."

Brian glanced at his watch, "Let's do it tomorrow; it's too late now."

Hawke gathered the documents Brian had brought and prepared to leave.

But Brian interjected, "Come to the garage; I have something interesting to show you."

After hearing this, Hawke thought back to some shady characters in the past.

The two moved into the garage, where three cars were parked.

Brian retrieved a car key, handing it to Hawke. "You can drive this Mercedes for now."

Hawke questioned, "You're actually being generous? What's your ulterior motive?"

"Just lending it to you; don't read much into it," Brian replied, tapping the robust surface of the Mercedes. "It's a bulletproof car."

Hawke opened the car door and got in. "I'll take it for a spin."

Brian opened the electric garage door.

...

Hawke drove the bulletproof Mercedes out, pulling out his phone. He sent a text: "You awake?"

Erica's phone rang right after, and she asked, "You're outside? I hear car noises."

"I just had a chat with Brian," Hawke said, anxious to avoid any hints of pressure.

Erica asked, "How did it go?"

Hawke replied, "Brian's hired me with a high salary, and I'm working with him."

Erica laughed suddenly, feeling the anxiety ebbing away. "I still have two days off. I'll come look for you tomorrow."

Hawke glanced at the running car. "I have things to attend to in the morning; let's have lunch together."

Neither of them was one to beat around the bush, and they quickly ended the call.

...

Hawke took out a spare phone, texting Edward and Campos to meet at the safe house in the morning.

Both replied promptly with confirmation.

...

The next morning, Hawke drove the bulletproof Mercedes first to Venice Avenue, veering into Cactus Auto Repair Center.

Upon arrival, the owner greeted him, "Back for another dashcam installation?"

Hawke nodded. "Just one, please." He leaned in closer, speaking softly, "Don't you have any detection gadgets? Could you check if there are any extra electronic devices on the car?"

Understanding immediately, the owner replied. "Don't worry; I'll get right on it."

Hawke stood by the car, observing the workers as they busied themselves.

Once the dashcam was equipped and checked, the owner approached him. "Everything checks out."

Hawke made his payment and left.

En route, he switched vehicles and arrived at the safe house, where Edward and Campos were already waiting.

...

Hawke extracted the photocopied documents, handing them over to Campos. "Here's the new objective and assignment."

Campos took a careful look.

Edward pretended to scrutinize them too.

Hawke recounted the details of the incident to them.

Campos sighed, "Americans are just as scummy as the Mexicans."

Edward put down the documents to say, "Because Mexico is too far from heaven but too close to America."

After they read through everything, Hawke revealed Sterling Van Wagenen's picture. "He's our main target."

Campos focused on the image, aiming to imprint it in his memory.

Hawke then pulled out the pictures of lawyer Cheryl and the actual target, Pope, reminding them, "Do not follow either of these two individuals; it's critical!"

Campos acknowledged their identities. "Understood."

As he prepared to leave, Hawke called out, "Have the legal statuses been arranged?"

"I made a down payment before Christmas," Campos explained broadly. "Garcia and Carlos'll snag their legal credentials this afternoon."

Hawke nodded, "Handle the rest according to your best judgment; don't arrange too many at once."

Having managed men back in Mexico, Campos knew how to balance instilling hope while not giving false expectations.

After going over everything, Hawke and Edward quickly departed.

...

Edward took the subway over and arrived to swap out his car for the new Mercedes, asking, "Boss, why the new ride?"

Hawke replied, "Just a borrowed bulletproof car."

"Bulletproof? Someone's after us?" Edward exclaimed.

Hawke waved it off, "Just being cautious." He pointed toward the exit. "Head to Beverly Hills; I'm meeting Erica for lunch."

As they drove west, Edward casually remarked, "Downey's son Indio was out at a classmate's party and got into that stuff."

Hawke inquired, "What happened?"

Lately, Edward had found himself slightly boastful, especially after Campos arrived, noticing that the too-beautiful butterfly had accomplished significantly more efficiently, leaving him with a sense of insecurity.

Dared to let Hawke know he was also pivotal, Edward bragged, "Deborah sought my help, and I, while practicing Taekwondo, gave Indio a good thrashing, making him understand it's wrong to get involved with that stuff!"

"You did well," Hawke nodded approvingly, encouraging him further, "Anything else?"

Edward continued, "Deborah's extremely grateful to me. Yesterday, we made a trip to the cemetery to visit young Robert Downey; she insisted on letting Downey know how happy she is now. She wouldn't let me refuse."

He spoke with sincerity, "Young Robert Downey must sense Deborah's ultimate joy, agreeing to let me care for both her and Indio since he didn't come out to express dissent."

Hawke couldn't help but laugh, feeling unexpectedly light-hearted.

Humiliating the squid always brought some joy.

Edward pumped up with enthusiasm.

...

BWR Public Relations Company.

Having finalized the interview arrangement with Sarah Jessica Parker, Caroline hung up the phone and sat back in her office chair, momentarily sensing boredom as no other tasks were at hand.

Flipping through online news articles, she spotted a sheep and thought momentarily, "What is that wolf up to?"

Having just returned from a red-eye flight back to LA, she yawned multiple times, instructing her assistant, "Sasha, go brew me a cup of coffee."

Sasha exited the office, heading towards the coffee machine. Suddenly, she noticed a few people walking inside, one of them tall and handsome, recently a sensation online.

During countless lonely nights, she'd seen numerous videos of Josh Hartnett, which bore a special significance for her.

Josh Hartnett entered the office alongside two middle-aged men and made their way to the office of director Rooney Chasen.

Sasha, taking coffee into account, rounded the corner near Rooney's office but noticed that the frosted glass door was shut, preventing her from discerning what was happening within.

Returning to Caroline's office, she set down her coffee and spoke under her breath, "Guess who I saw."

Caroline was caught between thoughts of sheep and wolf, abruptly annoyed, "Don't tell me it's your dream guy?"

"Josh Hartnett!" Sasha exclaimed, sounding excited, "The main character of the selfie scandal, Josh Hartnett!"

Although she hadn't partaken in the selfie scandal, Caroline knew about Hawke's involvement and felt intrigued. "What're they doing here? Didn't he become immensely popular after the selfie scandal?"

Sasha shrugged, "Perhaps he's here to snag another woman."

Caroline took acute interest in things related to that wolf. "Go and dig up some information."

With both of them free, they inconspicuously focused on Rooney's office.

The company's legal advisor and director's assistant were bustling in and out.

Caroline signaled, "Go investigate."

...

Seizing a moment, Sasha dazzled a legal assistant on her way to the coffee area, casually asking, "Manny, I think I spotted Josh Hartnett; is he signing with the company?"

"Not him; it's director and producer Sterling Van Wagenen he brought in." The assistant, unsure of specifics, replied vaguely, "Seems like he's running into trouble and seeks Rooney directly to help him out."

Sasha noted, "Rooney's services don't come cheap."

The assistant shrugged, "Of course; it was suggested she charged $1.2 million."

Sasha felt a rise of envy and resentment, "People like these scumbags really rake in the cash."

"Right? Do people need to drop their morality just to earn more?" the assistant remarked.

Sasha finished washing her cup. "I'm off now."

...

Quickly returning to the office, she filled Caroline in on all she'd found.

Caroline thought it odd; according to common sense, after the selfie scandal, Josh Hartnett should have recommended this to Hawke, especially if his circle had similar inquiries.

She picked up the phone to call Hawke.

Over on the line, he asked, "Miss Baa, have something to share? Or another late Christmas gift for me?"

Hearing this made Caroline's teeth grind, but instead of hanging up, she said, "I just discovered something. Josh Hartnett came to the company seeking PR help with someone else."

On hearing that name, Hawke shot back, "Who did he bring with him?"

Caroline hadn't really paid much attention before, signaling Sasha with her eyes, who replied, "The director and producer, Sterling Van Wagenen."

Once Hawke heard that, he sprang. "Do you have time this afternoon? Come out for a bit; we need to meet."

"Sure!" Caroline quickly agreed.

...

In a small parking lot in Beverly Hills, Hawke hung up the phone.

Thoughtful, he took out his cellphone again, dialing Brian's number: "It's me; I've just received news. Sterling Van Wagenen opted for BWR Public Relations Company for his PR services and has high-priced Rooney Chasen to assist."

Brian praised, "You're fast on the uptake. I'm still digging around on my end."

At that moment, a Jeep Cherokee pulled into the parking lot and parked next to him.

Erica exited the vehicle and, while waiting for Hawke to finish his call, took out a gift box she handed to him. "This is for you."

Hawke ushered her into the Mercedes.

Erica frowned, "You don't intend to do anything here, do you? I'm on my period."

"What're you thinking?" Hawke reached for the walnut box. "This is your gift."

Erica recognized the style of the box and snatched it from him. "The M1911 special commemorative model!"

"Open and take a look," Hawke said, revealing another firearm inside the box.

A Colt Python!

Erica lifted the gun, caressing its body as she turned to Hawke.

Leaning in, Hawke kissed her softly. "We really do have a connection."

Erica beamed, "Yes, we sure do!"

Both admired their handguns and headed out for a meal.

During lunch, Erica initiated a conversation about Brian's case. "You know what? I've been worried about it."

Hawke, ever the sly one, replied, "With how in sync we are, how could I make a wrong choice?"

However, Erica remained skeptical, saying, "Politics is far darker than the LAPD; you need to be cautious."

"I will," Hawke responded, noting that accepting this case came with significant consideration. "Don't forget; Brian's the one really stuck in this."

Erica chuckled, "He's not as sharp or alert as we are."

Hawke mentioned, "Unless he's truly deranged, I doubt he would directly target Brian for a personal attack. It's really just a matter of outer engagement."

Erica questioned, "Did you find a way?"

"Just starting to piece it together," Hawke replied honestly. "You know me -- always looking for the unconventional route."

Not one for such matters, Erica pivoted the conversation. "Have our bear specimen been delivered yet?"

Hawke replied, "I called before the holidays; it won't be in until after New Year."

Erica sighed. "The display case has been ordered, but without a specimen."

"Didn't you want to bring me down to Florida for crocodile hunting?" Hawke suggested. "While we're there, we can net a few trophies and create some additional specimens."

After finishing their lunch, Hawke planned to meet Caroline.

...

Erica didn't delay him with work, driving her Cherokee towards Silver Lake Community to her own villa, placing the M1911 from Hawke in a prominent spot in the exhibition room.

She thought ahead and dialed Wyoming, instructing the folks at the Buffalo Gun Shop to handle professional shipping for both of their hunting rifles and shotguns stored in the shop.

These two weapons were memorable as they bore witness to their glorious achievements in their previous escapade.

...

Meanwhile, Hawke arrived at Starbucks in Century City, where he met Caroline, who looked different with her platinum-dyed hair.

Hawke assessed her appearance: "Platinum hair, white handbag, white coat, and white pumps -- you really want to be a sheep, huh?"

Caroline rolled her eyes. "You don't have any sense of aesthetic, do you? I splurged a lot to have a top-line designer create this new look for me."

Not in the mood for an argument, Hawke simply asked, "Are you sure Sterling Van Wagenen wants to sign with BWR?"

"Absolutely," she confirmed. "I checked online, and it seems the media is digging into reports about his abuse of child stars."

Caroline further noted, "While these kinds of incidents aren't rare in Hollywood, apart from those who fully detach from the entertainment industry, hardly anyone dares to expose scandals."

She added, "The whistleblower won't blend in with Hollywood anymore, regardless if they win or lose."

Hawke asked, "Is your director Rooney Chasen all that formidable?"

Calmly, Caroline replied, "She's exceptionally talented -- miles better than I am. If I had her skills, I would have already taken her job."

Hawke continued, curious, "Is her way of thinking as rigid and conventional as yours?"

Caroline thought it through before answering, "Certainly not as wild as you." Then, she asked in curiosity, "Why all these inquiries? Are you planning to..."

"Spot on," Hawke proclaimed, "you earn yourself a sheep bleat as a reward."

Caroline stated, "If that's the case, as a member of BWR, spilling this could lead to serious violations of company protocol."

Hawke smirked. "You know about company rules?"

Caroline couldn't come up with a word of rebuttal, considering her collaboration with Hawke while utilizing company resources for commissions.

Hawke directly proposed, "Miss Baa, join me on my side for a fair wage."

Caroline prepared to resist. "I'll be fired."

Hawke threw down a bloody fact: "It won't be long before you are anyway."

"But there's no steady income," Caroline had her sights set far ahead.

Hawke clarified, "I'm about to establish a company with a highly focused agenda."

*****

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