The Wolf of Los Angeles.

Chapter 101 You get the reputation, I get the profit

At the Santa Monica Yacht Club, more than twenty vehicles with LAPD emblems painted on them surrounded the entire pier.

More vehicles arrived one after another.

Such a large-scale LAPD deployment naturally alarmed the media, and some reporters stood outside the cordon to take pictures.

On the boat, Hawke had already copied the video from the recorder to his laptop, waiting for follow-up.

Erica reported the incident to the detective bureau immediately. The chief of the detective bureau was also one of the first people to arrive and was questioning her alone about the incident.

With the existence of video recording, this matter will be relatively less troublesome.

Before Erica left, she told Hawke that she had already informed her family.

As early as the Robert Downey Jr. incident, Hawke speculated that her family background was not simple.

In the yacht lobby, Johnson watched as a large group of police officers boarded the yacht one after another and conducted a detailed search of the yacht. He asked Hawke, "Do you want to call a lawyer?"

Hawke said, "Wait a minute."

Catherine said: "Just tell me what you need, I can get a team of lawyers over here."

Hawke then discovered that Officer Susie, who had been to the studio after Robert Downey Jr. was shot, also came.

A young brown-haired man also boarded the boat with her.

The men all went to the back of the yacht and entered the cabin where Erica was.

After waiting for a long time, Susie entered the hall first. She recognized Hawke and nodded slightly at him, then said, "We have important matters to discuss with Mr. Hawke Osment and Mr. Dwayne Johnson. The rest of you, can you go to the banquet hall first? We have prepared morning tea."

Erica and the brown-haired man came in from outside and said to everyone, "Excuse me, everyone."

Hawke, Johnson and Erica saved their lives. Hearing Erica say this, the others stood up.

Before leaving, Eric specifically said, "Boss, call me immediately if you run into any trouble."

Hawke nodded.

Dani stayed: "I am Dawn's wife and manager."

Erica closed the lobby door and introduced Susie to everyone: "This is Lieutenant Susie from Parker Center, LAPD headquarters."

She then introduced: "This is my lawyer Brian Ferguson, who is also my cousin."

Several people shook hands one by one.

As Hawke shook hands with Brian Ferguson, the handsome fellow asked, "Are you the one who asked Erica out to sea?"

"That's right," Hawke said.

Brian lowered his voice: "She's very resourceful. I've never seen anyone who can ask her out for a night."

How thick-skinned Hawke is: "It means I'm very charming."

"Everyone, please take a seat." Susie said at this time: "I am here on behalf of the LAPD and would like to discuss the follow-up of this matter."

Hawke sat on the couch and Erica sat next to him.

Susie said: "We learned the details of the incident and watched the video of the incident. The LAPD also conducted a detailed investigation of the yacht. The amount of drugs seized this time is rare in recent years."

"Now that the record has been made, when can we leave?" Dani, who was speaking, knew very well that the agent had to rush to the front: "Dawn and Hawke are heroes just like Erica. They saved everyone on this ship."

Susie smiled and said, "LAPD has no intention of forcing you to stay, so let me, the media and public relations director, discuss the follow-up matters with you."

Hawke asked directly: "Can you tell me about your plan?"

Susie said: "LAPD must publicize this case widely, so that the citizens of Los Angeles and all taxpayers can see the results of LAPD's work. Therefore, the video will be broadcast publicly and Erica will become a hero."

Brian continued, "Erica needs this result, too."

Hawke doesn't know how to handle cases, but he is a professional when it comes to playing with media and public opinion.

After hearing what the two said, he said: "The recorder was worn on me and I filmed the whole process. According to the Press Act, the copyright of the video belongs to me."

“That’s true,” Brian said.

Hawke was not polite: "I have a certain say in this matter, is that ok?"

Susie had dealt with Hawke before, and Erica from the Ferguson family had a special relationship with him, so she immediately said, "Of course."

Hawke added: "I didn't show up at all, so the publicity was just like I didn't exist."

Erica looked at him, "Dawn and I couldn't do this without you."

"I'm not a public figure, so I don't need this." Hawke was not an upright person, so he naturally had other thoughts in mind. His eyes fell on Johnson: "My friend Dawn participated in almost the entire process. With fearless courage and heroic spirit, he knocked down two gangsters with his bare hands."

He asked Dani and Johnson, "What do you think?"

This incident is very consistent with Johnson's personality, especially since he is about to play the leading role in "S.W.A.T."

Dani said: "Dawn is an actor and also needs exposure."

Susie said seriously: "LAPD thanks Mr. Johnson for his heroic act. We will report everything Mr. Johnson has done truthfully."

"We have reached a consensus on this." Hawke certainly would not discuss specific matters on Johnson's behalf: "Danni, you can talk to Susie about what to do next. If it involves media publicity, you can ask Miss Mee to come over."

Dany nodded at him.

"Now that we've talked about Dawn, let's talk about my rights." Hawke did what he should fight for, saying, "I will authorize the LAPD to use the video for free, but there is a prerequisite."

Susie could only follow Hawke's rhythm: "Please go ahead."

Hawke said: "I will designate the media premiere rights for the video. I can ensure that the other party's position is completely biased towards the LAPD, and I will continue to cooperate with you in the future."

Susie thought of the show on Channel 11: "Midnight Entertainment?"

She disagreed: "We have to hold a press conference in two hours at the latest. The video must be played after the press conference to dispel all doubts and characterize the incident. We can't wait until 11pm."

Hawke was prepared: "Can I contact the media? Have her come over for an interview."

Susie said, "I need Fox to side with the LAPD."

Hawke pushed it out lightly: "She's coming over, you guys talk."

Susie thought about it and said, "Okay."

Hawke went to the other side of the hall, took out his cell phone and made a call.

Megan Taylor on the other end answered and asked, "Didn't you go out to sea? Are you back so soon?"

"A serious incident has occurred, but I can't tell you now. I can only tell you that I was involved and filmed the entire incident." Hawke said directly: "Super explosive news, with great social depth and entertainment. If you want, bring a cameraman to the Santa Monica Yacht Wharf in person."

Megan said, "Wait a minute." She pressed the intercom: "Claire, I want to know what happened at the Santa Monica Marina now."

Claire paused for a moment, then quickly said, "Dozens of LAPD police cars have blocked off the entire dock area, and a large number of reporters are rushing over. Gretchen personally brought the cameraman over from Channel 11."

"Take the cameraman with you, we'll be there soon." Megan said into the phone, "I'm leaving now."

While Hawke was on the phone, Dani and Johnson whispered to each other and called Caroline at the same time.

Brian stood up, gave his cousin a look, and the two of them quietly walked to the window.

He nodded at Hawke on the other side with his chin: "What does this guy do? Susie has lost her dominance by him."

Erica glanced at her cousin, who still looked not very smart, and said, "Hawke is the founder of West Coast Media and Entertainment Studio, specializing in crisis public relations consulting and business strategy planning."

"In the current situation, Hawke is indeed very capable." She never underestimates herself: "On the other hand, I sit next to him."

Brian realized: "It seems that I need to devote more of my brain to serious matters."

Erica glanced at Hawke and said, "You've caused so much trouble. If you can't handle it one day, you can ask Hawke for help. Remember to bring seven digits, eight digits is even better."

Brian thought of a good idea: "It's easy to get into trouble in this line of work. I can be his lawyer and let him help me deal with those bad things for free."

Erica was too lazy to talk to this brain-depleted idiot anymore.

Hawke came back from the call and said, "They'll be here soon."

Susie looked at her watch and saw that there was still plenty of time, so she asked Hawke a few questions and called the people below.

Outside the dock, yellow cordons blocked off a large area, and many police officers patrolled back and forth to prevent reporters and paparazzi from crossing the line.

Some brave guys hired speedboats and sailed to the sea, but they were also driven away by patrolling police speedboats.

Anyone with a little sense of news would know at this time that big news had happened on this yacht.

Gretchen and several of her men arrived there more than ten minutes ago, but were now stopped outside the cordon. No matter how she contacted others for help, it was of no use.

The stricter the LAPD guards, the bigger the news.

Gretchen kept making phone calls and pacing anxiously.

Suddenly, she found that Megan, who was on the same channel, came over with two people, accompanied by LAPD personnel.

When she arrived at the cordoned area, an LAPD officer helped her set up a cordon.

Gretchen almost rushed over and called Megan: "Why are you here? Can you get on the boat?"

Megan said: "Time is tight, now is not the time to talk."

Gretchen was a smart person. She knew that she could only gain benefits by compromising at this moment. She said, "Take me up there. We will co-host "Ace News" tonight."

"Sorry, this is not for me to decide." Megan walked through the security area without stopping and boarded the yacht. Entering the yacht lobby, she saw Susie, who had worked with her, the Johnsons, the policewoman who shot Robert Downey Jr., and Hawke.

Megan greeted them one by one.

Hawke said, "I need to talk to her alone for a few minutes."

"Go ahead." Susie said without further ado.

Hawke picked up his laptop, took Megan into the small hall next door, and opened the video for her to watch.

Because the recorder was turned off several times, the video was divided into several segments, but Hawke recorded all the key parts.

The transaction taken from a high altitude is not very clear, but you can vaguely make out the figures and what happened.

The lighting conditions in the cabin are very good, and the gunfight is enough to distinguish who is who and whether they have weapons.

When the video ended, Megan's first question was: "Are you okay?"

"No." Hawke said, "This was recorded with the recorder you gave me. During my voyage, I encountered some crew members trading with Mexican traffickers..."

He quickly recounted what had happened.

Megan was very happy: "I want the video, you name the price."

Hawke said, "$30."

Megan subconsciously wanted to refute.

Hawke stopped her and said, "This is a series of cases involving a new Mexican trafficking organization called the Mule Gang. The LAPD will then launch a series of targeted strikes. Haven't you always wanted to do social news? Aren't you interested in digging deep into celebrities and crimes? This is an opportunity."

He said in advance: "There are a few conditions that you must meet, otherwise I will have to find someone else to cooperate with."

Megan made a please gesture.

Hawke added: "LAPD will hold a press conference at 11:12, and the news will be broadcast at : at the latest. You can't get the corresponding news time slot, so I can't sell it to you."

“Let me make a call.” Megan took out her cell phone and dialed the office number of channel director Cynthia.

Hawke took the notebook out of the small hall, leaving space for her.

Not long after, Megan came out of the small hall and said, "I've got it done. Today's noon news slot is mine. It will be broadcast on Channel 11 at 12 o'clock."

Hawke said, "You can talk to Susie about the rest."

Megan went straight to Susie to discuss the publicity matters of both sides, and Danny soon joined in.

The Fox TV platform is big enough.

Hawke called Erica and Johnson to the other side.

"Guys, here's something." Hawke was forthright when it came to doing things: "I sold the video shot on the boat for $30..."

Johnson understood what he meant and interrupted him directly: "I get the fame, you get the profit, it's as it should be."

Erica said, “You took this photo.”

Hawke held out his hand. "Okay, I won't say polite words. In this matter, the three of us are an offensive and defensive alliance."

The three of them had just fought together for their lives, and Erica reached out her hand and placed it under Hawke's hand.

Johnson's hand fell on Hawk's hand.

Hawke reminded, "I've heard that the Mule Gang is ruthless. After you two are exposed, be careful."

Erica took it seriously in her heart, but what she said out loud was in line with her style of doing things: "LAPD is the largest armed violent organization in Los Angeles."

Johnson said, "I'll hire some bodyguards."

In Hawke's view, this incident is also an opportunity to promote Alison.

But Alison was so frightened that she suffered a psychological trauma and temporarily hid herself away from everyone.

Hawke certainly won't do charity if no one pays.

Susie waved to Hawke, and Hawke went over and joined the discussion.

However, he rarely speaks, and because of the existence of the video, it is safest to use conventional publicity methods in the future.

Half an hour later, Susie got off the boat and announced to the media that a press conference would be held in the yacht club hall at 11:.

The large number of reporters that had gathered here immediately dispersed and headed to the club lobby to occupy advantageous positions.

But Gretchen didn't leave because Megan didn't get off the boat.

A few minutes later, Hawke carried his luggage and followed Megan off the yacht.

A business car drove directly onto the pier and picked up Megan, Hawke and Claire.

Although it was a bit far away, Gretchen saw that compared to when she came, there was an extra Hawk Osment beside Megan.

She couldn't help but guess.

The business car drove out of the pier, left the yacht dock and headed straight for Century City.

On the way, Megan said, "Your business is getting bigger and bigger, and it's even affecting the LAPD."

Hawke said truthfully: "It was just a coincidence."

Megan said: "When an opportunity comes, whether you can seize it depends on your ability."

The car arrived at Century City and stopped in front of the Fox Building. The group took the elevator upstairs and entered the "Midnight Entertainment" program team.

Megan clapped her hands vigorously and said, "Everyone, get moving now and adjust the electronic background of the studio. We will be doing the noon news at 12 o'clock today."

Everyone was a little surprised, and the director asked, "Is there any major news?"

"Super news!" Megan said quickly, "The kind that can be followed up for multiple issues."

An associate producer immediately took action.

Megan told Claire: "Go apply for $30 in funding. Director Cynthia has approved it. Go now."

Claire got busy.

Hawke prepared to go to the reception room, wait to sign the agreement, and then collect the check.

Megan called him: "Are you free tomorrow morning?"

"Not in the morning." Hawke explained, "Today's work is not finished yet. Tomorrow I need to go to the LAPD to supplement the record and handle the storage procedures for some evidence."

His fishing slingshot and harpoon were temporarily kept by the LAPD.

There was a sudden commotion at the door of the production team. Megan turned her head to look and whispered, "Cynthia Rothberg is here."

Hawke looked over there and saw a middle-aged woman coming in from the door.

It’s hard to say about his appearance, but judging from his last name, he should be Jewish.

Megan made introductions for both sides.

Cynthia shook hands gently with Hawke and said, "I've heard of you. You often get big news."

“I’ve provided a lot of headlines for Fox, indeed,” Hawke said.

"Well done, keep up the good work." Cynthia casually made a big promise: "Fox will not treat any of its partners unfairly."

Megan and Cynthia went to the producer's office.

Hawke waited in the reception room for a while, and Claire brought the agreement.

As usual, Hawke signed the licensing agreement and soon received the check.

At 11:, the LAPD's press conference at the Santa Monica Yacht Club began on time. Susie took the stage to report on the drug trafficking case on the yacht and the armed robbery and murder case of the crew.

Dwayne Johnson and Erica Ferguson then took the stage.

Susie highlighted the two men’s heroic actions in the case.

Director Eric Eason, actress Lauren Hashian and the yacht captain also took the stage to thank Erica and Johnson.

However, many media outlets raised questions on the spot. For example, many reporters believed that according to Eric and the other two's accounts, they were all fast asleep that night due to drugs and did not witness the two men's actions with their own eyes.

Susie didn't explain, nor did she let Erica and Johnson refute.

It was almost noon when the big screen in the hall lit up and was tuned to Fox Channel 11.

Then, many reporters discovered that Megan Taylor, who used to do entertainment gossip, became the host of the midday news.

In full view of the public, Megan announced the exclusive news.

Several videos shot by the recorder were played on the TV screen.

The hall fell silent for a moment, with only some voices coming from the video.

When the video ended, I didn't know who in the hall would applaud first.

Then everyone applauded.

Others shouted: "You are heroes! Erica Ferguson, you are a hero! Dwayne Johnson, you are a hero too!"

(End of this chapter)