The Wolf of Los Angeles.

Chapter 102 This Damn World

Los Angeles Police Department, in a reception room.

After Hawke finished taking notes, he picked up a few newspapers from the newspaper rack and started reading.

Yesterday's news made the front page of the Los Angeles Times.

"In a heroic act, a female detective and a Hollywood star team up to save people and solve a major drug case!"

In the most eye-catching position of the pictures, there are two groups of photos of Erica and Johnson.

One set includes a half-length photo of Erica fully armed, and a still of Johnson in "The Scorpion King".

There is also a set of screenshots from news videos.

Erica held the gun with both hands on the yacht, and Johnson grabbed the gangster and threw him to the ground.

Strictly speaking, the social popularity of this kind of news is not as high as that of gossip and scandals about Hollywood stars.

But one is a beautiful detective and the other is a rising Hollywood star, so they are both very popular.

The headlines of several other newspapers were all about Erica and Johnson.

Especially in entertainment newspapers and magazines, Johnson is the most popular person at the moment.

The Hollywood Reporter not only published yesterday's news, but also introduced in great detail that Johnson will be starring in "S.W.A.T.", in which his role will be a SWAT.

Hollywood crews have a keen sense of smell, and it must be the crew who bought the news coverage.

If we don’t use such a good opportunity to promote and hype ourselves, it wouldn’t be Hollywood.

Hawke heard a noise outside, so he got up and went to the window. The entrance of the detective bureau was crowded with reporters.

Erica is sure to be a star in the LAPD.

The door to the reception room opened and someone came over to tell Hawke that he could leave.

Hawke took his briefcase, left the reception room and came to the lobby of the office building, where a guy was coming down from upstairs.

It was Brian Ferguson whom I met on the boat yesterday.

The latter greeted him: "Hey, man."

Hawke shook his hand and said, "I didn't expect to meet you here."

Brian said, "I'm Erica's lawyer, and I'm here to handle some legal issues."

He took out a business card and handed it to Hawke: "If you need legal assistance, you can call me."

Hawke accepted it and handed over his business card: "My studio specializes in crisis public relations consulting and business strategy planning. Call me if you need anything."

Brian also took it and pointed to the door: "Let's go."

Hawke said, "I'm done."

"Let's go together." Brian walked out with him and said as he walked, "I heard from Erica that you are good at helping people deal with crises?"

Hawke said simply: "I have helped many people, not only to clear the name of those who were involved in scandals, but also to make them leaders in some aspects."

Brian knew his cousin's character very well. She would not joke with him about such things, so he immediately asked, "Have you ever been in the political circle?"

Hawke shook his head: "Not yet." He took the initiative to ask: "Why, are you planning to enter politics?"

"Actually, I don't want to." Brian said helplessly, "But there are some things that I can't decide on my own."

Hawke was somewhat curious and asked, "What does your family do?"

Brian was surprised: "You don't know?"

Hawke explained simply: "Erica and I are gun friends. She likes to play with guns, and the two of us play shooting and other things together."

Brian thought for a moment and said vaguely, "How should I put it? There are a lot of people, some in politics, some in business, some messing around like me, and some like Erica who is a PD."

The two men went out the side door and into the parking lot.

Hawke prepared to get in the car.

All the way, Brian kept looking at Hawke.

Although the other person's clothes were simple, he was wearing a haute couture suit and a gold Rolex watch. He had an ordinary appearance but a gentle temperament, and there was confidence in his every move.

Brian knew that he would have to go into politics sooner or later and needed to build a team. Thinking of Hawke's industry, he smiled and said, "Come out for a drink when you have time."

He specifically reminded me: "If you encounter any interesting shit about Hollywood stars again, remember to call me."

Hawke responded, "No problem."

The two shook hands again, then got into their cars and left.

Hawke drove to the bank and cashed the check he received yesterday. When passing by the Beverly Center Shopping Center, an outdoor advertising screen was playing an advertisement featuring Johnson in "S.W.A.T."

"Hollywood's true hero: Dwayne Johnson!"

The ad was obviously newly shot and produced.

Hawke's cell phone rang. It was Erica calling.

She said: "I will be very busy in the next few days, and I may not have time to practice shooting together."

Hawke understood: "Call me when you're done with this."

Erica answered simply: "Okay."

Hawke hung up the phone, drove back to East Hollywood, parked on Fountain Street, and entered the studio.

Edward was packing up his cameras and camcorders, getting ready to go out for a shoot in the afternoon.

Frank sat at the table, drinking free beer and eating free sausages, feeling very comfortable.

He saw Hawke coming back: "That chick from LAPD, and the one who faked the wrestling, did you take the video?"

Hawke sat at his desk, turned on his computer, and replied, "Yes, I took the photo."

Frank nodded: "You are more capable than I thought."

Edward looked up and said, "Boss, I really regret not going with you."

"What could you have done?" Frank sneered. "Eat fried chicken and drink watermelon juice?"

Edward raised his middle finger at him: "Shut your stinky mouth."

Frank said, "You will only be a hindrance if you go there. Didn't you see the video on the news? That chick from LAPD is awesome, and Johnson is also very strong, but you can't even grow cotton!"

He looked at Hawke and said, "You guys used the fishing and hunting slingshots you made yourself to get rid of a few bad guys. Doesn't it feel special? Last time we made a slingshot together, what will we make next time?"

Hawke extended a middle finger from behind the monitor.

Edward asked, "Boss, according to the LAPD report, those goods belong to the Mule Gang?"

Hawke said, "The Mule Gang is using a new way to move goods. The LAPD and DEA are conducting a major investigation of the yacht club."

"Be careful of the retaliation from the Mule Gang," Edward warned.

Compared to Edward who grew up on the streets, Frank doesn't care too much: "It's just a trafficker organization, not worthy of being on the stage. Now that it has fallen into the sight of the LAPD, it's too late to protect itself."

There are some things he sees but doesn't speak out.

The people in the front are the star Johnson and the LAPD chick, with the scheming man Hawke hiding in the background. Even if the Mule Gang wants to take revenge, they will attack those two people first.

Hawke opened his mailbox to check the emails. One of the new emails was from an agency in Jeffrey City, Wyoming.

Before coming to Los Angeles, he went to Wyoming to investigate Hawk Osment's basic situation.

The Osmond family had a declining population. After the small ranch run by the family went bankrupt, his parents died early, and Hawke Osmond himself left the area when he was less than 18 years old. His relatives and friends were so few that they could be ignored.

No one knew where he went until Hawke found his driver's license in his cabin in Provo.

Hawke also did some research and was basically certain that this man was 99% likely to have turned into dried bones at the bottom of Utah Lake.

Wyoming is a vast state with a sparse population, with less than 25 people living in an area of ​​more than 40 square kilometers.

Before Hawke left Wyoming last time, he asked the real estate agency in Jeffrey City to pay attention to information about small farms or ranches for sale.

He received an email from the agency informing him that there would be a small auction in Jeffrey City recently.

Hawke read the email and called to book a flight.

Jeffrey City is a very small town, and you need to fly to Buffalo and then drive there.

Hawke booked the plane ticket and said to Edward, "I'm going to fly back to Wyoming tonight and may stay there for a few days. As for the studio, you can take photos based on the information from the informant. If you have other things to do, put them aside for now and wait until I come back."

Edward said, "Don't worry, Boss. I will take good care of the house."

Frank sneered: "Given the nature of this group, they will sell all your property and run away."

He suddenly said, "You might as well hand over the studio to me." Hawke said bluntly, "Your ex-wives will tear down the studio for money tomorrow."

Hearing about his ex-wives, Frank felt bored. The free beer and sausages fell into his mouth like horse urine and wood chips.

The old man put the leftovers into a bag, carried the food out without even saying goodbye, and walked out alone.

Hawke went to pack his bags.

Edward followed and said, "Boss, Deborah took me to visit Donnie on Saturday."

Hawke turned and looked at him, not quite understanding.

"To the cemetery." Edward quickly explained: "I proposed it, and Deborah agreed. The two of us bought flowers and went to visit Donny together. I specifically told him that I would take care of Deborah in the future, so he could rest assured."

Hawke patted him on the shoulder and said, "You are a good subordinate. I have decided to increase your weekly salary by $200."

Even if the savior does nothing, the emotional value he provides alone is enough for the $200.

Hawke packed his luggage and flew to Wyoming that night. He rented a Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Buffalo, arrived in Jeffrey City, and then attended a farm auction and bought back the small ranch that originally belonged to the Osmond family.

The ranch was handed over to an intermediary company, which was responsible for basic maintenance.

He then found the graves of the Osmonds and, in accordance with local customs, presented two bouquets of marigolds.

Hawke used money to clear some issues in Wyoming and left nearly a week later.

…………

Inside a villa in Sherman Oaks.

"Let's stop here today. I'm leaving first." The black girl waved to Josh Hannett and walked out of the villa without looking back.

She got in the car and called her public relations manager, Jules: "It's not working. The media has been sarcastic about Josh Hartnett and me recently, saying that he just found a black girlfriend to whitewash himself. I'm not getting the effect of one plus one being greater than two when I'm with him. Instead, I'm being dragged down by him."

Jules, who is also Josh Hartnett’s publicist, tried to persuade him: “It’s only been going on for half a month, so the media and the public will naturally be suspicious, but over time, they will get used to it, and non-partisanship will disappear.”

Black girls are not fools who know nothing: "The controversy surrounding Josh Hartnett will indeed fade away, but what good is it for me? I was recently rejected by a crew directed by a black director."

Julius wanted to speak, but the black girl didn't give her a chance to speak: "That's it, don't waste your time on me, you can find a better candidate. I have an appointment with reporters today, and I will tell them that Josh and I are just friends."

After hanging up the phone, Jules quickly called Josh's agent Will.

The two of them came to Josh Hartnett's house together.

As soon as I entered the door, I smelled the obvious smell of alcohol. Josh Hartnett opened a bottle of whiskey and drank it by himself.

A large bottle of wine, nearly half gone.

Will walked over quickly, grabbed the bottle, put it aside, and said, "If you continue like this, there will be no other result except being crippled."

Josh shook his head, "Hollywood Crime Squad rejected my audition, and the crew of The Apartment also rejected me. I was abandoned by Hollywood."

Will warned: "If you give up now, not only will the crew abandon you, but the agency will also abandon you!"

Josh was about to pick up his glass again.

Will decided to take drastic measures: "Do you know what the consequences are? The bank will take away your mortgaged house and your car. You won't even be able to pay next year's taxes. You will be homeless."

He slammed the table and said, "What will happen to someone like you if you live on the streets? Those black people on the street will use you like a toilet!"

"If you stay in Hollywood, you'll end up being a toilet or a toilet brush." ​​Josh said this, but he put down the wine glass in his hand and put his hands in his hair. "The black girlfriend trick failed, what other options are there?"

Julie said: "Learn from Steve Nutt, find a black girl to marry and get pregnant as soon as possible."

"I'd rather be homeless." Josh said the key point: "I'm just a rising star, not a superstar. After waiting for so long, how many people still remember me?"

The PR manager's words reminded Will, and he said, "There's a rumor going around that Steve Nutter and his black son were originally a scandal, but someone turned the situation around with incredible operations, which earned him huge prestige and made him a leader in the black equality movement."

Jules asked, "What do you mean, ask Steve Nutt?"

Josh’s eyes widened: “This bastard has been attacking me. If it weren’t for him attacking me, how could I be like this now.”

Will is a qualified agent and persuaded: "These are not critical or important. Profits! Profits are the top priority."

Julius agreed: "You go and apologize to Steve, and we'll go ask Steve to help show us a way."

In order to clear himself of suspicion of racism, Josh broke up with his girlfriend of eight years, Ellen, and started dating a black girl. He had already invested a lot, and if he gave up at this time, all his previous investments would be wasted.

He dared to be the toilet brush of the crew's deputy producer when competing for the role, so it is not unacceptable for him to take the initiative to find Steve at this moment.

Josh's bottom line was broken shortly after entering Hollywood, and he retreated step by step.

Will found the contact information of Steve's agent through the company and quickly contacted Biles.

They agreed to meet, but required Josh to apologize to the black man and film it and have it released by the media.

It is not difficult for Will to guess the other party's purpose - the leader of the equal rights movement has strong personal charm and prestige, which can convince the Hollywood star suspected of racism and make the latter apologize to the black people.

Steve gained greater prestige through this.

Under Will's persuasion, Josh endured it. Having paid so much, he couldn't give up the road to stardom.

The next morning, Josh Hartnett, accompanied by Will and Jules, went to the Los Angeles branch of the NAACP and publicly apologized and confessed in front of many media outlets.

Josh felt humiliated.

But no one in the media cared about his apology, no one cared about his attitude.

All attention is on Steve Nutter.

As expected, Steve Nutt won applause from the audience.

Lately, his energies have turned to the civil rights movement.

How many years can you earn from playing professional baseball? This can earn you money for a lifetime, and you have the chance to have a statue erected.

Steve gave a speech on the spot in front of many media.

The article written by Miss Mee once again made Steve the center of attention.

Josh kept staring at Steve blankly. The other party seemed to have magical powers and could easily move the emotions of the media reporters and the audience.

He wanted it too.

But the reality is cruel, he is a negative example.

After all this work, two hours passed.

Steve met Will and Josh in a reception room.

Will said carefully, "Mr. Nutt, did Byers convey our message?"

"I know about this." Steve was very elegant. He tore off a piece of notepaper, wrote on it, and then handed it over: "You go find Hawk Osmond of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. As for whether you can impress him, it depends on how much you are willing to pay."

Josh took it and it had an address and phone number on it.

He had never heard of West Coast Media and Entertainment Studios or Hawke Osment, but the hardest job was to be a toilet or a toilet brush, no big deal.

Steve leaves.

Will and Josh also walked out.

Josh didn't give up after all. He quickened his pace to catch up with Steve in front of him and asked in a low voice: "We have no grudges against each other, why are you like this?"

"We have no personal vendetta. I don't even know you." At this moment, Steve seemed like Jesus reincarnated, shining brightly. "But you have destroyed the cornerstone of our society and our country."

Josh was stunned for a moment, feeling that he and the other person were not in the same dimension.

Steve achieved his goal, and like a saint pointing the way, he pointed to Miss Mea who was about to leave not far away and said, "That's my public relations manager Carolyn Jones. She is a good friend of Hawke Osment. You can ask her for help."

Will saw the woman in red high heels was about to leave, so he quickly ran over there, waving as he ran: "Miss Jones! Miss Carolyn Jones, please wait a moment."

Caroline stopped and watched Josh Hartnett and his agent walking towards her quickly. She suddenly wanted to kick off her high heels and run away.

She wondered if the other party had guessed what they had done.

But when she saw Steve walking quickly towards her and there were many old black men around, she raised her head slightly.

For the first time, Caroline discovered that Blackie could actually bring her a sense of security.

This world is really hell!
Will came closer and took the initiative to introduce himself to Caroline, saying, "I heard that you are friends with Hawke Osmond from West Coast Studios. Can you introduce us to each other?"

Josh added: "I need to get out of trouble urgently, money is not a problem."

If he could be like Steve, he could sell off his existing assets because he would make it back quickly and make more.

Even though Miss Mee has seen a lot of incredible things in the entertainment industry, she was still slightly stunned at this moment.

Caroline subconsciously turned her head and looked at the sun in the sky. The direction was correct.

A guy who was beaten terribly by the country bumpkin Hawk actually wants Hawk to save him?

This world is really hell!
(End of this chapter)