The Wolf of Los Angeles.

Chapter 112 Being targeted

Early in the morning, Hawke came out of the bedroom and Megan had already prepared breakfast.

As always, it's rich in protein.

Hawke sat at the dining table, enjoying his breakfast, and looked at Megan's plate: "You eat so simply? Do you want an omelette?"

“No need.” Megan said with a double meaning: “I have taken a lot of protein.”

Hawke just took a sip of milk and almost choked.

Megan added: "Let me tell you something."

Hawke picked up the napkin and wiped his mouth.

Megan organized her words a bit and said, "I have been following and reporting on the Mule Gang incident caused by Erica Ferguson and Dwayne Johnson, and I have gained a certain voice in the noon news, and the ratings even surpassed the prime-time "Ace News" at one point."

Hawke guessed her intention: "You want prime time?"

Megan thought she knew Hawke well, and used the most appropriate means of attraction: "Ace News has more funding, you can get explosive news, and I can offer you a higher price."

"I'll help you on the news." After all, it doesn't matter who you sell it to, and Fox's offer is higher. Hawke said cautiously, "I won't participate in your internal fights."

For him now, Fox TV is a behemoth.

The ending of the last dwarf gang is still fresh in our memory.

Megan really wanted to ask him for help in dealing with Gretchen, but she also knew that she couldn't control him, so after a slight hesitation, she said, "Breaking some news, don't sell it to the Holy Valley or anywhere else."

Hawke was clear: "When the price is right, these are never a problem."

Megan had a lot to say, but she held it back. They were not lovers, let alone husband and wife, and Hawke had no obligation to help her.

After breakfast, the two chatted about recent hot news for a while, and Hawke drove Megan to the Fox Television Center.

Megan got out of the Mondeo and met Gretchen when she entered the door to wait for the elevator.

Gretchen said lightly: "Just saw you get out of Hawke Osment's car."

Megan said openly: "You read that right, I slept with him last night."

Gretchen's next words were suddenly blocked, and it was an uncomfortable blockage.

How can women, especially competitors, coexist peacefully?

When they got into the elevator, Gretchen sarcastically said, "Your ratings during this period are all due to the support of men behind you."

"You are absolutely right." Megan said with an attitude of "I am very proud" and said: "I am prettier than you, have a better figure than you, am more sexy in bed than you, and have higher technical and tactical skills than you. Of course Hawke has to support me."

Gretchen snorted, "If you can do what others can do, they can do it too."

Megan used her ultimate move: "I'm 26, you're 33, and no one likes an old aunt."

When Gretchen heard this, she almost vomited blood.

The elevator stopped, and Megan was the first to get out of the elevator and enter the area where the "Midnight Entertainment" column was located.

Gretchen came to her office, sat in the chair and gradually calmed down.

Recently, she has truly felt threatened.

Gretchen pressed the intercom and called her female assistant, Anna Cookman, who often gave her advice.

"Everyone at Channel 11 knows that Megan, that bitch, wants to replace me." Gretchen said directly, "If I am replaced by her, the entire program team will have to replace someone else. Do you have any good ideas?"

Anna understood what her boss was thinking: "The station prohibits vicious competition and mutual exposure among anchors. We cannot directly target Megan Taylor."

Gretchen said, "I asked someone to do some statistics. Over the past three months, more than 70% of Megan Taylor's breaking news came from Hawke Osment."

Anna understood: "I will find a way to deal with him, but I have to use your name. I am not persuasive and cannot give people guarantees."

Gretchen warned, "Just figure out where he got the news, don't mess around."

…………

When Hawke returned to East Hollywood, he suddenly remembered that "S.W.A.T." had already started filming.

The film is set in Los Angeles, and all exterior scenes will be shot in Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Hawke simply drove to the city.

The crew was stationed on Olvera Street.

From time to time, gunshots could be heard between the Mexican-style buildings.

Hawke had rarely seen Hollywood crews filming, so he stood on the periphery watching the fun.

Many entertainment reporters and paparazzi gathered around.

Suddenly someone next to him greeted Hawke: "Hey, Hawke, are you here to shoot the news too?"

Hawke went to look for the source and found that the man with long hair looked familiar.

"It's me, Daniel, don't you remember?" Daniel Richard prompted, "We saw the scene where Robert Downey Jr. was shot, and later we talked about it at the place where Britney had an argument with her father."

Hawke remembered and shook his hand: "I remember."

After shaking hands, Daniel said, "No, you're not here for the photo shoot?" He looked at Hawke carefully and said, "The suit looks custom-made, and the watch... is a Rolex. This outfit of yours cost tens of thousands of dollars."

Daniel remembered it very clearly. The two met for the first time a few months ago. This guy was just like himself, a freelance journalist who carried a camera and ran around shooting.

He was surprised: "Dude, are you rich?"

Hawke smiled but didn't answer.

Daniel looked down at himself and said, "If there is a way, take me with you."

As they were talking, Dany Garcia came over from the crew, said something to the road blocking personnel in vests, and waved to Hawke.

Hawke prepared to go over.

Daniel said quickly: "Take me in with you."

"Sorry." Hawke politely replied, "I don't have the final say with the crew."

Daniel watched Hawke enter the crew's work area, his eyes full of envy. If he went in, how many exclusives could he get?
Hawke followed Dany Garcia to the actors' lounge area. The crew was filming, and the two of them didn't talk, so they just watched.

Johnson was the male lead and there were a lot of action scenes, and he didn't go off the set to rest until almost noon.

When he saw Hawke, a smile broke out on his face: "I don't know why, but this leading actor is so fucking satisfying."

Hawke understands this mentality: "Because we worked so hard to get it."

Johnson thought about it carefully and realized that it was true: "You learn to cherish what you have gained with difficulty."

Hawke asked, "No trouble?"

Johnson pointed to the three strong men nearby and said, "I hired professional bodyguards."

He remembered something, and his face full of flesh became particularly wonderful: "Joanna called me specifically to thank me for introducing you. Alison is very popular now, and her new single has entered the top 20 of the Billboard."

Hawke advised him: "I suggest you keep a little distance from them."

Johnson understood: "I'm sorry, although I knew that Joanna and Alison's private life was not simple, I didn't expect it to be to this extent and stupid enough to let people expose it."

Hawke said: "They can only use this method once, it won't work the second time."

Johnson nodded: "I understand. I have helped them where they should. How they will proceed from now on is up to them."

Dani then interjected: "You cleared Josh Hartnett by the way?"

"He approached me and offered a high price, so I couldn't refuse." Hawke said, "It just so happens that Alison is still short of a leading actor."

He reminded, "Josh must have some guesses about this crew's audition. Dawn, you are the ultimate beneficiary. Josh and his agent dare not offend me. You should be careful in the future."

"It's okay." Johnson was full of confidence: "I'm already more than one body length ahead of him, and I'll only be ahead more in the future."

Dani took a newspaper from the table next to her: "Shelter Pictures has tailored a film project for Josh Hartnett, and he officially signed the contract yesterday."

Hawke took it and took a look. There was a related report on the entertainment page, a photo of Josh Hartnett shaking hands with the CEO of Shelter Pictures, and the word "The Punisher" was written in large letters on the background.

Johnson also took it and read it, then couldn't help but say: "Based on Josh Hartnett's recent experience?"

The phone in Hawke's pocket vibrated. He glanced at the set and waited until the crew stopped filming before answering the phone.

Caroline called: "Are you free tomorrow? Steve wants to meet you to talk."

Hawke was surprised: "Doesn't he have my phone number?"

"I'm afraid you'll refuse because you're busy with work." Caroline said, "I'll help you make the contact. If you refuse, neither of us will lose face."

“Steve is thinking more holistically,” Hawke said.

Caroline urged, "You don't have time?"

Since the client came to him, Hawke certainly would not refuse and said, "Tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, Beverly Business Club."

Caroline hung up the phone.

…………Outside the crew, Daniel Richard’s cell phone suddenly rang.

After he got through, he said a few words, hurriedly left Olvera Street, and came to Old Philippine City as agreed, and entered a teahouse.

Going up to the second floor of the teahouse, Daniel saw the woman with long brown hair and said, “Anna, do you have something to talk to me about?”

Anna Cookman poured him a cup of black tea: "Sit down and talk."

Daniel put the camera bag aside, pulled out a rattan chair, sat down, picked up the teacup and took a big sip.

Anna filled his glass again and asked, "I remember how many years you have been a freelance journalist."

Daniel smiled and said, "The news I sold to you alone is worth tens of thousands of dollars."

Anna took out a bag and pushed it to Daniel: “Count it.”

Daniel took the bag, opened it and counted the money, and found that there were 5000 US dollars.

"This is a deposit for a piece of news." Anna whispered, "If you can take pictures of what I want, I will pay you the corresponding licensing fee based on the value. It will be at least $5000."

"Which big shot do you want to deal with? I'm just a small reporter and I can't handle it." Daniel knew very well that celebrity gossip could be taken casually, but there were some big shots that must not be provoked.

Anna smiled, relieved the other person's mood, and said: "He is not a big shot, just the same profession as you. Do you know West Coast Media Entertainment Studio?"

"Yes, the founder is Hawke Osmond." Daniel had met him before today. "He's a lucky guy who often gets to know explosive news. He seems to have made a fortune recently."

Anna put away her smile: "Are you friends with him?"

Hearing that the target person was Hawke, Daniel's nervousness disappeared, and he put the deposit into his pocket: "He is not a friend. I have met him two or three times at the news scene."

Anna continued, "In recent months, Hawke Osment has frequently been in the news. This is not normal. There must be a special reason behind it. I hope you can find the inside story."

She specifically emphasized: "Gretchen is very concerned about this matter."

Daniel took it seriously: "Leave it to me. You know me. Following is my specialty."

“Remember to contact me if you take pictures.” Anna left the money, picked up her bag and left the teahouse.

Daniel drank two more glasses of water before putting on his camera bag and leaving.

After getting in the car, he opened the bag containing the money and found a note inside, which Anna had left for him.

Hawke often went to the Fox Television Center, and many people remember his car.

The note showed a Focus, the license plate number, and the address of the West Coast Media Entertainment Studio.

East Hollywood was not far from here, so Daniel simply got in his car and drove to Fountain Street.

When he arrived near the ranch park, he slowed down, found a roadside parking space, parked the car, and looked at the houses on the other side through the car window.

The bronze nameplate of West Coast Media and Entertainment Studio is hung on the door of a two-story building.

Daniel picked up the camera and started filming over there.

For a moment, he wanted to sneak in and take a look. They were both freelance journalists, so why could the other party become rich?

But Daniel held back, as it would be very troublesome if he was discovered breaking in.

Daniel took another picture of his surroundings.

It takes patience to follow a person and you also need news sources.

He looked around and suddenly found a sloppy old man sitting on the roadside on this side of the park with an ashtray in front of him. Occasionally, passers-by would put a few coins in the ashtray.

Vendors, newsstands and the homeless are all preferred choices for street news informants.

Daniel put down the camera, got some change and got out of the car. He walked to the sidewalk near the park entrance and put a few coins into the ashtray.

Frank sat on the ground without raising his eyelids.

Daniel squatted beside him, took out $20, and said, "Old man, do you want to make some money?"

Frank said, "What do you want me to do?"

"See the two-story building across the street? The one with the copper nameplate." Daniel pointed to the West Coast Studio: "Have you seen the owner here? Does he have any secrets?"

Frank said: "I'm here every day, of course I've seen them, and once I was begging on the other side of the road and heard them whispering."

"What?" Daniel asked.

Frank kept silent.

Daniel looked at Frank's age and thought that old homeless people like him were greedy bastards, so he handed him the $20.

Frank took the money and held out his hand again.

Daniel had no choice but to give another $20.

Frank took the money and still held out his hand.

"Don't be too greedy!" Daniel warned.

"Go away." Frank ignored him.

Daniel had already paid $40, so he had to hold back his anger and continue paying.

After receiving $100, Frank said, "There are two people in this studio. In addition to the boss, there is also a black guy. The other day I heard the black guy say that he likes to get divorced women with children the most."

Daniel frowned: "That's it?"

Frank said, "Isn't this a secret?"

Daniel thought about it and thought it was indeed a secret, and maybe it could be used. Seeing the old man was so greedy, he said, "If any strange people come to this studio, if any strange things happen, or if the boss goes out in a hurry, call me and let me know."

He took out a business card and handed it to the old man: "Call the number above."

Frank put it away, then reached out again.

Daniel stared at him.

Frank reminded: "It costs money to make phone calls. I'm here to help you keep an eye on it, and it will affect my begging income. You should at least compensate me a little."

Daniel took out $50 and stuffed it into the old man's hand: "If you do this job well, you will get more money."

Frank grinned: "Everything is easy if you have money."

The greedier people are, the more positive they find the news. Although Daniel was a little upset, he felt pretty good after getting in the car.

He waited for a while and then drove away.

It was pitch dark when Hawke came back from outside.

As soon as I entered the studio, Frank came to the door with an ashtray.

Hawke let him in, put a coin in his pocket, and said, "I've already eaten outside, so you can't get a free meal."

"You should give me more money." Frank put down his ashtray and took out a business card from his pocket and handed it to Hawke: "This guy paid me to keep an eye on you and the studio. If there is big news, he will give me more money."

Hawke took the business card and found a familiar name printed on it - Daniel Richard.

There is another title behind it: President of Free Sea Media Studio.

Hawke asked, "What does this guy look like?"

Frank gave a brief description: "He was shorter than you, with long hair. I even looked at his car and wrote down the license plate number..."

Listening to his words, Hawke went to the window, opened it and looked out, then took out the telescope and searched carefully under the light of the street lamp.

There was no car nearby that Frank had mentioned.

Hawke put down the telescope and said, "If he comes over again, keep an eye on him and pay attention to any unusual movements. If he tries to sneak in, ignore him."

Frank was about to open the refrigerator, but when he heard Hawke's words, he stopped and asked, "Is the refrigerator not powered on?"

"No need to open the refrigerator. You took it out last time and I haven't gone to buy more." Hawke hasn't been to the supermarket in the past two days.

Frank was angry and said deliberately, "How could you leave my refrigerator empty? Fill it up tomorrow."

Hawke didn't respond and asked, "How much did you pay that bastard?"

"One hundred and fifty dollars." Frank glanced at the ashtray. "That's at least what you want to pay, right?"

Hawke said: "Have some shame. You ate the previous one, and now you eat the next one..."

Having said this, he suddenly couldn't continue.

Frank looked at him and smiled: "Who do you think I learned this from?"

Hawke was too lazy to pay attention to the old man. He picked up his phone and called Erica: "Do you have time? Help me check a car."

Erica replied quickly, saying that the car had all the necessary documents and was registered under the name of Free Sea Studio.

Hawke checked the time and called Edward: "Come back as soon as you finish your work. We have a new client."

(End of this chapter)