Kapitel 216: Chapter 214: Paparazzi in Action
After becoming a top star in the music industry, Link's every move attracted a lot of attention.
As his plane was still flying over the Atlantic, a senior entertainment journalist from the London **Sun** newspaper was planning something big.
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London in September, at The Sheaf pub on the Thames East Dock.
There was a hint of chill in the air, and the sycamore leaves by the street were starting to turn yellow, curling inward. The hanging double fruit balls were exposed, resembling bells.
Bernard Gary glanced away and looked at his phone. It was already past three in the afternoon, and Officer James Ryder, who had agreed to meet him here, had not yet arrived.
He sent a message, and Ryder replied saying he was on his way.
Officer Ryder also mentioned that world champion boxer Link Baker was coming to London for a match in the next few days.
The officers at the Greenwich district police station would be working overtime to maintain order at the airport and surrounding streets to ensure nothing went wrong during the event. He himself had patrolled the streets for two hours at noon and only had time to come out in the afternoon.
Officer Ryder asked why Gary couldn't say what he had to say over the phone. Gary responded that it was a good thing, but he'd explain it in person.
About ten minutes later, Officer Ryder finally rushed into the pub. He was wearing a gray wool coat, a blue police shirt, and police trousers. Tall and fit, he walked with ease.
Despite being in his early thirties, his face was stern, exuding a sense of maturity.
"Hey, Bernard, what's so important that you couldn't say it over the phone and made me come all the way here?" Ryder called out upon seeing him.
Gary chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "Would you come just for a drink?"
"Just for a drink? Then you should have picked a different time, like on a weekend afternoon or evening. Drinking on a Wednesday isn't very satisfying."
Officer Ryder said as he took off his coat, sat down opposite Gary, and folded his hands. "You mentioned over the phone that there was something good. Can you tell me now?"
Gary was about to speak but glanced towards the door, gesturing with his hand.
A young man with small eyes and golden curly hair walked in.
"Jack Charlotte?" Officer Ryder exclaimed. "Bernard, what are you up to? Are you investigating the dismemberment case in North London? I told you that case is still under investigation, and I have no leads. Jack Charlotte may have the same last name as the famous detective, but his skills are not impressive."
"Hey, James, it's not nice to say that in front of me. I may not be a great detective, but my 55% case-solving rate is far higher than your Greenwich police station's 15%," the small-eyed detective Charlotte retorted.
"You mean solving cases like finding pets for neighbors or gathering evidence for suspicious spouses? If so, then yes, we can't compare to your detective agency," Ryder sneered.
"Actually, James, your wife Jenny asked me to find evidence of your affairs. Should I take that job?" Charlotte asked with a mischievous smile.
"Jack Charlotte, are you threatening me? Threatening a police officer?" Officer Ryder roared, pointing at Charlotte's nose.
"Stop it, you two!" Gary hurriedly stood up, pulling the furious Ryder back. "James, Jack, we're all friends here. I've called you over to discuss something important. Can we stop fighting?"
Officer Ryder and Detective Charlotte glared at each other but sat down, crossing their arms. Gary poured whiskey for both of them.
"The thing is, yesterday, Chief Editor Joseph gave the entertainment journalists a crucial task. Whoever completes it will receive a £50,000 reward."
"£50,000? What kind of task warrants that much money?" Ryder asked in surprise.
Gary, a senior reporter at the **Sun**, had often collaborated with Ryder, exchanging case information for money. Gary looked around, lowering his voice, "Do you know who Link Baker is? And Emma Watson? It's well-known that Emma had a brief relationship with Link while filming in Florida. Now, Link is coming to London for a match, and Emma has already stopped promoting her new movie and arrived in London three days ago. We suspect she's here to see Link."
"Our task is to get photos of Link Baker and Emma Watson on a date. If we can do that, we'll get the £50,000 reward."
"Photos of them dating are worth that much?" Ryder questioned.
Charlotte scoffed, "You only know about football, don't you, James?"
"I know who Link is. He's the WBA super middleweight world champion. Last year, he challenged Joe Calzaghe but backed down after Joe beat Roy Jones Jr. You think I only follow football? I'm a fan of Joe Calzaghe."
"Link isn't afraid of Joe. He knocked out Mikkel Kessler in 100 seconds in the WBA title fight last year. Joe took 12 rounds to beat Kessler. Who's better is obvious," Charlotte countered.
"Rubbish! Link beating Kessler faster doesn't mean he's better. Boxing depends on performance. Tyson beat Bruno in three rounds, Bruno beat McCall in 12, McCall beat Lennox Lewis in two, and Lewis beat Tyson in eight. Can you say McCall is better than Tyson?"
"Plus, Joe is in a heavier weight class. Everyone knows heavier fighters hit harder. Link couldn't beat Joe," Ryder argued passionately.
"But Link beat Tyson."
"43-year-old Tyson? I could beat him. That match was just a setup to promote Link. It means nothing," Ryder dismissed.
Charlotte, less knowledgeable about boxing, shrugged. "I'm not here to debate who's better. Link is also a swimming star with 8 Universiade golds, 7 World Championship golds, and 4 world records. Only Phelps compares."
Ryder conceded, "His swimming is impressive."
"And he's also a singer. His two albums this year sold over 500,000 copies each in the UK and over 5 million worldwide. His second album has sold over 7 million copies globally. Several of his songs have topped the UK singles chart," Charlotte continued.
Ryder acknowledged, "I like 'Give Me Reason' and 'Believer.' 'See You Again' is overplayed, though."
"Now you see why their photos are so valuable? Link isn't just a world champion and swimming star, but also a top-selling singer. Emma Watson is the most popular actress in the UK right now," Charlotte concluded. "You sure their photos are only worth £50,000?"
"Yes, our paper is offering £50,000, but if we get a video, the price will double," Gary confirmed.
"Sounds good. You in?" Charlotte asked Ryder.
Ryder thought for a moment, then pounded the table. "I'm in!"
With mounting expenses for his son Harry's schooling and his mistress Louise's lavish lifestyle, Ryder needed the money.
"Alright, let's discuss the split."
"Hey, gentlemen, I'm interested in your project. Can I join?" a raspy voice interrupted.
Gary turned, surprised to see a scrawny man with a shaved head, a few tufts of blonde hair, and tattoos on his arms. He wore a gray tracksuit and had a few rotten teeth.
"Claw Biggs? I thought you were jailed for three years for trying to steal from Lord Campbell's safe last year. How are you here?" Ryder asked, puzzled.
"I got released early for good behavior," Biggs grinned, showing his rotten teeth. "You three need someone like me for your plan. I can do the dirty work you won't."
Gary and Charlotte looked at Ryder for confirmation. Ryder reluctantly nodded. "Biggs is a skilled thief. He used to be great before drugs messed him up. He's good at lockpicking."
"Count him in?" Gary asked.
Ryder snorted, "Claw Biggs, £500 for helping us. Deal?"
"£1,000, or I'll take my skills elsewhere. Other paparazzi will be interested in this scoop too," Biggs bargained.
The three exchanged looks and nodded. "Deal!"
Gary's phone suddenly rang. "Link's flight lands in half an hour. I need to go for the interview."
Ryder's phone also pinged. "I need to patrol the streets. Thousands of Link's fans are at the airport."
"Let's plan. Ryder and I will go to the airport to follow Link. Charlotte, you track Emma Watson's movements. Biggs, get into the London Tower International Hotel and find Link's room. Expenses will be reimbursed," Gary instructed.
"Got it," they agreed.
"Let's toast to our success," they raised their whiskey glasses and laughed.
Splitting into three groups, they set out to capture the two stars together.
(The chapter ends here.)
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