Bab 257: Chapter 257: What a Wonderful Vocabulary
A team of FBI agents, led by a senior detective, arrived at the New York State Governor's office, their official procedures clearly visible.
"Mr. Thomas Dewey, due to suspicions of accepting political contributions and involvement in a murder case, we are here to investigate. This is a Federal Court order. Please come with us for questioning."
Dewey, maintaining his composure, complied. With a federal subpoena, he had no choice but to cooperate.
As Dewey exited the government office building, a throng of reporters gathered outside. The sight of a governor, and presidential candidate, being investigated was a media sensation. The reporters' cameras clicked furiously, capturing every moment.
Dewey was escorted by the FBI for questioning. Regardless of the outcome, the scandal would undoubtedly harm his campaign, which was precisely the effect President Johnson had hoped for.
In the New York FBI branch, a detective began questioning Dewey. Dewey admitted to receiving $5 million in political donations from a representative of an Eastern country, acknowledging the violation of federal law. The bank records confirmed the funds' origin from Sao Paulo, Brazil, belonging to someone from Song, making the donation straightforward but problematic.
On the issue of Arnold's murder, Dewey denied any involvement. He claimed that Arnold had blackmailed him, and that the prosecutor's office had been tasked with dealing with the matter discreetly to avoid leaks.
Dewey's assistant, who was also investigated, echoed Dewey's statements. He maintained that their actions were meant to handle Arnold's blackmail privately and were not intended as a murder.
The focus shifted to the four prosecutors involved, who consistently claimed they were simply conducting an arrest, not a murder. They asserted that their intensified actions were due to the need to intercept Arnold, not to kill him.
The case remained inconclusive, with Dewey and his assistants under a restraining order, preventing them from leaving the U.S. Dewey attempted to countercharge Arnold with extortion, but Arnold maintained that he was conducting an investigation, not blackmailing Dewey.
The FBI imposed a travel restriction on Arnold as well, pending further evidence of extortion. A few days later, the FBI held a press conference to announce their findings.
The spokesperson addressed the crowd of reporters:
"The investigation into the 'Los Angeles Pursuit' is ongoing. We have not yet reached a conclusion. The FBI will continue its investigation."
"Firstly, regarding Governor Thomas Dewey's acceptance of foreign political donations, Dewey admitted to receiving $5 million from a foreign representative. This violates the Federal Election Campaign Act, which prohibits foreign donations. The funds have been frozen by the Federal Court."
"The second issue concerns the alleged murder of reporter Arnold. Dewey claims he was extorted and used secret investigators to address the issue. There is insufficient evidence to confirm murder, though the use of secret prosecutors is concerning."
"Thirdly, regarding Dewey's accusation against Arnold for extortion, the FBI has reviewed Arnold's recordings and found them consistent with his claims of investigating rather than blackmailing. However, Arnold did use illegal methods."
The investigation revealed complexities and contradictions. Some sought to protect Dewey due to the extensive efforts invested in his campaign. With the election only two months away, replacing Dewey would be difficult, so efforts to shield him continued. Despite the scandal, Dewey remained a candidate in the upcoming election.
After reading the news, Dewey was furious. The scandal had severely damaged his campaign, and he blamed Hardy, who had orchestrated the situation. The timing of the scandal jeopardized Dewey's election prospects, and he was enraged by the disruption to his campaign.
President Johnson, on the other hand, found the scandal advantageous. Dewey's fall from grace would boost Johnson's approval ratings, and Johnson planned to use this opportunity to solidify his position with speeches in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Hardy, having read the news, set it aside. He knew that Dewey's situation was precarious but not irreparable. The investigation might expose Dewey further, but Hardy was prepared to negotiate. Janini had contacted him, offering a mediation deal involving the casino lottery and future business opportunities. Hardy accepted the offer, appreciating the potential for future collaboration.
Hardy relished the concept of "fair competition," savoring the opportunity to advance his interests while maintaining a level playing field.
Bab 258: Chapter 258: The Documentary "Black Gold"
Election is based on ability.
Since Dewey remains in the spotlight, Hardy continues to press his advantage. This is no longer just about the agreement with the consortium boss.
Is it fair to play?
Arnold's video material, which the FBI has a copy of, and the Global Times also possesses, has prompted Hardy to contact Mark Keane, President of the Global Times, and Edward, President of HD Pictures, to collaborate on a documentary film.
"Boss, do we need someone to portray Thomas Dewey?" Edward asked.
Hardy shook his head.
"No, just use Arnold's footage as the base. I want the documentary to be purely factual. Arnold's footage totals over eight hours, so there's ample material to create a compelling documentary."
"Remember, the documentary must appear impartial and neutral, even if the direction is clear: exposing Dewey's lawbreaking," Hardy instructed.
The two presidents knew that despite Hardy's insistence on neutrality, his intent was evident—to highlight Dewey's scandals.
"Boss, what should we title the documentary?" Edward asked.
Hardy pondered briefly.
"'Black Gold 1948'."
Creating the documentary was straightforward. With existing video and audio recordings, the editing took about a week.
Upon reviewing the finished product, Hardy was impressed by the director's skill. The documentary starts with Arnold discovering Dewey's political donations, his subsequent investigation, and the dangerous pursuit Arnold faced. Although it does not explicitly state that Dewey ordered the actions against Arnold, the narrative implies Dewey's involvement in a series of illegal activities to cover up his initial crime.
Hardy approached Meyer with the finished documentary, "I'd like MGM to help distribute this film."
Meyer was taken aback.
He was reluctant to offend Dewey, who was a prominent candidate for president. Such a move could backfire on MGM.
"Mr. Meyer, you also have stakes in the new casino. If Dewey gets elected, how do you think the Federal Court will rule on the casino's case?" Hardy pressed.
Meyer was surprised. "What does Dewey have to do with this?"
"Do you believe President Johnson has a chance for re-election?" Hardy asked.
"There's a good chance now, especially with this documentary," Hardy replied.
Meyer mulled over Hardy's words and said, "If you can introduce me to the President, I'd appreciate it."
Hardy smiled, "I can arrange that."
---
Across the nation, 1,024 movie theaters prepared to simultaneously screen the documentary titled "Black Gold."
According to the Global Times, "This documentary faithfully presents Dewey's acceptance of foreign political donations."
The release of the documentary stirred significant public interest. The event, still fresh in memory, garnered substantial attention. Theaters were packed for the premiere.
The film opened with the HD Pictures logo and somber music, followed by the title "Black Gold."
Images of Dewey playing golf with an Eastern official flashed on the screen, with Dewey smiling and conversing animatedly.
Subtitles identified the figures: "Thomas Dewey, Governor of New York State and a candidate for the 1948 presidential election," and "Song Ziwen, former Minister of Finance of the Eastern Country, now a special envoy of the Supreme Leader."
The film then cut to Arnold. He spoke directly to the camera: "I'm Arnold from the Global Times. I discovered Dewey meeting with Song and took some covert photos."
Although the conversation between Dewey and Song was inaudible, Arnold inferred that Dewey was facilitating support for Song's presidency in exchange for $5 million, which was later deposited into Dewey's secret campaign account.
Federal law prohibits foreign political contributions, a regulation Dewey, a former prosecutor, should have known. This revelation shocked Arnold.
"I debated whether to go public or keep investigating. I saw this as an opportunity to create a documentary," Arnold said.
The documentary detailed Arnold's efforts to expose Dewey's corruption, including threats and a dangerous pursuit. Arnold's footage vividly depicted the tension and risk he faced.
The film concluded with Arnold's poignant final words: "I hope my footage reveals the true nature of someone who might become the U.S. President. Can such a person lead the nation?"
The documentary's gripping narrative and revelations left audiences shaken. Many who had supported Dewey were now disillusioned, seeing him as a symbol of corruption rather than justice.
The next day, major newspapers headlined the documentary's release.
"Los Angeles Times": "'Black Gold'—a gripping documentary more thrilling than any film. A must-watch."
"Global Times": "Arnold, the brave reporter, uncovers Dewey's corruption."
"Chicago Tribune": "The man who brought down Dewey: A certain bald-headed figure."
The documentary's impact was profound. It shattered Dewey's image and elevated Jiang to prominence as "the man who ruined Dewey."
Dewey, furious after learning of the documentary, destroyed his room in a fit of rage. He vowed revenge against Hardy, who had engineered this scandal.
"If I become president, you'll regret crossing me, Hardy!" Dewey roared amid the wreckage.
---
With the documentary drawing crowds to theaters, Meyer reported to Hardy that it had surpassed expectations, achieving box office numbers higher than any film that year except for "Across the World."
Hardy was pleased. The documentary had not only been a financial success but had also significantly damaged Dewey's reputation.
"Fame and fortune," Hardy mused, "and all it took was a little strategic leverage."
In the evening, as Elaine took a shower, Hardy approached her, dropping his pretense of calm.
"Stop talking," he said, "just call me Hardy."
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