Chương 116: Chapter 116: Operation Redemption
[Chapter 117: Operation Redemption]
On Saturday, the LAPD, in partnership with Fox Television Channel 11, successfully held a charity exhibition at the Griffith Exhibition Center, co-hosted by West Coast Media Entertainment Studio.
Due to the tremendous success of the operational plan, along with Hawke's serious negotiations with Suzy, West Coast Studio managed to sneak its name onto the list of co-hosts. This left a lasting impression on many people, especially since the LAPD invited several partners to join the event.
By Sunday night, at the LAPD's gratitude banquet, Hawke, introduced by Suzy as the founder of West Coast Studio, met many influential individuals. Deputy Chief Charles Baker even chatted with Hawke, saying, "I heard the initial plan came from you?"
Hawke playfully responded, "It was I who proposed the preliminary scheme to your Officer Erica. Detective Bureau and Sheriff Suzy further improved it. It was a result of teamwork, not something I could accomplish by myself."
"You did an excellent job," Charles Baker remarked, glancing at Suzy. "You should collaborate more with media professionals and studios like this to further maintain and enhance the LAPD's good image."
Suzy replied earnestly, "Of course, this isn't our first collaboration with Hawke. He's an old friend of the LAPD."
Charles Baker was quite busy that night, and Hawke, being perceptive, politely excused himself and left the gathering. Suzy tossed her brown bobbed hair and said, "It seems I can't avoid working with you next time."
Hawke replied, "I excel at solving tricky problems."
Reflecting on what she had learned, Suzy had to admit, "Your recent talents have been impressive."
"Hey, Suzy, can I borrow your friend?" Someone approached from the side door and slapped their fist on Hawke's shoulder. Hawke turned to see Brian Ferguson. "What are you doing here?"
Brian replied, "I'm here on behalf of my father for the appreciation banquet and to finalize a donation."
Since Hawke had also come to participate, he had prepared a donation as well. In fact, each donor received a special donation certificate.
...
Brian glanced around, noticing no one was nearby, and quietly said, "I had a check-up, and everything's fine."
"Right now, it's fine, but that doesn't mean it will stay that way," Hawke commented, considering Brian's upcoming election next year. He'd had one hell of a start with Allison Faith and didn't want it to happen again.
Hawke added, "You know a lot of people in Hollywood, right? Just ask around. There must have been cases of HIV in the circle."
"Good idea." Brian, feeling a bit paranoid, pulled out his phone, making a call. "Tommy, where are you? Come over to the left window, near the balcony."
Not long after, Hawke noticed Tom Cruise had arrived. Known for his fiery temper, Tom embraced Brian with a smile and turned to Hawke, "Aren't you going to introduce me?"
Brian promptly introduced, "Hawke Osment, founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, Steve Nutt's equality advocate, and the mastermind behind last month's selfie scandal. He's directly executing PR and operational planning for this LAPD action."
Tom had heard of these but, more importantly, Brian emphasized that Hawke was a crucial person. Tom's infamous temperament seemed selective, and he stepped forward to shake Hawke's hand, grinning, "A friend of Brian's is a friend of mine."
Hawke politely responded, "I really enjoy the Mission: Impossible series and Ethan Hunt."
Once the pleasantries were done, Brian said, "If you ever run into trouble or face tough issues, feel free to reach out to Hawke."
Hawke handed his business card to Tom Cruise, who exchanged cards with him. Brian then asked, "I heard Hawke mention some people in Hollywood had contracted HIV?"
"It's always been rumored, although I'm unsure who exactly it pertains to. You know how chaotic this industry is," Tom stated plainly. "Take me, for instance. If I want to be intimate with someone, they must present a recent medical report."
Hawke chimed in, "See, I wasn't lying to you, was I?"
Tom reassured him, "This industry has always been this way. While it may seem to have changed on the surface, the underlying issues have remained unchanged for decades."
Someone approached to talk to Tom, and he quickly excused himself to leave. Brian's good mood evaporated as he turned to Hawke, saying, "Why do I have this urge to hit you?"
Hawke clenched his left fist with his right hand, "How about this? Tomorrow, we find a boxing ring and have a fair fight."
Brian remembered what Erica had told him about Hawke's ruthless side when on the yacht. "Do you think I'm crazy? You made me suffer from AIDS phobia."
"I'm just saying you should maintain your health," Hawke comforted him. "Staying healthy is crucial if you wish to eventually take over the Oval Office. You promised me that chief of staff position -- it's time to fulfill that, right? Buddy, you should get a steady partner."
Brian sighed, "Entering politics definitely calls for a steady partner, along with a few mistresses on the side."
"I thought you'd play the role of a reformed playboy," Hawke replied.
Brian quipped, "In our family, aside from their wives, what man isn't keeping a mistress or two? It's quite normal."
Hawke didn't respond; he noticed Erica in her police uniform approaching. She took off her hat and greeted the two.
"Hey, could someone send over some water?," Hawke waved at the waiter. He then turned to Erica after getting water, "Erica, your voice is almost hoarse, drink some water first."
After drinking water to soothe her throat, Erica said, "Constantly chatting and mingling is more tiring than dealing with drug dealers."
She expressed her eagerness for a break. "Once this case wraps up, I'll be heading on vacation soon. When can we go hunting in Wyoming?"
"You guys are going hunting in Wyoming?" Brian chimed in. "Count me in!"
Hawke and Erica shot him stern looks, stabbing him like knives. The chill radiating from the two hardened individuals, who had blood on their hands, made Brian instinctively shiver. He felt certain that joining these two would not end well, and he quickly excused himself, "I've got something to do. I'll head out first."
...
Once Brian had walked away, Hawke addressed Erica, "Let's plan for October. I have another job that might take a few days."
Erica responded, "That's fine; just call me when you know the dates."
Lowering her voice, she added, "I've arranged Campos' ID, and the documents are in my bag. I'll give them to you later."
In the black market, legal identification came at a price, and it wasn't cheap. No one knew if it was an FBI sting operation. For certain circles, these transactions weren't too hard.
Hawke was direct, saying, "Campos has been your long-term informant. If there's any similar info in the future, I'll have him contact you directly."
The two had a solid relationship, having formed a tacit understanding after disembarking from the yacht. Once the appreciation banquet wrapped up, Hawke donated $100,000, received the documents from Erica, and drove back to East Hollywood.
...
The following morning, after a morning workout and breakfast, Hawke called Edward to join him at the Ackerman Charitable Assistance Center.
Today the center was abuzz with activity as the medical bus for free check-ups arrived. Hawke observed briefly, without stopping, instructing Edward to park in the back lot and calling Campos.
Before long, Campos approached from the other side parking lot, climbing into the Cadillac. Hawke fished out the document envelope from his bag, handing it to Campos. "Take a look."
Campos received it and carefully opened the documents. Having come from a Mexican police background, he understood that these were legitimate identification papers. It contained his picture and a new name -- Campos Sanchez Gonzalez.
A bit excited, Campos thought about being wanted back home and secretly wished to return one day to settle scores. Hawke had picked up on Campos' thoughts during their interactions. He said, "Once we expand our influence and capabilities, those people and events from the past won't mean much in the face of enough dollars."
Campos' eyes lit up. "As long as it's not involved with drugs, I'm all in."
"I'll invest some cash to help you set up a consulting company. You have some Mexican staff, right? They can keep an ear to the ground and handle some business. When I need it..."
Campos understood, "Undercover investigations are my specialty."
He thought a moment, then added, "According to my knowledge, a few Mexican cops who crossed the drug dealers managed to escape to Los Angeles. Can I try to connect with them?"
"Sure, but I'd say that reliability is key over capability. Whatever they know, let it end with you." Hawke contemplated. "If there are any usable people, let them know that if they do well, I can assist in resolving their identity issues."
"Sure," Campos agreed.
Hawke turned to Edward, "You'll accompany Campos to handle paperwork, find housing, get a car, buy filming equipment, and register the company. Do as I instructed -- go find a real estate agency to handle it."
Before they'd arrived, they had discussed all this. Edward grabbed his briefcase and signaled for Campos to step out of the car, saying, "Let's go."
Campos nodded at Hawke and left with Edward.
...
Hawke then took the driver's seat, driving the Cadillac to Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Major League Baseball season had already entered the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Dodgers had a disappointing year, eliminated in the first round, and the team had just been granted time off.
The reasons for their elimination were debated in the media, with some outlets suggesting that their star player, Steve Nutt, had been distracted by too many off-field issues, leading to noticeable decline this season.
However, criticism against Steve was quickly subdued by a wave of commendation from left-leaning media, praising him for engaging in a more significant cause. The organization assessed more than just performances on the field; they were considering overall commercial value. Steve had signed a fresh contract with the Dodgers, with a raise instead of a cut.
In Los Angeles, Steve was becoming a symbol. A symbol meant not just to lead athletic trends, but also to mask the reality of a poor season. Steve approached Hawke, eager to regain the spotlight.
Hawke had called Caroline beforehand, and upon entering Dodger Stadium, he parked at the side entrance, spotting Caroline waiting at the door and hurrying over.
As the wind blew against Caroline's new Burberry trench coat, she waved to Hawke, calling out, "Over here!"
Hawke matched her speed, there to discuss work today and forgoing any playful banter. He asked, "What's the situation with Steve? Why did he arrange to meet here?"
Caroline replied as they walked, "You've managed to sway the whole team. Once they heard Steve's intentions, they decided to back his cause and join in on this movement."
"So that's why they got eliminated," Hawke concluded. "Turns out it wasn't just Steve's responsibility."
...
They crossed through the corridor and entered a lounge where, aside from Steve, there were his agent Biles and the team's African American manager, Maduke, whom Hawke had encountered at Orange County Hospital.
After some initial chit-chat, Hawke got straight to the point, saying, "I need to clarify our objective once more."
Steve responded, "To create a highly visible equality movement, at least stirring a new wave across California."
Hawke turned to manager Maduke, "What do you want from the team?"
Having experienced the benefits of equality recently, Maduke said, "I want the team to engage deeply in this."
Hawke understood, responding, "Steve is my old client and friend. I won't raise the fee. The rate stays as before -- $600,000 commission."
This banner could be very useful for him down the line.
Steve glanced at Biles, then at Caroline, ultimately saying, "I agree."
Maduke had previously discussed this with Steve, "The team will cover $400,000 of the commission, and they will handle all expenditures during this period."
As long as the commission was met, Hawke didn't care who chipped in how much.
The last contract template was still available, and the two parties quickly signed the agreement.
...
Hawke folded their contract and began outlining his plan, "This initiative is called Redemption."
Steve asked, "Redemption? In which regard? Are we referring to the old plantation era?"
"That's right." Hawke explained, "Africans initially arrived in North America as slaves, laboring under extreme hardship, with no freedoms, and all the fruits of their labor were appropriated by white people."
He started his impassioned speech, "Everything that white people enjoy is built upon the exploitation of the blood and sweat of blacks. It's the 21st century; that barbarous time has passed. Freedom, democracy, and civilization have come to this land, and after generations of efforts, equality is a societal consensus. However, for most people, equality remains a mere buzzword rather than something physical like what Steve embodies."
Everyone else listened intently, but Caroline knew Hawke didn't genuinely believe his rhetoric.
Maduke's interest in the team participating wasn't merely out of admiration; he saw it from a commercial perspective and queried, "Redemption? Economic reparations from the team? That's not realistic."
"Extracting money from others' pockets is the toughest," Hawke explained. "If we rally white people to provide financial reparations to blacks, those who remain indifferent or nonchalant will certainly distance themselves from this movement."
Chanting slogans is one thing; opening wallets? Not happening!
There are too many out there who think like this. Additionally, many who support this movement are simply in it to profit.
Hawke continued, "Thus, we need to start with something that encourages everyone to participate without needing to reach into their wallets."
He turned to Maduke, "I read the team's news and recall a black player suffered an injury?"
"Yes, he fractured his arm," Maduke replied.
Hawke looked at Caroline, "Does Los Angeles have any welfare organizations for disabled black individuals?"
"There are some," Caroline suddenly recalled a specific person -- the disabled black man who had stolen from a Walmart.
She gazed at Hawke in disbelief, realizing this whole plan stemmed from that incident?
The disparity seemed monumental. Was this the difference between wolves and sheep?
While she was lost in her thoughts, Hawke outlined the specific approach for executing the plan.
They gained the support of Steve and Maduke.
Hawke directed Caroline, "You'll be responsible for contacting them and ensuring good communication. The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay a visit."
Caroline nodded, "Leave it to me."
To Steve, Hawke said, "Invite your injured black teammate to that welfare organization. As the representative of the players, you'll act as a bridge between the two."
Steve trusted Hawke, replying, "No problem."
Turning to Maduke, Hawke mentioned, "You need to communicate well with the white players. Don't force anyone who disagrees."
The Dodger team had shifted gears under that influence, and Maduke chuckled, saying, "They won't refuse."
Hawke noted that a lot of communication would be needed in the ensuing days, "Let's set a date for three days from now for the team to issue a public announcement."
Maduke nodded, "Sure."
Hawke turned to Biles, "You've dealt with players frequently, assist Steve in maintaining player morale, so they willingly engage in this."
Biles nodded in agreement.
Hawke asserted, "Now, the most crucial task remains -- the audience! We anticipate primarily two audience sections: media reporters and regular folk. The former aligns with equality-focused media, and the latter..."
"Steve!" he emphasized, "This portion of work is vital. I recall there are many white members within NAACP."
"I represent that," Steve confirmed.
Hawke pointed, saying, "Build connections with this like-minded group. Once our show begins, we'll require their presence to generate a significant impact."
Steve's role as a leader in this movement wasn't without its merit, "Leave it to me."
Hawke told Caroline, "Prepare a media list and get it to me for approval as soon as possible."
They further discussed several details, and Hawke recalled another matter, saying, "After the event, I hope the team interview can be conducted by Fox 11's Ace News."
This show had strong viewership, and Maduke agreed.
Hawke added, "If it generates impressive feedback, the team might be able to invite a California college team leaning towards equality to hold a charity match at Dodger Stadium."
Maduke jumped in, "The match's proceeds would be nominally donated to black welfare organizations."
With the meeting wrapping up, Hawke called Megan, followed by reaching out to Edward to prepare for the upcoming day.
For instance, he aimed to visit the welfare center Caroline had mentioned and gather specific resources.
After three days of preparation, the event kicked off on schedule.
*****
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