Chương 123: Chapter 123: Prove Your Loyalty
[Chapter 124: Prove Your Loyalty]
Fountain Street, West Coast Media Entertainment Studio.
Edward pulled out several checks and handed them to Hawke, saying, "Boss, here's the income for this period."
Hawke flipped through them; most were for $200 and $300, but one was close to five figures.
"Did you scoop a big story?" Hawke asked.
Edward chuckled, "I got lucky this time; I captured an exclusive big story."
He elaborated, "A few nights ago, Matthew McConaughey threw a wild party, gathered a bunch of friends and women, got high, and over twenty people stripped down and ran to the yard singing rock songs. You know, one of those fenced yards. His neighbors on either side called the cops, and Officer Milner called me right away."
Hawke asked, "You turned Officer Milner into a news source?"
Edward continued, "The day you left LA, I bumped into Officer Milner in West Hollywood. He has a bunch of kids and his wife is unemployed."
Hawke understood and reminded him, "Don't make any moves on his wife."
"Hey, boss, you can't accuse a good guy of that," Edward defended, "Milner isn't even divorced."
Hawke barely raised an eyebrow. "Let's talk business."
Edward got back on track. "I made it there fast enough to scoop LAPD. I shot video of Matthew McConaughey dancing naked with a few guys and gals. Two of them were rock stars -- you've gotta see this exclusive video. I sold it to Claire, you know, Meghan's former assistant; she's now the associate producer and host of Midnight Entertainment."
Hawke nodded. "Eight grand isn't bad." He handed the check to Edward. "Deposit the money in the studio account tomorrow."
"Sure thing." Edward pocketed it.
Hawke then asked, "What about Campos?"
Edward replied seriously, "Campos is very capable. He leveraged his Mexican identity to recruit a number of informants among Mexican immigrants. You know the situation in LA -- there's just no counting the street homeless. When it comes to organizing, I don't compare to him."
"Good." Hawke said, "I'll make time to meet him tomorrow."
Edward checked the time. "Boss, I just got a tip from Joanna. Allison Faith is going to Griffith Observatory tonight. If you have no other business, I'll start prepping for that."
The fallout from the scandal with that mother and daughter left a deep impression on Hawke; both were trouble.
Just in case, Hawke warned, "Keep your little brother in check. Don't let him catch anything."
Edward responded earnestly, "Boss, you don't have to worry; there are so many good options. Why would I pick an old public transport vehicle? I'm not Charlie Sheen, bringing a public restroom home."
Hawke waved him off. "Go on."
His phone rang. Erica called, "I'm taking tomorrow off. I'm going to visit my grandparents, so I won't be seeing you. I'll be back at work the day after, and we'll go practice shooting and coordination over the weekend."
Hawke replied, "Sounds good."
Erica wasn't the clingy type and hung up quickly.
After dinner, Hawke went to bed early.
He had to stay sharp, working hard every night at Yellowstone Park.
Thankfully, he had trained and was, indeed, a master at navigating chaos.
...
The next morning, Hawke called Campos.
The latter was in Sherman Oaks keeping an eye on things, and they agreed to meet at noon.
Hawke went straight to a cafe near BWR Public Relations and sent a text to Caroline.
Before long, Caroline walked in alone, holding a briefcase.
As soon as she spotted Hawke, she quickened her pace, her red high heels clicking on the floor as she pulled out a chair and sat across from him.
Hawke glanced at her brand-new briefcase, guessing its price, then asked, "What do you have for me?"
Caroline opened the bag and pulled out a stack of files and photos. "This is information on Sarah's biological father, Stephen Parker. He's Jewish and worked in the media industry for years before becoming a senior executive as a partner in a financial firm."
She produced another photo. "This is Sarah's stepfather, Paul Forste."
Hawke nodded slightly, flipping through the paperwork.
Paul Forste's credentials paled compared to his biological father's. After Sarah's parents divorced, her mother Barbara married Paul Forste, with whom she had three boys and a girl.
With her stepfather's four children, Sarah had seven siblings.
According to Caroline's research, it was thanks to Stephen Parker's child support that the family could hold it together.
However, Sarah's relationship with Stephen was far from that of a loving father-daughter bond.
A typical family drama.
Stephen and Barbara didn't have a peaceful divorce -- they were at each other's throats. Under Barbara's long-term influence, Sarah believed that Stephen hadn't fulfilled his responsibilities as a father.
"When Sarah first broke into the industry, Stephen leveraged connections to make things easier for her," Caroline stated. "But Sarah always felt that was Stephen owing her something."
Hawke asked, "What's Stephen's attitude towards Sarah now?"
Caroline pondered for a moment and replied, "The things people can't have often become the things they desire most; as they age, they reminisce about familial bonds."
She suddenly connected it to herself, slightly shaking her head and deciding not to dwell on it. "Stephen doesn't have any other children; I checked -- he really wants to restore a normal father-daughter relationship with Sarah, but she remains lukewarm towards him."
Hawke recalled the last time he met Sarah; she had mentioned her biological father. He asked, "Is Stephen well-known among the Jewish community?"
"He's nearly seventy and has spent years in management in the media industry," Caroline explained. "All those years of connection must have made an impression on some people. The Jewish community, let's face it, can be somewhat insular."
Hawke noticed a photo of Stephen Parker in the materials and advised, "Look into his current address; we might need it."
The high commission cut felt like a carrot dangled in front of a sheep; Caroline quickly assured him, "I'll find a way to get it."
Hawke pressed on a critical point. "How's Sarah's pregnancy plan coming along?"
This was all a part of Caroline helping Sarah make connections. "Sarah's following our plan. To keep Broderek from opposing, she hasn't told him yet and has coordinated through me. She's received ovulation injections from a professional agency and has been working on Broderek to get busy, but since he's in his forties, Sarah's worried about his stamina and is considering whether to find a few other guys to help."
Her tone turned strange. "Sarah's commitment to winning the award is impressive."
However, Hawke now had a better grasp of Sarah's personality.
He urged, "It's best if it's still Brodereick's."
"I'll persuade her," Caroline promised.
Hawke inquired, "When can Sarah's manager be finalized?"
"Not until at least November," Caroline explained simply. "Sarah's an A-lister. Whoever becomes her managing agent means a steady, high income every year. Competition within management firms is extremely fierce."
Hawke made a new request. "I remember you have enough influence over Sarah to help her choose a manager who supports women's rights, preferably someone of Jewish descent."
Caroline replied, "That's not difficult. During our last meeting, Sarah mentioned it; she intended to do that anyway."
The two discussed further details in the cafe until about noon, when Hawke finally decided to leave.
...
He drove to Beverly Boulevard, waiting a moment at the agreed parking lot when a nearly new Chevrolet pulled up.
Campos parked and waited to make sure no one followed before getting in Hawke's car.
Hawke said, "I heard from the Savior that things are going smoothly?"
"It's an issue if many people are coming over here and working under the radar," Campos realistically noted. "As long as they are paid well, they can be very reliable eyes and ears."
Hawke nodded. "Just keep moving at your pace."
Campos opened the bag he had brought with him and handed Hawke some photos. "These are the ones I recently captured."
Hawke flipped through them, all showing Matthew Broderek, alongside a man and a woman he recognized.
The man was Barack Bernanke, chairman of the Ackerman Charity Foundation and one of the four targets.
Robert Downey Jr. had already met his maker, with his wife and child under the Savior's guidance.
Broderek was the target for this plan.
Barack Bernanke was next on the list.
As for Buddy Ackerman, a billionaire, he was tricky.
The woman in the photos was named Melissa Ackerman, Buddy's daughter.
Campos added, "Broderick has been seen meeting with these two frequently lately."
He then pointed out a long-faced man in one of the photos. "And this guy, Broderick changed his clothes and car to meet him quietly."
Hawke had never seen the man before and commanded, "Find out who he is."
"Understood." Once Campos finished explaining, he didn't linger and quickly drove off.
Hawke continued to go through the photos, his gaze fixating on Melissa Ackerman.
Suddenly, he recalled the gunfight in Wyoming and thought about what he'd do if he were severely injured or lost an organ in the future.
That old bastard Buddy Ackerman wanting to off him indicated that their blood type and organ match were likely good.
This guy was getting old and wouldn't be of much use; he pondered whether any grandkids had the same traits.
...
Fox Plaza, Fox Television Center.
Gretchen returned from her vacation, and her first task was to meet with Channel 11's director, Cynthia Rosenberg.
But Cynthia was in a meeting.
Come afternoon, Gretchen finally got her chance to see the director.
Cynthia spoke directly, "The channel made adjustments to your position; you're moving to the midday news."
Gretchen had expected this outcome and had made moves during her time off, saying, "I applied for the transfer."
Cynthia looked up at Gretchen, "Let the higher-ups send a formal request; I won't stand in your way."
The Fox Television Network was vast, and Channel 11 was just one of many subsidiary channels.
However, it wouldn't be wise to clash with a direct superior; Gretchen understood the workplace rules at Fox well.
The loss of Ace News was a done deal, and if she had a fallout with Cynthia, resignation would be her only option -- not even a letter of recommendation would be forthcoming.
Cynthia waved her hand. "Hurry up and arrange that."
"I'll get it done quickly." Before leaving, Gretchen made sure to say, "Thank you."
Cynthia nodded slightly and didn't say more.
Once out of the director's office, Gretchen called a former subordinate. "Nina, it's me. I'm planning to transfer to another channel; are you coming with me?"
There was a pause on the other end before Nina answered, "Sorry, I've settled into Ace News and don't want to move to an unfamiliar place."
"Good luck," Gretchen ended the call on her own.
She knew Nina had allied with Meghan Taylor, and the other subordinates...
Gretchen shook her head, not wanting to dwell on it. She didn't need to return to the program team; during her break, she had taken all her personal belongings.
Reaching the entertainment floor of the building, she found a lounge and made another call. "Susan, could you let Roger know I'm back? If he's free, I can visit anytime."
The voice on the other end replied, "I mentioned you to Roger; he's taking a break right now. Let me check."
Gretchen felt a wave of nerves, placing the phone down and hurrying to redo her makeup in the mirror.
Then she stood up, twirled around in her high heels; although she was over thirty, she looked great, especially in a short skirt hugging her curves and those leg-lengthening stockings -- quite alluring.
Her phone rang; she answered. The voice said, "He wants you to come up now."
"Okay."
...
Gretchen left and pressed the button for the private elevator, riding it straight up to the top floor.
When she exited the elevator, she turned into a giant office containing only a desk, where an elderly Susan stood by a door.
Behind the door was the supreme presence of the Fox Television Network -- Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes.
He held the utmost trust from owner Rupert Murdoch; anything at Fox was decided by him.
Susan pointed to the door. "You can go right in."
Gretchen smiled at her, took a deep breath to calm her nerves, and opened the mahogany door.
Inside the reception area, sat a stout man akin to a mound of flesh on a single sofa, wearing a friendly expression that resembled a kindly elder.
"Good afternoon, Roger," said Gretchen.
Roger Ailes pointed to a sofa on the side. "Have a seat."
Gretchen cautiously sat down.
Roger asked, "I heard you've been facing some difficulties recently?"
Gretchen knew better than to discuss her former boss in front of a higher-up, especially not to badmouth Fox.
She spoke directly, "The Fox News Channel is preparing to launch a morning news show, Fox & Friends. Can I transfer there?"
Compared to the 11 Channel formed from the acquisition of LA's Channel 11, the Fox News Channel had a broader audience.
Roger said softly, "I really appreciate your work ethic, and I've considered promoting you."
He wasn't just saying this; while his focus was mostly on Fox News and less on the sub-channels, Roger had at least some familiarity with the well-known hosts beneath him. "With your capabilities, you're good enough to host Fox & Friends."
Gretchen held her breath, waiting for what he'd say next.
Roger's words lingered: "But I need loyalty, absolute loyalty. Prove your loyalty to me."
Gretchen was prepared, but when that moment came, it felt heavy.
She wasn't one of those Hollywood girls.
Roger Ailes was a veteran in this game; he asked, "I heard you were Miss America?"
He gestured for her, "Stand up, Gretchen, stand."
Gretchen rose to her feet.
"Come closer to me. Raise your skirt and show me your legs; hurry, lift it a bit higher."
Earlier, Gretchen wouldn't have made this choice.
But losing Ace News left her feeling she had no other options.
Gretchen lifted her skirt.
Then, under Roger Ailes' direction, she found herself kneeling on the ground.
If she wanted to cling to a big shot, she had to kneel and use her mouth.
But it didn't stop there; Roger added, "You'll not only be with me but with everyone I assign you to..."
After a long while, Gretchen exited the office through the mahogany door.
Susan looked up at her, setting down her phone. "Congratulations, you made it through the interview."
Gretchen smiled, saying, "Thank you for helping me secure this opportunity."
Just now, after finishing, she took advantage of Roger being satisfied to discuss some program styles and themes from Channel 11.
Channel 11, which originated from Los Angeles, does not sit with Fox News.
Despite not liking the pig in the oval office, Roger had granted considerable leeway in terms of programming style. However, he had been hearing dissent recently.
He picked up the phone to call Channel 11's director, Cynthia. "It's me."
On the other end, Cynthia immediately recognized, "Roger, are there problems with Channel 11's programming?"
"Your ratings are decent." Roger praised a capable ally first, then shifted the tone. "A few episodes veered too far to the left."
Cynthia had the right to argue a bit, "But the ratings are high, boosting the entire Channel 11's advertising revenue."
Roger stated, "You're no longer LA Channel 11; you are Fox Channel 11."
Cynthia affirmed, "I understand."
After the call ended, she immediately dialed Meghan's office, straightforwardly, "Steve Nutt's issue should not be pursued further. The joint media activities with LAPD can continue."
...
Century City, Spacca Restaurant.
Meghan nibbled at a shrimp and asked, "How was your time in Wyoming?"
Hawke pulled a box from his bag and slid it across the table. "It was okay; my little ranch has a beast infestation. I killed some coyotes and took out a bear and a mountain lion."
"Is this a gift for me?" Seeing Hawke nod, Meghan opened the box to reveal a green stone carving.
Hawke briefly remarked, "A local specialty from Wyoming, a nephrite carving."
Meghan put it away. "Thanks."
She grabbed her purse and said, "By the way, I wanted to mention that I've been officially appointed as the producer and host of Ace News."
Hawke said, "Congratulations! You're now the top star at Channel 11."
Meghan felt a sense of satisfaction in her career but recalled Cynthia's call. She added, "The top brass at Fox Network has intervened in Channel 11. You should have heard, since the network's inception, it has always leaned towards the left. No one paid attention to our little channel, but now our ratings are too high, drawing interest from above."
Hawke understood, "So the reporting can't lean towards equal rights anymore?"
"Not quite; the main point of the news channel is breaking news," Meghan explained generally. "Reporting is fine, but not in a way that preempts with a biased stance."
Hawke asked, "And what about celebrity scandals? Like those involving A-list Hollywood stars?"
Meghan replied earnestly, "Those will always be hot news."
*****
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