Chương 125: Chapter 125: Dirty Business
[Chapter 126: Dirty Business]
East Hollywood, Fountain Street.
Late at night, the second floor of the West Coast Media Entertainment Studio was shut tight. After an intense battle had ended, Hawke and Megan Taylor had just fallen asleep.
In her light sleep, Megan reached out and found Hawke's arm. Instinctively, she tugged it open and nestled into his warm embrace, resting her head on his broad shoulder. She quickly drifted off into a deep sleep.
Hawke returned the embrace, clutching what felt like a human-shaped pillow. Suddenly, the phone rang, jolting Hawke awake. His first instinct was to reach for his handgun.
Megan stirred awake, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and when she saw Hawke holding a gun, she immediately snapped into full alertness.
Hawke answered the phone, putting down the handgun and lightly tapping her smooth, fair face. "It's nothing. Someone called, and I overreacted."
Megan pointed to the handgun on the nightstand. "Was that necessary?"
"I've been in Los Angeles, and I've witnessed multiple shootings," Hawke muttered, picking up the call.
It was Campos, calling with urgent matters that required a meeting.
Hawke hung up and grabbed his clothes off the floor. "You keep sleeping. I have an emergency and need to head out."
Megan felt uneasy at Hawke's absence but didn't say anything, simply nodding. "You go ahead."
Before leaving, Hawke reminded her, "If I'm not back by tomorrow morning, just go downstairs and leave. Don't touch anything on the first floor."
Megan thought about the dirty dealings of the Dwarfs' gang and replied, "I know."
...
Hawke strapped on his gun, put on some makeup, and left to switch cars before meeting Campos at the safe house he had arranged.
Campos was waiting there, also made up, with a laptop and printed digital photographs in hand.
He placed the laptop in front of Hawke, showing him all the videos shot during the day and night, and laid out the photographs nearby.
The videos were choppy, capturing only key moments, but they were enough for Hawke to identify three important figures: Broderick, a blonde girl, and a long-faced man in a suit.
Hawke asked, "What happened specifically?"
Campos recounted everything he had seen.
On the surface, it seemed normal. A producer like Broderick was trying to seduce an actress -- nothing too complicated.
After all, even directors of Eric's caliber, if they wanted to play dirty with an actor, regardless of gender, had lines of people eagerly waiting.
But having seen the grim business surrounding Ackerman Studios and being one of its victims, Hawke felt things were not this straightforward.
He considered and asked, "Is there a class at the Super Star Training School tomorrow?"
"There is," Campos responded. He had someone pose as an applicant to gather details: "The training lasts for two sessions each month, and it's expensive."
Hawke nodded. "You and your people keep an eye on them tomorrow. Focus on whether that blonde girl shows up. If she doesn't, let me know... And find out when their next training starts."
Campos acknowledged, "Understood."
Hawke collected the photographs, grabbed a USB drive, and copied all the videos.
Before long, they left the safe house through separate exits.
...
Hawke returned to the studio, and Megan was still sleeping soundly. Taking advantage of the early morning hours, he too tried to catch some extra sleep.
The next morning, Megan woke him up with a nagging jab, making up for the morning exercises Hawke had missed.
Since they had work to do, Hawke hurriedly got Megan ready and sent her on her way.
As Megan left, she spotted Frank with an ashtray, pulled out five dollars, and dropped it in.
Frank opened his mouth to speak, but then saw a jerk standing at the studio window with a slingshot drawn.
He swallowed his words.
Watching Megan drive away, Hawke lowered his slingshot and gave Frank the finger.
Frank returned the gesture with two fingers, continuing his noble quest for handouts.
Life never stopped, nor did the handouts.
...
After a quick breakfast, Edward arrived at the studio carrying camera gear and began charging the camera and camcorder.
He had dark circles under his eyes and seemed out of it.
Hawke asked, "Did you go out to shoot last night?"
"No," Edward hesitated, unsure of how to explain before saying, "Deborah got persuaded by some guys into buying some party drugs and used some last night. I got drained pretty badly."
Hawke pointed to the light pole outside. "Here's a trick: climb up and down that 50 times a day, and whatever Deborah takes won't help."
"Boss, I'm not the light pole champion," Edward glanced at the seven or eight-meter tall pole and felt like continuing to be drained.
...
By mid-morning, Campos called.
Hawke answered, "What's going on?"
Campos responded quickly, "The blonde girl did not show up. I can confirm that."
He mentioned another detail. "The next training starts in five days. The training school is advertising around Hollywood; spots are likely limited."
"I got it. Keep watching," Hawke hung up and told Edward, "Let's go."
Edward grabbed the keys to a Cadillac.
Hawke was on the phone as they exited, and once connected, he asked, "It's me. Where are you?"
Director Eric Emerson laughed. "I'm on set. Your call came just in time; the crew is on break."
Hawke directly asked, "Is Jacqueline with you?"
"She won't finish her scenes for another two days," Eric checked the set and asked his assistant before replying, "She's at the venue."
Hawke said, "I'll come by for a quick visit and we can grab lunch together."
"Sure thing," Eric readily agreed.
...
Hawke tossed the keys to an Audi A8 to Edward. "Drive this one."
Edward pocketed his own keys, took the A8 that Steve had gifted Hawke, and drove to Burbank.
Arriving at Warner Bros. Studios, they transferred to an electric cart and found the soundstage where Eric's crew worked.
Not rushing inside, they strolled deeper until they found a secluded spot.
Hawke sent Jacqueline a text and waited a while.
She came over quickly, draped in a coat over her costume.
Hawke assessed her, noticing the grime she had lived with was almost nonexistent now. "Looks like you're really enjoying this job."
Jacqueline smiled, "I was prepared to gobble down all sorts of men's stuff, but thanks to you, I snagged a decent role without having to."
Hawke nodded. "When are you finishing up? Any plans after that? Going back to it?"
"I'll continue tonight. This job can't sustain me," Jacqueline shared her aspirations. "During the day, I'll try to hit the studios, production houses, and agencies to land my next gig."
Hawke reminded her, "You need to work on your skills, especially your acting. This role is special."
Jacqueline laughed, "I didn't expect to play a hooker."
Hawke replied, "In five days, near the Paramount lot, the new session of training at Super Star Training School starts. Sign up, and I'll cover the tuition."
Jacqueline knew it wouldn't be that simple. "What do you need me to do?"
"Just keep an eye on the other female students." Hawke wouldn't let her do anything too complicated or dangerous; Jacqueline didn't have that capability. "If any attractive female student suddenly goes missing, notify me immediately."
Jacqueline blinked in surprise. "Is it that simple?"
Hawke warned, "Don't talk, don't ask questions, and don't pry. Just observe, safety first."
"I got it." Jacqueline had matured working on set and understood not to ask unnecessary questions.
Hawke gave her the address for Super Star Training School and waved, "Go back. Pretend you don't know us at the studio."
Jacqueline returned to the sound stage.
Hawke didn't go in but waited outside for a while.
...
When the crew broke for lunch, Eric approached, calling Edward, and the three went to grab a bite.
Hawke asked, "When will the shoot wrap? Any dates set?"
"It'll wrap up this month, but we'll need at least three months for post-production." As for the distribution side, Eric stated it wasn't just his call. "The tentative release date is slated for next year, but the exact date isn't confirmed yet."
Hawke raised his fresh juice glass. "Here's to your success."
Edward chimed in jokingly, "Once you're a big director, you better save me a position as assistant director or casting director."
Eric clinked glasses with them and asked Edward, "You planning on switching careers?"
"Nope, I'll always work with the boss," Edward replied, having gained plenty of insight into Hollywood during this time. "Once you're a director and producer, you gotta make the right choices! What's the correct choice? Sleeping with stars, of course!"
He rubbed his hands together. "There are plenty of divorced starlets in Hollywood!"
Hawke knew this guy wasn't just talking; he meant it when the time came.
But he didn't feel like saying much, turning to Eric, "How's the script for that freelance journalist coming along?"
"I've only completed part of the outline," Eric responded seriously. "Once this film wraps, I want to shadow you guys to live a little."
Edward piped up, "You'd follow us to film a documentary?"
Eric perked up, looking at Hawke. "Hawke, how about I make you the main character for that..."
"Not a good idea." Hawke cut him off, replying flatly, "Someone like me isn't suited to be in the spotlight for now."
Edward switched topics. "What about Katherine?"
Eric responded, "She should be here this afternoon. There are a lot of actresses in the crew; she's just not too confident with me."
Hawke encouraged, "Katherine treats you well; if it comes to it, just marry her."
"I don't want to kneel before anyone forever," Eric was a director with dreams. "I want to play at the starlets too."
Hawke said nothing.
This kind of thing wasn't just for Edward and Eric; if it were him in a position as a director or producer, how could he resist the allure of the red sofa or late-night script readings?
In the words of past internet tycoons, if you stepped into the film industry and didn't partake in such affairs, that'd be downright wrong!
If presented with two golf balls and a pretty actress, what would one choose?
...
By mid-afternoon, Campos called again, confirming that the performance class had ended, and that blonde girl hadn't shown up.
Hawke had Edward rent a car on the fly, driving to Knock Street.
Not too close to the motel yet, he instructed Edward to stop at a roadside parking spot.
Hawke took out binoculars to scrutinize the area, spotting lots of cars coming and going for quite some time, but two particular cars remained still.
One was empty; the other had someone inside.
He speculated someone might be keeping an eye on the motel and told Edward, "No need to look further; let's go."
Then, they made a trip to Venice, passing the seaside club Campos mentioned.
Hawke looked closely, noticing multiple surveillance cameras set up around the entrance and walls.
Rushing in could easily alert them and scare off the prey.
So, he didn't instruct Edward to stop, but kept driving past normally.
Leaving Venice, Edward found a place to park, transferred the dashcam footage to the laptop, and opened the video for Hawke to view. "Boss, look here, here, and here; these should all be cameras."
Hawke nodded. "Very dense; even if there are blind spots, no one could slip in unnoticed."
Having been shadowing Hawke for six months, Edward had gained some insight: "These high-end private clubs accommodate a unique clientele and often engage in secret entertainment, so it's rare for them to set up substantial surveillance. This one feels off."
Hawke cautioned, "Don't shoot any footage; don't approach without my permission."
"I got it," Edward replied immediately.
Hawke thought for a moment and added, "Let's check out the electronics market and model airplane shop."
...
Edward started the car, heading first to the Santa Monica Shopping Plaza.
Hawke visited many stores but couldn't find what he wanted.
In those days, getting drones capable of flying while filming from the sky was quite rare in the consumer market.
Hawke called Erica. "Are you free tonight for dinner?"
"Can't say for sure yet," Erica was busy with cases: "I'll call you back before five."
Hawke replied, "Sounds good."
He told Edward, "Let's head back to Fountain Street; you can call it a day."
Edward seemed hesitant to go back to Brentwood and said, "Can I stay at the studio tonight?"
Considering his date with Erica, he wasn't sure where he'd end up. Hawke replied, "Not tonight, I've got plans with Erica."
Thinking about that cop girl while looking at his own skin color, Edward grimaced. "Here, I'm afraid the LAPD will empty their bullets. If I go back to Brentwood, I'm afraid Deborah will empty my bullets."
Chilled at the thought, he shivered, "Not that I don't have bullets now, that's the scariest part."
Hawke could only offer sympathy.
Edward lamented, "Women over thirty are terrifying." He sought help, "Boss, you have wisdom..."
"Something like that?" Hawke thought it over. "Find a supermarket or shop that sells lots of imported oriental goods."
Edward perked up. "I know just the place."
Minutes later, the car parked in front of a shop in Koreatown.
Hawke got out alone, quickly finding what he needed inside.
He bought it and returned to the car, handing it off to Edward. "Remember, just use a little."
Edward looked at the instructions in English and characters. "This stuff?"
"It's called essential oil, or as I like to say, 'happy water for women'," Hawke explained quickly. "Just apply it down there."
Being a black guy, Edward was especially curious. "Can I use it too?"
Hawke was a generous boss, "It's yours; feel free to try it out."
Edward took the happy water, feeling a newfound confidence, went back to Fountain Street, swapped out his Cadillac, and rushed off to Brentwood.
...
Before five, Erica called Hawke to say she'd be a bit late.
Until nearly seven-thirty that evening, they finally met at a restaurant.
Seeing the exhaustion on her face, Hawke asked, "Been busy these days?"
Erica simply replied, "A serial killer case." She had her own restrictions. "Can't go into detail."
Hawke nodded. "If there's anything you need me to help with, let me know."
"I won't hold back," Erica stated, "The awards ceremony is slated for before Christmas at the Park Center. I'll send you the invite."
Hawke responded, "I'll definitely be there."
Erica pulled out her phone and called someone right in front of Hawke. "Mom, I won't be home tonight."
She had a tendency to pull strings, so Hawke played along. "Isn't your villa in Silver Lake community getting remodeled for a collection room? Is it done yet?"
Erica said, "It's done. Want to go check it out?"
Hawke replied, "Let's head over after dinner."
"Don't forget to buy condoms," Erica said candidly. "I overlooked that."
Hawke chuckled, "I had some ready before I came."
...
After dinner, they drove to the Silver Lake neighborhood next to East Hollywood.
The Silver Lake community was built around a lake and had become a wealthy area developed in Los Angeles in recent years.
The home Erica referred to was a large mansion with front and backyards; while it didn't compare to the multimillion estates of Beverly Hills, it was definitely worth several million dollars.
They exited the car and shut the doors. Erica rushed over, wrapping Hawke in a hug and kissing him.
As they intertwined, Hawke carried her into the house while finding the switch to close all the curtains.
The two explored the many rooms as if they were Siamese twins, particularly the exhibition room that had already been remodeled.
Unfortunately, each display case was empty; the bear specimen wasn't ready yet.
Once they settled into the spacious hot tub, Hawke asked, "Do you have any contacts to buy a mini-drone?"
Erica inquired, "Like the Predators used in Afghanistan?"
Hawke replied, "Even smaller, capable of installing wireless cameras and flying low to capture footage."
Erica understood, lying on Hawke's shoulder. "The LAPD doesn't have those yet. I hadn't paid attention before; ask Brian when you have time."
"Let's not talk about this," Hawke pulled Erica closer. "Let's just relax."
...
In the following days, Campos confirmed that the blonde girl had indeed vanished.
The new session of the Super Star training program began, and Jacqueline enrolled.
Hawke called Brian, who was busy with a lawsuit but said he would keep an ear to the ground.
By mid-November, the regular daily schedule issued by Caroline for Sarah Jessica Parker included a visit to the Beverly Beauty Center.
That night, Hawke gathered Edward and Campos for a meeting, which would be filmed by Campos, who had been lying low.
*****
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