Chương 130: Chapter 130: Backstab
[Chapter 131: Backstab]
Century City, Beverly Business Club.
Taking advantage of a moment to step out to the restroom, Caroline dialed Hawke's number. "Sarah's at the club; she brought her luggage out."
On the other end, Hawke said, "Miss Baa, you've done well. Keep up the good work as an inside player in this promising career."
Caroline shamelessly opened her mouth and shouted, "Baaa--"
She hung up and walked back.
Sofia waited for her halfway, and when she approached, said quietly, "If Sarah's status slips, it won't be good for either of us."
Caroline agreed, "Our interests align with Sarah's; we need to protect her."
Sofia lowered her voice even more. "Broderick is the root cause of all this."
Caroline pointed out a fact. "Broderick isn't our client; he won't give us any cut."
Sofia looked at Caroline.
The two women reached an agreement and nodded simultaneously.
Agents and publicists were all crafty characters. When the stars who served as their cash cows didn't comply, they sought to manipulate the stars instead for greater benefits.
...
Around noon, Edward drove an Audi, bringing Hawke to the Beverly Business Club.
The two entered the familiar reception room one after the other.
Sarah stepped up and hugged Hawke. "Are you aware of the situation on my side?"
Hawke nodded slightly. "Caroline called me earlier with details. I've also seen the news reports online and in print."
Sarah directly asked, "What should I do?"
"Let's sit down and discuss," Hawke replied. With Caroline as an inside source, he was sure Sarah had made up her mind -- her luggage was already out.
Hawke speculated that Sarah was consulting him for two reasons: on one hand, there was a final barrier she hadn't broken through in her mind. On the other hand, hearing it from someone else might comfort her and make her feel better.
Sarah sat on the couch, eyes eagerly fixed on Hawke.
Hawke delivered the final blow. "I studied it carefully on the plane; this incident is more complicated than the previous one. It involves civil rights organizations. I don't know if you know about them, but they don't rest until they achieve their goals."
He sighed. "The issue is that they can sway public opinion, influencing many women, and women are your biggest audience."
Sofia chimed in at the right moment, "Sarah forgiving Broderick, the domestic abuser, has angered them."
"Exactly," Caroline added. "They think Sarah has set a bad example."
The trio was saying what Sarah wanted to hear. She seemed to have never considered this and, enchanted by their words, asked dejectedly, "Do I really need to call the police?"
Hawke didn't mind taking the villain's role. After all, Sarah would take the brunt of it, and everything would surface as a marital dispute between her and Broderick. "Calling the police isn't enough; you may need to cut ties with Broderick."
"Without Broderick as a producer, my resources in the future..." Sarah showcased what it meant to be torn.
Hawke replied directly, "Sarah, you are my client. I will only consider your standpoint and interests to provide the best solution."
Sarah accepted this reasoning, saying, "That's fair."
Hawke elaborated, "A woman about to become a mother, a pregnant victim of domestic violence, standing up against it -- her courage and resolve are deserving of everyone's respect. She could become a role model for all women in America, representing the anti-domestic violence movement. She'd hold an unshakeable advantage in the left-leaning Golden Globe nominations."
Sarah asked, "What are my chances to win?"
Caroline replied, "Including our other efforts, over ninety-five percent."
Sofia pushed back, "You're being too conservative. Ninety-nine percent."
Sarah contemplated seriously. "If that's the case, I must divorce Broderick."
Hawke asked, "Did you sign a prenup?"
"No," Sarah replied roughly. "When Broderick and I married, neither of us was particularly famous, and we didn't have much property."
She looked up. "As a victim of domestic violence, can't I take most of the assets?"
"You and Broderick used the same lawyer," Hawke said. "I suggest you change lawyers, call the police first, then file for divorce."
Sofia summarized at this point. "A Golden Globe-winning actress, a massive fortune, and the reputation of an anti-domestic violence spokesperson."
Just then, Caroline's phone rang perfectly timed. She walked to the window to take a call, hanging up from a nonexistent conversation. "That was the company calling; the women's clothing and perfume brand you're endorsing just reached out and is monitoring this situation."
With the last barrier breached, Sarah made up her mind. "Okay, I've decided to call the police."
She looked at Hawke, asking, "When?"
Hawke replied, "This afternoon. The sooner, the better. You can still get a check-up to document your injuries, then find a lawyer to accompany you to the precinct. Also, get a media outlet to film your walk to the police station; online media reacts the fastest."
Sarah said, "I have videos of the abuse and the weapon. I brought them all."
Hawke nodded. "Get them for me. I'll contact the lawyer."
Caroline and Sofia accompanied Sarah to grab her suitcase.
...
Hawke pulled out his phone, dialing Brian Ferguson's number. "I've got a case. Are you available?"
Erica's cousin was a typical lawyer who didn't lack money.
"I've just wrapped up a case and am on vacation," Brian's casual work attitude shone through.
Hawke knew how to pique his interest. "There's a thrilling video to watch, and it involves an A-list star. Very captivating."
Brian asked, "Is it more exciting than the 'selfie gate'?"
Hawke replied, "Ten times as exciting, I promise!"
"Where should I meet you?" Brian quickly put on his coat.
Hawke first stirred his interest before getting into specifics. "Beverly Business Club, find Room 10. I'll update you about the case; Sarah Parker is preparing to report domestic violence after being abused by her husband Broderick..."
"Wait a minute," Brian interjected. "I don't take divorce cases."
Hawke clarified, "This isn't a divorce case; it's an assault case. Sarah was beaten badly. Don't you want to see the footage? It's incredibly captivating."
Brian hesitated for a moment before conceding, "Hawke Osment, you're a pure scoundrel!"
Hawke chuckled, "If you want to see it, hurry up; otherwise, I'll find someone else."
"I'll be there soon." Brian was skeptical -- could this footage really be as riveting as the 'selfie gate' he had directed?
Hawke hung up the call, waiting a bit before Sarah returned with her suitcase, accompanied by Caroline and Sofia.
...
"Hold on," Hawke said after having seen the footage before. "The lawyer is coming over to watch."
He turned to Sarah, "I'm preparing to expose your pregnancy news."
Sarah immediately understood, "The timing couldn't be better."
Hawke took out the test result from his briefcase and handed it to Edward. "Take some photos and find an online media outlet."
Edward knew what to do and walked off.
Hawke then told Caroline, "Prepare an emergency statement for Sarah after she leaves the precinct, focusing on her pregnancy."
Caroline understood immediately. "Broderick beat up a pregnant woman?"
Sarah agreed, "He left me badly beaten."
Hawke continued to delegate tasks. "After leaving the precinct, Sarah needs to go to the hospital for a check-up. I also suggest reaching out to women's rights organizations for their support; it could save us a lot of trouble."
Sarah stated, "I want to be a spokesperson for the anti-domestic violence movement."
"Women communicating with women is much easier." Hawke looked at Caroline. "You'll connect and communicate with them."
Caroline had been doing this and replied, "No problem."
Hawke turned to Sofia. "You contact the film crew. With Sarah stepping up, HBO or Warner should make a statement; Sarah's influence will only benefit the show."
Sofia said, "I've got it handled."
Concerned about potential betrayals, Sarah said, "Once I tread this path, there's no turning back. With the rise of female-centric film and television projects, becoming a spokesperson for the anti-domestic violence movement will bring in offers, and all of you can benefit from that."
...
Some time later, there was a knock on the meeting room door -- Brian had arrived.
Sarah had a brief chat with Brian and signed the attorney agreement.
Hawke then instructed Brian to prepare confidentiality agreements for everyone to sign.
While others signed the contracts, Sarah quietly approached Hawke. "Thanks for bringing in lawyer Ferguson."
Clearly, she recognized that Brian wasn't just any lawyer.
Hawke displayed professionalism. "You're paying me a hefty fee; I'm obligated to take responsibility, finding the optimal solution for you."
Sarah expressed appreciation, "Thank you."
Next came the viewing of the footage and evidence, which contained sensitive content involving Sarah and Broderick.
Caroline, Sofia, and Edward all stepped out at Sarah's request.
Only Hawke and Brian remained.
As a lawyer, Brian focused intently, his eyes wide like saucers.
He wasn't inexperienced; rather, he had seen much, even had similar live performances before.
Yet this felt entirely different.
The video featured a Hollywood star and the very actress herself was sitting next to him, watching the footage of her abuse. This peculiar psychological twist was mesmerizing.
Brian was relishing the unfolding drama.
Hawke asked, "What about the photos?"
Sarah produced a storage drive, plugged it into the laptop, and opened the photos saved on it. "These were all taken by me that night, some even while I was in front of the mirror."
Brian flipped through the photos, nodding approvingly. "The shots are very clear."
Sarah then pulled out the weapon from a plastic bag. "I collected this while wearing gloves. It has Broderick's fingerprints and my biological samples. I got a few cuts where blood got on me."
Hawke produced another storage drive, borrowed a mouse, and found several images that didn't show any sensitive areas. "These I intend to give to the media."
Sarah nodded. "That's fine."
Brian, with a legal perspective, remarked, "The video as a whole won't be admissible. To be used as evidence, we'll need to trim the introduction and conclusion, just extract the middle portion. Don't use it for now due to potential risks."
He pointed at the photos and the weapon. "For now, these are sufficient."
Hawke reminded Sarah, "Keep the video secure."
Sarah thought a moment and then handed everything, including her laptop and the disguised camera, over to Hawke. "Aside from Caroline and Sofia, I don't trust anyone else. I feel it's better to leave it in your hands."
Hawke accepted it.
Sarah took two storage drives and asked, "When do we leave?"
Hawke instructed, "Make some adjustments, mess up your hair and makeup a bit, but not too much."
He emphasized, "Sarah, you need to fight like a warrior from here on out. Understand?"
Sarah felt completely convinced this was the best path for her, feeling invigorated. "I will."
Hawke called Brian outside to talk, temporarily leaving the meeting room to Sarah.
...
As they stepped outside, Brian complained, "You scoundrel! You're dragging me into this."
Hawke questioned, "Isn't it great to have drama and make money?"
Brian conceded, "It is exhilarating, but this case leans blue."
Hawke stated, "Business is business."
"What else do you have planned?" Brian knew that work didn't accommodate trivialities.
Hawke explained simply, "Erica's former partner at the West District, Officer Milner, has been promoted and is no longer patrolling. He's back in the office and one of his duties is handling reports."
"Great." Brian grasped the case's general gist. "They're unprepared on their end, while we are ready."
He added, "A hidden knife is the most terrifying."
Hawke asked, "Can you send Broderick to prison?"
"I can only try," Brian said, not completely confident. "In L.A., domestic violence that results in injuries can see five years behind bars."
Hawke replied, "Sarah is pregnant."
Brian laughed. "A pregnant woman? That's huge; makes a significant impact."
Hawke directly inquired, "Will the prosecution appoint a female prosecutor? Try to get several female jurors? Money isn't an issue; Sarah has it."
"Buddy, you're a great partner, but I need to point out something." Brian raised a finger, shaking it. "You've got the wrong person."
Hawke nodded slightly. "Will the women's rights organizations in L.A. have an impact?"
Brian replied, "If you're in contact with them, then reach out."
Hawke took a note of that and reminded Brian, "Broderick isn't simple either. There's a covert Jewish alliance in Hollywood and media. When I got news about him before, Fox quashed it."
Brian scoffed, "Those Jews -- a bunch of rats who fled here. We once took them in, yet they never showed gratitude."
Hawke stated, "This is a case of domestic violence and spousal assault; those folks shouldn't interfere if they're sensible."
Brian retorted, "If they interfere, that's even better."
Hawke didn't understand.
Brian explained, "Governor Davis has messed California up so badly that some people are brewing a recall movement to replace him. The Hollywood and media folks are staunchly blue."
Hawke recalled what they had discussed during their last meeting in Covina and asked, "About your case?"
"Just a small opening," Brian replied. "It's not convenient to discuss now; we'll talk in detail when things solidify next year."
Hawke already knew that beneath Brian's seemingly rough exterior lay a lot of depth.
People formed connections with agendas of their own.
Hawke was acutely aware that if he didn't have the capacity or experience orchestrating deals -- let alone the kind of video Sarah Parker had - -Brian wouldn't have come to see it, not even for footage of Julia Roberts.
...
At that moment, Caroline approached. "I've contacted Yahoo Entertainment."
Hawke looked at his watch. "It's about time; let's head out."
He first called officer Milner to confirm and then gave Caroline a few instructions, emphasizing what he had discussed with Brian.
Sofia accompanied Sarah into Caroline's car, and the group headed toward the West District.
Meanwhile, Edward called Hawke. "Boss, the testing photos sold; when I provided concrete evidence to Yahoo Entertainment, they bought the exclusive rights for $10,000."
He asked, "Is this Sarah Parker's first pregnancy? Should we sell it again?"
"No need; don't ruin the reputation," Hawke replied. "When are they publishing it?"
Edward said, "It'll be published shortly."
...
As the two were on the phone, a vehicle belonging to Yahoo Entertainment chased closely behind. Due to Caroline's call, the car soon caught up with the red Mercedes.
Several vehicles parked in front of the West District station.
Caroline and Sofia walked toward the precinct alongside Sarah.
Brian followed along, carrying his briefcase.
Hawke exited the car and strolled casually to the entrance, greeting a female officer he recognized in the lobby, finding a place to sit and wait.
On the other side, Brian accompanied Sarah to give her statement and submit evidence.
Once formalities were completed, Milner instructed an assistant to process Broderick's summons paperwork.
Following the procedures was of utmost importance.
Not long after, Hawke saw Milner leave with his partner.
...
Santa Monica, Ackerman Films.
Guerrero entered his boss's office, closed the door, and said to Broderick, "One of the two girls I mentioned is sorted out; the rare redhead."
"Excellent," Broderick said, very satisfied, signing a document, sealing it in an envelope, and handing it over. "Deliver this personally to the Ackerman Charitable Foundation; give it to Barack."
Guerrero then left the office.
He took the elevator down, and upon exiting, he encountered Milner and his partner entering the lobby.
The two presented their credentials, indicating they needed to see Broderick.
The receptionist notified the company's legal advisor and also called Broderick.
The two sides quickly met in a reception room.
Milner presented the summons. "Mr. Broderick, you are suspected in a violent assault case and need to accompany us back to the West District for further investigation."
The legal advisor took the paperwork, confirming everything was in order.
Broderick suddenly thought of his wife Sarah, and an unexplainable sense of dread washed over him. "I need to make a call."
"This isn't an arrest," Milner said. "Feel free."
Broderick pulled out his phone and dialed Sarah's number.
On the other end, Sarah answered. "I'm pregnant, and I can't let the child be with an abuser."
Then the call ended, leaving Broderick in deep pain.
The betrayal by the person he loved most made him feel devastated.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
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