Chương 132: Chapter 132: Settling Old Scores
[Chapter 133: Settling Old Scores]
Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, a luxury mansion.
After rinsing himself three times and spraying on some cologne, Broderick finally made his way to the living room. His friend, Barack Bernanke, was waiting for him there. "Melissa reminded you to hurry up and wrap up this divorce," he said.
Broderick remained silent, turning on the TV and tuning into the news channel. Los Angeles Channel 9 was covering the domestic violence allegations, and it was nothing but attacks directed at him, with barely concealed outrage.
There was also a teaser for a press conference happening the next day, where Sarah Jessica Parker and other women's organizations would be announcing the formation of a new anti-domestic violence charity.
After seeing this, Broderick switched channels, specifically looking for related news. Barack snatched the remote from him and turned off the TV. "No need to watch; the public opinion is extremely against you."
"Why?" Broderick asked.
Barack understood what the question implied. "You're Jewish, and Sarah Jessica Parker is too. Her father, Stephen, has called a lot of newspapers. No one wants to get tangled up in your private mess."
He reminded Broderick, "Just finalize the divorce quickly, even if you have to pay more. You can earn back money later."
"But you can't get people back," Broderick whispered.
Barack was at a loss for words and didn't feel like arguing anymore. "I'm leaving. Call me if you need something."
Broderick sat still, not moving.
...
After Barack left, the lawyer returned with a fax. He handed it to Broderick. "Sarah has already retained a lawyer to file for divorce and requested asset preservation. She also sent over a property settlement agreement."
Broderick scanned the document quickly. "She wants me to walk away with nothing!"
The lawyer replied, "The current situation is not favorable for us..."
"I'll need to think it over," Broderick said, waving his hand. "You can go. I'll call if I need anything."
The lawyer had no choice but to leave.
Broderick remained in the living room, staring at the wedding photo of him and Sarah for a long time.
Love and Betrayal.
...
Outside the mansion, in the wooded area, Campos put down his binoculars and spoke to Carlos, who was coming back from overtime, "Keep watching. I'll take a nap and switch with you."
As dawn broke, nothing changed on this side.
After waking up, Campos texted Hawke.
...
At the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Hawke felt his phone vibrate and woke up to check.
Edward, in the outer room, also roused from his sleep and asked, "Boss, what's going on?"
"Nothing, go back to sleep," Hawke said as he threw on some clothes, grabbed his gun, and headed for the door.
In the adjacent room stayed Sarah Jessica Parker.
Everything seemed normal.
Returning, Hawke had lost his urge to sleep.
Edward emerged from the bathroom and asked, "Do you really think Broderick will go to extremes?"
"He's not mentally stable; the relationship with Sarah is too twisted," Hawke summarized. "He's willing to destroy his reputation to help Sarah tackle the plastic surgery scandal. When someone loves to such an extent, betrayal can easily result in extreme hatred."
Edward seemed to recall past events. "Yeah, it's easy to go to extremes."
Hawke could tell there was a story behind the Savior, but it wasn't the right time to ask. He added, "Broderick's not just a producer."
The film crew in Provo and the missing girl showed that Broderick wasn't lacking in the courage to break the law.
Worried that Broderick's courage wasn't enough, Hawke pushed him further.
Edward asked, "What if he hires a crew...?"
Hawke cut him off, saying, "Then we call the police; the biggest armed gang in Los Angeles will teach him a lesson."
...
Since he couldn't sleep, Hawke decided to call Caroline, who was also staying at the hotel.
After a few rings, Caroline picked up, sounding half-awake and groggy. "What?"
Hawke raised his voice, "Come over."
Woken up, Caroline, irritable, responded, "What time is it!"
"I have important work to discuss," Hawke casually replied.
He hung up after that and got ready, not waiting long before Caroline, bare-faced, knocked on his door.
Caroline grumbled, "I'm not your mule!"
"I know; you're my little sheep," Hawke retorted. "I have new ideas for Sarah's speech."
Reluctantly, Caroline grabbed a pen and notebook.
...
As daylight brightened, the three decided to head out for breakfast.
At 8 a.m., Hawke arrived at the hotel's press area and checked the setup.
Los Angeles Channel 9, responsible for the live broadcast, had already begun setting up the cameras.
Hawke exchanged a few words with Sarah before heading to the back lounge with his bag.
Edward had bought several copies of newly published newspapers.
Hawke quickly flipped through them; they prominently featured the news about Sarah Jessica Parker's domestic violence ordeal, with some even showing graphic photos from the victim as revealed by The Ace News.
The media uniformly criticized Broderick.
Pregnant Sarah Jessica Parker took a stand to protect herself and her child, fighting against domestic violence, which received widespread acclaim.
The media also strongly urged judicial authorities to punish the domestic violence perpetrators severely.
...
At that moment, two people entered: Caroline, ahead, introduced a middle-aged woman following her. "Hawke, this is the president of the Los Angeles FMF, Michelle. Michelle, this is Hawke Osment, founder of the West Coast Media Studio."
Michelle stepped forward to shake Hawke's hand. "Although it's our first meeting, this is our second collaboration."
Actually, it was their third; the first was when Erica shot Downey. Hawke didn't mention that, merely smiling, "I hope this goes as well as the last time."
Michelle continued, "At today's press conference, we will establish a national anti-domestic violence alliance with Sarah, who will serve as honorary chairperson."
Hawke replied, "This will be a great collaboration, one that will be noted in the history of the equal rights movement in this country."
Their quick chat concluded as the press conference began.
The live broadcast from Los Angeles Channel 9 also commenced.
...
Back in Sherman Oaks, Broderick hastily ate some food. Remembering the preview he saw last night, he located the remote, turned on the TV, and switched to LA Channel 9.
Then, he saw the wife he once loved but who had now betrayed him.
Sarah was passionately speaking, urging all women suffering from domestic abuse in the U.S. to bravely stand up, say no to domestic violence, and take up legal weapons to seek justice against their abusers.
Broderick maintained a calm demeanor as he slowly placed down the remote, lifting his hand to examine his palm. A once passionate love had turned into the most shameful betrayal!
He got up and walked toward the storage room, opening a cabinet. From a hidden compartment, he took out a gun box, pulled out a small Sig Sauer pistol, loaded it, and tucked it into his pocket.
Though he was no saint, facing the betrayal of his beloved stirred a righteous anger within him.
The depth of love, the pain in his heart, the intensity of his hatred.
Broderick climbed into his Mercedes and drove southeast toward Beverly Hills.
...
At that very moment, Campos used binoculars to confirm through the windshield that it was Broderick driving.
He grabbed his walkie-talkie, saying, "Target vehicle spotted, black Mercedes, southeast direction."
Nearby, Garcia, who had been on standby in another car, immediately started his engine and followed.
Campos packed away the binoculars and the walkie-talkie and ran toward the parked vehicle.
Carlos had already started the car and was waiting.
Campos hopped in and shouted, "Go!"
The Chevrolet turned onto the main road.
Campos pulled out his phone, dialing Hawke's number. "The target has left alone, heading southeast, possibly going to Beverly."
...
Hawke was distancing himself from the press area. "Keep following and confirm the destination."
On the other end replied, "Got it."
Hawke called Edward over to join him in another lounge room, where he removed his business jacket and opened another bag.
He donned a wide-brimmed hat and a baseball cap, threw on a sports jacket, and took his gun out for inspection.
Edward was mimicking his actions. "Boss, is he coming?"
"Very likely," Hawke replied, tucking his handgun into a shoulder holster and warning Edward, "Keep your concealed carry permit handy. If the LAPD shows up wanting to check, cooperate with them, understand?"
Edward knew well he belonged to the high-risk group with an emptied magazine and said, "I'll keep my hands up!"
In addition to the gun, Hawke also grabbed a canister of high-concentration pepper spray, shoving it into his pocket.
Edward did the same.
Once they were armed, Campos called again. "The target has entered Beverly Hills."
Hawke retrieved a backup Sony phone, connected his Bluetooth earpiece, and walked outside.
As he stepped out, he noticed a newspaper left at the door and casually took a copy with him.
In the press area, the press conference had reached the final question phase.
Hawke pointed, and Edward immediately entered the press area.
He then turned down the corridor, making his way to the hotel lobby.
Through Campos' phone, Hawke kept tabs on Broderick's movements.
It didn't take long before he confirmed that Broderick was headed to the Hilton Hotel.
Hawke still couldn't determine what Broderick intended to do and advised Campos, "Follow him, and unless I give instructions, don't act recklessly."
...
As the conference concluded, reporters exited one by one, rushing back to the office to file their stories.
Before long, Michelle and her team left as well.
Hawke pulled out another Nokia phone and called Miss Baa. "Have Sarah take a break before leaving."
Until the money was secured, Caroline's role remained compliant. "You tell me when to leave, and I'll take Sarah with me."
Hawke's earpiece crackled with Campos' voice again.
He stepped outside the hotel door and leaned against a column to watch the parking lot ahead.
A black Mercedes rolled into the parking lot, confirmed by the license plate as Broderick's car.
This vehicle parked where it had a clear view of the hotel entrance, but the occupant remained inside, seemingly on a phone call.
Soon after, Caroline's phone rang in, "Broderick just called Sarah, saying he is outside the Hilton Hotel, asking her to join him to go to the law firm and sign the divorce agreement. He said his love for her would never change and that he would give up all his assets."
Her voice dropped to a rush. "Sarah has stepped outside! I couldn't stop her; I could only follow."
At that, Hawke was taken aback. Has Broderick really sunk that low? What a super simp?
He found it hard to believe and said, "Stay a little farther from her."
Caroline added, "She called Edward to drive her."
Hawke turned back, waiting for a brief moment and saw Edward step outside. He subtly gestured.
Edward noticed and hurried down the steps to start the car.
Hawke carefully observed the positioning between the Mercedes and the hotel front, ensuring he chose the quickest route. He grabbed the newspaper and made his way to a bench, sitting down to scan it.
...
The black Mercedes's door swung open, and Broderick, wearing a cap, stepped out, one hand slipping into his coat pocket, clutching the small handgun nestled there, and walked toward the hotel entrance.
...
To avoid suspicion, Campos waited a moment before grabbing his briefcase and getting out of the car.
...
Inside the hotel lobby, Sarah was walking while dialing Brian to notify her lawyer of a possible significant breakthrough in the divorce case.
If they could reach a divorce agreement without court proceedings, she would save a fortune on legal fees.
Not to mention the chance to secure all the assets.
Sarah found it hard to refuse.
...
Carrying her Hermes bag, Caroline lagged behind, her high heels clicking on the floor, seemingly trying to catch up to Sarah but taking tiny steps instead, only distancing themselves further apart.
...
Edward had already moved to the car ahead, and as Sarah reached the door, she walked straight outside.
Broderick saw his wife, ever so familiar, and immediately quickened his pace, brushing past Hawke.
Hawke couldn't tell what Broderick planned to do and set down the newspaper to trail behind.
Broderick's gaze was solely on Sarah as he stepped onto the first step of the hotel and shouted, "Sarah Jessica Parker!"
Sarah turned around, spotting her husband and the gun he had drawn.
Instinctively, she raised both her hands, preparing to shield her head.
That's when Hawke had been waiting for. As Broderick pulled out his gun, he lunged forward, tackling Broderick to the ground.
He grasped Broderick's right arm, twisting it toward an empty spot.
A gunshot rang out, with the bullet striking the glass at the side of the Hilton Hotel entrance, scattering shards everywhere.
Screams and running filled the air.
Simultaneously, Hawke tackled Broderick down onto the steps.
He pressed down hard on Broderick's right hand that held the gun and grabbed the back of his head with his left hand. Without letting the squirming guy exert any energy, he slammed his knee into Broderick's abdomen with all his might.
The impact cracked Broderick's body as if an egg had shattered, causing him to collapse completely.
Before Broderick could utter a sound, Hawke tightened his grip with his left hand, yanked up Broderick's hair, and slammed his head down again.
With a bang, Broderick's entire face made contact with the marble floor.
Broderick's prominent nose crumpled upon impact.
This guy was filled with hatred for Sarah's betrayal, and even at this moment, still held tightly onto the gun.
Hawke took the risk to pay some debts owed.
His knee dug hard into Broderick's lower back, gripping his hair again, lifting up Broderick's head, and smashing it down again.
Another thud echoed, and Broderick's forehead, brow bone, and nose bled profusely.
Without any pause, Hawke lifted Broderick's head once more and noticed the edge of the step. He slammed it down again.
It was like LAPD clearing a magazine, never stopping!
Broderick's mouth collided with the step, losing half of his teeth.
Hawke yanked Broderick's head up again and smashed it against the steps.
Still, he forced Broderick's mouth to meet the stone, and from Broderick's gaping mouth spewed out over twenty teeth.
All the teeth in the front were gone!
Hawke kept hitting him, intending to turn this guy into a toothless calamari.
"Drop the gun!" Hawke demanded, still applying pressure to Broderick's hand. At this moment, it was hard for Broderick to let go. "Drop the gun! Quickly, drop it!"
Seeing that this bastard refused to comply, Hawke pulled out the concentrated pepper spray he carried, aiming it at Broderick's head, and sprayed it all over him.
This stuff hitting the open wounds made Broderick wail in agony as he lost grip on the gun.
Hawke swiftly kicked it out of reach.
On the ground, Broderick no longer resembled a human.
Several security personnel from the Hilton rushed over after seeing the gun fall.
Hawke commanded, "Control him and call the police."
"We've already called," the security officer pointed at Hawke's wide-brimmed glasses, "Your glasses are splattered with blood."
Hawke waved his hand, "It's fine."
...
He moved toward the hotel entrance, where fewer people were around, and a few stepped back instinctively.
After hanging up, Hawke stored his Bluetooth earpiece, dialed Erica's number. "I was shot at the entrance of the Beverly Hilton Hotel."
Breath grew rapid on the other end. "Are you okay?"
Hawke quickly replied, "I'm not hurt; I subdued the shooter."
Erica didn't say more. "I'll be there right away."
...
Not far off, Campos, who had followed, pulled something from his jacket and turned back.
He didn't need to stay here since the situation was resolved easily.
He acted as the eyes in the dark, without needing to reveal himself.
...
Hawke stepped over the shattered glass into the hotel entrance, seeing Sarah trembling. He gently patted her back. "It's okay now."
Miss Baa had seen the entire thing, her innocent eyes filled with what seemed like stars as they locked onto Hawke.
She was a bit scared, a bit excited, and also a bit in awe.
Fear stemmed from Hawke's earlier warnings that she wouldn't listen, otherwise she would be under target practice; now it was apparent that it wasn't a mere threat.
Her excitement and adoration came from her realization that this seemingly ordinary guy was extraordinarily powerful.
Sarah asked, her voice trembling, "Is he dead?"
"No, but he can't hurt you anymore," Hawke glanced at the dazed sheep, making sure to say, "He called you out, and when Caroline couldn't stop you, she called me. I worried he intended harm, so I waited right at the hotel, but I never expected..."
Caroline understood.
Sarah, irrespective of the blood on Hawke, embraced him tightly. "Thank you, thank you."
She turned to hug Caroline. "Without you guys, my life would surely be ruined, or even worse, I'd be dead."
...
Hilton Hotel executives began to arrive in droves.
Outside, the LAPD patrol car sirens blared as nearby patrol officers rushed to the scene.
The LAPD first secured the scene and briefly questioned everyone before looking for Hawke and Sarah in the hotel.
When Hawke saw the patrol car, he pulled out the upgraded card Suzy had given him.
The elder officer took a glance, then asked, "Sir, do you need medical assistance?"
"I'm fine," Hawke gestured to Sarah. "My client is shaken up."
More patrol officers arrived shortly thereafter.
The main desk contacted them, reminding the officers to secure the scene; the detective bureau had dispatched their team, and they would handle the case.
*****
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