[Chapter 588: Who Could Resist?]
February had brought the excitement of awards season in Hollywood, with the Producers Guild, Directors Guild, and Actors Guild all holding their ceremonies. The Independent Spirit Awards and BAFTA were also happening in succession, and the entertainment industry was bustling!
But in Los Angeles, a dramatic gunfight erupted in front of an American bank on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood, sending shockwaves throughout the nation:
Two heavily armed bank robbers -- Larry Eugene Phillips Jr. and Emil Dekbali Matasalino, both donned in Kevlar vests -- opened fire with modified AK-47s against the patrolmen and SWAT teams of the Los Angeles Police Department.
The fierce battle unfolded at the bank entrance, pitting the two robbers against around 370 police officers, culminating in their deaths.
During the gunfight, 14 individuals were injured, including two civilians, as more than 2,000 rounds were fired over 44 minutes!
Many ordinary folks thought it was just another Hollywood movie shooting...
...
Seeing AK-47s blazing on the streets made for explosive news; even Governor Pete Wilson was closely monitoring the bank robbery situation.
"Arthur, is this a real-life reenactment of that movie Heat that hit theaters two years ago?" Pete Wilson called Arthur's office to inquire.
The film Heat, featuring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, had been a tense crime action movie that showcased a bank heist with gunfire in Los Angeles.
"Pete, it's just an unfortunate accident," Arthur replied, concerned that this might lead the MPAA to apply pressure and raise ratings on film violence. "Besides the two robbers, a police officer and a civilian died, right?"
Arthur pointed out, finding it baffling that the two robbers could empty thousands of rounds without any fatalities on their side.
As more and more police officers were summoned to the scene, there was no way the robbers could escape. Officers from the LA Police Department, the LA County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Airport Police, Burbank Police, and campus safety also joined the firefight.
After hanging up, Arthur pondered if those two guys were too obsessed with the film Heat. Warner Bros. must have been unsure whether to laugh or cry over the situation.
Before long, Liv Tyler arrived at Arthur's office and immediately sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. "What's up? How did Armageddon come to have me in the role?"
Arthur playfully rubbed her arms. "It's a 100-million-dollar disaster blockbuster. You're perfect to play the lead's daughter; you're beautiful, so what's not to like?"
"What about the lead?" Liv inquired as she snuggled closer.
"We're in talks with either Kevin Costner or Bruce Willis to see who's available." Arthur had more faith in Bruce, given Kevin's disastrous experience with Waterworld.
"I read the script, and Michael Bay really knew how to create massive scenes," Liv, a rising star in Hollywood, recognized Michael Bay's keen eye.
Arthur could not resist kissing her, his hand brushed over her chest. "This commercial blockbuster could significantly boost your visibility. The male lead will be a British newcomer."
Indeed, for the male supporting role, Arthur had chosen Jude Law over any American actors. Michael Bay had seen Liv in Stealing Beauty and thought she was a great fit, and Arthur didn't object.
"Yeah, I can't pass up this opportunity," Liv said, promptly leaning in to kiss Arthur's neck.
"I recently came to LA, and the Beverly Hills villa you sent is fantastic. Call me sometime, and we should go on a date." Liv Tyler said, while she slipped off Arthur's belt.
Arthur's hand slid into her lingerie, feeling her butt. "Hmm, it seems like you've grown; you're so sexy, I can't resist."
"Do you like it?" Liv playfully nibbled on Arthur's ear, "I've grown up, and my body has developed."
Before long, Liv bent before Arthur and leaned on his lap.
"Phew," Arthur exhaled, bending forward, his hands running through her hair.
He couldn't help but sigh, "Who could possibly resist a temptress like you?"
*****
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