Chapter 734: I am the villain!

The Hummer's chaotic rampage set off a chain reaction of collisions, turning the intersection into a chaotic scene of twisted metal and overturned vehicles.

In the midst of the chaos, Martin, feeling the constriction of the seatbelt around his neck, instinctively reached for his Glock pistol while Bruce, his eyes fixed on the menacing Hummer, urged him to take cover.

Aware of the danger, Martin swiftly lowered the passenger seat of the bulletproof Escalade and positioned himself out of sight.

Meanwhile, their bodyguard's voice crackled through the car phone, alerting them to the arrival of the police and the ongoing surveillance of the area for potential threats.

Martin and Bruce knew better than to believe this was a mere accident; their instincts told them otherwise.

Had Bruce not acted with such agility, the Hummer would have plowed directly into the side of their vehicle.

As the Hummer lay incapacitated, its roof flattened against the pavement, Bruce caught a glimpse of the deployed airbag, pinning its occupant in place.

Amidst the chaos of the surrounding traffic, a voice shouted frantically over the phone from the Prado: "Howard! Are you alive? Talk to me!"

Silence followed, eliciting frustration from the driver as he pounded the steering wheel in frustration, cursing Howard's incompetence.

Recently, Martin had become a source of irritation for Depp, but as loyal friends and beneficiaries of his support, they couldn't bear to see him suffer and thus took it upon themselves to ease his burdens.

Howard had orchestrated the operation, codenamed "Crash," with their assistance, all in gratitude for Depp's generosity.

As sirens wailed in the distance, the passenger in the Prado hung up the phone, pondering their next move.

"We need to get out of here and ditch this phone," his companion replied, urgency lacing his tone.

Martin's bodyguard swiftly alerted the LAPD, and within minutes, they descended upon the scene, taking charge of the situation.

Meanwhile, McClain's call reached Martin, who wasted no time in explaining the gravity of the situation. McClain, in turn, contacted Superintendent Claire, the seasoned officer tasked with overseeing the unfolding events.

Recognizing the importance of the intersection's public surveillance, LAPD technicians were promptly dispatched to retrieve crucial footage.

Superintendent Claire's deputy, keenly aware of the significance of the moment, diligently documented the scene for Martin and Bruce, ensuring nothing escaped their attention. Retrieving the footage from the vehicle's recorder, they aimed to unravel the sequence of events.

As the LAPD maintained control of the scene, Superintendent Claire approached Martin, her demeanor professional yet reassuring. "We'll conduct a thorough investigation and provide Mr. Davis with answers," she assured him.

Martin, his suspicion growing, pressed further. "I believe this was no ordinary accident. The Hummer targeted me directly. What's the status of the suspect?"

Claire, her voice hushed, disclosed, "Preliminary examination suggests he's not severely injured, but signs of drug influence are apparent. If you're up for it, perhaps you could identify him."

Accompanied by Claire, Martin and Bruce examined the surveillance footage in the ambulance, their eyes falling upon a tattooed figure sprawled inside.

A flicker of recognition crossed Martin's face as he studied the man. Bruce, too, recalled their encounters, whispering, "I've crossed paths with him twice."

Curiosity piqued, Martin queried, "Where have we seen him?"

Bruce recounted, "During the filming of 'The Martian,' he was with Depp's entourage in Death Valley National Park. Later, I spotted him alongside Depp again, apparently a close associate."

Claire's deputy diligently recorded this vital information, understanding its significance.

Prompted by Bruce's revelation, Martin's memory stirred. This man had been present when Depp sparked controversy on the set of "The Martian."

"Superintendent Claire, I suspect foul play," Martin declared, his tone grave. "This appears to be a deliberate hit orchestrated by someone else."

Claire's expression mirrored Martin's seriousness. It was evident that this incident transcended a mere accident, stirring echoes of something far more sinister.

As a longstanding ally of the LAPD and a significant benefactor, Martin's involvement in such a public altercation was not to be taken lightly.

Martin's status as a friend of the LAPD and an esteemed citizen of Los Angeles was widely acknowledged.

Claire offered her assurance: "Rest assured, Mr. Davis, the LAPD will leave no stone unturned in this investigation."

Bruce reiterated the importance of the Prado once more.

Before departing, the LAPD intercepted the Prado, detaining its occupants temporarily.

As Bruce examined the transmitted images, he recognized the duo as followers of Johnny Depp.

While the LAPD continued their inquiry into the accident, Martin's convictions were already clear.

Initially, freelance reporters swarmed the scene, but upon learning Martin's involvement, a frenzy of media descended, eager for a story.

Had it not been for the LAPD's swift action, the chaos could have escalated with intrusive cameras thrust in Martin's face.

As Martin emerged, shielded by Bruce and law enforcement, the barrage of questions ensued.

"How did this happen, Martin? Are you being targeted?"

"Are you hurt?"

"Is this retribution?"

But Martin remained silent, refusing to engage in the speculative frenzy.

While his personal convictions simmered, he understood the delicate dance of public perception.

Besides, what good would it do to publicly accuse Johnny Depp?

The Hummer's trajectory, aimed directly at the Escalade, spoke for it self.

Martin understood the ramifications all too well.

Words alone wouldn't suffice.

A replacement vehicle arrived, and Martin and Bruce departed for Beverly Hills, escorted by police.

Gazing into the rearview mirror, Martin reflected, "Depp may not be directly responsible, but his influence is undeniable. These actions are a testament to that."

Bruce concurred, "Without Depp's sway, this madness wouldn't ensue."

Martin fell silent, plotting his next move carefully.

As the car pulled into Davis Manor and came to a stop at Fountain Square, Lily and Elizabeth rushed to Martin's side, relief evident in their eyes at his safety.

"I'm alright," Martin assured them, casting a grateful glance at Bruce. "Once again, my brother has come through for me."

Lily's disbelief manifested in her tactile reassurance, her hands scanning Martin's body for any hint of injury.

Elizabeth, her concern palpable, addressed Bruce with heartfelt sincerity. "Bruce, no words can express our gratitude adequately. Your friendship with Martin goes beyond mere friendship. You're family to us."

Bruce's smile conveyed volumes, silently acknowledging their bond forged through trials of life and death.

Martin, feeling the pinch of Lily's inspection, winced, his warrior spirit roused. "Watch where you're poking, Lily! I'm unscathed! But your prodding hurts!"

Elizabeth, exasperated, rolled her eyes, but Lily persisted, ushering Martin towards the villa. "Enough talk, Martin. Let me examine you thoroughly. It's for your own good."

Anticipating the inevitable, Elizabeth trailed behind, unwilling to endure any unnecessary folly.

In the aftermath of such incidents, a semblance of normalcy offered solace amidst uncertainty.

Bruce, ever the strategist, busied himself with calls, laying the groundwork for what lay ahead.

Martin's phone buzzed incessantly, inquiries flooding in from concerned parties.

Responding on the fly, Martin juggled messages while freshening up before dinner.

As they convened in the kitchen, Martin instructed the housekeeper to deliver part of the meal upstairs, prompting discussions with Bruce on next steps.

Bruce relayed Superintendent Claire's findings. "The perpetrator, Howard Butt, a known associate of Depp's, confessed to the planned attack. He and two others utilized paparazzi, tailing us on our daily commute. Howard tested positive for drugs."

Martin pondered, "Was he acting on Depp's orders?"

"He claims it was personal, not orchestrated by Depp," Bruce explained, taking a sip of water. "They intended to teach you a lesson, citing your perceived troubles for Depp."

Martin mused, "A twisted form of loyalty. Yet somehow, we're casted as the villains."

Bruce shrugged, "Depp's loyalty runs deep, as does theirs. It's a skewed sense of justice."

"So, I'm the villain in their story," Martin concluded wryly.