Chapter 228: News of the World

As Martin exited the Lincoln Memorial, his cell phone chimed with a text message alert. He retrieved his phone and read the message from Lily.

"Another reporter approached me, digging for dirt on you. Claims to be from 'News of the World'. You owe me, or I'll spill everything, like with Elena..."

Martin responded via text: "I'm aware."

Bruce, who was nearby and also holding his phone, inquired, "Ivan mentioned a reporter who's been asking around the club, trying to uncover a scandal related to you, like murder and arson."

"I got the message too." Martin shook his phone with a sigh. "Why do people always try to tarnish their heroes?"

He then inquired, "Which newspaper? Who's the reporter?"

Bruce replied, "Ivan's sources mentioned 'News of the World'."

The name struck a chord with Martin, bringing back vague memories. It seemed that the latter had a reputation for employing unscrupulous methods to gather news.

After pondering for a moment, Martin asked, "Which newspaper is that exactly?"

Bruce, having some knowledge on the subject, clarified, "It's the weekend edition of 'The Sun.' You should know that 'The Sun' is notorious for prying into private matters and setting a low ethical bar."

Martin nodded, concerned. "Instruct those two to be vigilant for any tails following them."

Bruce chimed in professionally, "With you receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom soon, your fame and influence will only grow. If you happen to stumble now, the news impact will be enormous."

Suddenly, Martin halted in his tracks and expressed his unease. "Something doesn't feel right." He turned around and decided, "Let's head back to the hotel."

Bruce inquired, "Is someone causing trouble for you again?"

Martin, not thrilled with Bruce's choice of words, replied, "Can you use a more polite term?" Nevertheless, his concerns were different from Bruce's assumptions.

The names "Sun" and "News of the World" swirled in Martin's mind, stirring vague recollections. It seemed that the latter was known for employing unethical means to obtain news.

The two of them entered their car, and Martin conveyed some instructions to Bruce.

Upon returning to their hotel room on the 12th floor, Bruce retrieved his special infrared sensor and meticulously inspected all the rooms. "For now, everything seems fine," he reported.

Martin, however, remained cautious. "Don't let your guard down. Remember Atlanta."

Bruce proceeded to unpack his laptop, stashed it away in a discreet location, and positioned two small cameras to cover the living room from different angles. He concealed them expertly, making them almost indiscernible.

With these precautions in place, Martin felt safer once more.

...

In the hotel lobby, Alex, White, and Albert had just completed the check-in process and took the elevator to the 11th floor together.

Having dealt with matters here before, they were familiar with the hotel's layout. Upon exiting the elevator, they inspected the safety corridor before entering their room.

"Chief, Martin Davis is staying on the 12th floor," White reported with details. "There's a male entourage in Suite 1206."

Alex examined the time and instructed, "Make a call, have someone come to us."

White made the call, and shortly afterward, there was a knock on the door. A hotel staff member entered the room.

"Hey, Wolf," Alex greeted him with a handshake. "Big business once more."

Wolf had cooperated with them on previous occasions and inquired, "Who's your target this time?" He then speculated, "Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom?"

Alex confirmed, "What, scared? Don't worry, it's not Greenspan; it's Hollywood star Martin Davis."

Wolf relaxed. "Not today; he returned over two hours ago and hasn't left since."

White probed further, "Is he meeting someone?"

Wolf responded, "No." He provided additional information: "I heard from the lobby manager that he exchanged contact information with Kate, a female reporter from the Washington News. You must have heard about her. However, she's known to be quite promiscuous."

Understanding the implication, Alex grinned. "Excellent! If Kate heads up to the 12th floor, notify us immediately." He emphasized, "Wolf, the reward this time won't be less than the last. Find a way for us to gain access to Martin's room."

Wolf explained, "It's difficult today; he probably won't leave. Tomorrow morning might be better. Martin is scheduled to attend the Independence Day celebration at the White House. The hotel's focus will be on Independence Day activities, and previous medal recipients tend to make extraordinary appearances when they return."

Alex agreed, "Keep us informed if anything changes."

Wolf departed promptly.

Alex turned to White and Albert, discussing their strategy further. "We have professional ethics; we can't fabricate news out of thin air. This place has plenty of high-end escorts, right? Get in touch with an agency and have them prepare a top-notch service. If Martin and Kate don't give us any material, we'll create our own sensational news."

White and Albert had no qualms with this approach. They were from the News of the World, and creativity was their specialty.

...

July 4th, American Independence Day.

On this day, various celebrations took place in Washington, with the most prominent being the Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn of the White House.

At 8:30 in the morning, the four Carter siblings finished breakfast and gathered in the living room of their new home, eagerly awaiting the live broadcast of the celebration.

Meanwhile, in another nearby community, Justin, though on vacation, remained dedicated to his work. He contacted the Washington branch, instructing them to prepare the appropriate beverages and gifts. After the medal ceremony, someone would be sent to escort Martin back to his hotel room.

Business promotion and marketing continued unabated.

Thousands of individuals were seated orderly on the South Lawn of the White House, as per tradition, where the White House invited many representatives from various sectors and military families to partake in the celebration.

Martin was seated in the second row at the celebration. Sharing his table were Ali, his daughter, and several unnamed sports stars, likely from the golf or rugby industries.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly George W. Bush's speech, which invariably revolved around Iraq, urging all Americans to remain resolute in the war there.

Following the speech came the commendations.

A reminder prompted Martin to join others near the podium.

Soon, it was his turn to step onto the stage.

"Martin Davis, a courageous 24-year-old who directly saved 16 lives at Burbank Middle School and indirectly protected dozens more," the speaker announced.

Glancing towards the stage, Martin made eye contact with the audience and approached the microphone.

"Martin displayed exceptional bravery and valor when confronting a horrifying massacre," he declared, invoking a round of applause. "His actions remind us of the morality and responsibility we bear when confronted with all forms of evil," he continued, leading the applause. "Martin Davis truly deserves the honor bestowed upon him today."

The South Lawn echoed with thunderous applause.

Martin ascended the stage, greeted the audience, and stood tall with a solemn expression.

The speaker, Bush, retrieved a white enamel five-pointed star-shaped medal from an etiquette officer's tray and draped it around Martin's neck from behind.

Having been awarded the medal for his actions during the tragedy, Martin kept his speech brief and solemn: "May the departed rest in peace, may evil be banished from the world, and may God bless America." The crowd erupted into applause once more.

Approaching Martin, Bush shook his hand and remarked, "Seeing you reminds me of my own fearless youth."

Martin, taking the opportunity, replied with a touch of flattery, "Mr. President, I heard you had a distinguished military career when you were young."

Bush chuckled, "I did indeed rise to the rank of lieutenant through meritorious service."

The two stood side by side, allowing the media reporters in the audience to capture the moment with photographs.

In Atlanta, in the Carter family's new home, Lily watched the live TV broadcast and couldn't help but comment, "Why do I find Martin even more handsome now?"

Harris, reflecting the views of many young Americans, disparaged the figure beside Martin, saying, "Because he's standing next to a pig."

Hall muttered quietly, "He's really good at pretending."

Elena gave a subtle glance at her siblings, and they all fell silent.

Martin stepped down from the stage and returned to his seat in the second row.

...

On the twelfth floor of the Hilton Hotel, under Wolf's coordination, White and Albert pushed a service cart and entered the corridor from the freight elevator.

During the daytime, the hotel was eerily quiet, with only the echo of their footsteps breaking the silence.

The two men halted outside Room 1206 and surveyed their surroundings, finding no one in sight. White retrieved a room key card and swiped it, gaining access to the room.

All their actions were closely observed by someone behind the peephole diagonally across the corridor.

Once inside, White locked the door behind him, removed a miniature camera concealed on the cart, and proceeded to alter the room's decor.

Albert leaned against the door and kept an eye on what was happening outside through the peephole.

After sprucing up the living room, White moved to the master bedroom, all the while urging Albert, "Don't worry, the celebration won't end so soon. The Chief is in the hotel lobby. They'll notify us once they return."

Albert was growing impatient. "Hurry it up."

White chuckled, "This time, I've got a breaking news story, and the bonus will be significant. Where do you plan to cool off?"

Albert's eyes lit up as he responded, "Las Vegas!"

White had something unique in mind. "I'm thinking of Tijuana; I've heard their custom street is quite special."

Being accustomed to such operations, White worked swiftly to complete the task.

Albert urged him again, "Let's go, let's go!"

The two of them removed any trace of their presence, exited the room, and made their way toward the freight elevator.

As they entered the elevator, a person in the corner surreptitiously noted the floor at which the elevator stopped and subsequently dialed a number, saying, "Floor 11."

Albert and White discreetly returned to their own room, where they had checked in earlier, and contacted Alex.

Not long after, Alex arrived from downstairs and inquired, "Is it done?"

White nodded in confirmation. "It's done."

Alex opened his laptop, clicked a few times on the desktop, and displayed the suite room upstairs. He nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Let's wait and see. If there's no news, we'll help create it."

Albert mused, "Today marks the peak of Martin Davis's life, and he's about to plummet to the lowest point. I wonder how he'll feel."

The three of them shared a collective laugh.

Alex pointed to the trailer and the clothing they had changed into. "I'll have Wolfe retrieve those later."

...

Approaching eleven o'clock, the White House's Independence Day celebration concluded, and attendees began to disperse.

Martin joined Bruce and waited for Jonathan to arrive in his car.

Bruce whispered, "I just received word from the hotel that someone posing as a waiter entered our room on the twelfth floor."

He relayed the information rapidly, saying, "I can confirm there are three of them, and Murphy is on the same floor. We've secured a new room, and we're keeping a close watch on them."

Martin nodded, contemplating their next steps.

When Jonathan arrived, he requested that Martin and Bruce get into the car.

However, Martin didn't follow suit. Instead, he approached the driver's seat and revealed, "John, I've encountered a situation that could be quite complicated."

Jonathan acknowledged, "I'm just a White House staff member; my influence is limited."

Martin, using a bit of exaggeration, began, "With the President of the White House potentially being implicated, or the nation's reputation at stake, things could get serious." He continued, weaving his tale, "The three gunmen at Burbank High School were Russian. One of them was the grandson of a prominent Russian gang leader, and the LAPD became involved after the shootout. Subsequently, Russian forces were swept through Los Angeles, gathering critical information from them.

That grandfather is now seeking vengeance against me because his grandson, the gunman I dispatched with a soda can, succumbed to his severe injuries." Though Jonathan's expression remained impassive, he attentively listened to Martin's narrative.

Martin pressed on, "I'm concerned that, if the Russians plan to retaliate against me, they might resort to explosives or firearms. Those 'polar bears,' as they're known, can be quite reckless. If they're involved, the consequences could be catastrophic." Jonathan, feeling the gravity of the situation, inquired once more, "Are you sure?" Martin reiterated, "Absolutely! I'm worried right now that if the Russians seek revenge, they might resort to explosives or firearms. Those 'polar bears' can be unpredictable. If they're involved, the consequences could be dire."

"I'd like to report this to my superiors; please wait a moment," Jonathan said, then picked up the walkie-talkie.

A few minutes later, he led Martin and Bruce into an office. A tall middle-aged man introduced himself as Brian, the Senior Director of the White House Secret Service, and extended a hand to Martin. They shook hands, and Brian stated, "Hello." A female staff member approached him, and Brian followed her. Their conversation was hushed as they spoke in private. Brian soon returned to Martin, a realization of the gravity of the situation dawning on him. Martin Davis had recently received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and his potential demise at the hands of Russians would be a significant blow to America's image.

Another explosion or shooting incident in Washington on Independence Day would be disastrous. Brian approached Martin once more, inquiring, "Can your bodyguards pinpoint their location?" Martin replied, "They're on the eleventh floor." Brian reported this information to his superiors again, and the White House escalated its response. President Bush personally contacted the FBI.

An elite team swiftly mobilized and reached the vicinity of the Hilton Hotel. Senior hotel staff had also been alerted to the situation. ... It was nearly noon, and Alex had arranged for a meal from the hotel. As a professional reporter, he understood the importance of staying on top of the news for extended periods. Before long, there was a knock on the door, with a voice announcing, "Sir, your lunch has arrived." White approached the door, glanced through the peephole, spotted the waiter with a dining cart, and opened the door.

The waiter abruptly turned and fled. A stun grenade flew past White, detonating inside the room. As the world spun around him, White tumbled to the floor. He vaguely sensed many people stepping over him, rushing into the room. White was in agony and attempted to speak, but before he could utter a word, a heavy leather boot struck his face, knocking his prominent nose to one side.

Alex and Albert cried out in surprise. Alex, struck on the head with a shotgun butt, had blood streaming down his face. Albert found himself pinned to the floor, a massive knee pressed against his neck. "Don't move!" the shouts rang out. "FBI!"