Chapter 42: Pent-up Anger

In the early morning, Martin left the Clayton community and drove to the parking lot near Highway 265. He didn't have to wait long before Buckley arrived.

Both cars pulled up simultaneously, and Buckley handed over a bag to Martin, saying, "Everything's in there."

Martin opened the bag, verifying that the recorder, camera, press pass, and interview pass were all present. He extracted an envelope and placed it in Buckley's hand.

Buckley swiftly counted the contents and smiled with satisfaction.

Martin assured him, saying, "Wait for my call."

"It's fine, no need to worry," Buckley responded, his unease surfacing. He added cautiously, "You won't be doing anything illegal, right?"

Martin replied, "I'm a civilized person; I'm only using you to attend the Methodist Church press conference on behalf of the newspaper."

Buckley nodded, got back in his car, and drove off. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Martin, on the other hand, headed to the club, entering the backstage dressing room to retrieve his prepared cosmetics.

Bruce walked in, questioning, "Why not let that reporter handle it?"

Martin, busy with his makeup bag, replied, "Even if you give him money, he might not ask questions in a way that would truly infuriate someone."

Bruce expressed, "I have a feeling, man, that our partnership won't last long."

Martin shot back, "A civilized person who's faced British mortar shells is worried about a guy whose brothers aren't easy to deal with?"

Bruce quipped, "I'm afraid you'll blow up the whole world!"

Observing Martin's skilled makeup application, Bruce asked, "You know how to do this?"

Martin shrugged, "I used to be an actor, and Jack Davis..."

Bruce interjected, "I know, Jack Davis is the most versatile man in the United States, and you're his offspring."

Martin snapped his fingers, teasing, "Congratulations, civilized man, you've mastered a new skill: answering questions!"

Makeup was one of the few talents Martin had acquired during his years as an actor in his previous life.

After completing his makeup, Martin donned a wig, brown glasses, and an old-fashioned suit, transforming into a conservative middle-aged man. To the unfamiliar eye, he was nearly unrecognizable.

This disguise was meticulously prepared by Martin, embracing a conservative style.

Both men hopped into the Ford, and Bruce drove towards the training center. He warned, "Be cautious; don't get beaten to a pulp on the spot. Your brains might spill out, and the world will discover you're brainless."

Martin, holding his reporter's credentials, retorted, "I'm a reporter now."

They parked near the training center, and Martin exited the car. He raised his camera and took photos of the crowd gathered at the Beast House.

Upon reaching the entrance, Martin blended in with the other reporters, presenting his press card and interview pass to gain access to the training center.

Martin spotted a few familiar faces, including the female TV reporter who had interviewed him at the Hulk Mansion and the male reporter from the Constitution. As a precaution, he kept his distance.

The press conference unfolded in the training center's lobby, with Ms. Jennifer overseeing the volunteers setting up the venue.

Elena took charge of labeling the chairs with the names of the media attending the press conference. She placed the "Star News" sign in the front row.

Jennifer announced, "There will be a Q&A session with the news media. Microphones will be passed to the reporters asking questions, one on each side."

Elena promptly volunteered, saying, "Ma'am."

Jennifer recalled Elena's coverage of the Hulk Mansion and nodded, assigning her the left side.

Meanwhile, on the other side, media reporters from Atlanta and Georgia, including Martin, prepared to enter the press conference.

Two staff members from the training center distributed lunch coupons that could be used at nearby high-end restaurants, making their intentions clear.

Martin tucked the coupon into his pocket, mingled with the dozens of reporters, and secured a seat in the front row.

The press conference began, hosted by Jennifer, and a representative from a family that participated in the training expressed gratitude to the Methodist Association. An Atlanta City Council member praised their work.

When it was time for questions, Jennifer called on a reporter from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta's largest-selling local newspaper. The Constitution reporter asked standard questions, and Milton answered effortlessly.

Jennifer scanned the dozens of reporters, including those in the first two rows. She noticed a middle-aged male reporter with an old-fashioned, conservative appearance and demeanor, Martin. Jennifer pointed at him and said, "The reporter in the gray suit."

Elena handed the microphone to Martin, trying to appear natural.

Martin accepted the microphone and began, "Mr. Milton, you're a legend in Atlanta. Your ideas have illuminated the land of Georgia."

These words momentarily eased the tension in Milton's demeanor, and a faint smile graced his conservative face.

However, Martin's next question cut straight to the heart: "Have your two ex-wives' affairs been a result of your inadequacy?" He continued swiftly, "I interviewed Jessica and Lina, and they claimed your incompetence led to their infidelity. They couldn't find satisfaction with you but couldn't divorce, so they resorted to having affairs in your bedroom, beneath your wedding photos. Is that how other men came into the picture?"

Martin's line of questioning blatantly pointed to Milton's incompetence, linking it to his conservative views. Under normal circumstances, Milton's experience would have allowed him to handle these sharp inquiries with composure. However, the recent provocations from the Beast House had worn away his emotional resilience.

The public humiliation of his Third wife Eliza's supposed "affair" had added to his distress. The news had spread widely, and even the neighbors in his community viewed him with strange glances.

Milton's patience had reached its limit. Jennifer gestured to the staff to take away Martin's microphone.

"Your time for questions is up," Elena said, rushing forward to retrieve the microphone from Martin. She appeared to struggle, blocking the two male staff members.

In recent days, Milton's healed emotional wounds had been repeatedly opened. Now, they were torn open once more.

Martin released his grip on the microphone, allowing Elena to take it. While it was a bit late, Jennifer was relieved to see Elena regain control.

With the press conference disrupted, reporters had already gathered enough impactful information, making further questions irrelevant. Jennifer declared the press conference's end with just two words.

Reporters rushed out, some making phone calls as they walked to secure newspaper space and news broadcast time.

Two male staff members accompanied Martin as he exited, though their presence was largely symbolic given the large crowd of reporters.

Outside the training center gate, Martin quickened his pace and headed toward the nearby parking lot.

Bruce, waiting by the Ford, greeted him with mild disappointment, "You made it out without getting beaten to a pulp."

Martin got into the car and replied, "I'm a civilized person, only engaging in civilized activities. They escorted me out politely."

Bruce started the car and asked, "Where to now?"

Martin removed his wig and stashed it away, saying, "Back to the club to remove this makeup."

Upon returning to the club, Martin removed his makeup and packed up his things. The meal coupon remained, so he handed it to Bruce, saying, "A high-end buffet restaurant; bring a companion."

Bruce snatched the coupon and joked, "I must say, I truly admire your audacity. You made the most of this situation."

Martin admitted, "I regret it now and want to take it back."

With the coupon in his pocket, Bruce pulled back his coat to reveal the gun bag, asking, "Are you sure?"

A civilized concession emerged from Martin, "My treat."

The two left the club, heading towards Route 265. In the parking lot near the Star Newspaper, Barkley awaited Martin's return.

Martin returned the materials to Barkley and said, "I've got some major news for you. Listen up."

Barkley switched on the recorder's speaker and listened closely. Bruce also paid attention, stealing glances at Martin. Indeed, this guy's mind was full of audacious ideas!

"Okay, okay, this is massive news!" Barkley exclaimed, clearly excited. "It's a shame it's not an exclusive."

Many story ideas immediately formed in Barkley's mind. "This will ignite a new round of fierce public opinion battles, the most intense kind!"

Martin asked, "Based on your industry experience, where do you think public opinion will focus?"

Barkley promptly responded, "Certainly on freedom and men's rights. This topic is bound to generate intense discussions."

"Thank you, Mr. Barkley," Martin said, preparing to leave. "I hope you win a Pulitzer Prize soon."

Barkley returned to his car and hurried back to the newspaper office to begin writing. There would be plenty of material for news reports, and he would spend hours crafting stories.

That night, Milton's words made headlines on television news, sparking controversy. Given the circumstances, it was nearly impossible not to incite strong reactions.

Print media buzzed with debates between liberal and conservative outlets. Milton, in the center of the storm, not only refrained from self-censorship but also penned a sharper column reiterating his views.

Public opinion in Atlanta reached a boiling point. The conservative roots in Georgia had a long history, and they seized this opportunity to fan the flames of public discourse, attracting media attention to their side.

With the Atlanta council elections approaching, garnering sufficient public attention was crucial.