Chapter 229: Identifying Spies

On the hotel's twelfth floor, Martin and Bruce disembarked from the elevator. Neves, the FBI director awaiting them, approached to shake Martin's hand.

"The other party placed certain key items in your room," Neves informed Martin, "We need to enter your room." Martin had prepared for this and replied, "Certainly, but my manager and I will accompany you throughout the process."

Bruce and Martin shared an unspoken understanding and added, "Due to potential Russian threats, I implemented some basic security measures in the room, which may have been captured on camera."

Neves nodded at Bruce and said, "Please lead the way."

As they walked, Martin inquired, "What's happening? Are the Russians genuinely planning an attack on me?"

Neves struggled to find words initially.

His team swiftly entered, using a stun grenade to subdue three suspects in a brutal manner, revealing press credentials from the News of the World in the process.

Through FBI channels, they promptly confirmed that the three individuals were indeed a News of the World-affiliated expatriate news team.

"Could you share some information if it doesn't involve national secrets?" Martin tapped his chest, where the Presidential Medal of Freedom hung. "I'm a presidential medal recipients, and my life is on the line. You must provide me with some details. I'm well-prepared."

Neves quickly regained composure and explained, "Don't worry; they aren't Russians. They are three reporters from the News of the World. They bribed two hotel employees and attempted to install a listening device and secret cameras in your room."

Martin's face reflected shock. "Good Lord! They're absolutely audacious!" He reacted accordingly, "I need to call my lawyer and agent. I'm going to sue this newspaper into oblivion!"

He then added with relief, "Thankfully, they weren't Russian."

Neves smiled, "We're fortunate." He reassured Martin, "Don't worry; we'll handle it. When we reach the door..."

Martin retrieved his room card, but Bruce took it and swiped it to open the door. Martin gestured, "Please, come in."

Neves entered the suite along with several FBI agents.

Bruce located the notebook and camera he had installed earlier, placed them on the coffee table, and pressed the play button.

Neves observed Martin and remarked, "You're quite cautious."

Martin smiled wryly, "I was quite bold initially. During the Burbank Middle School incident, I faced life and death. Looking back now, it's still chilling, and it feels like my courage diminishes with time."

Neves agreed, "It's the same for many. These type of experience can often leads to caution."

Bruce swiftly played the video, revealing two waiters entering the room.

Neves gestured for his men to investigate and asked Martin, "May we make a copy of this video?"

Martin consented, "Certainly."

Bruce proceeded to copy the video.

FBI agents discovered three sets of filming and eavesdropping equipment in the living room, master bedroom, and bathroom.

Martin's expression soured, but he remained deep in thought.

Neves received a call and returned to inform Martin, "Mr. Davis, for the time being, we shouldn't let this news spread too widely. We'll control it within certain limits. That's what the White House advises." He added that the Chief of Staff had made a special call regarding this matter.

Martin recalled the bugging incident and sought clarification. "I can cooperate, but I need explanations from the hotel, the newspaper, and others."

He nodded toward the Presidential Medal of Freedom, emphasizing its significance. "When I accepted this award from the White House, someone attempted to secretly photograph and eavesdrop on me. Their intentions were clear: to discredit me. What I accepted was an award from the President himself!"

Neves assured him, "Within the day, you'll receive explanations."

Martin settled onto the sofa. "I'll wait."

In the meantime, he reached out to WMA and Coca-Cola. Although he didn't delve into specifics, both parties pledged to send specialized personnel.

Coca-Cola, in particular, had an event prepared in Washington that had been disrupted by this incident. They were actively liaising with the relevant authorities.

...

In New York, a business plane hastily took off, bound for Washington, D.C. Onboard were Mockridge, the North American editor of the News of the World, and Tom, a lawyer who had rushed over, along with the flight crew.

"The latest information I received..." Mockridge began explaining the details of the incident.

Tom contemplated the situation and offered three potential approaches, "First, deny that these individuals are News employees, or claim they were acting as rogue temporary workers."

Mockridge considered these options but proposed another course of action, "This case isn't solely about Martin Davis; it implicates the White House, as President Bush recently awarded him a medal... We can ridicule him in the newspaper, but in real negotiations, even pigs have their pride."

Tom chimed in, "Let's also pursue legal avenues. With the News Corporation behind us, we can drag him through the courts."

Mockridge nodded and decided, "Here are two points: first, emphasize that these three individuals are freelance news informants and reach a settlement with Martin Davis as quickly as possible."

With the decision made by their employer, Tom, the lawyer, had no objections.

Mockridge retrieved his cellphone and placed a call to Washington.

Inside the White House, after receiving feedback on the situation, President Bush delegated the handling of this minor issue to the staff below.

The Chief of Staff approached Cohen, the staff member overseeing the situation, and succinctly conveyed, "The President requires media support."

Cohen replied, "I understand."

The Chief of Staff added, "The President is quite displeased by this action."

Cohen assured him, "I will work on facilitating a resolution between the parties as swiftly as possible."

The Chief of Staff also noted, "The News of the World team is en route. While you're at it, visit the Hilton Hotel." He reiterated, "Coca-Cola's representatives have arrived at the Hilton Hotel, and they've also been in contact with me." Cohen was well aware that Martin Davis was not to be underestimated, and he had a significant support network behind him.

If Martin were to be disgraced by the News of the World, it could lead to repercussions, even causing Coca-Cola to sever ties with him.

However, the current situation was that Martin was gaining momentum.

...

At the Hilton Hotel, the hotel manager, Brown, who was of Asian descent, entered Martin's suite.

Martin glanced at him as Brown introduced himself and said, "Mr. Davis, the hotel deeply regrets the inconvenience you've experienced. I offer my sincerest apologies on behalf of the Hilton Hotel."

Brown executed a standard ninety-degree bow.

Martin immediately recognized this as either a formality or a ploy.

Brown straightened up and repeated the gesture, saying, "Please forgive me, Mr. Davis."

Martin remained silent.

Brown stood there, hunched over, seemingly unwilling to rise until Martin acknowledged him.

Martin couldn't help but think that in the future, large companies would need specialists solely for the purpose of offering apologies.

These professionals were highly skilled.

Martin raised his hand, stating, "There's no need for all this."

Brown promptly straightened up, as if the act had caused his spine to creak. He quickly responded, "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Davis."

Martin couldn't help but think that the art of apologizing was akin to the art of deception: offering apologies incessantly without addressing the actual issues.

Martin muttered a silent curse to himself and cut to the chase, saying, "I've entrusted this matter to a lawyer. The lawyer will discuss the details with you. If we can't reach an agreement, we'll proceed through legal channels."

Brown hesitated for a moment, considering whether to make a third attempt, but after hearing Martin's stance, he refrained. "Mr. Davis, the hotel is also a victim."

Martin smiled and mentioned two names, "Wolf and Bellerin."

"During the Independence Day holiday, with the influx of tourists, the hotel hired a group of temporary workers, and they were among them," Brown explained. He retrieved a card and placed it on the coffee table. "This is a Hilton VIP membership card, valid for use at all Hilton hotels with a 20% discount on bookings."

Martin merely glanced at the card and remained silent.

Bruce chimed in, "When Martin signed a contract with Coca-Cola, they provided him with a VIP card for Hyatt Hotels, offering a 40% discount at all their branches." The issue at hand went beyond discounts.

Martin rose and headed for the bedroom, stating, "I'm tired and need some rest. Bruce, please continue discussing matters with Mr. Brown. The lawyer arranged by Coca-Cola will arrive shortly. Until then, I won't make any deals with Hilton or anyone else, whether in The Sun or News Corporation."

Bruce's conversation would have to be temporarily postponed.

Over an hour later, Martin received a call from Cohen, an aide at the White House, who wanted to discuss something in person.

Martin decided to use his apprehension as a reason to invite them to his suite for a conversation.

Martin had been contemplating this matter ever since he received confirmation of the wiretapping and covert filming. The Sun and the News of the World weren't the main concern; it was the News Corporation behind them that needed consideration.

If not handled well, it could become a significant headache.

Seeking fairness and justice through American law wasn't something he naively believed in.

Martin had been trying to recall the bugging scandal, and it seemed he remembered a related news article. The reporter who had exposed the incident had committed suicide.

Suicide...

Even the Presidential Medal of Freedom he had received earlier that day would be of no use.

Furthermore, he was merely a spokesperson for Coca-Cola, not a figure like Jordan was to Nike, a sort of adopted son. Even if he wanted to take action, it wasn't the right time.

Martin was self-aware and had quickly determined his response.

There was a knock at the door, and Neves arrived with three individuals.

After they entered, introductions were made on both sides.

Cohen, a White House staff member.

Mock Ridge, the North American editor of the News of the World, and his accompanying lawyer.

On Martin's side, it was just him and Bruce for the moment.

The suite's door was closed, and the various parties began discussing the situation. It didn't take long for them to reach a consensus: the three-person reporter team led by Alex, all of Slavic heritage, were Russian spies.