Chapter 142: The Terrifying Video

[Chapter 143: The Terrifying Video]

A Cadillac parked on Beverly Boulevard as Edward hurriedly got out and rushed into the villa, finding Hawke and Caroline discussing something in hushed tones, waiting a moment.

Once Hawke wrapped up his conversation with Caroline, he noticed the sweat on Edward's forehead and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I've been approached!" Edward exclaimed before correcting himself, "Someone attempted to bribe me."

He pointed toward Caroline: "Miss Baa's assistant wants to offer me $30,000."

"Tell her to raise it to $50,000," Hawke replied matter-of-factly.

Caroline agreed: "Since Sarah is coming in, the chances of getting that money are pretty high."

Hawke asked, "Is she waiting for your response?"

Edward responded, "She called me about ten minutes ago. I told her I'd think about it."

Hawke firmly instructed, "Set up a meeting, have her bring the money, and then casually drop the information that I told you about."

Edward quickly left.

Caroline remarked, "It seems those materials I provided are doing the trick."

Hawke nodded, but before he could speak, Brian returned from outside.

Seeing Hawke, he frowned, "You were right, Rachel's mother called to unilaterally terminate the contract; they want to withdraw from the lawsuit."

Hawke had long anticipated such an outcome: "That was inevitable. To win, we can only go on the offensive."

"I spent two weeks persuading Rachel and her mother," Brian shook his head. "And in just two days, we lost the most vital ground."

Hawke reassured him, "This isn't our fault; the opponent can offer them the resources they desperately need, while we can't."

Brian replied, "I've notified Sandra and Beacon to contact child stars who have previously worked with Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford as soon as possible."

Caroline interjected: "It feels like we are completely on the defensive now. None of the media I contacted, aside from forums where we can post ourselves, wished to publish related news, not newspapers, television stations, or online platforms."

She continued, "The Los Angeles Parent-Teacher Association, which claims to be super concerned about child actors, regularly checking up on set conditions for their rights, merely stated they would investigate when I called. A contact inside told me that the association hasn't taken any action."

Hawke stated a fact: "If they were genuinely committed, would Hollywood still have so many child stars being abused?"

Brian commented, "They're like an iron wall."

Hawke pointedly mentioned, "You guys' performance with the media hasn't been up to par over the recent years."

This was also related to Brian's lack of resource support.

Talking about it wasn't enough; experiencing it firsthand was key. Brian nodded, "That's true. We have leads but can't form a media offensive."

Hawke said, "Regarding the media, I have an idea. Once this is over, perhaps we can chat."

Brian knew Hawke often had clever ideas: "Sure."

Hawke's phone rang, he answered, "Any discoveries?"

On the other end, Campos said, "We've mainly been tracking Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford. They're very cautious. Sterling Van Wagenen hasn't left the Four Seasons hotel in days. Carlos infiltrated the hotel by posing as a cleaning staff. Redford is merely shuttling between home and hotel; for now, there hasn't been anything."

Hawke instructed, "Stay safe."

Campos acknowledged, "Got it."

"That's it for now," Hawke ended the call.

Brian asked, "No progress?"

Hawke shook his head: "We need to think of another way to get them mobilized."

He looked at Caroline, who merely shook her head in response.

Hawke had planted his procedures behind the scenes, but for those to have effect, they needed the opponent to expose a weakness.

Meanwhile, Brian had submitted legal processes, but with Rachel's withdrawal, many things needed to be re-started, and Judy and Amanda might very well bow out too.

...

Hawke entered the security room and noticed on the monitor that at least two cars were surveilling their location.

Brian followed in and asked, "Do you believe they'll tape everything?"

"It's not them but the orchestrator, Sterling Van Wagenen," Hawke countered, "If you're inviting those models and stars over, why would you record it?"

Brian replied, "For fun; it's of sentimental value."

Hawke explained, "People in Hollywood enjoy fun too. A director with a background in photography like Sterling Van Wagenen wouldn't hold back from filming, especially if he has ulterior motives for organizing these parties. Without videos or a list, what happens if the assistance promised by the other side falls through?"

Brian considered, "If someone invites me to a good time, I'd want to protect myself too!"

Hawke clapped his shoulder: "If the target is significant, don't engage."

At this point, Caroline came over to knock on the door. Once Brian opened it, she reminded, "You guys ought to check the TV."

...

The three moved to the living room, finding the television already on and tuned to an NBC news program.

Displaying on the screen was Rachel.

The program featured a brief interview.

The female host asked, "There have been reports that you accused director Sterling Van Wagenen of abuse via the media. Is that true?"

Having rehearsed previously, Rachel responded, "That's not true. I made a serious mistake; I lied."

Though young, Rachel had years of acting experience; tears began flowing down her cheeks immediately: "I'm a bad girl, seduced and prodded into saying things that hurt Sterling Van Wagenen. The truth is, it was all lies, taught to me by my lawyer."

Her tears flowed freely: "My lawyer said this could land me a big payday, and I could get a significant cut."

Rooney, knowing that during such moments, Rachel needed to present herself as reliable, sought to instill trust regarding her statements: "Over the years, my mom has sent me to various acting classes to help me realize my dream. To improve our living quality, she even took loans to buy a big house. Though she never told me, I know my mom has gone into significant debt for me."

She used her hand to wipe tears from her face, attempting to maintain her composure: "I don't want my mom to struggle as she has; I want to help her pay off the debt."

The host noted, "Even though you've made mistakes, it seems you've recognized them in time."

Rachel stood, deeply bowing towards the camera: "I'm sorry, director Sterling Van Wagenen. I falsely accused you out of selfishness. I dare not beg for your forgiveness; I only wish to openly apologize."

Backstage, Rooney nudged Mrs. Wood, signaling toward the stage.

Mrs. Wood reacted, rushing onto the stage and embracing her daughter in front of the camera.

Both mother and daughter fell into tears on camera.

But that wasn't the end; the host seized the opportunity to interview the mother: "You hadn't known about this?"

Mrs. Wood cried, "I thought Rachel had actually suffered abuse; I even confronted director Sterling Van Wagenen... I'm so sorry, director Sterling Van Wagenen."

She wiped the tears from her face: "As soon as this show ends, I'll take Rachel to the police. The LAPD should thoroughly investigate this lawyer for enticing a minor into a crime!"

The program concluded successfully with great effect.

Backstage, Mrs. Wood asked Rooney, "How did we do, Chasen?"

Rooney smiled, nodding in encouragement: "You both did excellently." She ruffled Rachel's hair, saying, "You're a good girl."

Mrs. Wood inquired, "Are we really going to the police?"

Rooney, in serious mode, asked, "Why wouldn't we?"

Rachel looked somewhat anxious.

Mrs. Wood questioned, "What about your promises?"

"You've spoken with Redford, signed a contract, and notified the unions," Rooney assured. As the resources expended weren't coming from Rooney's end, she was generous: "We should head to the station to file a report."

The group left the television station in two separate cars.

Rooney instructed her driver to head to the nearest police station, taking out her phone and sending two urgent texts: "Resolve this as quickly as possible!"

For the other two victims, Judy and Amanda, a public relations manager from BWR had accompanied them to watch the entire show, working on them -- their agreement was just a matter of time.

Meanwhile, Rooney received a call from Sasha.

Sasha quickly reported, "Director, I talked to that Black guy; he wants $50,000 as a show of good faith. He also mentioned an important piece of news: Hawke Osment and Brian Ferguson are mobilizing personnel to comb through child stars featured in previous works of Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford. They plan to visit each of them."

"Are they ever going to stop?" Rooney fumed, but this news was crucial. Sasha proved her worth; without the key materials she collected, things wouldn't have gone this smoothly.

Rooney contemplated briefly before saying, "Give him the $50,000. The money will come from the client's account. Tell him that we will surely provide this kind of heavyweight news again, and he won't regret it."

"Sounds good," Sasha confirmed before hanging up.

Meanwhile, Rooney swiftly entered the police station.

...

Inside the villa on Beverly Boulevard, Hawke handed over a microphone attached to a laptop to Caroline, saying, "Just call out a few times."

Caroline took it, complying eagerly, "Baa--"

After finishing, she inquired, "Is that enough?"

Hawke instructed, "Once more."

Caroline, now well-practiced, opened her mouth and mimicked a sheep again: "Baa--"

After recording, Hawke clicked to play it back, a bizarre sheep sound echoing from the laptop's speaker.

Hearing that sound made Caroline cover her face with her hands.

Hawke connected the storage drive to copy the audio file.

Seeing this, Caroline quickly asked, "What are you planning to do?"

"Take it to the station and play it on the news," Hawke casually mentioned. "To shock the entire nation."

Caroline contemplated stealing the drive but was pushed back by Hawke's hold on her shoulder.

She scowled fiercely and warned him, "If you push me too far, I will actually bite!"

Once the audio file was copied over, Hawke removed the storage drive and tucked it into his pocket, saying, "Don't worry; it won't air at the station. This is just a facade to mobilize those people over there."

He felt a bit anxious, focusing to steady his mind: "If those people don't move, we won't find the right opportunity."

Returning just then was Brian, who appeared somewhat dejected: "Our adversaries are quite formidable this time."

Hawke could guess: "Did Judy and Amanda decide to bow out?"

Brian had prepared himself mentally; the blow wasn't too significant: "Yes, their guardians called one after another to express their apologies and terminated the agency contracts I had with them. As for the PR fee promised for you, it'll just have to come out of my own pocket."

He sighed, "As you said, we're utterly vulnerable on the direct battlefield, suffering a comprehensive defeat. It would be hard for God himself to save us."

Hawke declared, "Now it's time for us to strike."

The media battle had ended in a complete disaster, but Hawke didn't specialize in just that.

He called Edward: "Back yet?"

Edward replied, "Almost there."

Hawke packed his bag and told Caroline, "From now on, you are not to go out. Just focus on contacting people."

He emphasized to Brian, "You need to stay alert. It's best to use a bulletproof car and bring a bodyguard -- keep an eye out for dump trucks; it wouldn't be good to get hit."

Brian understood what Hawke was planning: "It won't be easy for them to take me out."

Hawke noticed the electronic notification alert, looking toward the door to find Edward standing outside.

He drew his gun, checking the magazine before sliding it back into its holster under his coat. He strode outside.

Edward took the car keys for the Mercedes Hawke handed him, getting into the driver's seat. Once Hawke joined him, they drove straight to the Fox Television Center.

The tail followed quietly.

...

As they pulled into Fox's underground parking, just before getting out, Hawke directed Edward, "Call them in 15 minutes and inform them of the news."

Edward pulled out his phone, checked the time, and nodded, "Got it."

Hawke took the elevator directly to Megan's office.

They had already spoken on the phone previously. Upon entering, Megan stated, "The last two news pieces you sent were pointless. The previous one was barely broadcast; this one cannot air at all."

Hawke produced the storage drive, saying, "And there's only a sheep bleating in it. So how can we air it?"

Megan queried, "Then you'll have to return it tonight." She took the storage drive, asking, "Now, what exactly do we do?"

"You convene a meeting to announce that this will be tonight's headline for Ace News," Hawke outlined. "Due to the sensitivity of the news and confidentiality principles, we'll wait until an hour before the broadcast to prepare the copy. When the moment arrives, we can cancel it."

Megan accepted the storage drive, pulling a label from her drawer and marking it with extreme confidentiality.

She earnestly addressed Hawke, "This is your last chance; doing such things too frequently will damage my credibility in the production room."

Hawke nodded, asking, "What about favors left unreturned?"

Megan bluntly replied, "You'll repay them with your light pole."

She took the storage drive and made her way towards the door, adding, "You can wait here. I'll handle the meeting."

...

Downstairs, Edward browsed his phone until he found Sasha's number, calling her up.

As soon as it connected, she asked, "What's the matter?"

"A very important piece of news," Edward explained. "Brian obtained a video involving Sterling Van Wagenen from a young actor."

Sasha queried, "What's on the video?"

Edward didn't go into that: "About what we agreed upon."

"Hang on a moment," Sasha said, hanging up. She spoke to Rooney in the same car before asking, "Director, he's asking for money."

Rooney whispered, "About the video involving Sterling Van Wagenen?"

It was too usual to demand payment; she wouldn't believe it if there wasn't a request: "Tell him $30,000. Ask what the video contains and how Hawke Osment intends to handle it."

Sasha called Edward back: "$30,000 will be wired to your account immediately. Please outline the video content and Hawke's plan."

Edward paused to await a text alert before responding, "The video shows a young actor copying something from Sterling Van Wagenen's computer when he wasn't paying attention. The contents are too explosive. As for the processing, I'm currently at Fox Television Center, and Hawke Osment has gone to find Megan Taylor at Channel 11."

He briefly stopped, adding, "Just a reminder, if no swift action is taken, you all should see the video's detailed content airing as the headliner on Ace News tonight."

After finishing, Edward hung up.

...

Upon her side of the conversation, Rooney cursed fiercely, "Damn it! This bunch of perverts in Hollywood are as stupid as pigs!"

She took out her phone, calling, "It's me, Rooney. Find out if your network's Ace News received any big news lately? Yes, it's important, and please keep it discreet."

After some time, the reply came through: "Yes, it seems a significant news piece was handed over by someone from the West Coast studio. Megan Taylor just held a meeting and is, indeed, preparing it as tonight's headline; to ensure confidentiality, the video will only be uncovered an hour prior to the program."

"Thanks," Rooney hung up, feeling a loss of the previous ease, instructing her driver: "Drive straight to the Four Seasons hotel."

...

Soon, the vehicles arrived at the Four Seasons hotel. Rooney and Sasha hurried into the lobby, taking the elevator up to Sterling Van Wagenen's suite.

When arriving at the sixth floor, they noticed a Hispanic cleaner was dusting a pillar, and they automatically dodged away.

Rooney knocked on the door and found Sterling Van Wagenen, Redford, and Cheryl inside.

Each held a glass of champagne.

Sterling Van Wagenen grinned, pouring two glasses, handing one to Rooney and the other to Sasha: "This is brilliant! You both did superbly; we should toast to this."

Redford added, "BWR's PR director lives up to the name; the West Coast studio is utterly helpless against you."

Cheryl interjected, "Just got word; the LAPD has summoned Brian Ferguson. While this won't seriously harm him, it'll turn him into a laughingstock in the industry."

Rooney couldn't refuse her clients, so she patiently clanked her glass with theirs.

After downsizing her drink, she stated, "There's been an unexpected development; Brian obtained video footage from a young actor Sterling previously worked with..."

Rooney shared the situation in detail.

Redford's expression instantly morphed into a fierce glare, trained on Sterling Van Wagenen as he struggled to contain his outrage, "Where are the rest of the videos?"

"There are none, absolutely none!" Sterling Van Wagenen insisted vehemently.

In fact, he had taken so many secret photos that he couldn't remember the specific circumstances. Why shoot? As a director who started out as a photographer, he couldn't wait to shoot.

He felt it was a guarantee.

*****

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