Chapter 91: Return of the Prodigal Son

An individual actor can't compete with the resources of a massive company, especially one as established as William Morris.

Thomas followed the protocols to access the company's internal system and submitted multiple requests for assistance. Within just two days, he received a substantial amount of relevant information, particularly about Susan Levin.

Susan was a rapidly rising female producer with unlimited potential at her thirty years of age. Thomas gathered extensive data on her resume, work partners, personal connections, past collaborations with major actors and actresses, as well as detailed statistics related to William Morris.

On the day before Christmas, while Martin and several neighbors were helping Antonio decorate the rooftop for the upcoming Christmas Eve party, they received a call from Thomas.

"You should come to the company, and we can discuss this in detail."

Martin jokingly responded, "Your office isn't the most suitable place for this discussion. The environment is chaotic, and you don't even have a separate office to talk privately."

Thomas felt the sting but managed to patch up his wounded pride. He replied, "Tell me where you want to meet, and I'll be there."

He thought about Martin's robust physique and his distinguished, albeit bald, appearance. He quickly added, "Please choose a location other than a hotel."

Martin, standing on the rooftop's edge, holding onto the railing, suggested, "Let's meet at Tiago Coffee in North Hollywood. I'll buy you some coffee."

Thomas agreed.

Martin ended the call and sought out their jovial landlord, Antonio. "Antonio, I have some work to discuss, so I can't assist with the decorations."

Antonio reminded him, "Don't forget to join us for the party later. The entry fee is either a drink or some food."

Martin, keeping his job search under wraps, replied vaguely, "We're working on it, but success is uncertain."

Antonio then reached into his pocket, pulled out a business card, and handed it to Martin. "I've had several male actor tenants, and most of them have found gigs."

Martin, thinking the landlord had influential connections, accepted the card and glanced at it—a private doctor's business card specializing in anorectal surgery, nicknamed the "Hyena."

Antonio added, "He's really a nice guy."

Martin tucked away the card and promised, "I'll bring some wine for the evening."

He proceeded downstairs to the coffee shop, where he waited for twenty minutes until Thomas arrived carrying his laptop and a briefcase.

They ordered coffee and promptly dove into their work.

Thomas shared Susan Levin's information with Martin. "Our findings indicate that she's a Jewish alumna of the University of Southern California. Her USC background and Jewish heritage might give her an advantage."

Martin, cautious about his own background, responded, "I'm not Jewish, and I didn't even complete high school."

As they pored over Susan Levin's information, they noted that in her personal life section, it was clearly stated that her current boyfriend was Robert Downey Jr., who had been released from prison just last year.

Martin, puzzled, asked, "How did Downey manage to get her?"

Thomas recalled, "I'm not entirely sure, but there were rumors in the industry that she was moved by Downey's return after his tumultuous life experiences, making him something of a prodigal son."

Martin, incredulous, remarked, "Downey's life experiences are considered tumultuous? Then wasn't my life like sifting through a pile of manure?"

Thomas explained, "It's a common narrative in showbiz. Second-generation celebrities sometimes engage in questionable behavior to experience life's hardships. Once they return as prodigal sons, their story becomes an inspirational legend that sells."

Martin couldn't argue with that logic and continued reviewing the information.

Susan Levin hadn't been a prominent producer for long, with only three major film credits: "Ghost Ship," "Gothika," and "The Cradle 2 the Grave." She had personally selected three leading male actors for these films: Desmond Harrington, Robert Downey Jr., and Tom Arnold.

Martin inquired once more about these three individuals.

Thomas retrieved the information and handed it to him, quipping, "A young man, a middle-aged man, and an old man. Going by this pattern, she might pick a child or someone deceased this time."

Martin inquired further, "Are there any other options?"

Thomas, who appeared weary and rubbed his dark circles, responded, "The company provides the information; we need to do the analysis ourselves. I've been working overtime for three consecutive days, and my mind is a mess. Spare me the questions."

As Martin examined the gathered information, he pinpointed something unique. He slid the relevant documents over to Thomas and stated, "I think I've found the common thread, three prodigal sons who made their returned ."

Thomas, somewhat facetiously, inquired, "Did the other two also serve time in prison? Did you end up there first?"

Martin circled the key details on the three profiles using a pen and then pushed them toward Thomas, explaining, "Harrington was a troublemaker in his youth, involved in fights that forced him to drop out of school. He even worked as a bartender for a time and joined a street gang before realizing he wanted to be an actor. Tom Arnold had a similar journey, working as a bouncer in an underground bar and being involved with drugs and alcohol."

Thomas seized the essential distinction, saying, "The difference between Downey and the others is that he had a privileged background and family."

Martin then revisited Susan's resume and emphasized, "She transferred schools twice during her early education. To secure her admission to the University of Southern California, her father, an alumnus, made significant donations."

Thomas chimed in, "Susan transferred from the University of California with excellent grades and recommendations from renowned professors."

Martin contemplated, "Personal experiences shape preferences, Thomas. How much do you think these preferences influence a producer's professionalism?"

Thomas pondered the question carefully, recalling from his experiences. After a brief silence, he posed a counter-question, "If all other conditions were roughly equal, would you choose someone you like or someone you dislike?"

He cautioned, "It's crucial to verify this. Making a mistake in this regard could lead to significant complications."

Martin noted Linton's information, remarking, "This individual grew up in Savannah, Georgia. I'll attempt to contact him."

Resigned to his current circumstances, Martin continued, "I'll leave the other matters concerning the crew to you."

Thomas provided additional context, "Jaume Sirra is a newcomer director with previous experience limited to music videos and commercials. He has no say in casting the lead roles."

Martin urged, "Let's not waste any more time. Time is of the essence."

Thomas agreed with a nod, packed his briefcase, and headed to Warner Bros. Studios. He had scheduled dinner for noon with Mary Gale, a potential casting director.

Meanwhile, Martin lingered at the cafe, sipping his coffee, further reviewing Harrington's information. He eventually dialed Robert Patrick's personal number.

After arranging a meeting, Martin decided to visit him right after Christmas.

At noon, Martin went to Sherman Oaks for lunch with Louise, and their conversation centered around Susan Levin.

Louise shared her perspective, "We were all wild during our rebellious years; it's quite common for rich kids. Some spiral downwards while others find their way back on track. Susan mentioned that she had a wild phase, but fortunately, she got back on the right path during college."

Martin revealed his plan, "I intend to use this to our advantage."

Louise encouraged him, "It's a targeted strategy; give it a shot." She then asked about his Christmas Eve plans, "What are you doing tonight?"

Martin mentioned, "The landlord is hosting a modest party."

Curious about Antonio's hospitality, Louise asked, "Is the landlord a nice person?"

Martin refrained from passing judgment, saying, "Antonio gave me a business card for a private doctor specializing in anorectal surgery."

Louise found this amusing. "Why would anyone in Hollywood need that? You should consider it."

Playfully, she added, "Maybe I should visit your apartment tomorrow; I've never lived in such a small place."

Martin warmly welcomed the idea, "You're always welcome."

As night fell, the rooftop of the North Hollywood apartment was aglow with festive lights. A Christmas tree sparkled with colorful decorations, and holiday music filled the air. Maria Kelly resumed her copyright harvesting mode.

Many single tenants brought wine and desserts to the rooftop to join the party.

Martin arrived with several bottles of wine.

Antonio had donned a red outfit and resembled a plump Santa Claus as he stood beneath the Christmas tree.

Spotting Martin, he asked, "Did you see the doctor? Does he have good medical skills?"

Martin jested, "You should be thankful we're not in Georgia."

A familiar voice greeted Martin, "Hey, classmate, it turns out you live here!" Mene, whose skin was on the verge of turning pale, appeared with donuts and strawberry pie. He approached the landlord and inquired, "Antonio, do you mind if I join the party?"

Antonio had a straightforward criterion, "If you didn't bring anything, you can't join."

Mene, a local, grabbed a glass of wine, toasted Martin, and announced, "Classmate, I've got exciting news. I got cast last night... Well, not exactly cast. I was picked up by a middle age woman in her fifties. The director is on board, and I've secured a role—a small supporting role with several lines in a multimillion-dollar project."

Martin, handing out wine, responded, "That's fantastic news. Let's raise a glass to celebrate."

Mene suggested, "When I become famous, let's have a party with twenty young and beautiful girls."

He had grown accustomed of flings with people in their forties or even fifties. His interest in such encounters was rapidly waning, and he might call it quits after another two years.

Martin, polite in his reply, said, "Thank you for the suggestion, but I've found other opportunities."

They clinked glasses, and Martin wished, "May we both find success."

Mene playfully added, "And when I'm famous, bring along those twenty young and beautiful girls."

Before leaving the party early, Martin made a series of phone calls, ensuring that Kelly, Elena, Robert, Jerome, and Lily received their Christmas gifts that had been sent in advance.