Chapter 620 Want to Snatch Our Swallow!

Nicholson, with a penchant for excitement despite his semi-retired status, always craved a bit of amusement.

"The juicier, the better," he'd often quip, eager for any opportunity to dive into the action.

At the mention of the Oxenbergs, Martin's interest piqued. "Any sign of Keith Raniere on set?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Nicholson shook his head definitively. "Not a glimpse. If he was around, I'd have spotted him," he assured Martin.

Martin pressed further, seeking clarity. "Has Keith ever crossed paths with Marina?"

"Hard to say," Martin mused. "Marina's been a bit elusive."

Leonardo, returning to LA, shared some intriguing intel. "Rumor has it, Raniere had a thing for captivating women—beautiful, strong-willed types," he revealed.

Nicholson nodded in agreement. "Marina's unique aura might've caught his eye."

Martin couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Wasn't there any outcry when Raniere dabbled in his female slave endeavors?"

Leonardo shrugged, unfazed. "All sorted, apparently," he replied nonchalantly.

Martin mulled over the situation, realizing such matters likely didn't raise eyebrows within certain circles.

Nicholson, ever vigilant, adjusted his sunglasses and scanned the studio. "Oxenbergs spotted in the parking lot," he pointed out, directing Martin's gaze.

Adjusting the telescope, Martin observed the mother-daughter duo engaged in a heated exchange by their car. "Looks like a heated argument," he remarked, noting India's distress.

As the altercation escalated, Catherine's slap brought tears to India's eyes. Martin watched as mother and daughter eventually reconciled before heading into the nearby office building.

With the day's surveillance concluded, the trio watched as the crew dispersed, signaling the end of another uneventful day.

Leonardo sighed in resignation. "Another day, another anticlimax," he remarked wryly.

Nicholson offered a teasing jab. "Maybe PR for the Oscars suits you better than this espionage gig. Patience isn't your strong suit, after all," he quipped.

Martin turned to Nicholson, contemplating their next move. "Planning to dig deeper, Detective?"

Nicholson chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I may be old, but the thrill of the chase still gets my heart racing. This game, it's addictive," he admitted.

Having studied the situation meticulously, he shared his findings. "Based on recent observations, Marina's likely linked to her uncle in Paris," he surmised.

With the day's surveillance behind them, Leonardo urged, "Let's call it a day. Time to unwind."

Martin nodded in agreement, but not before making a discreet call to Natasha, seeking insight into Marina's latest project.

Natasha, always in the know, divulged the details of "Canine Game" and Susie Flavor's casting choices for Marina. Martin listened intently, already formulating his next move.

"Thanks, Natasha. Keep this between us," he instructed before ending the call.

Though Natasha couldn't grasp the gravity of the situation, she assured, "Consider it done."

Detective Nicholson wasted no time, swiftly making a call and instructing, "Dig into Susie Flavor's ties to Nxivm—yes, that's right, Nxivm!"

Shortly after, the call returned, with Nicholson activating the speakerphone for all to hear.

The voice on the other end confirmed, "Susie Flavor's been a Nxivm regular for two years, frequenting their Mulan Avenue establishment."

Martin remained unfazed by the revelation.

The informant added, "Jack, I'll email you all the Nxivm intel."

"Make it snappy," Nicholson ordered before disconnecting.

Martin processed the implications. "The producer and Marina's casting director are both Nxivm affiliates. What's the play here?"

Leonardo didn't mince words. "Someone's messing with us!"

Nicholson cursed, his frustration palpable. "Those bastards are eyeing our swallow!"

Leonardo nodded in agreement. "Our swallows are off-limits. Anyone trying to poach them becomes our enemy!"

Martin interjected, "Keith Lanier might be pulling the strings."

"And who else could rally the Nxivm crowd?" Nicholson retorted, his gaze intense. "We'll nab him for sure!"

Leonardo cautioned, "Remember, dealing with these guys won't be a walk in the park."

"Because they hadn't crossed us then!" Nicholson countered. "But now, it's clear as day—Keith Raniere's gunning for our swallows. If we don't act, who will?"

He turned to Martin, a plan forming. "We've got our ace up the sleeve. Let's make him squeal."

Martin defended, "Jack, you're our trump card!"

Nicholson and Leonardo exchanged a knowing look, then focused their attention on Martin.

Martin shrugged helplessly. "I just want to do the right thing."

Nicholson's tone turned steely. "When a good man's pushed, he'll fight back with everything he's got, busting the robber's balls!"

Leonardo grabbed Martin's shoulders, his tone stern. "You're full of mischief. Get on board, or I'll toss you into the San Francisco Valley with Brad Pitt!"

"I'm invested in this," Martin insisted. "The organization needs to know."

As Nicholson's phone pinged with an incoming email, he directed the driver, "Bruce, head to Mulan Avenue in Burbank."

Bruce complied, navigating through the streets until they reached their destination.

As Nicholson read the email, he instructed Bruce to a specific address. Soon, their vehicle pulled up beside a grand office building adorned with the telltale "Nxivm" sign.

Nxivm House.

Sunlight glinted off Nicholson's sunglasses as he explained, "To the public, Nxivm's a marketing pyramid, but it's a cult in disguise. Based in Albany, it's spreading its tentacles to Hollywood, with Keith Raniere calling the shots."

He continued, "Recently, the LA branch has been gaining traction, with Raniere favoring actresses and female artists."

Leonardo chimed in, "No wonder Lily got tangled up with them."

At the mention of Lily, Martin's brow furrowed. He swiftly composed a text message on his phone.

Lily's prompt response appeared on Martin's screen: "I'm in Atlanta, planning a getaway to Harbor City with Elena. I'll stay put until I hear about your victory."

"Take your time, Lily. No need to rush back," Martin advised.

Lily inquired further, "What's going on?"

Martin's cryptic reply hinted at the gravity of the situation: "Keith Raniere's making a play for our assets, Leo and Jack included."

Aware of her limited assistance from afar, Lily replied, "Got it. We'll stay put until it's safe to return."

"Make sure to have bodyguards with you," Martin cautioned.

"Already on it," Lily assured.

Putting away his phone, Martin's calm demeanor belied his determined resolve.

Curious, Nicholson prodded, "Feeling more at ease now?"

Martin nodded, his gaze fixed on Nxivm House across the street. "Knowing Lily's away brings some relief."

Leonardo urged, "Let's focus on neutralizing Keith Raniere and his crew, pronto."

Nicholson scanned the area through his binoculars, observing the predominantly female traffic at Nexium House.

Martin recalled the tense exchange between Catherine and India in the studio parking lot. "Look into Catherine and India's dynamic. There's tension there."

Nicholson concurred, "India's young and likely new to Nxivm. I'll have someone dig deeper."

Leonardo cautioned against relying solely on past abuses for leverage. "Focusing on Nexium's history of abuse might backfire. We need a solid plan."

Nicholson decided, "Agreed. This operation's codenamed 'Hunting,' and I'm calling the shots. You three on board?"

With the boss's directive clear, Martin, Leonardo, and Bruce had little choice but to comply.

Martin instructed Bruce, "Head back and let's strategize."

Bruce nodded and drove off.

Nicholson turned to Martin, "Got any ideas?"

Martin admitted, "My head's spinning from work. Need a clear mind for planning."

Leonardo emphasized the importance of a sound strategy, "We need a plan, Martin. Clear-headed."

Without hesitation, Nicholson directed Bruce, "Head to the Night Club. Refresh yourselves before we brainstorm."

Martin praised their leader, "As expected, boss."

The black business car navigated to Sunset Boulevard, ushering the refreshed trio into the nightclub.

After half an hour of rejuvenation, they reconvened at Martin's estate, ready to tackle the challenge ahead.