Chapter 100: You Gain Fame, I Gain Profits

[Chapter 101: You Gain Fame, I Gain Profits]

The Santa Monica Yacht Club was swarmed by over twenty marked LAPD vehicles encircling the entire dock, with more arriving continuously.

Such a large-scale mobilization inevitably caught the attention of the media, with some journalists capturing footage from behind the barricades.

Onboard, Hawke had already transferred the recording video onto his laptop and awaited further developments.

Erica immediately reported the incident to the detective bureau, and the chief of detectives was among the first to arrive, separately questioning her about the events.

With the video evidence in place, this incident would have fewer complications.

Before heading over, Erica informed Hawke that she'd notified her family.

Hawke had suspected her family wasn't ordinary since the Robert Downey Jr. incident.

In the yacht's lounge, Johnson observed teams of officers boarding the vessel to conduct thorough searches and asked Hawke, "Should we call in a lawyer?"

Hawke responded, "Let's wait a bit."

Katherine added, "Whatever you need, just say the word and I can assemble a legal team."

Hawke noticed Officer Suzy had arrived, the one who had been with him during the small Robert Downey Jr. shooting, and she was accompanied by a young man with brown hair.

They moved towards the back of the yacht, entering Erica's quarters.

...

After what felt like ages, Suzy emerged into the lounge, recognized Hawke, nodded at him, and spoke, "We're here to discuss exclusive matters with Mr. Hawke Osment and Mr. Dwayne Johnson. Could everyone else go to the banquet room for a bit? We've prepared some morning tea for you."

Erica and the young man entered at that moment, addressing everyone, "Thanks for your patience."

Hawke, Johnson, and Erica had saved their lives, and upon hearing Erica's words, the others promptly rose to leave.

Eric specifically mentioned before departing, "Hawke, call me immediately if you run into any trouble."

Hawke nodded.

Dany remained, stating, "I'm Dwayne's wife and manager."

Erica shut the lounge door and introduced Suzy. "This is Officer Suzy from LAPD headquarters at Parker Center."

Then she introduced, "This is my lawyer, Brian Ferguson. He's also my cousin."

Everyone exchanged handshakes.

As Hawke shook hands with Brian Ferguson, the handsome fellow asked, "You're the one who took Erica out to sea?"

"That's right." Hawke replied.

Brian lowered his voice, "You've got some serious guts. I've never seen anyone manage to take her out overnight."

Hawke grinned. "That just shows my charm."

"Everyone, feel free to take a seat," Suzy said. "I represent LAPD and would like to discuss follow-up proceedings for this case."

Hawke sank into a long sofa while Erica settled next to him.

Suzy explained, "We've reviewed the situation and the recording video of the incident. LAPD inspected the yacht thoroughly, and the quantity of drugs recovered is unprecedented."

"Now that the record has been made, when can we leave?" Dany asked, direct as always, "Dwayne and Hawke, like Erica, are heroes. They saved everyone on the yacht."

Suzy smiled. "LAPD has no intention of holding you back. I'm here as the PR representative to discuss follow-up matters with you."

Hawke cut in, "Can you outline your plans?"

Suzy replied, "LAPD intends to widely publicize this case, showcasing the hard work of our department to the citizens of Los Angeles and all taxpayers. The video will be aired publicly, and Erica will become a hero."

Brian added, "Erica needs this recognition too."

Hawke didn't know much about investigations, but he knew the media game well.

Hearing their words, he interjected, "The recorder was worn by me, and I captured everything. Per the media law, the video rights belong to me."

"That's true," Brian agreed.

Hawke was straightforward. "I have a say in this situation; is that acceptable?"

Having dealt with Hawke before, Suzy, who had ties to the Ferguson family, immediately affirmed, "Of course."

Hawke continued, "I never showed my face, so in any promotional coverage, just treat me as if I don't exist."

Erica looked at him. "Without you, neither Dwayne nor I could have done it."

"I'm not a public figure, so I don't need this." Hawke's intentions were anything but transparent. He focused on Dwayne. "My friend Dwayne was heavily involved, displaying fearless courage and acting heroically to take down two armed thugs."

He turned to Dany and Dwayne: "What do you think?"

This situation suited Dwayne's public persona perfectly, particularly with him set to star in the upcoming S.W.A.T. film.

Dany remarked, "Dwayne is an actor and needs exposure too."

Suzy emphasized, "LAPD appreciates Mr. Johnson's bravery, and we'll accurately report everything he's done."

"We have reached a mutual understanding on this point," Hawke stated, not wanting to represent Dwayne in specifics. "Dany, you can discuss with Suzy about the follow-up; for media promotion, you can involve Miss Baa."

Dany nodded in acknowledgment.

"Now that we've discussed Dwayne, let's look at my rights." Hawke made it clear that he sought his due. "I will give LAPD the video for free but under one condition."

Suzy followed his lead. "Please, go ahead."

Hawke stated, "I must retain the premiere media broadcast rights. I can ensure the coverage is solely favorable to LAPD, and I'm happy to collaborate with you moving forward."

Suzy contemplated, "Are you talking about the Midnight Entertainment show on Channel 11?"

She had objections, "We must hold a press conference within two hours; the video must play immediately after, eliminating all doubts about incidents, and we can't afford to wait until 11 PM."

Hawke was prepared, "Can I contact the media? To get her over for an interview?"

Suzy said, "I require FOX to lean towards LAPD."

Hawke waved it away lightly. "She'll come, and you can negotiate."

After some thought, Suzy agreed. "Alright."

...

Hawke ventured to the other side of the lounge and pulled out his phone to call.

On the other end, Megan Taylor answered, "Aren't you out at sea? You're back already?"

"Something serious happened, but I can't divulge details just yet. Just know I was part of it and filmed the entire ordeal." Hawke stated plainly, "This is explosive news with a deep social relevance and entertainment value, so if you want it, come to Santa Monica Yacht Harbor in person with a cameraman."

Megan replied, "Just a moment." She pressed a button on her communicator. "Claire, I need to know what's happening at Santa Monica Yacht Harbor."

There was a brief pause before Claire quickly informed, "LAPD has dozens of police cars blocking the entire dock area, and a large number of reporters are arriving. At Channel 11, Gretchen is personally accompanied by a cameraman."

"Get the cameraman; we're heading there now!" Megan exclaimed, "I'm on my way!"

...

While Hawke tackled the call, Dany and Dwayne quietly conferred while simultaneously calling Caroline.

Brian stood up, exchanged glances with his cousin, and they moved towards the window.

He nudged his chin toward Hawke across the way. "What's his deal? Suzy seems overtaken by him."

Erica glanced at her cousin, who still looked not very smart, and remarked, "Hawke is the founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, primarily focusing on crisis PR consulting and strategic business planning."

"In this situation, Hawke is indeed quite capable," she noted confidently, "And I am right next to him."

Brian acknowledged her insight. "Guess I should devote more of my brainpower to serious matters."

Erica glanced at Hawke again and continued, "If you keep stirring up trouble, don't forget to ask Hawke for help. Remember to bring a seven-figure amount; eight figures are even better."

Brian thought of a clever plan: "Working in this field can easily lead to trouble -- I can be his lawyer and let him help me deal with those things for free."

Erica could hardly afford to entertain her unusually thick-headed cousin any longer.

...

Hawke finished the call and returned, saying, "They'll be here soon."

Suzy glanced at her watch; time was still plentiful. She asked Hawke a few questions and made calls to the personnel below.

Outside the dock, yellow tape cordoned off extensive areas, with numerous officers patrolling to prevent reporters and paparazzi from advancing even a step.

Some daring souls employed speedboats to reach the waters, but LAPD boats swiftly turned them away.

Anyone with a touch of news instinct understood this yacht held big news.

...

Gretchen and her crew had arrived over a dozen minutes earlier and were stuck outside the perimeter, unable to connect with anyone.

The tighter LAPD guarded the scene, the bigger the story must be.

Gretchen paced anxiously, continuously dialing contacts.

Suddenly, she spotted Megan approaching, flanked by two others accompanied by LAPD personnel.

Approaching the barricade, an LAPD officer helped lift the barrier for her.

Gretchen nearly lunged forward, stopping Megan. "What are you doing here? Can you board the yacht?"

Megan replied, "Time is tight; this isn't the moment for chit-chat."

Being a smart negotiator, Gretchen understood that compromising here could garner advantages. "Take me up; tonight on Ace News, we can co-host."

"Sorry, that's not something I can decide," Megan continued walking, crossing the barricade and boarding the yacht.

...

As Megan entered the yacht's lounge, she noticed Suzy, Erica, the policewoman who shot Robert Downey Jr., along with Hawke.

Megan greeted everyone warmly.

Hawke stated, "I need to have a private word with her."

"By all means," Suzy replied tersely.

Hawke pulled out his laptop, taking Megan into the adjacent small room to show her the footage.

Though there were several segments in the recording due to intermittent shutdowns, Hawke managed to capture all the crucial moments.

While the trading shots weren't the clearest from that height, it sufficed to make out shadows and scenarios.

Inside the brightly lit ship cabin, the gunfight provided enough clarity to identify weapons and faces.

Once the video ended, Megan immediately inquired, "You're not hurt, right?"

"Nope," Hawke replied. "This was recorded with the device you gave me. I encountered some crew members engaging in a trade with Mexican traffickers..."

He briefly recounted the events.

Megan responded, "I want that video; how much?"

Hawke stated firmly, "Three hundred thousand dollars."

Megan instinctively started to argue.

Hawke cut her off. "This is a series of cases involving a new Mexican trafficking organization called the Mule Gang. LAPD will pursue targeted strikes. You've always wanted to delve into social reporting and explore the intersection of celebrity and crime. This is your chance."

He laid out his conditions upfront: "If you want to collaborate, specific demands must be met; otherwise, I'll find someone else."

Megan gestured for him to go on.

Hawke stated, "LAPD will hold a press conference at 11:30 AM. This video must air by noon latest; you won't snag the prime news slot if you wait."

"I'll make a call," Megan replied, taking out her phone and dialing the network director, Cynthia's office.

Hawke exited the small room, giving her space.

Before long, Megan reappeared. "I got it sorted; today's midday news slot is ours, Channel 11 will air it at noon on the dot."

Hawke instructed, "Handle the rest of the arrangements with Suzy."

Megan sought Suzy next, discussing their promotional strategies as Dany quickly joined.

The Fox Network's platform was large enough for all.

...

Hawke called over Erica and Dwayne.

"Guys, there's something." Hawke proceeded, ensuring clarity. "I'm selling the video filmed on the yacht for $300,000..."

Dwayne interjected, understanding immediately, "I get fame while you secure the profit; it's only fair."

Erica chimed in, "This was your footage."

Hawke extended his hand. "No more pleasantries; we're allies in this endeavor."

Having gone through life-and-death together, Erica placed her hand beneath his while Dwayne's rested atop them.

Hawke reminded them, "I heard the Mules are ruthless; once you're exposed, be cautious."

Erica deemed it a significant point but swayed the conversation into her usual tone, "Well, LAPD is the largest armed violence organization in Los Angeles."

Dwayne said, "I'll hire a few bodyguards."

In Hawke's view, this also presented an opportunity to promote Allison.

However, with Allison now too shaken to face people, she kept avoiding interactions.

Without compensation, he certainly wouldn't play the philanthropist.

...

Suzy beckoned Hawke over, and he joined the ongoing discussion.

He spoke little, as the presence of his video warranted a standard promotional approach for safety's sake.

Half an hour later, Suzy exited the yacht, announcing to the media that a press conference would commence in the yacht club hall at 11:30 AM.

A mob of reporters quickly dispersed, rushing to secure advantageous spots in the club's hall.

Yet Gretchen stayed put; Megan had yet to come down from the yacht.

A few moments later, Hawke gathered his luggage, following Megan off the yacht.

A business vehicle pulled up to the dock ramp, ready to take Megan, Hawke, and Claire.

Although it was a distance away, Gretchen spotted that Megan was accompanied by Hawke Osment.

Her suspicions rose.

The vehicle departed the ramp, leaving the yacht dock, heading straight for Century City.

...

On the way, Megan commented, "Your business is really taking off; even the LAPD is getting involved."

Hawke replied honestly, "Just a matter of coincidence."

Megan countered, "When opportunity knocks, it's your skills that will make the difference."

Upon arriving in Century City, the vehicle halted at the Fox Tower's entrance, and everyone rode the elevator up to the Midnight Entertainment studio.

Megan clapped her hands together emphatically. "Alright, everyone, let's move! Adjust the electronic backgrounds in the studio; we're handling the 12 PM noon news today."

Everyone was taken aback, the director asked, "Is there breaking news?"

"Super news!" Megan said quickly, "Something we can track in multiple reports."

An assistant producer immediately led the charge.

Megan instructed Claire, "Go and secure $300,000 in funding. Cynthia has already approved it, so hurry."

Claire set off to fulfill her task.

Hawke made his way to the reception area, awaiting contracts and checks.

Megan stopped him. "Are you free tomorrow morning?"

"Can't do mornings," Hawke explained, "Today's events aren't over, and I need to supplement my report at LAPD, handle some evidence storage matters."

His fishing slingshot and fish harpoons were temporarily held by LAPD.

Suddenly, a commotion spilled out from the studio entrance. Megan shifted her gaze, whispering, "Cynthia Rosenberg has arrived."

Hawke looked toward the incoming woman at the door.

A middle-aged lady stepped in. It was hard to judge her looks, but her surname denoted a likely Jewish background.

Megan provided introductions between the two.

Cynthia gave Hawke a light handshake. "I've heard of you; you often catch major news."

Hawke affirmed, "Indeed, I've contributed to Fox on several headlines."

"You're doing well -- keep it up," Cynthia remarked, casually charting a prosperous path. "Fox values every partnership."

Megan and Cynthia headed to the producer's office.

...

Hawke waited for a time in the reception area before Claire returned with the agreement.

As usual, Hawke signed the licensing agreement and soon received the check.

At 11:30 AM, the LAPD press conference at the Santa Monica Yacht Club commenced on time, with Suzy presenting the yacht trafficking case and armed robbery against crew members.

Soon, Dwayne Johnson and Erica Ferguson took the stage.

Suzy highlighted the duo's heroic actions during the ordeal.

Director Eric Emerson, actress Lauren Hashian, and the yacht captain joined them, extending their gratitude to Erica and Dwayne.

However, several journalists raised concerns during the session, with many claiming Eric and the others supposedly missed witnessing both Dwayne and Erica in action during their intoxicated slumber.

Suzy refrained from clarifying or allowing Erica and Dwayne to rebut.

As noon approached, a large screen in the hall lit up and switched to Fox Channel 11.

To everyone's surprise, the previously entertainment-themed Megan Taylor was now co-hosting the midday news.

In a collective gasp, the audience saw Megan report the exclusive breaking news.

The video footage captured by Hawke displayed various segments as broadcast on television.

For a moment, the hall fell into silence, accompanied only by muffled voices from the footage.

Once the video concluded, someone from the audience broke into applause.

Suddenly, the hall erupted with claps.

Others shouted: "You're heroes! Erica Ferguson, you're a hero! Dwayne Johnson, you're a hero too!"

*****

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