Chapter 143: Lure the Snake Out of Its Hole

[Chapter 144: Lure the Snake Out of Its Hole]

The room suddenly became quiet, the atmosphere was a little depressing for a moment, and everyone's eyes were all on Sterling Van Wagenen's face.

Robert Redford was so pissed off that he asked, "Where are the rest of the videos?"

"No, there really are not!" Wagenen refused to admit it.

At this juncture, confession would require him to produce video evidence for destruction, potentially leaving him high and dry. Denial was the only way to keep the wolves at bay.

Rooney felt her head spinning, cutting through the argument: "Gentlemen, let's focus on the pressing issue."

She pointed to the wall clock: "We have only seven hours until Ace News airs. If we don't act now, the consequences could be dire."

Redford managed to hold his temper, prioritizing their imminent concerns.

Rooney stated plainly: "Fox is already predisposed to that side. From my understanding, Megan Taylor rose from being a gossip anchor to the key host of Channel 11's flagship program with a large part due to Hawke Osment's influence. From a PR standpoint, we face formidable challenges."

Redford disputed gently, "I can't influence that side either; they've been consistently biased."

"I have a plan." Cheryl, the lawyer, spoke up from her professional standpoint. "The other side holds the video and plans to air it on public media without notifying those involved. This constitutes an infringement of basic rights and privacy."

She looked at Sterling Van Wagenen: "You have the right to seek privacy protection. As your attorney, I can file a request for an ex parte temporary restraining order to prohibit Fox Television from airing it."

Rooney was skeptical, "Will that really work?"

Cheryl replied, "It may not comply entirely with regulations, but if we strictly adhered to regulations, America wouldn't be so rife with important issues and controversies."

Redford frowned deeply: "Will there be enough time?"

"By myself, no chance at all." Cheryl knew that the larger burdens in such situations couldn't fall entirely on her.

She glanced between Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford, saying, "I need your collective manpower to assist me, and it has to be fast. We need to get the restraining order before the Fox Television executives catch wind of our situation. That would at least buy us 14 days..."

"Hold on." Rooney, capable of being the PR director, had a sudden thought: "What if we formulated a backup plan to synergize with Cheryl's approach?"

Sterling Van Wagenen asked, "Go ahead."

Rooney proposed swiftly, "Since the restraining order has time limitations, we should factor in what to do next."

She derived inspiration from Hawke's handling of the selfie scandal: "In the meantime, we can contact Santa Monica's film suppliers and find some actors who resemble Sterling Van Wagenen and a few younger girls who appear juvenile. Using cellphone and hidden-camera techniques, we could shoot some scandalous clips and spread them across the internet as a series featuring an older man and a young girl -- confusing public perception."

Redford supported, "Great idea."

Sterling Van Wagenen concurred, "Absolutely, sounds good."

"Once the restraining order is in, you both need to act on that," Cheryl stressed, pushing for urgency. "Let's secure the order first."

Redford glanced at Sterling Van Wagenen: "I'll make a call."

Cheryl grabbed her bag: "I'll head back to the law firm and initiate the application. Let's all stay in touch."

Rooney also hurried off, realizing she had left some documents in her car. She instructed Sasha, "Go to the car and retrieve that potential list."

...

Sasha exited the suite and reached the elevator, noticing the Hispanic cleaner was still busily at work nearby while still wiping down the marble wall.

Sasha, as if talking to herself, mused: "If there's a video, Sterling Van Wagenen might have filmed things extensively."

The cleaner's cloth paused momentarily, almost nodding in agreement.

The elevator finally arrived, and without looking back, Sasha stepped in.

The cleaner completed his task before making his way towards the freight elevator.

...

Meanwhile, Redford's call made its way to Sacramento. Once Pope picked up, Redford detailed the situation thoroughly.

Pope fell into brief silence: "There will be other footage."

Understanding this implication, Redford replied, "I'm aware. Right now, the LAPD remains neutral; we can't let Fox air the video. If they do, public pressure will compel LAPD to intervene."

Pope affirmed, "I'll contact Judge Bremer."

His tone turned somber: "Robert, I'd rather not hear any more messages or rumors regarding that footage, you understand?"

Redford grasped the weight of those words: "I'll do my best to handle Sterling Van Wagenen."

Pope clarified, "Not your best -- definitely get it done."

Once that call ended, Pope, in deep thought, contacted Cheryl's office to clarify a few details before calling Judge Bremer.

He stood by the window, pondering the view, grappling with the realization of just how much footage Sterling Van Wagenen had likely recorded.

...

Back inside the villa on Beverly Boulevard, Hawke received a call from Campos, confirming that a video indeed existed.

Brian marveled, "Turns out most people are like me and feel the urge to document things even after the fun."

"Stop making excuses for your weirdness," Hawke mocked, pivoting to the main point, "Our next goal is clear: find a way to procure this video."

Brian began searching for details: "I've already identified all properties and safety deposit boxes under Sterling Van Wagenen's name. Do you want to send someone in for a search?"

Hawke raised a hand to pause him: "Not yet. If you can find it, others can too; think logically. Would Sterling Van Wagenen stash that video at those locations?"

Suddenly recalling Brian's own background as a videographer, Hawke inquired, "Where do you keep your footage hidden?"

"What are you planning?" Brian instantly grew suspicious: "Are you planning to frame me or something?"

Hawke urged him, "Think from a different perspective."

Brian considered this, mumbling, "I've stored it safely, so it's tough for anyone to locate."

Hawke probed, "How many people can you mobilize? Get them ready. If things go south on my end, use your method to deal with it."

"I'm on it!" Brian grabbed his phone and stepped into another room.

Hawke turned to Caroline, "Have you informed her yet?"

Caroline nodded slightly: "She'll be monitoring Sterling Van Wagenen's movements continuously." Yet she questioned, "Would Sterling Van Wagenen actually expose himself?"

"It's a possibility," Hawke replied. "If something similar to a treasured item suddenly appears that would substantially impact your future path, how would you react?"

Caroline pondered, "I suppose I would wonder if something of mine had been lost. If so, I'd want to inspect the place to ensure it's still secure, and if it is, I'd definitely seek a safer location."

Once Brian returned from his call, he overheard their conversation and interjected: "Usually, people struggle to resist such temptations."

Caroline asked, "Should we have her make a move to push things along?"

"No, do not proceed like that at all," Hawke cautiously advised. "Those people aren't fools. We've worked hard to earn their trust; she can observe but shouldn't become hands-on."

He looked at Brian, then at Caroline, pressing his hands down: "Alright, folks, we've got a glimpse of dawn. Let's maintain some patience."

...

The three continued discussing backup plans, feeling prepared with every additional contingency.

Just then, Hawke received a call from Megan Taylor.

He asked, "Is something happening?"

Megan replied, "We are facing legal troubles."

Hawke promptly switched to speaker mode to include Brian in the conversation.

Megan proceeded, "I just got a call from Judge Bremer, who suspects my show might use footage that infringes on the rights of others. The lawyer for the aggrieved parties filed a privacy protection request, and Bremer is convening both sides for a hearing."

Brian scoffed, "Not surprising -- these bastards are trampling over legal boundaries step by step!"

However, Hawke posed another vital question: "Will the video be presented during the hearing?"

"No," Brian immediately retorted. "We can decline to present it, citing the need to protect the legal rights of the other party."

Megan confirmed, "That's how I instructed the legal counsel to proceed as well."

Since they'd resorted to such tactics, Hawke could visualize the end outcome: "Regardless, your team needs to argue it emphatically. Although we didn't plan on broadcasting that news, the audio file of Miss Baa's sheep bleating in there? No way we're airing that."

When the meeting concluded, Megan warned, "Hawke, you're pulling me into dangerous waters."

Before Hawke could respond, Brian interjected, "Taylor, the Ferguson family won't forget your support."

"No need to thank me," Megan deftly responded. "I'm helping due to my relationship with Hawke."

The calls ended soon.

Hawke reflected a moment before reaching out to Campos again: "Send people to stay at the Four Seasons hotel and ensure no one sleeps tonight."

Campos affirmed, "Understood."

Before long, Campos and Garcia -- dressed in formal attire -- checked into the Four Seasons hotel separately.

...

At the same time, Cheryl reached out to Robert Redford.

After hearing her out, he sighed in relief. "Judge Bremer has issued a temporary restraining order against Fox Television for a week, citing privacy protection and potential infringements on image rights."

Sterling Van Wagenen pressed, "Have you seen the video content?"

"Fox is completely unyielding," Redford disclosed. "They've similarly refused to return the footage, citing privacy protections."

Sterling Van Wagenen cursed, "Damn!"

This had been expected. Rooney cautioned, "We only have a week, which is extremely tight."

Redford, boasting extensive connections, asserted, "According to our plan, I will contact Santa Monica's suppliers and expedite the production of the older man and young girl series."

Before leaving, he glanced back at Sterling Van Wagenen, ultimately saying nothing.

Their decades-long friendship meant he would, of course, extend help; after all, he was involved in this too. Redford patted Sterling Van Wagenen's shoulder and left in a hurry.

Rooney had a similar agenda: "They're still searching for potential targets; I'll need to head back and organize a meeting on a pertinent plan."

Sterling Van Wagenen waved them off: "Go ahead."

Rooney looked over at Sasha.

Sasha was seated at a computer, collecting personnel lists intensely, primarily focusing on child actors who had appeared in Redford or Sterling Van Wagenen's works.

Rooney asked, "Are you waiting for a while longer?"

Sasha nodded: "I need to finish this setup and would then like to double-check that area's specific personnel with an insider for more targeted data collection."

"Alright," Rooney acknowledged her ability, trusting her judgement: "Contact me promptly for any crucial developments."

"Will do!" Sasha went back to the computer screen.

Rooney bid farewell to Sterling Van Wagenen before leaving the suite.

...

Sterling Van Wagenen moved to the window, drawing back the curtains to look outside, his thoughts preoccupied with the video.

His greatest concern was that footage he had captured.

These recordings were crucial.

Being a film director, Sterling Van Wagenen had a vivid imagination and had encountered some sleazy situations, which is why he had reconsidered maintaining a record.

Given how things were unfolding now, if the situation deteriorated significantly, he would fear being completely abandoned as a primary suspect.

Sterling Van Wagenen suddenly experienced a pang of regret -- not for filming the video -- but for not making further backup copies.

He thought of mailing copies to his ex-wife in Australia and another set to his cousin back in the Netherlands.

As for old buddies like Redford, that might be too risky; he had tangled with even more dubious characters.

Sterling Van Wagenen returned to the room, shed his outer jacket, and grabbed a hat and spare pair of glasses, leaving them on the couch.

The PR woman from BWR was still hard at work.

Sterling Van Wagenen felt this public relations fee was worth every penny; Rooney Chasen was impressive, utterly illuminating how Hawke Osment had been effectively decimated.

Even her assistant showcased skills in finding breakthroughs independently.

He stepped behind the woman and asked, "Your name is Sasha, right?"

Sasha turned, offering a polite smile: "That's correct."

Sterling Van Wagenen inquired, "Could you do me a small favor?"

Sasha exhibited a committed work ethic: "Director, you're my employer alongside the BWR Company. Please let me know what you need."

Sterling Van Wagenen thought for a moment; this was indeed the case. He cleared his throat, saying, "Would you put on my clothing, drive my car, and take a quick spin out -- perhaps over toward Griffith Observatory?"

Sasha, puzzled, asked, "Is that really all?"

"Did you drive here?" Sterling Van Wagenen presumed. He was worried Redford's men might be monitoring outside: "I'd need to borrow your vehicle."

Sasha produced her car keys and replied, "The car's in the underground parking C area; it's a red Ford Focus."

Sterling Van Wagenen gestured to the clothes on the couch: "Why don't you go change into them?"

"Sure," Sasha picked up the clothing and hat from the couch, moved into the meeting room, locked the door, and quickly changed.

Upon her exit, Sterling Van Wagenen called out for her once more.

He fitted her with a pair of non-prescription glasses, running his hands through her hair and adjusting it into the hat. "That should do."

Sasha was ready to leave.

However, Sterling Van Wagenen withdrew his wallet, offering her most of the cash contained within: "This is our little secret. Don't tell anyone."

He also ensured to play his strongest cards: "In the future, if your clients need roles, they can seek me out."

Sasha quickly nodded: "Understood."

Sterling Van Wagenen waved her off: "You're free to go."

...

Sasha stashed her phone and personal items into her bag, then exited to head down the elevator.

In the parking lot, she found Sterling Van Wagenen's luxury Bentley with no trouble.

Glancing around, she ducked behind a column and dialed Caroline's number.

Once answered, Caroline asked, "Is there an issue?"

"Sterling Van Wagenen made me put on his clothes, wear his hat, and drive his car..." Sasha succinctly shared the recent events.

Caroline quickly queried, "Did he ask you to leave your car behind?"

"Yes," Sasha confirmed, adding, "I suspect he's going to take my car out."

Caroline instructed, "Go along with whatever Wagenen requests. Leave the rest to us. Don't call me; avoid returning to the Four Seasons hotel."

Sasha obliged, and once the other end hung up, she climbed into the Bentley and started heading toward Griffith Observatory in the northeast direction.

Unbeknownst to her, two vehicles were tailing her within the nearby traffic.

...

Meanwhile, in the villa on Beverly Boulevard, Hawke exchanged a few quick words with Caroline before recognizing an opportunity had manifested.

He immediately dialed Campos: "The plan has changed; have your team leave the hotel. Each side has a primary exit; station people at those exits."

Caroline interjected, "There's a red Ford Focus parked in the C area, and the license plate is..."

Campos took note and promised to relay this information. He exited, notifying Garcia and Carlos.

Carlos, with a mop and cloth, finished his current task and took the freight elevator back down to the underground level.

Being part of the Cleaners Department meant he would be near the C area.

Campos and Garcia both departed the hotel, hopping into their vehicles, heading toward the specified exits.

...

Back in the villa, Brian asked, "Should we go over? We could use the same tactic to distract external personnel by having the Savior draw them off."

Hawke responded, "Remaining here without any movement serves as our best support. If we step out, those people watching outside will report to their superiors immediately."

Brian nodded, "I'll follow your lead."

Caroline voiced some concern: "Will Sasha be safe?"

"She'll be fine," Hawke reassured. "She's just being used to divert attention, while Sterling Van Wagenen will very likely make some moves."

...

In a hotel suite above, Sterling Van Wagenen changed into inconspicuous clothing, standing in front of the window, watching his Bentley depart the parking lot. Grasping Sasha's keys, he patiently awaited a moment, confirming that the Bentley didn't return before making his way outside.

He took the elevator down to the underground parking lot and walked toward area C.

Not far away, a janitor was cleaning up dust near the support columns.

Sterling Van Wagenen cast a glance but quickly averted his eyes, pressing the electronic key. The lights flickered, revealing a red Ford Focus.

The car was in decent shape, nearly new.

Sterling Van Wagenen climbed in, pulling out of the spot, and drove toward the garage exit.

...

Carlos dialed the necessary phone calls: "The target has entered their designated vehicle and is moving out."

"Received."

...

Sterling Van Wagenen turned onto the main road, heading west.

Shortly after, he took a turn onto Santa Monica Boulevard, stopping in front of a store for a moment to pick up some storage drives.

Then he turned onto 20th Street, parking in front of an apartment building erected less than ten years ago.

The third-floor apartment had been a gift from his cousin before moving back to the Netherlands.

Sterling Van Wagenen never altered the property's ownership information; the place remained in his cousin's name.

Thus, this apartment became an ideal hiding spot for his valuables.

Sterling Van Wagenen entered the building and rode up to Room 404, opening the door.

*****

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