Chapter 280: Calling The Police

For over a decade, Jennifer Aniston's long golden brown hair became her signature.

Her hair was not just part of her image; it was also a part of her brand.

Martin, understanding the situation, asked, "Is it against your endorsement contract to cut my long hair?"

Aniston nodded, explaining, "The brands I endorse, like clothing, cosmetics, and mineral water, have specific restrictions. I can't cut my long hair."

Taking endorsement contracts often means dealing with various limitations on what you can do. Martin shared, "My Coca-Cola endorsement contract has exclusivity for alcohol and beverages."

Jennifer Aniston mentioned some of their colleagues, saying, "There are many well-known actors in the crew, including Brad Pitt, Julianne Moore, Richard Gere, the new Batman Christian Bale, and the Australian actor Heath Ledger."

Martin complimented her, "They're all talented, but none of them compare to you."

As time passed, they returned to the studio to continue shooting. Today, Martin and Aniston had fewer scenes. They finished work early and planned to head back to the hotel.

These days, Aniston and Martin ate, lived, and traveled together, forming a tight on-set couple.

As they, along with Bruce, entered the parking lot, the crew provided Martin with a Mercedes.

Martin walked toward the Mercedes-Benz first when he heard the roar of an engine nearby, like a powerful American muscle car.

He turned to see a blue Mustang coupe emerging from the parked cars.

Bruce sensed the danger and shouted, "Be careful."

Martin reacted quickly, pulling Aniston behind a nearby cement block.

The Mustang was headed right for them. It wasn't very fast, but the driver seemed to struggle to control it, making erratic movements.

Aniston clung to Martin for safety, but the roaring muscle car kept them on edge.

The blue coupe appeared to lose control and collided with a cement block, shattering its headlights just a few meters away from them.

Aniston's heart raced, realizing that Martin had saved them from being hit by the Mustang.

The driver's side wheel struck a concrete pillar, bringing the Mustang to a halt.

Bruce approached the car and stared at the driver.

Martin recognized the driver and signaled to Bruce, moving closer to him behind the cement pillar.

Aniston followed closely, seeking safety.

The driver got out of the Mustang, cursing at the cement block that had blocked his path and kicking it in frustration.

Martin reminded him, "You almost hit us; an apology would be appropriate, don't you think?"

The driver, Heath Ledger, was in an agitated state, his eyes bloodshot and unfocused, clearly under the influence of something.

Heath Ledger was known for being unpredictable, especially under the influence.

Heath Ledger shoved a bottle of pills into his coat pocket and yelled, "Get out of my way!"

Martin, normally a polite person, but seeing no apology, responded, "Watch your language; you should apologize to us!"

Heath Ledger continued to hurl insults and extended his middle finger toward them.

Martin, not one to back down from trouble, grabbed his arm, twisted it behind his back, and took him down.

Heath Ledger cried out in pain, and Martin used his superior strength to immobilize him.

Aniston watched in astonishment but realized that Martin had acted swiftly and decisively.

Martin turned his head slightly and winked at Aniston.

Bruce had thoroughly inspected the studio, noting that the internal equipment was outdated. Interestingly, there were no surveillance cameras, likely due to privacy and confidentiality concerns for the crew.

Heath Ledger, in a frantic struggle, seemed as though an immense weight held him down, rendering him immobile. He shouted in a manic frenzy, but his voice was overtaken by a piercing scream.

Martin and Aniston, the couple, had recently been studying 72 ways to explore the tunnel, fostering a strong bond between them. Aniston grasped Martin's intention and screamed at the top of her lungs, "Indecent! Indecent! Help me, Martin, help me!" Her cries carried far.

Bruce couldn't help but chuckle, observing the actors' impressive acting skills. He, however, wouldn't easily buy into Hollywood stars' drama, valuing authenticity more than anything.

Except for Martin, who knew that the big boss behind the crew couldn't be handled lightly. He also felt responsible for what had just happened.

As several people approached from around the corner, it turned out to be the studio's security personnel. Following them were actors Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, and Julianne Moore, who had just left the studio and were heading back to the hotel. They rushed over upon hearing Aniston's cries.

Martin quickly thought through the situation. Aniston knew there was a powerful figure supporting the crew, someone not to be trifled with. She also couldn't tolerate someone nearly colliding with her and hurling insults.

Aniston decided to take action. She dialed 911 on her phone and told Martin and Bruce simultaneously, "I'm calling the police!"

Bruce glanced at Heath Ledger's condition and, given his experience, confirmed that the situation was dire. He nodded to Martin.

Martin shouted, "Jane, this man poses a threat to us; call the police!"

Heath Ledger, under the influence of drugs, could become unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Martin and Bruce were willing to handle the situation to ensure Aniston's safety.

People were approaching quickly. Aniston stepped back, her back against the Mercedes-Benz's passenger door, dialing the police. Fear was evident on her face.

The first security guard on the scene recognized Martin and Aniston, as well as Heath Ledger, who was pinned against the car. He cautiously held a rubber baton and urged, "Mr. Davis, please, let's not act rashly. Can you explain what happened?"

Martin quickly and succinctly explained the situation, "This man behaved inappropriately towards me and Ms. Aniston. He nearly hit us with his car and I suspect he's under the influence of drugs."

Aniston, after calling the police, exchanged a look with Martin.

Bruce contacted the crew, and Warner Bros. studio representative David Heyman rushed over.

Bale, Blanchett, and Julian Moore had a clearer picture of the situation now. Julian Moore comforted Aniston, as she knew her well.

Bale, while unfamiliar with Martin, had a good relationship with Ledger and took a step forward, requesting, "Let him go."

Blanchett, as part of the Hollywood Australian Gang, naturally wanted to support Ledger, saying, "There must be a misunderstanding. Ledger is a gentleman."

But Martin wasn't about to let go. He gestured towards the Mustang, saying, "If Jane and I hadn't moved quickly, we would have been hit. He also verbally abused her. Do you think that's a misunderstanding?"

Aniston's face displayed a mix of sadness and anger as she nodded in agreement.

Nevertheless, Blanchett persisted, "We're here; Ledger can't cause any harm."

Martin shifted to give everyone a clear view of Heath Ledger's condition, saying, "He's under the influence of drugs. Can you trust him to control himself now?"

Heath Ledger, in great pain, was spiraling further out of control, hurling threats. Several security personnel stepped in to protect the stars, cautioning, "Mr. Bale, Ms. Blanchett, please step back and stay away from him."

Aniston, in Julianne Moore's arms, was trembling and tearful. She implored, "I've called the police; you must testify for me!"

Julianne Moore, who had no ties to the Australian gang, offered comfort, "Let's leave this place and wait for the NYPD to arrive."

The heads of the two film crews hurried to the scene, and in the distance, police lights flashed, and sirens wailed as the NYPD raced to the studio.