Chapter 52 – Marine Corps Combat Staff

Eastwood stood before Hardy and Nolan, his rugged appearance making an immediate impression. With a cowboy hat, a thick stubble, deep eyes, and a half-smoked cigar hanging from his mouth, he exuded a raw, untamed aura. A revolver hung from his waist, completing the picture of a tough, seasoned individual.

Nolan examined Eastwood carefully, noting his demeanor and appearance. After a thorough appraisal, Nolan turned to Hardy, his excitement palpable. "Hadi, I think he's got the right feel for the role."

Hardy nodded and addressed Eastwood, "Do you have an agent?"

Eastwood shook his head. "I used to, but the contract expired after two years."

"How about signing with my agency? You'd get the lead role in this movie," Hardy offered.

Eastwood's eyes lit up. "Yes, I'll take it."

He had been waiting for a break like this for ten years, and this opportunity was one he couldn't afford to miss. The terms Hardy's agency offered were favorable—37% commission, a 10% increase from his previous contract. Eastwood signed eagerly, recognizing the potential in this new chance.

With the lead actor secured, Hardy left the task of selecting supporting roles to Director Nolan. He then visited the recording studio to check on Ava Gardner. She was busy working with the arrangers, and it would be a few more days before the song was formally recorded.

Returning to his office, Hardy was interrupted by the ringing phone. It was Richard.

"What's up, Richard?" Hardy asked, picking up the receiver.

"I need you to meet someone," Richard said.

"Who?"

"Do you remember Major James Lanster?"

---

Hardy drove to the toy factory, now rebranded as the HD Security Company. It had been tidied up and was now home to several of Hardy's former comrades. Hardy had recently met them, and they were all living here under one roof.

In the meeting room, Hardy found Richard talking to a man in a wrinkled suit. The man's appearance was rough, with sparse stubble and a wooden stick where his leg should have been—an artificial leg.

Despite the years, Hardy immediately recognized Major James Lanster, a Marine Corps combat staff officer. His memory went back to 1942 during the Battle of Guadalcanal, where Lanster had been severely injured. Hardy had helped carry Lanster off the battlefield.

Years had passed, and now Hardy was meeting Lanster again. He approached him and asked, "Major Lanster, do you remember me?"

Lanster, using an armrest for support, looked at Hardy with recognition. "Of course I remember, Jon Hardy. You helped carry me out of the battlefield when I was injured."

They shared a heartfelt hug before sitting down.

"How have you been in the past few years?" Hardy asked.

Lanster hesitated before shaking his head. "It's been tough. After my injury, I was sent to a military hospital and spent months recovering. Losing a leg meant I couldn't return to active duty."

"After returning home, life hit me hard again. My wife left me for another man, taking our children with her. I tried to save the marriage, but it was too late. She insisted on a divorce and left with the kids."

Lanster's voice faltered as he spoke about his children. "I struggled to find work because of my disability. Eventually, a friend helped me get a job as a warehouse keeper. Recently, a former Marine buddy named Tommy told me about a job opportunity in Los Angeles that requires veterans."

Hardy looked at Lanster. "Are you still interested in joining?"

Lanster smiled faintly. "After the divorce, I need to pay child support to maintain visitation rights with my kids. I want to provide them with a better life and regain my dignity as a father."

Lanster's voice grew resolute. "I need to make enough money to support them properly, including sending them to private school. Can you lend me some money to cover their education costs? I don't want their future to suffer because of my current situation."

Without hesitation, Hardy agreed. "Of course, I'll help."

---

On the weekend, Richard drove Lanster to the old town and stopped in front of a small house. Lanster, now looking more presentable with a clean-shaven face and a well-fitted suit, stepped out with gifts for his children.

"Richard, please wait here," Lanster requested.

Richard nodded, "I'll stay in the car and listen to the radio."

Lanster approached the door, his steps slightly uneven. He rang the doorbell and waited. A woman in her thirties opened the door, her face marred by bruises, which she tried to conceal.

Lanster felt a pang of anger at the thought of someone mistreating his ex-wife, but he reminded himself that she was no longer his concern.

"I'd like to see the children," Lanster said.

The woman glanced at him, noticing the expensive car parked outside. She called for the children. Moments later, two girls ran out, their faces lighting up with joy.

"Dad! It's Dad!" they exclaimed.

The girls, Gina (12) and Samantha (9), hugged Lanster tightly. Samantha clung to his neck, cooing, "Dad, you haven't visited us in so long."

"I'm sorry, I've been busy," Lanster said softly.

He turned to his ex-wife, Mary. "I'd like to take the children to the playground today. Is that alright?"

Mary agreed, and the girls dashed back inside to prepare.

Standing at the door, Lanster and Mary exchanged a few words. Lanster pulled out $200 and handed it to Mary. She took it quickly.

"I want to discuss something with you, Mary. I want to send the children to a private boarding school," Lanster said.

Mary's face tightened. "Private school? That's expensive. Where will you get the money?"

"I'll cover the costs," Lanster assured her.

At that moment, a thin man emerged from the house, leaning on Mary's shoulder. He looked at Lanster with a mocking smile. "Private school? You think you can afford that? You're just a warehouse worker. If you really want to help, increase the alimony."

The man took the $200 from Mary's hand, slipping it into his own pocket.

Lanster's face hardened, but he kept his composure. This was his chance to make things right for his children, and he wouldn't let anything stand in his way.