The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 241: Pay Well to Fight]

Los Angeles Convention Center, Press Hall.

That morning, hundreds of media representatives and reporters gathered, most of whom came from the finance and technology sectors. All eyes were glued to the podium. Twitter, in collaboration with Clarium Capital from Silicon Valley, held a press conference to officially announce that both parties would begin investment negotiations.

Peter Thiel and Reid Hoffman, representing the venture capital company, were well-known figures in Silicon Valley, with impressive business accomplishments. In contrast, Caroline, the representative from Twitter, seemed relatively unknown.

The live broadcasting team from Twitter had set up cameras early on to stream the entire event live. Daniel Keitel, an assistant to the governor from the Governor's Office, expressed the new governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's focus on this emerging business investment. The press conference went smoothly, garnering more attention for Twitter.

...

At the railing on the second floor, Mary Ferguson looked down and asked, "You don't like public occasions?"

Hawke responded, "I prefer to stay back. There are people who want to harm me; rushing to the front puts me at greater risk."

"You've got to step into the limelight eventually," Mary replied, highlighting a reality, "You can't hide behind the scenes forever."

Hawke pondered for a moment and replied honestly, "Once I truly have power, it won't matter if I'm on stage or backstage."

Mary thought of something: "Did you manage to talk Erica out of this?"

Hawke nodded, "She's done so much for me; I can't let my issues block her career at LAPD."

He suddenly chuckled, "I have my own interests too. Once Erica becomes a big shot at LAPD, I won't need to worry about these petty issues in Los Angeles."

Mary looked into Hawke's eyes with obvious admiration. Once again, she felt that what Erica's grandfather Paul Ferguson said was particularly wise: it wasn't about where someone came from, but what they've accomplished.

...

Burbank Hotel, Top Floor Suite.

The live broadcast of Twitter was projected onto a screen. Douglas Coster sat quietly on the sofa, watching the press conference hosted by Twitter and Clarium Capital. On the adjacent sofa, Murray Gober, who had just rushed over from BlackRock's headquarters, wore a blank expression, as if there had never been a connection between Twitter and BlackRock.

The press conference concluded amidst enthusiastic applause. Douglas picked up the remote control and turned off the projector.

Murray said, "Once the estimates and negotiations are over, Peter Thiel and Reid Hoffman, along with the funds they've raised, will immediately flow into Twitter. Twitter will gain support from Silicon Valley's capital and fully undergo a transformation."

He paused slightly and continued, "Some investors are swaying left and right. They will lean towards whichever side can grant greater benefits."

"It's my fault for not doing my job properly," Douglas said, not shifting any blame, "We had an opportunity."

Murray made it clear that he only needed to show the company's position without laying blame. "Twitter's situation can't be reversed anymore; don't linger there, focus on other acquisition targets."

Douglas felt dissatisfied. "No other social media can compare to Twitter. Even the largest blogging sites can't hold a candle to it."

Then he suddenly had an idea: "Does Twitter involve monopolization?"

Murray replied, "You can approach it from that angle to create some trouble over there, but the main focus still needs to be on the plan for marginalized groups."

This was related to BlackRock's long-term strategy: "The board has decided; everything in Hollywood is fully in your hands."

Douglas chose to set Twitter aside for the moment, pulling out prepared materials and handing them to Murray. "As of now, the BlackRock film fund has been pushing two film projects forward, one of which is Brokeback Mountain, produced by Focus Features and directed by Ang Lee, is almost finalized."

Although he hadn't dared to go out much during this time, he hadn't slacked off on work at the hotel. "George Clooney and Sean Penn recommended a biographical script to me, based on the life of the famous LGBTQ leader Harvey Milk, which involves social and political movements matching our plans."

Murray wasn't particularly knowledgeable about the film side but said, "You manage that. The plan needs to roll out quickly; we need to see results by this time next year."

Douglas calculated the time and said, "The earliest would be by the next Oscars. Movies have a huge public impact, but the production and screening cycle is quite lengthy. This type of film can only follow a path aiming for awards, leveraging the Oscars' influence to spark new waves across the country."

"Sounds good." Murray put the materials away, preparing to leave. Before he departed, he reminded, "Stay safe."

"I will," Douglas assured, being extra cautious. Since his assistant Tim went missing, he hadn't stepped outside the Burbank Hotel except for a visit to the FBI's Los Angeles office. An experienced security team was protecting his safety.

After some time, he planned to leave Los Angeles and return to San Francisco, where it wasn't the Ferguson family's territory anymore.

...

A brand-new bulletproof Mercedes left the city, passing through East Hollywood, and arrived at Century City Plaza in Beverly Hills. Edward turned and parked beside a Chevrolet.

The window of the Chevrolet rolled down, and Jennifer Huey handed over a folder containing documents.

Hawke accepted it, saying, "Thanks."

Jennifer raised the window back up, saying, "These are your findings."

Hawke understood her meaning: "Don't worry; it has nothing to do with you."

The Chevrolet's window went up, and it left the parking lot quickly.

"Let's go to Silver Lake," Hawke told Edward. He opened the folder and began examining its contents closely.

It detailed how BlackRock's Wyoming branch exploited a mining company to infringe upon the rights of Native American reservations, eventually leading to disputes that resulted in several deaths. If those killed had been white, the matter would have blown up long ago.

But since it involved Native Americans, it could easily be smoothed over with money.

They had no human rights.

Hawke wasn't sure how much fight was left in those Native Americans, bearing over a hundred years of oppression.

Douglas Coster remained hidden in the Burbank Hotel, shielded by a multitude of security personnel, much like a turtle retracting its head.

Forget about Hawke, even Erica, who sought to tap into LAPD's traditional skills, couldn't find any opportunity to act.

Hawke had a feeling this guy would be especially careful in Los Angeles.

The head of BlackRock's San Francisco branch, despite liaising with Hollywood and executing marginalized group plans, would still need to return to San Francisco.

...

The Mercedes arrived in Silver Lake, driving directly into a villa.

When Hawke got out of the car, he called Raul and the others: "Come inside."

He turned to Edward, "Bring the packages with you."

Edward opened the glove compartment, took out three small packages, and followed Hawke into the villa.

Before long, Raul, Guti, and Morentes entered one after another.

Hawke wasted no time, "Regarding the attack that happened at Citrus Square, your early warning and protection were in place. I won't say much to thank you."

Raul replied, "Boss, it's our duty."

"Then make sure you're more attentive to your responsibilities," Hawke said, not one to demand unreasonable sacrifices without compensation.

If others put their lives on the line for him, he needed to provide the rewards due.

Hawke took the packages from Edward and handed one to each of Raul's team.

He stated, "Don't refuse; this is a bonus. If you don't take it, how can I feel at ease?"

Guti grinned and tossed his golden hair, "Thanks, boss."

Morentes remained silent but nodded firmly at Hawke, seeming to express his determination in this manner.

His family had come to Los Angeles smoothly, solved their identity issues, lived in a standalone home, had their children enrolled in private schools, and he earned quite well.

The boss wasn't bad; he was generous.

Such a job was hard to come by.

Hawke added, "If you run into difficulties in life, communicate with Edward promptly."

Raul laughed, "It's much better here than in Mexico."

The three left the villa quickly, returning to their normal work state.

...

Inside the villa, Hawke pulled out a card and handed it to Edward: "This is for you; keep it."

Edward happily accepted it, "Boss, you're too generous."

Hawke patted his shoulder, "Savior, you are my lucky star."

Edward's enthusiasm picked up, as he grabbed the folder Jennifer had given him, pulling out the documents to examine them closely, helping Hawke look for a breakthrough.

Hawke continued to read the provided documents, reviewing them several times, pulling out a portion to reprint, organizing them into a separate file.

Then he contacted Campos.

...

Before noon, Campos arrived in Silver Lake.

Hawke handed the printed materials to him, saying, "This contains information about a Native American and their family's case. Do you have someone who understands Native American culture? I need someone to go to Wyoming, into the Indian reservation near Jeffrey City."

Campos pondered for a moment. "People in this field are hard to find. Native Americans live in a different world entirely. Those on the reservations hardly interact with outsiders."

Edward interjected, "It seems Native Americans have it worse than Black people."

Campos responded, "Much worse. You all think it's bad, but they..."

"How about you find a reliable person to deliver this to the target? I want them to follow the person if the target leaves the reservation," Hawke proposed.

Campos thought for a moment and said, "Let Carlos and Garcia handle it; this job won't be hard for them."

Hawke nodded, "Great. Have it arranged quickly."

"I'll get on it right away." Campos took the materials and quickly left the villa to return to the company.

...

On the way, he called Carlos and Garcia, asking them to meet him at the company.

Just past noon, the two had booked their tickets and were heading straight for Los Angeles International Airport.

Hawke received an invitation from Fox to attend a collaborator's party.

*****

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