The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 245: The Devil Wore a Disguise]

On Ocean Park Avenue, at the Twitter office building, a back-and-forth recording played in the office. Betty and a young boy's conversation was clear enough for adults to understand. After letting it play once, Hawke rewound and played it again.

Edward and Campos remained silent, seated on the couch. Caroline thought for a moment, holding her chin, mulling over how to report the news -- something that would stir excitement without causing trouble. Hawke stood up and approached the whiteboard, writing down the name of St. Beatrice Church. He then set up a mind map around it.

As the recording played again, Hawke remarked, "Behind St. Beatrice Church, there's a cover-up of the priests' misdeeds, which involves certain Hollywood stars." Caroline raised her pen, waiting for Hawke to acknowledge her before she said, "There have been rumors in the industry that Hanks had certain inclinations."

Hawke waved his hand dismissively, "Who it is doesn't matter. Our goal is to uncover the truth without getting ourselves in trouble. We need to ensure our own safety before exposing anything."

He added, "And it also connects to Nicole Kidman."

Hawke took his work seriously when it came to money. Caroline thought it through, saying, "Boss, based on what you just said, if Tom Cruise manages to get Nicole Kidman to St. Beatrice Church, we could have Campos's people snap some photos of it. Once the news about St. Beatrice Church surfaces, we can juxtapose those photos with reports of Nicole frequently visiting."

She chuckled, her sharp little canines evident, "Once that rumor starts circulating, it'll be hard for her to scrub her image clean -- her focus will have to be on clearing her name."

Hawke pointed at her, "You're getting better at this."

Caroline smiled like a pleased sheep, her big eyes narrowing into slits. Campos chimed in, "After all, Tom Cruise is Nicole Kidman's ex-husband. With his influence, getting Nicole to attend mass won't be an issue. I'll have someone follow her discreetly."

Hawke nodded slightly and added, "The emphasis remains on St. Beatrice Church and the church's welfare school."

Edward interjected, "But just this recording isn't enough."

Campos replied, "We're still looking for other victims. If we can crack open this case with Marcelo, the next steps will be easier."

Hawke wrote down the name of the church's welfare school, which was adjacent to St. Beatrice Church, "They have dozens of external staff. Are all of them void of conscience? The strongest fortresses are the easiest to bring down from within."

He paced a little, then told Campos, "Have Betty continue her contact with Marcelo and find out which staff members at the school sympathize with the children."

Campos reassured him, "Betty has already earned Marcelo's trust; this shouldn't be hard."

...

In Beverly Hills, at the Four Seasons Hotel, morning arrived as Andrea parked her car in front of the hotel. Just then, her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and decided against answering. The call ended automatically, but moments later, the phone rang again.

Frustrated, Andrea slammed her hand on the steering wheel and answered, "I promised I'd do my part."

The voice on the other end said, "Just a reminder: it's either money or jail time; you choose."

The call ended, and a text notification chimed. Andrea opened the picture message, revealing a photograph -- a document on financial fraud from the year 2000. Seeing the evidence made her lips tremble.

This was proof that Andrea had exploited her employer, Nicole Kidman's trust, in league with a fund manager, to siphon off her wealth. Many financial managers in Hollywood, even those representing stars, would misuse the trust of these celebrities to drain their finances.

Originally from Australia, Andrea had started as Nicole Kidman's assistant ten years prior, becoming her manager in 1997, one of her most trusted individuals. Just like Johnny Depp and Nicolas Cage with their untrustworthy managers, Andrea was not above bending the rules in private.

Many stars lacked a fundamental understanding of finance, taxation, and economic management. Andrea tucked her phone away and gently slapped her face to reset her expression. Although the caller didn't reveal their identity, Andrea suspected it was Tom Cruise who was checking up on her.

Nicole Kidman knew Tom Cruise well, and vice versa. Andrea suspected that Tom might know what she was up to, considering she was stepping on Nicole Kidman's toes, something that Tom would find amusing.

That jerk had a way with finances and was sharp as a tack. At critical moments, like now, he could threaten her to ensure compliance.

"It's just a trip to church," Andrea reassured herself, struggling to downplay what felt like a big deal. She exited her car and hastened into the hotel, taking the elevator to Harvey Weinstein's long-term suite.

...

Last night, Nicole Kidman was called here. The Oscar-winning actress was often just a toy in the hands of powerful moguls. Andrea sent a quick text, and the door opened from the inside.

Nicole peeked out, asking, "Where's the outfit?"

Andrea quickly handed her a formal dress bag. "I brought something more appropriate; according to our plan, you're to attend Catholic mass today..."

"Got it," Nicole replied, retreating inside.

After a brief wait, the suite door opened, and Nicole emerged, gently closing the door behind her. Andrea wondered if Nicole had suffered too much the night before and cautiously asked, "Are we still going to church?"

Nicole walked toward the elevator, "We can't be late for mass."

Andrea walked alongside her, conversing, "St. Mary's is under repair. Shall we switch to another church?"

"Repair?" Nicole's supposed Catholic faith was merely a front to attack Tom Cruise. It didn't matter where they went.

"Let's go to St. Beatrice?" Andrea suggested. "It's not far and popular in the industry."

She mentioned, "Pat often goes there for mass."

Nicole nodded, her memory jogged, "Let's go there."

...

When they descended the stairs, they hopped in the car with Andrea driving toward St. Beatrice Church. Behind them, two cars followed; one sped up, overtaking Andrea's car to reach the church first.

By the time Nicole arrived, someone was already disguised, hiding in a corner of the church square, capturing her entry.

Fiona had visited St. Beatrice Church before and had even donated money there. She entered with her bag, positioning herself a little distance away from Nicole.

After mass concluded, Nicole indeed drew attention from those in the church. Fiona discreetly snapped photos with her bag. A priest named Michael Becker sought out Nicole for a chat. The two left the church to an adjoining side room.

Fiona, as a major donor, also entered that side room to receive communion. After enjoying communion and receiving holy water, a few people departed with the priest, while Michael Becker guided Nicole Kidman on a tour of the welfare school.

Fiona blended in with the crowd, keeping her distance for the shot. Her mission was straightforward: capture Nicole at St. Beatrice.

After over half an hour, Nicole exited the church. With her interaction with Michael Becker and Andrea's quiet influence as manager, Nicole had decided on St. Beatrice Church as her regular mass destination.

...

At the St. Beatrice Church Welfare School, groundskeeper Ronald sped out of the school gate, heading for a nearby clinic. He knew a familiar doctor who could see him without an appointment. After getting a prescription, Ronald raced to Walmart on North Victoria Avenue.

In the pharmacy section, he picked up a few anti-inflammatory medications according to the prescription. He was blissfully unaware that he'd been tracked since pulling out of the school.

At the checkout, after paying, Ronald headed back to his car, discovering a Mexican man waiting beside it.

...

Dressed up, Juan greeted him, "Mr. Ronald Bain, hello."

Ronald sized up the bearded man, realizing he didn't know him, "Who are you? What do you want?"

Juan replied, "Can we speak privately for a moment? It's about the students at the welfare school."

Hearing the last phrase made Ronald's expression change slightly, "There's nothing to discuss."

Juan glanced at the plastic bag with the medication, "The drugs you just bought are for pain relief, aren't they? They can heal physical injuries, but what about their emotional scars?"

He pressed further, "Some of your students have gone missing; don't you want to know where they went?"

Ronald fell silent and climbed into the driver's seat. Juan hopped in, closing the door. Among the three Marcelo had mentioned, they had tracked down this one.

Ronald asked, "Who are you?"

"I'm a reporter from the New York Times, preparing to expose the offenders," Juan revealed his forged press badge and added, "We're from New York; don't worry about pressure here in LA. You know the divide and conflict between the coasts."

Ronald rubbed his weary face, "No one cares about them -- their lives, their feelings, or whether they've been violated!"

Juan cut straight to the point, "When you say 'them,' are you referring to the boys at the welfare school?"

"Yes, yes, it is them!" Ronald exclaimed, "They live in hell. Originally servants of God, now they're in league with the devil. They crossed over from Latin America, thinking they arrived in a civilized world, only to find themselves in a situation worse than hell."

His faith had long shattered, "The devil wore a disguise of God, sin was wrapped in the guise of civilization. Heaven is long gone; the demons are right here in America!"

*****

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