America 1982-Chapter 202 - 74: Black Humor_2
Jim Manzi, the former Vice President of Lotus Corporation, passed by quietly wearing a baseball cap. As a witness for the plaintiff, Lotus Corporation, he would attend the trial today, appearing relaxed.
Of course, he was relaxed. Had he not run fast enough, he’d be the one in hot water now.
Hearing Holly’s words, he couldn’t help but smirk. It was surely a trick orchestrated by Tommy Hawk himself, a deception for those poor souls out in the square. Look, the Robin Hood Tommy has disturbed the cake of interests. Someone doesn’t want him at the trial, someone is afraid of him.
As for who was keeping Tommy occupied, it didn’t matter. It was definitely some big shot’s doing. Why so sure? Simply because Lotus Corporation ousted their hard-working Vice President, Jim Manzi, to replace him with some guy whose name contained Kennedy.
The real reason was that the Supreme Court hearings weren’t public, with only transcripts available for review — no live TV broadcasts or press photographers. That bastard had no opportunity to perform, so of course, this task was better left to lawyers specialized in dealing with judges.
Otherwise, that scoundrel, facing a bunch of justices, might passionately proclaim, "I am willing to take on all the guilt!" The justices, unlike powerless members of Congress, might be moved by Tommy’s sincerity and decide to help fulfill his wish to become an American saint. Then Tommy could go hang himself and see if he would resurrect after three days. If he did, he’d become Jesus; if not, the biggest joke for the next hundred years.
"God bless the righteous..." Jim murmured as he walked up the stairs and into the building, looking at the funny slogans, "Hoping others help him, and then having the cheek to expect thanks. If such a scoundrel can be called righteous, what kind of bizarre fantasy realm is this? If things keep going this way, maybe Tommy or another charismatic individual could convince them he’s a woman, and they might even invite him into the ladies’ room."
Holly seemed unable to continue and hurriedly excused herself before turning to follow Jason and the others, leaving everyone else exchanging puzzled looks.
The woman who had just been interviewed, a middle-aged woman named Emily, now took the opportunity to appear before an unfocused camera and loudly declared:
"America needs youth like Tommy. He embodies all virtues, and he will make this nation even better. He will surely triumph! God bless the righteous!"
...
On the terrace of the river view suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, feeling the moist breeze from the Potomac River for a moment, Tommy, dressed in pajamas, slowly opened his eyes on the sofa, "This is the only day in a while I’ve woken naturally without the aid of sleeping pills."
Stephen Binns, who had been gazing at the river, turned to Tommy Hawk, "I’m honored to be framed as the hidden big shot pressuring you to skip the trial, Tommy, even though it was you who called me here. Then you had your blonde tell the world someone’s leaning on you and you couldn’t refuse."
"You’re worth six hundred million, Mr. Wealthy; how could I possibly refuse you?" Tommy laughed.
"The Supreme Court’s trial is not open to the public; there’s no point in wasting my breath. Better to let the lawyers handle it."
In the distance, in the living room, Sophia gave the bell-ringing waiter a tip and then carried coffee and pastries over herself.
Stephen said thanks and watched Sophia’s retreating figure before looking inquiringly at Tommy. Tommy Hawk shrugged, "Secretary, girlfriend, assistant, whatever. I haven’t paid her a dime."
"I don’t believe that without money, any woman would willingly bring you coffee," Stephen Binns said confidently.
"I have charm, okay? All of America adores me," Tommy looked annoyed at Stephen’s remark.
"I haven’t given Sophia any money. I rely only on charm and goodwill, and helped her with just a little favor."
Stephen scoffed, "Goodwill? Since when does a miserly tightwad like you believe in goodwill?"
"I told an organization called EFF that, in appreciation for Sophia’s pro bono legal aid to the underprivileged in the software industry, they’d donate money to Stanford Law School for a scholarship, which then went to her. It might not seem like much to you, but it’s enough for her to keep offering me free legal aid," Tommy explained casually.
Stephen’s eyes widened, "You’re so cheap you even avoid taxes when paying your lady’s salary? If this keeps up, are you going to find a tax deduction for buying Trojan condoms too?"
Tommy gestured for silence and said earnestly, "Stanford University gave her the scholarship; what’s that got to do with me?"
"Why don’t I see your lady helping the Dean of the Law School with coffee?"
"Sophia, my friend here is wondering why you don’t help the Dean with his coffee."
With a sigh, Sophia looked up and pushed her glasses up on the bridge of her nose, "Because the Dean is too busy making public appearances thanks to the opportunity you created. He’s running around on your behalf while bolstering his own profile."
"The Dean told her she just needs to thank me, that Phoenix Society kid." Tommy made a mock kiss at Stephen Binns as if to provoke him, then swiftly changed the subject.
