The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 404: Plotting Chaos in America

[Chapter 404: Plotting Chaos in America]

Several cargo vans approached the hilltop one after another, turning into the open iron gate. Guided by security staff, they drove along the driveway of the front yard and parked in front of the main entrance of the fountain plaza.

Campos got out of the front vehicle and waved at Hawke.

Hawke checked the boxes on the truck and said, "Get everything moved inside and placed in the foyer."

Campos shouted a few commands, and the movers began to hustle and bustle about.

The workers gradually moved the cargo boxes into the foyer. Erica sorted the goods with the help of some servants, directing them to transfer items to different areas. Most of the items went to the basement.

The contents from the Silver Lake villa hadn't changed much; the majority of what had been moved were Hawke's clothes and firearms from his previous villa on 20th Street in Santa Monica. Hawke had already vacated the villa in Santa Monica and officially moved into this new place.

The cargo was quickly unloaded from the vans. After tipping generously, Campos took his team and left. The cargo vans exited the estate, and the gate shut automatically behind them.

On the estate, Hawke selected an elite security team responsible for protection. Raul, Guti, and Morentes continued to handle Hawke's safety when he went out.

...

Hawke headed down to the basement, where most of the items had already been organized under Erica's direction. Several boxes remained unopened.

Seeing Hawke, Erica told the housekeeper, Anna, "Forget about the rest; just take the empty boxes away."

Anna lifted one cardboard box with each hand and directed other servants to clean up the remaining trash before leaving the basement.

Hawke retrieved a crowbar and handed one to Erica, saying, "Let's get started."

Erica took it, standing beside Hawke, and said, "Let's do it together."

Together, they pried open the lid of a wooden crate, revealing brand new firearms inside. They pried open several more boxes, each filled with guns and ammunition.

For practicality, most were the most common on the market: AR-15s, Remington shotguns, and Glock and Beretta handguns. When Erica finalizing the layout of the house, she ensured that each room had hidden compartments for storing guns.

Not to mention the standard firearms, Hawke had also acquired a significant amount of unconventional weapons, along with tactical vests and corresponding bulletproof vests.

Hawke and Erica placed the weapons in every room personally so that when needed, they could access them immediately.

...

After a tour of the house, Hawke said, "This place is too big; it's easy to get lost."

But Erica chimed in, "Did you notice? Many rooms are themed differently -- an office, cockpit, yacht, spa, studio, conference room, cinema, armory, etc. I even had a few cells designed in the basement, complete with replica shackles."

Hawke pulled her closer and kissed her deeply, saying, "Darling, I want to thank you right now, but we have a VIP coming over shortly. I'll reward you properly tonight."

Erica smiled at him, saying, "Don't let me down."

...

Both Hawke and Erica had kept up their fitness training and tactical shooting practices.

Just as they were talking, a phone call came in from Tom Cruise.

The new Oscar-winning actor had gone overseas for promotions with the War of the Worlds team and had specifically instructed his assistant, Thomas, to deliver a prepared gift.

Hawke gave the security office a heads up, and within three minutes, a Cadillac drove into the estate and parked at the fountain plaza.

Thomas handed over a solid gold Oscar statue to Hawke.

On the base of the little golden statue, there was an engraved message: "Presented to my dear friend Hawke Osment by Tom Cruise."

With the gift delivered, Thomas said his goodbyes and left.

...

"Tom Cruise is very clever," Erica said, taking the gift from Hawke and shaking it lightly, "A solid piece, truly a golden statue."

She laughed, "That guy, is the Church of Scientology not enough? He wants to have you as a backing too."

Hawke replied directly, "It's for you."

Erica was puzzled, "Why?"

"Because my backup is you, always has been," Hawke stated honestly. "Without your support, it would take me at least five more years to achieve all this, if not longer."

Erica didn't try to hide her pride, saying, "So, we both have good foresight."

The time was getting late. Brian and Jennifer were about to arrive; one would set up the dining room, and the other would check on the chefs in the kitchen.

...

As the sun set, Brian and Jennifer entered the estate together.

"This place is huge," Jennifer marveled, "Last time I was here, it was to investigate the Ackerman family's wrongdoings."

Hawke provocatively asked, "Did you find any treasures left behind? If we dig them up now, it'll be a 50/50 split."

Jennifer shrugged, "Sorry, my team is too professional; they found all the hidden safes."

She looked around, "The interior decor has all changed."

Erica said, "The original decoration was too outdated. I switched it to a modern style."

Hawke led the way into the study and casually turned on the screen, saying, "Make yourselves comfortable."

The last to enter, Erica closed the door behind them.

Jennifer spoke first, "The case is progressing quickly. My father received news that Merrill Lynch contacted him about the case, preparing to acquire BlackRock."

Hawke asked, "The parent company of Merrill Securities?"

"Yes," Jennifer elaborated, "Reportedly, BlackRock had considered investing in Merrill last year, but the situation turned around this year."

Brian, being aware of the circumstances, chimed in, "Everyone wants to take a bite of that juicy piece."

Hawke nodded slightly, "Henry Paulson from Goldman Sachs contacted me; he's preparing to act, likely teaming up with Merrill."

Actually, there were more than just these willing to join the feast.

The four gathered to focus on the secret agreement they had reached -- the presidential plan.

Jennifer said, "For now, I will stabilize my position in Los Angeles. I anticipate it won't change for three years."

Erica thought for a moment, "I'm working to expand my influence inside the LAPD, placing loyal staff."

Hawke noted, "Los Angeles is our stronghold now; our influence can currently reach all of Southern California, but Northern California is still controlled by the Democrats. The Newsom family has substantial influence in the Northern urban areas centered around San Francisco; there'll be fierce competition in the next election."

Brian interjected, "The Democrat presence in Northern California has been reshuffled. Willie Brown passed down the political legacy to his mistress Kamala, and supported the Newsom family. Last year's re-elected senator Barbara Boxer also reached an agreement with the Newsom family to back Jerry Brown for the next governor."

Hawke asked, "Is it still Arnold Schwarzenegger for the Republicans?"

"In principle, yes," Brian replied. "He's aiming for re-election."

Hawke's fingers lightly drummed on the table as he addressed Brian, "If you want to move ahead, there are three paths: first, re-election as Los Angeles mayor, which shouldn't be too hard. I've been preparing a movie reflecting the Los Angeles fires, which will nail the Democrats' actions in the city to the pillar of shame."

"Like Fahrenheit 9/11?" Jennifer inquired, intrigued.

Hawke shook his head, "No, I'm planning for it to have a broader impact, maybe to win the Oscar for Best Picture."

Public opinion could directly affect the election. An Oscar-winning film wouldn't determine the election outcome, but it would surely influence the choices of the Los Angeles citizens.

Everyone was touched by the fire disaster; it would become an unforgettable memory for them.

The world often shouted about politics staying out of sports, movies, and art. But as long as one's mind was clear, it was evident that politics had never been distant from anyone or anything.

Movies are not just movies, like how a country's film becomes part of the global popular culture, relying not just on the film itself.

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Hawke remarked, "The cultural and value export of Hollywood films has a tremendous influence; we've all seen that movies are one of the best tools for propaganda."

Brian nodded fervently, "Once this film is made, I definitely want to see it."

Hawke continued, "The second path is running for the Senate, with midterm elections coming up in less than two years. California's other senator, Dianne Feinstein's term is ending, and if you plan to run for the mid-term elections, you need to start preparing now."

Brian said, "I want to secure the governorship first."

"That brings me to my third point," Hawke added. "In my personal view, Schwarzenegger is doing well for now, or rather his superstar aura hasn't fully worn off; he's likely to win re-election. But California's financial situation hasn't improved; it's hard to predict what will happen next term."

With thoughtfulness on his face, Brian said, "There's still time before the next gubernatorial election. Perhaps I can convince Schwarzenegger."

Jennifer seemed to have heard some gossip: "The governor has a particularly good taste, straying with his 200-pound plus female nanny."

Hawke had heard of Schwarzenegger's affair with his nanny; after all, that was a classic Hollywood male star move. But the weight was indeed surprising: "200 pounds? You're not joking, are you?"

Jennifer said, "Not by a bit."

Erica chimed in, "Actually, that nanny reported it but was silenced; Schwarzenegger paid a hush fee."

Hawke suddenly thought of Brad Pitt. Those stars often strayed with nannies who weren't much to look at, seemingly having an unparalleled allure due to their unique position.

The four concluded their discussions on business matters, and it was getting late; the exterior was starting to darken.

Hawke suggested they head for dinner and continue the conversation while eating.

These four had begun to form a real alliance of interests, quietly plotting the chaos in America under Hawke's subtle influence.

*****

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