The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 455: The Foundation Completely Shattered

[Chapter 455: The Foundation Completely Shattered]

In Century City, at the Beverly Business Club, Hawke took out a bottle of water, twisted off the cap, took a sip, and asked Brian, "Have you got the situation figured out?"

Brian replied, "I called the Detective Bureau, and the picture is very clear. The shooting was triggered by the Los Angeles Fires and the related insurance claims."

He also grabbed a bottle of water. "I mentioned the insurance situation last time; I didn't expect it to actually become a problem."

Hawke had already been thinking on the way over. "This first case sets an example for everyone. If there are others in similar situations, they might follow suit and think there's no way to live a normal life, so they drag others down with them."

He asked, "How many cases like this are there?"

Brian wasn't exactly sure, coming from wealthy families in political and business circles, he had limited understanding of the lower and middle-class living conditions.

But he knew at least that if this issue wasn't handled well, it would cause significant trouble. He said, "At least a few hundred."

Hawke recalled something Tom Cruise had said: "Some Hollywood stars are among them."

Brian thought quickly and came up with a rough plan: "Today, I will have my people thoroughly assess the situation, provide them with legal aid and basic relief, and urge the local courts to mediate."

Hawke wasn't a saint nor did he have any universal empathy. Strictly speaking, he was also implicated in this.

Self-reflection wasn't on his agenda.

Years in Los Angeles had taught Hawke some philosophy.

Most typically, war movies endlessly emphasized humanitarian concerns and anti-war reflections, but reality was quite the opposite.

The municipal authorities had their usual ways of handling things, which Hawke had no need to question. His main concern was the other side of the coin: "This incident will affect the reputation you've built with the Los Angeles Fires, and it will shake our relationship with Schwarzenegger, even shattering the possible foundation for cooperation."

Brian realized the gravity of the situation. "Congressman Bonson had previously contacted Schwarzenegger to discuss the governor's election, but Schwarzenegger rejected our proposal. Now this clearly targeted attack erupts suddenly, and the media quickly unearthed the connection between Eunice Insurance and Maria Shriver. Schwarzenegger will suspect our involvement."

He went further, "We collaborated with Schwarzenegger during the last governor recall election; he somewhat understands our style of operations. Given the positions and stakes on both sides, he'll inevitably suspect us."

A few years ago, they were partners with shared interests.

Now conflicts stood between them.

Hawke frowned slightly: "The case just happened. The Detective Bureau hasn't held a briefing yet. Although there could be leaks inside, I suspect someone's behind this."

The LAPD was like a sieve, with factions everywhere. Without selecting personnel or special confidentiality, once there's an investigation and results, the media would easily find out.

Hawke continued, "The shooter's links to the insurance company and the company's ties to Maria Shriver have already been exposed by the media. This will spark public criticism, especially towards Schwarzenegger and you."

Brian, who had been Mayor of Los Angeles for over a year, had grown in handling emergencies: "My countermeasures won't make me the primary target."

He asked, "What about Schwarzenegger's side?"

Hawke said, "Our priority is to clear you first and keep an eye on Schwarzenegger for now."

He pondered, then reminded, "Try communicating with Schwarzenegger's camp."

A crisis often meant an opportunity. Bonson's talks with Schwarzenegger had yielded no results. Schwarzenegger's first-term approval was decent, and no breakthrough points were seen yet.

Whether this incident would bring change was uncertain, but they could watch how things unfolded.

Brian agreed: focus on securing himself before thinking about others.

Hawke added, "Also, if there's someone orchestrating behind the shooters, find a way to identify them."

Brian responded, "I'll organize operations at City Hall and send people to the Detective Bureau."

"I'll stir up media response from my company. For now, that's it. Let's stay in touch." Hawke left the club first, getting into the car with Raul heading to the Coastal Building.

Brian came out a few minutes later, heading to City Hall while constantly making calls.

Hawke arrived at his company and immediately brought in Caroline to activate the response mechanism, suppressing the flow and heat of all social media posts against Brian.

---

In Sacramento, at the Governor's residence, in a small conference room, Schwarzenegger was holding a private meeting.

Secretary of State Bill Jones, Governor's assistant Daniel Keitel, and aide Steven Zhang were present.

They studied the situation and watched the LAPD's briefing on TV.

Because the media had already exposed details, the Detective Bureau directly disclosed the case.

The information was quite unfavorable to Schwarzenegger.

The case couldn't avoid Eunice Insurance Company.

During the routine Q&A, many journalists asked about Maria Shriver's ties to Eunice Insurance.

Although the spokesperson claimed the matter was unrelated and refused to answer, public attention naturally focused on the governor's wife.

...

After the press briefing ended and the TV was turned off, Secretary Bill Jones was the first to speak: "We need to prepare for the media fallout."

He looked at Schwarzenegger: "Can money smooth this over?"

Schwarzenegger, knowing it was about his wife, replied, "No way. I talked to her before coming here, and we broke down. You know her well -- no negotiating with her."

Daniel, closer to Schwarzenegger, suggested, "No matter what, this PR issue will implicate you. My advice: hold a press conference today to clarify that this is Maria Shriver's personal affair. If necessary, get a divorce."

The room fell silent.

What was said wasn't wrong. Since Schwarzenegger was elected governor, Maria Shriver's help was negligible. Now facing severe PR crisis, the best way was to distance from the matter.

Steven added, "That would also show outsiders you're uninvolved and could urge the Los Angeles District Attorney to investigate."

After twenty years of marriage, any talk of love was nonsense. Schwarzenegger had grown tired of the rich family's spoiled habits.

Yet he hesitated about divorce: "Once divorced, my history with Patty, asset division, and Joseph..."

If the couple quarreled bitterly, exposing each other's faults, public figures would suffer more.

During the recall election, Daniel, who had worked extensively with Hawke, said, "Ask Hawke Osment for help. With his abilities, he can help you get through this PR crisis smoothly."

"No!" Bill Jones expressed strong opposition, explaining: "Don't forget, Brian Ferguson plans to run for governor next elections and had Bonson act as an intermediary for talks with you."

Schwarzenegger said, "The Ferguson family clearly stated they won't support me next year."

Bill slammed the table to grab attention and said, "Hawke is Brian's close friend and biggest supporter. Rejecting the Ferguson family puts us against Brian. Considering Hawke's tactics during the last recall election, who do you think was likely behind this?"

No political naive were present; as Bill implied, the Ferguson family's name instantly appeared in their thoughts.

Daniel said, "Early this morning, Brian's assistant, Beacon, called me, asking about the incident and insisted they were not involved."

Bill said, "They might not be involved, but they could be. Conflicts are already present."

No one contradicted, knowing that in politics, allies can shift quickly, and everything is based on interests.

Daniel then suggested a three-pronged approach: first, handle PR normally and communicate with mainstream media to suppress coverage; second, the governor should have a serious talk with his wife, at least to show a stance and silence some voices; finally, he would visit Los Angeles to meet with Hawke Osment.

He stopped Bill from speaking further: "Whether they did it or not, we must take a public attitude. The Ferguson family and their Pacific Investment Group were our biggest backers in the last campaign."

Schwarzenegger agreed: "Alright."

Bill stressed, "Be ready -- regardless of Ferguson Group's involvement, this event will make them more cautious about us, widening the rift. We don't trust them, and they won't trust us."

Schwarzenegger muttered a German curse.

Politics was a dirty game from start to finish.

He checked his watch and said, "Let's get moving."

Daniel packed to leave for Los Angeles.

...

Steven entered, closed the door, and said, "Personally, I think exposing Arnold's affair with the nanny and the child they had is worthwhile now."

Daniel paused and said, "Go on."

Steven explained, "Arnold won't give up the election. Before the governor's race, he'll definitely face Brian. With Hawke Osment's methods -- actually, with the internet media scale of Twitter -- it's easy to dig up these secrets. Patty and Joseph are Twitter users."

He shrugged: "Better to blow it up ourselves than have it exposed. The affair and child scandal would distract from the insurance incident's negative impact on Arnold. Extramarital affairs and secret children hurt less politically than an insurance scandal linked to the Los Angeles Fires."

The Los Angeles Fires were a painful memory for all of California.

*****

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