Chapter 34: The Savior
Hawk drove the Mondeo onto Santa Monica Boulevard, slowing down as he entered the parking lot of a supermarket. After parking, he turned to find Edward still buzzing with excitement.
“Boss, how did I do? I got that old British drunk riled up so easily! Of course, it’s because you taught me well, but I think I handled it pretty brilliantly myself,” Edward said, beaming.
Hawk retrieved the digital camera, flipping through the photos. After reviewing them, he said solemnly, “Edward Conner, I hereby officially inform you that you’ve passed the probationary period for West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio. You’re now a full-fledged employee.”
Knowing there would be more situations requiring Edward’s daring antics, Hawk added, “Your weekly pay is $400.”
“Fantastic! Now I just need to find a divorced woman with child support, and I’ll be middle class. Two of them, and I could retire!” Edward quipped, then paused and frowned. “No, wait. They’d drain me dry. Those women are too thirsty.”
Ignoring his ramblings, Hawk connected the camera to his laptop, transferring the photos and reviewing the footage from the camcorder. The visuals were excellent, though the sound quality was poor due to distance.
After completing the transfers, Hawk examined everything one last time.
Edward snapped out of his daydreams about child support. Glancing at the screen, he asked, “What now? Do we call the buyers and turn this into cash?”
Hawk nodded. After finishing with the footage, he used Edward’s phone to make the calls, ensuring his assistant would handle the transaction.
Selling the material back to the Lord of the Rings production team crossed Hawk’s mind, but the risks were too high. Without backing, he could easily be accused of extortion—a common fate in Hollywood.
The established entertainment news trade was much safer, with a robust system already in place. Studios typically only spent real money on PR with media outlets.
Hawk called National Enquirer, Us Weekly, World News, and Hollywood Life. This time, World News offered the highest bid: $5,000.
Curious, Edward asked, “Why is World News offering $5,000 while the others are only at $3,000?”
“The Lord of the Rings author is British, and the franchise has massive influence in the UK,” Hawk explained. “Ian McKellen is British, and World News is the weekend edition of The Sun, a British tabloid.”
The combination of The Lord of the Rings frenzy and Gandalf’s star power made it an irresistible story.
“Too complicated,” Edward groaned. “I prefer running or just lying down to make money.”
Hawk started the car and drove toward the World News Los Angeles office. “You’ll handle this deal. Use your name and sign an exclusive rights agreement.”
“Me? Alone?” Edward hesitated. “What about the video?”
“The video is a separate story,” Hawk replied. “It has nothing to do with your photos. We’re two different reporters with two distinct scoops.”
Edward, not one for nuanced thinking, looked confused.
Hawk elaborated, “An exclusive agreement means the content can only be sold to one outlet. Selling the same story to multiple buyers creates unnecessary trouble.”
With West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio still small and vulnerable, Hawk’s strategy was straightforward: Edward was the photographer for one scoop, while he, as a videographer, had an entirely separate piece.
The World News Los Angeles office occupied a modest three-story building.
Hawk parked the Mondeo in a prominent spot near the entrance and gave Edward the storage drive along with instructions. “Head in and close the deal. The price is set—$5,000 as long as the photos check out.”
Edward pocketed the drive and paused before exiting. “Boss, aren’t you worried I’ll take the money and run?”
Hawk clapped him on the shoulder. “I pulled you out from under the barrel of a gun. You’re not the kind of guy to betray someone like that.”
“I’m a savior, through and through!” Edward proclaimed, hopping out of the car and heading into the building.
Hawk puzzled over Edward’s comment before realizing the reference—Edward Conner, a mix of Edward Furlong and John Connor from the Terminator movies.
Once Edward disappeared inside, Hawk got out and approached the building, chatting briefly with the security guard. A pack of cigarettes and a $20 tip secured some useful intel: the office had two main exits and a fire escape at the back.
Hawk parked himself near the fire exit, keeping an eye on the building.
Inside, the transaction went smoothly. The photos were clear and compelling, and Hawk’s prior negotiations ensured the price was locked in. After signing the exclusive rights agreement, Edward walked out with a $5,000 check.
In the lobby, Edward glanced at the amount on the check and instinctively slipped it into his inner pocket. For a brief moment, the thought of running crossed his mind.
Looking out the front door, he spotted the Mondeo parked conspicuously under the streetlights. His gaze shifted to the fire exit sign, and he took a couple of steps toward it before stopping.
The memory of Hawk taking down an assailant to save him flashed before his eyes.
Edward wasn’t feeling gratitude—he was recalling Hawk’s efficiency and ruthlessness in that moment.
Patting his neck and stomach nervously, Edward spun on his heel and exited through the front door.
Back at the car, Edward found it locked and no sign of Hawk. A moment later, Hawk emerged from a nearby convenience store, holding a bag of beer and snacks.
“Done?” Hawk asked casually.
Edward handed over the check with slight hesitation. “All good.”
Hawk tucked the check away and handed Edward the bag. “Let’s celebrate.”
Grinning ear to ear, Edward cracked open a beer and took a long sip, letting out a contented sigh.
“You did great tonight,” Hawk said. “Once we sell the video, you’ll get a $200 bonus.”
Edward lit up. “Boss, you’re more generous than any divorced woman I’ve ever chased!”
Hawk couldn’t help but think Edward’s true talents lay in dealing with divorcees.
The two celebrated their first successful deal with beer and snacks.
“Where’s the video going?” Edward asked.
“TV,” Hawk replied, scrolling through his phone for contacts. “Videos don’t fetch much from print media, but they’re gold for TV.”
“Do you need me for this deal too?” Edward asked.
“This one’s mine,” Hawk said, finding the right number and dialing. The recipient, intrigued, invited him to meet in person.
Hawk drove west along Santa Monica Boulevard into Beverly Hills, arriving at Century City. His first stop was Channel 11, as suggested by Frank.
Channel 11, now managed by Fox News after being acquired, operated out of the Fox Television Center. Hawk prepared to pitch his footage.
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter