The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 346 - : Full Launch

[Chapter 346: Full Launch]

East Hollywood, Silver Lake neighborhood.

With comprehensive security in place, the fully equipped mansion became Hawke's temporary command center. Upon receiving news, Hawke immediately called in key personnel for this operation.

Erica had been at the mansion all along. Edward arrived early to check in. Brian and his fiancee, Jennifer Huey, who served as the Deputy Director of the Los Angeles FBI office, arrived one after the other. Campos also drove into the mansion's yard.

In the mansion's spacious exhibit room, everyone gathered together. Brian pulled out a chair and sat down, eagerly asking, "Any word from Fox yet?"

Hawke gestured for him to calm down, waiting for everyone to be seated before saying, "Irene has received confirmed news. The news coverage part of the Blue-Red operation has been fast-tracked by Fox. Roger Ailes intends to have Harley Wayne host Tonight's I Report, You Decide on Fox News."

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Edward clapped his hands. "That's great! This means Fox will be at the forefront."

Hawke and Brian had also prepared a backup plan; if Harley Wayne faced any obstacles, Twitter would step up. Thus, the platform would be the one to shoulder the greatest backlash and pressure.

Hawke looked at Erica and inquired, "About the list I gave you?"

Erica replied, "It's all being monitored closely. Each person has a team assigned to them, and there's a team assigned to their families too."

Hawke informed Campos, "Ensure Harley Wayne's safety."

"Understood," Campos responded.

Hawke turned to Brian and said, "You'll handle communication with our temporary allies. Once the news breaks, urge them to mobilize any resources they can to amplify the situation."

He thought for a moment and added, "By tomorrow morning at the latest, the citizens of Los Angeles who support us need to hit the streets in protest."

Brian replied, "I'll have someone stay in the office tonight to approve the protest assemblies."

Hawke focused intently. "Starting tomorrow afternoon, we need large crowds protesting in front of the Sacramento Capitol and outside Willie Brown's residence in San Francisco."

Brian nodded. "I'm ready on both sides, and as the news airs, I'll call Schwarzenegger."

"Then there's Washington and other cities," Hawke continued, using every resource available as usual, "George Walker will need to step in; ensure he follows up promptly."

Brian mentally noted everything. "These politicians are like sharks. Once they catch a whiff of blood, they'll launch a fierce bite."

Hawke rested his right hand on the chair's arm and addressed Jennifer Huey. "You're now the highest-ranking official in the Los Angeles FBI office, right?"

Jennifer replied, "In Tecopa, Eastern California near Nevada, there was a serial murder case involving an Indian reservation. The Deputy Director there was called in to investigate, along with several of his trusted subordinates."

Hawke knew this case was real and that the Ferguson family must have done something to get the Deputy Director, who leaned Democrat, distracted. However, he had no interest in those matters. He told Jennifer, "Before the news breaks, you'll receive a report. As the news goes live, you need to take control of Ackerman Charitable Foundation CEO Barack Bernanke and Vice Chairman Fernando Crane right away. The former is a close aide to Melissa Ackerman, and the latter is Sean Ackerman's proxy within the foundation. I've already provided their information to you."

Jennifer couldn't act ahead of time as it might alert others. She responded to Erica, "Have your people keep an eye on them; we'll stay in touch."

"No problem," Erica agreed.

Hawke lightly tapped the chair arm, asking, "Have you checked out the club on Santa Catalina Island?"

Jennifer said, "I took a look while enjoying the weekend; that club definitely has problems."

Hawke emphasized, "You need to take immediate action to control the club. Don't give anyone the chance to set it on fire -- there are bound to be many victims inside. Last time, at Venice Beach club, Guerrero's girlfriend managed to get video and photo evidence, proving the Ackerman family filmed these activities. This new club is likely doing the same; you need to find it first and have it secured."

As Jennifer accepted Brian's proposal, she was prepared for it. Last year, during a gathering with Hawke, Erica, and Brian, they discussed their future objective of getting Brian into the Oval Office. With the U.S. never having had a female president, Jennifer aimed for the position of First Lady.

Hawke reiterated, "My people have seen Kerry's running mate Edwards playing golf with Tiger Woods before heading to Santa Catalina Island with Sean Ackerman."

Hearing this, Jennifer marveled, "While we were still uncertain, you had already made so much preparation."

Hawke looked at Brian. "We set an agreement, and of course, we need to find ways to deliver on it."

He returned to the main topic. "Do you understand where the priorities lie?"

Jennifer replied earnestly, "Don't worry, the FBI isn't as hamstrung as the LAPD."

Erica added, "If it were any other time, I'd definitely have a good word with you, but let's leave it for today."

"All right, folks, let's move swiftly." Hawke stood up, clapping his hands. "Activate all the backup phones I prepared for you, and keep in touch."

Campos was the first to leave.

Brian and Jennifer walked out together.

Erica rushed to the Ferguson family's security company.

Hawke stayed at the mansion, overseeing the operation from the center.

He left Edward to help out and call for backup.

...

At Los Angeles International Airport, a private jet parked on the tarmac.

California's current Assembly Speaker Nunez, former Speaker Willie Brown, and several other Democratic party heavyweights were on site.

There were also celebrity supporters of the Democratic party present.

George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, both in suits, waited for the cabin door to open.

Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, and other stars moved forward as well.

Buddy Ackerman stood amongst the crowd, squinting slightly, appearing quite inconspicuous.

The cabin door opened, and Kerry and Edwards descended the steps in succession.

Perhaps affected by the dramatic recent events in California, the atmosphere was tense, and many quickly got into cars to leave.

...

The convoy headed directly to Beverly Hills, arriving at a villa near North Sunset Boulevard.

Buddy Ackerman had mentioned preparing a welcome party.

Kerry knew it was a crucial moment and declined directly.

After a brief meeting, most began to leave.

Kerry and his team gathered to confer.

"The situation in California isn't as optimistic as we predicted earlier this year," campaign manager Paul said. "But with Fahrenheit 9/11 screening widely, Leonard's news has shifted public attention and has helped stop the dropping approval ratings."

Kerry, with sincerity, said, "I appreciate the support from all of you; we still need to rely on your efforts in California."

Before coming here, promises were made; for instance, upon being elected, he would nominate the current assembly speaker, Nunez, for Secretary of State.

Like George and the Ferguson family, gaining support ultimately depended on quid pro quo.

The 55 votes from California, originally intended for a secure plan, looked increasingly hopeful to turn into swing state votes.

Nunez spoke plainly, "The Los Angeles fire is a serious issue for us, but we can't give up our existing support groups. Environmentalists and women's rights advocates have to be worked on; we might lose votes from minority communities."

Kerry puzzled, "Isn't this an area where we have advantages in California?"

"In recent years, the Republican party has been strengthening its influence within minority communities in California, particularly among lower-tier workers and small farmers," Nunez highlighted a significant point, "Steve Nutt, a representative figure in the equality movement, has been dubbed a saint by the media and chose to stand with the Republican party while collaborating with Brian Ferguson. Don't underestimate this person's social influence."

Kerry furrowed his brow, "So, Brian is a key figure this time?"

State Assemblyman Haywood from Los Angeles stated, "We will subsequently focus on him for media attacks. Media has captured him with a mistress and child beside his fiancee -- this contradicts the traditional family values championed by the Republican party."

Paul added, "We will ramp up the publicity of Fahrenheit 9/11, especially emphasizing the relationship between George and Laden; they and their family were the main culprits for 9/11. Our promotion should encourage those Hollywood folks, especially DiCaprio, to speak up at the several events we have in California.

"Everyone, I sense something is off this time," Willie Brown commented, "From the Antonio case, it's obvious the Republican party is breaking the unspoken rules between the two parties, employing a series of despicable and underhanded tactics. We cannot stick to the usual ways; we must catch up."

Kerry felt the same way. Everything happening in California felt quite abnormal. He said, "I agree."

He wasn't overly confident on their side and emphasized, "Also, tell our people here to keep a low profile during this time. No more embarrassing incidents."

Edwards reminisced about his last visit to Los Angeles when he craved some indulgent, thrilling pleasure but managed to restrain himself.

After a brief meeting, Kerry invited everyone to dinner.

...

After leaving the meeting room, Willie Brown phoned Buddy Ackerman: "Hold everything until after the election."

Just back at the estate, Buddy Ackerman replied, "Got it."

After hanging up, he told his butler, "Remind Sean not to mess around during this period."

The butler hurriedly called Sean to remind him.

Buddy pondered for a moment and called Barack Bernanke: "Go to Santa Catalina Island and tidy up that situation over there. Temporarily close the club, and make sure those fools on the island keep their mouths shut."

---

As night fell, both sides were in action.

Assemblyman Haywood's people contacted a food supplier's delivery personnel staying at George's residence.

Fox News, Harley Wayne, finished her makeup, brought the scripts, and entered the studio.

*****

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