The Wolf of Los Angeles Chapter 95: The Star, Johnson

[Chapter 96: The Star, Johnson]

After more than half an hour, Pico Boulevard finally returned to normal traffic. Hawke drove east towards Century City, changed back into his usual attire, and entered the William Morris Agency.

Edward was already waiting in the lobby. He spotted Hawke and said, "Boss..."

Hawke quickly walked toward the elevator, replying, "We'll talk upstairs."

The two took the elevator upstairs and entered the conference room, where Dany, Johnson, and Caroline were all waiting.

On the wall-mounted TV in the conference room, the local news channel was broadcasting updates. It reported a traffic accident that occurred on Pico Boulevard, with the anchor describing the incident in a voice-over.

Caroline looked at Hawke in shock and said, "Are we going a bit too far?"

Hawke replied, "It's not our fault. I just arranged for a minor fender bender, but before Colin Farrell could even start, he got hit."

Johnson, who had been worried earlier, laughed then, "Whoever did this, it's in our favor."

"We also need to be careful," Hawke said. To ensure big profits, he had to make sure the clients stayed safe. He turned to Johnson and added, "This afternoon, don't drive your own car. Have soone bring it directly to the front. Find soone with a similar build to wear your clothes, and continue down the San Diego Freeway."

This ti he had stirred the waters too murky, and things could backfire on them.

Hawke added to Edward, "Go find Eric and borrow Katherine's rcedes for a bit."

Edward went to call Eric.

Hawke turned back to Johnson and said, "This afternoon, I'll go with you to Culver City."

Johnson said, "I feel better with you around."

...

Culver City, S.W.A.T. Studio.

In the producer's office, Leonard glanced at the ti and stood up to head to the audition room.

Teddy Black ca in and said, "Colin Farrell hasn't arrived yet."

Leonard said nothing and retook his seat.

Teddy added, "Should I contact soone?"

Leonard shook his head, "Just wait."

Teddy fell silent, sitting on a nearby chair. He knew his boss despised waiting.

As the clock struck on the hour, Leonard softly said, "Notify the audition room to cancel for now. The afternoon session will resu on ti."

Teddy understood that Colin Farrell would not get another chance. He nodded and stepped out toward the audition room.

The audition session paused, and after Teddy erged, he casually sent an assistant to call Colin Farrell's agent to inform him the audition had ended. 𝘙à₦ՕꞖƐṦ

...

Outside the main entrance of William Morris.

A tall, muscular man climbed into Johnson's SUV, and the vehicle drove away from the company's entrance, heading straight for Culver City.

Hawke observed carefully from a seldom-used side entrance. He spotted a rcedes on the roadside, made a quick call, and parked it right at the door.

Johnson and Dany hurried out to board the rcedes.

Hawke started the car and chose to head east towards Culver City via La Cienega Boulevard.

At a distance behind them, Edward followed in another car.

If they had a tail, it would be easy to notice.

Johnson comnted, "We turned an audition into a special agent mission."

Dany replied, "As long as we secure the role, it'll all be worth it."

Hawke, who was driving, added, "We're just being cautious. The actors who are getting important roles likely have no idea what they're giving up."

Johnson fell silent; the road for an actor was never easy.

Even stars like Leonardo DiCaprio had whispers swirling around him regarding those in powerful positions.

Hawke asked, "What's the situation with Colin Farrell? Have you checked in?"

"The truck driver said the gas pedal got stuck under the floor mat," Dany had specifically asked around. "The vehicle is fully insured, and the driver accepted full responsibility. Colin Farrell and his agent weren't hurt much; it just depends on how LAPD assigns responsibility."

She added, "The truck driver is a union mber and has applied for legal assistance from the union. Unions can be quite a hassle."

Hawke replied, "Learned sothing today."

They had no further incidents on the route, and the rcedes arrived smoothly at the studio's entrance.

...

Hawke accompanied Johnson and Dany upstairs. Under the guidance of the assistant director, they entered the makeup room.

The production manager wanted to discuss business with Dany.

In the makeup room, it remained just Hawke with Johnson.

Hawke checked the chairs and other facilities before allowing Johnson to sit.

An assistant entered, knocking with bottled water, and placed a few bottles on the makeup table, handing one to Johnson.

Hawke casually took it and said, "Thanks."

The assistant smiled and quickly left the room.

Hawke set the water aside, opened his bag, and asked, "Want to drink?"

Johnson replied, "No need."

The makeup artist ca in, followed by the assistant, and started working on Johnson.

Once the makeup was done, the assistant director returned to lead Johnson to the audition room.

Hawke followed closely, until they reached the audition room's entrance.

What happened inside was no longer under his control.

...

Contrary to Hawke's expectations, Johnson erged not even half an hour later.

Seeing Johnson's beaming face, he asked, "Was it smooth?"

Johnson whispered, "The producer and the director were really happy. I think I have a strong chance."

As they returned to the makeup room, they ran into Dany. Before she had the chance to speak, a phone call pulled her away.

When Johnson finished cleaning his makeup, Hawke asked around and learned Dany had gone to the producer's office.

Director Clark Johnson approached to shake hands with Johnson and said, "Congratulations, I'm here on behalf of the crew to officially inform you that you nailed the audition. The lead role is yours."

Johnson's face lit up in delight. "Thank you! Thank you!"

He grabbed the director's hands, exclaiming, "I don't know how to express my gratitude. Once I'm done with the contracts, I'll throw a party -- please make sure to co."

Clark assud a director's air, "Let know once you confirm the ti; I still need to check my schedule."

Johnson quickly added, "As soon as I finalize the ti, you'll be the first to know."

Clark tapped his arm, "Prepare well for this role. I really believe in you."

Hawke sat off to the side, watching the two converse until Clark finally left. Then he said, "Dwayne, congratulations."

Johnson high-fived him and then pulled Hawke up saying, "This victory is ours together."

His expression turned serious, "I have a feeling if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have landed this role. The competition was brutal."

Hawke understood that it reached this point because his actions had sparked the whole series of events. Still, achieving the goal was what truly mattered.

Hollywood was a winner-takes-all ga.

Audiences only rembered who beca the big stars; few cared about how many tis they ate fast food, drank cheap beer, or what they sacrificed along the way.

Johnson was thrilled and called his friends to share the news.

...

Hawke pulled out his phone and called Caroline. "Miss Baa, I've got good news for you: Dwayne passed the audition."

Caroline was ecstatic on the other end. "That's amazing! On top of the twenty grand, there's an additional twenty grand bonus! Ti to shop again!"

"You'll go broke and end up as a little sheep," Hawke said, hanging up before she could respond.

He sent Edward a text next.

When Edward received it, he remained calm because he viewed it as an inevitable outco.

When the boss hit big, when had he ever missed?

...

Hawke and Johnson waited for nearly an hour before Dany finally returned.

She said, "Let's talk in the car."

The three exited and hopped into the rcedes for the return drive.

Johnson asked, "What did you discuss with Leonard?"

"Just preliminary talks regarding the schedule, salary, and the role," Dany was aware of Hawke's capabilities and specifically noted, "Thanks to The Scorpion King's success, the salary won't go below seven million, and there's room to negotiate higher, depending on the following discussions."

Johnson understood what his agent-wife ant and told Hawke, "As soon as I sign the acting contract, I'll ensure your paynt is processed imdiately."

Hawke was straightforward, "No need for pleasantries here." Then Dany brought up more requirents from the crew and the shooting schedule.

Hawke didn't listen closely, as these were of little concern to him.

...

Once back at William Morris, Caroline was already waiting in a small eting room.

Dany entered from her office with a bottle of champagne.

Edward brought over champagne flutes to set the mood for celebration.

Everyone urged Hawke to say a few words.

He stepped to the front of the conference table and declared, "Alright, folks, it's ti to pop the champagne!"

Johnson opened the bottle with a pop and poured everyone a glass.

He raised his glass first, saying, "This toast is for everyone here. Without you guys, I wouldn't have nailed the audition."

Hawke finished his glass and directly added, "Next ti there's a similar job, feel free to reach out to ."

Despite so small hiccups along the way, they achieved the anticipated target.

Johnson refilled Hawke's glass, clinking it with him, saying, "You seem to know how to untangle difficult problems. In the future, if I co across any challenges, I'll definitely seek your help."

Hawke laughed, "You're my top client now."

After finishing the champagne, Dany and Johnson needed to prepare for tomorrow's final negotiations.

Hawke and the others said their goodbyes and left.

...

As they descended to the first floor, he heard the rhythmic sound of high heels clicking behind him.

When the sound ca closer, Hawke didn't even look back and said, "Miss Baa, why the rush?"

Caroline caught up, saying, "Did you know it was ?"

Hawke intentionally replied, "The sound of those little hooves on marble floors is quite distinct."

Caroline, annoyed, raised her red high heels and said, "These are the latest Manolos; I could buy ten pairs of what you wear."

Hawke shot back, "Wear them long enough and you'll end up with bunions, achy tendons, and cracked dry heels."

He slapped his forehead, "Look at , I got mixed up; yours are hooves; you won't have those problems."

Caroline stord off, visibly infuriated, as she practically fast-walked away in her heels.

...

Hawke exited and got into Edward's car. "Back to the studio."

Edward dropped Hawke off at Fountain Street but didn't exit the vehicle.

Hawke asked, "Do you have business to handle? You're free for the next couple of days."

Edward scratched his head and said, "Boss, I've been busy for days and haven't seen Deborah and Indio. They've called several tis. If I don't go over soon, all the connections I've made will be in vain."

Hawke waved him off, "Go, go."

Even though he didn't understand why Hawke was at odds with Downey, Edward knew the boss didn't like that squid. He reassured, "Don't worry, Boss, I'll go to Deborah's place. Her wedding pictures with Downey haven't been thrown out yet; I'll make sure they get hung up!"

He beca more enthusiastic as he spoke, "If I get the chance, I'll give that worthless Downey's son a good lesson."

Hawke added fuel to the fire, "Downey up there is surely thanking you."

...

Edward drove to a nearby boutique first to buy a gift for Indio Downey.

He might not always be sharp upstairs, but he knew how to handle single mothers with kids.

A child was the best opening towards that woman.

Once the child was taken care of, he could probably win her over with ease.

Edward bought a gift for young Indio that he loved, quickly removing any resentnt Deborah and Indio might have had toward him.

...

Hawke returned to the studio and tidied up, bringing back various equipnt from the car for necessary maintenance.

Johnson called again.

When Hawke answered, his first response was, "Is sothing wrong?"

"Nope." Johnson laughed, "I just discussed it with Dany. After the negotiations, I plan to rent a yacht and invite you, the Savior, Caroline, and a few of my friends for a day out at sea."

Hawke responded, "A party at sea? I'm in."

Johnson continued, "Do you have any female friends to join us?" He added, "I'll get fishing rods ready. If you like fishing, we'll have a fishing contest."

Hawke jokingly replied, "For who can catch the most rmaids?"

Johnson answered, "That could work too; it's a sport I enjoy."

What man didn't like that?

Hawke chatted a bit more before ending the call.

...

As he stepped out to grab his briefcase from his car, he noticed Frank waving from across the parking lot.

Hawke crossed the street and approached the RV.

Frank, with grease on his hands, was using a wrench to fix the RV.

Hawke asked, "What's the issue?"

Frank replied, "The air conditioning compressor is broken. It's July, and this is the hottest ti in LA. I can't sleep without AC during the day."

He glanced across Fountain Street, "Can I temporarily crash at your place?"

Hawke found it amusing that he pretended to be tough; it was amusing until he realized dealing with him every day might tempt him to throw a punch.

He thought of a response: "Last ti the Dwarfs' gang's theft compensation suit wrapped up. I'll call and check soon. Once the compensation cos through, I'll get you a new RV."

Frank tossed the wrench aside, "Great! I don't need to fix this old clunker anymore. Once your new RV arrives, I'll sell this one off."

Hawke prepared to make a call.

Before he could, Frank pulled out his own phone and made a quick call.

Not long after, he said, "The compensation application was approved when I ntioned it last ti. That crew's seized assets auction is over; you'll get the call soon."

He shook his head, "The efficiency of the local and law enforcent agencies keeps declining. If you don't actively follow up, they'll take ages to reach out."

Before long, Hawke did receive a call from the local court, informing him to bring necessary docunts and collect the theft compensation on weekdays.

Frank was in high spirits, exclaiming he'd go tomorrow.

...

The next morning, Hawke drove Frank to collect a total of $35,200 in compensation.

Afterward, he took Frank to Los Angeles International Auto City.

Frank was familiar with the place, leading the way to the used car market, where he found a manager he had previously worked with.

This old man could be flashy but was certainly reliable when it ca to business.

Hawke was prepared to buy a new RV for around $50,000.

"I don't want anything over $35,000," Frank was particular, "That $35,000 I earned through my own capabilities and connections; it should be enough for an RV."

Hawke was more than happy to save money, "Alright, I'll go along with you."

Frank called the manager over, remarking, "Bill, you know the deal between your boss and ; don't ss this up."

Bill was careful as he replied, "Don't worry. I'll take you to see an RV that's nearly new. A senior manager at an IT company bought it for vacations but got laid off and hasn't paid the loan..."

They went to view a Ford RV that indeed looked brand new.

Hawke didn't know much about RVs, couldn't na the specific model, but looked around before waiting outside.

Frank stayed on the RV for quite a while before finally stepping out, satisfied, saying, "That's the one!"

He turned to Hawke, "You pay for it and register it under your studio's na."

Hawke was prepared for this, following Bill into the paynt area.

This area was part of a massive automotive marketplace, offering full-service support.

...

Hawke registered the RV under the West Coast dia Entertainnt Studio's na.

When they returned to East Hollywood, Bill arranged for a driver to deliver the RV.

Hawke drove with Frank.

The old guy turned back occasionally to cast a pleased look at his new ho.

But then, he suddenly lost his smile.

Frank turned to Hawke and asked, "When did you start scheming against ?"

Hawke was taken aback, "Why would I sche against you? What do you have? You're even poorer than the Savior; it's just a piece of junk RV, and it's not even yours."

Frank looked as if he saw through everything: "My old RV is gone; the new one is registered under your studio. If your studio has issues down the line or files for bankruptcy, that RV will end up getting seized; then I won't even have a place to live."

He snickered, "You bind to you losers with just an RV; what a good calculation."

Hawke couldn't help but laugh, intentionally saying, "Your ex-wife has done you in too bad, giving you a case of paranoia."

"You wouldn't understand," Frank switched modes as soon as his ex-wife was ntioned, channeling his inner king of sarcasm. "Unless you've stood at the peak of glory, you'll never know the pain of crashing down the cliff. What I have been through is beyond your imagination."

He looked at Hawke, "What about when you grow old and frail, and your new starlet wife invites all your ex-wives over for a sports day, and you're outmatched -- mocked by all of them? Do you understand that kind of pain?"

Hawke was a jerk, "Soone like you who's had glory definitely has hidden assets, right? They would get discovered under your na; how about this? Transfer those to my na, and I'll help you enjoy your life to the fullest..."

Frank scoffed, "And this is what you call not scheming against ?"

*****

/Sayonara816.