[Chapter 468: The Beginning of the Email Scandal]
Los Angeles, a country club.
On the lush green lawn, as Hawke Osment sank the putt, cheers erupted around.
"Hawke!" Tom Cruise clapped his hands, acting like a total fanboy, showering Hawke with compliments: "Hawke, your skills have improved so fast, you could compete in amateur golf tournaments now."
Next to him, Prince Rashid from Abu Dhabi, blending in smoothly in a white suit, smiled and said, "That was an excellent shot."
Eric, with his artistic look, thought to himself, 'Everything is different now.'
Maybe because he had known Hawke before his rise, he could still view Hawke with a calm attitude; and Hawke treated him like Savior, without much change.
Hawke was courteous, handing the club to the female caddy, saying, "Thanks, you're too kind."
The group got on the electric golf cart driven by Edward and headed back.
...
At the rest area, they entered the air-conditioned room together.
Even though it was autumn, the weather was still somewhat hot.
Edward went to get some cold drinks.
Rashid initiated the main topic: "I heard our movie is finished?"
Eric responded: "Production is complete, and the North American premiere is scheduled for October." As the director, screenwriter, and producer, he invited, "If you're available, please attend the premiere."
This was the first Hollywood film investment by the Abu Dhabi consortium. Rashid responded immediately, "I will definitely attend the premiere."
Hawke attracted international funding for this film, not for profit, but to use it for propaganda and momentum-building. He said, "I have a few suggestions: invite victims of the Los Angeles fire to the premiere."
Tom Cruise thought for a moment and asked, "There was a shooting by Mills earlier this year; if the movie stirs up emotions, could there be incidents at the event?"
"Of course, there are conditions for inviting them," Hawke was prepared: "The studio publicly announced that all profits from the North American box office will be donated to help those affected by the Los Angeles fires."
Eric agreed, "I think that's a good plan."
Tom Cruise agreed, "No problem with the North American box office donating profits."
Even if a Hollywood film has a huge box office, profits from the North American showings are not that large. The real profit comes from overseas markets and various merchandising.
North American screenings are more like a grand cinema advertisement.
The Abu Dhabi fund represented by Rashid did not care much about the profit but focused more on the impact of the film. He said, "On behalf of Abu Dhabi, I will donate some funds to help those people."
Hawke was also helping Brian solve problems. The Philip incident had overshadowed the Mills shooting and the fire insurance contract controversies, but the issue remained. Just because public opinion doesn't focus on it doesn't mean it has disappeared -- if unresolved for long, it will cause trouble.
Los Angeles City Hall had been mediating the interests of both sides. If the film became a hit, it could redirect pressure from the affected groups back onto the Los Angeles Democratic Party.
The film's theme was very clear: the fire was not a natural disaster but human-made.
The direct person responsible was the former Los Angeles mayor Antonio, his backers, and the California Democrats.
As always, the film was never just a film.
Hawke said, "Let's set up a special relief foundation to help the citizens of Los Angeles seek justice from insurance companies."
Such a plan, beneficial for publicity and placing themselves on the righteous side, made Tom Cruise very enthusiastic: "I will announce it at the next press conference."
The others had no objections.
After all, when it came to sheer fame, none there could match Tom Cruise.
Rashid, concerned about the investment, asked, "In the plan, isn't Los Angeles Fires aiming for the Oscars?"
Eric said, "Yes, we aim to compete at the Oscars, with Best Picture as the top goal and Best Director as the secondary."
This movie was an ensemble piece; even Tom Cruise, the lead actor, didn't have a lot of screen time.
Hawke asked directly, "Which other film crews are planning major Oscar campaigns this year?"
Tom Cruise, who had been preparing for the Oscars since last year, said, "I gathered intel on several crew projects and identified key competitors."
He listed them: "The Queen starring Helen Mirren, Flags of Our Fathers directed by Clint Eastwood, and The Departed directed by Martin Scorsese. The last one is the biggest threat."
Eric added, "I've heard about the new Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio film -- it's targeting Best Director and Best Picture. Many of Scorsese's old friends want him to win; given the Academy's style, it could easily give the top awards to The Departed."
It was known that film quality was never the only nor the most critical standard for Oscar awards.
Martin Scorsese's reputation and connections far surpassed most directors and crews.
Hawke recalled that The Departed should win Best Director and Best Picture.
On both American and international internet forums in his past life, there was skepticism. While Scorsese's directing skills were unquestionable, many felt such a remake shouldn't top the Oscars.
Because it was an adaptation -- albeit a very successful film.
Rashid had heard of Scorsese's big name: "I heard he's one of the four great directors in Hollywood?"
"No matter who they are, if they stand in our way, they're our competitors," Hawke's strategy was simple: "If we want to win, we first have to knock them down."
He considered, "From now on, use Twitter and other media to write articles telling Oscar voters that The Departed is a Chinese movie remake and the original was already very successful."
Tom Cruise made notes because he would implement this.
Hawke continued, "Keep the coverage extensive to leave a strong impression: it's a remake, which in strict terms bruises Scorsese's style, and that he deliberately chose to remake a movie just to chase Oscars makes things worse."
Tom Cruise said, "Last year, many veteran Academy members criticized Scorsese for chasing awards, which strikes right at the heart."
There was one more point Hawke didn't need to say -- that Leonardo DiCaprio's camp could also leverage this.
He said, "For now, that's all. More will come when we enter the awards season."
...
Afterward, the conversation shifted to the Philip incident in San Francisco.
Tom Cruise had already discussed the movie adaptation details with Eric.
Eric proposed a simple plan: "Los Angeles Fires is finished. I've rested a bit and can start the next phase. The Philip incident is still hot, and the Occupy San Francisco movement is growing. Why not announce soon we're turning Philip's story into a movie?"
Hawke pondered then said, "Okay. Our foundation can allocate investment anytime."
Tom Cruise's company had tight funds as it was investing simultaneously in Los Angeles Fires and Mission: Impossible 3, but this project fit social trends perfectly and was a hot topic. Even if theater sales weren't great, DVD sales to the LGBTQ community would yield high profits.
He said, "Even if I have to mortgage property, I'll keep up with this."
Rashid clearly heard and quickly raised a hand: "Can I invest in this too?"
Hawke cautioned, "This film involves themes about gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, which may conflict with your religious beliefs..."
Rashid hesitated, then said, "As long as the film doesn't screen in the Arab world, it's acceptable."
Hawke wouldn't refuse someone willing to open their wallet. "Once you decide, talk directly with the foundation."
After his impulse, Rashid thought it over seriously.
Eric added, "Once the publicity here is over, I plan to go to San Francisco to attend the Occupy San Francisco movement. Is Philip's family with Steve Nutt?"
Hawke understood and said, "They're currently in Los Angeles, protected 24/7 by the NAACP employing Butterfly Consulting security personnel. When you want to meet them, just inform the Savior in advance; he'll take you there."
Eric looked at Edward, who smiled broadly.
The group basically finalized Philip's personal film, then left the lounge separately.
---
Hawke took a call from Campos, who, based on Leonardo's info, confirmed the location of Puff Daddy's party villa in Miami.
Hawke hung up and went out with Edward.
Edward whispered, "Can we plant bugs or cameras in the villa beforehand?"
"Not yet," Hawke slowed his pace. "Leonardo said Puff Daddy always has the villa cleaned before parties, and electronic surveillance is essential."
Edward muttered, "What a cautious freak."
Hawke said, "I'll have Erica get some cutting-edge bugging and hidden cameras to see how they perform."
Edward then warned, "Boss, that clown in New York across the street is watching us; he just stopped."
Hawke turned his head and recognized the iconic blonde hair and exaggerated expression.
This was Donald Trump, the New York businessman who lost his hotel and casino empire, tried to make a comeback in Hollywood, and rose again.
After several encounters, Hawke knew his situation wasn't great.
Bankrupting a large casino wasn't easy.
He was more suited as a 'stock god'.
Of course, he was adept at self-promotion.
...
Seeing Hawke approach from another corridor, Donald whispered to his men, then quickly came over, extending his hand: "What a coincidence meeting you here."
Hawke shook his hand, "Indeed, long time no see."
Today Donald came to golf because he got word and planned this chance encounter.
Donald asked, "Let's find a private place to chat?"
Hawke pointed to the rest lounge, "Let's chat over there."
Donald entered, adjusted his fake golden blonde hair, "I was going to discuss business, but since we ran into each other, let's talk."
Though playful on the surface, Donald was scheming. Hawke was wary but gave nothing away and asked, "What business?"
Donald seriously said, "I'm running for president in 2008."
Starting with a bombshell. Luckily, Hawke somewhat knew him and wasn't surprised. "You're with the Democrats, right?"
Donald probed, "The party can change. I can run as an independent."
The chance was zero. Hawke smiled: "You're using the election for self-promotion?"
Donald didn't mind being read and said, "If I don't win this time, at least I leave an impression for future runs."
He stared at Hawke as if seeing a future partnership: "I think we should have a long-term alliance. If you help me rise, I'll give you government subsidies and policies at will. Forget the Manhattan AI Project; even if you start a Mars project, I can help you make it happen."
Hawke wasn't interested in empty promises: "I recall last time we made a deal; Twitter's traffic was tilted toward you."
Donald, from businessman to Hollywood TV star, understood media importance. Traditional media was conservative; the internet was the future.
He continued, "My campaign will go public soon. Can you boost related news on Twitter? Of course, I'll pay for ads."
Hawke replied, "Twitter has a clear pricing system. Send someone to negotiate."
Donald wanted Hawke's support, but Hawke's words fell short of his desires.
Hawke sensed Donald was trying to woo him.
Donald, ambitious but knowing traditional support was hard, said to the tech mogul: "Visit my house sometime. You probably met my daughter; if not, I'll introduce you."
"Thank you," Hawke deflected.
He vaguely remembered Donald's daughter had married into a traditional Jewish family before Donald's rise.
Donald sighed. What he had to offer, others didn't want; what others desired, he was unwilling to give.
They shook hands, "Let's stay in touch."
Hawke, having chosen Erica, wouldn't cooperate with Donald again.
The situation had drastically changed from his memories; future America wouldn't be as it once was.
---
Hawke went straight to Beverly Hills.
At home, he heard gunfire from the backyard shooting range.
He changed and went outside to the open shooting range.
Erica, in red hunting gear, was shooting an HK416 at moving targets.
The weapon was stunning.
She emptied a magazine and took off her ear protectors, looking at Hawke: "Back so early?"
Hawke hugged her from behind, "Talks went well. If not for meeting Donald Trump, I'd have been back half an hour ago."
Erica remembered: "That guy loves to talk big."
Hawke said, "He tried to introduce his daughter to me."
"The model?" Erica had some impression: "I recall she had a big bust -- that's tempting for guys."
Hawke said, "But she can't shoot or protect me when I'm under fire risking my life."
Having faced death together many times, their bond was stronger than typical couples.
Erica turned, kissed him, "Take your gun."
Hawke went to the arsenal, got another HK416 and ammo, and practiced shooting with Erica.
---
Washington, Pennsylvania Avenue.
Huma Abedin hurried from her Hilton hotel room to the elevator.
The door behind her was still open when a Jewish man peeked out, "Honey, you forgot your phone."
Abedin ran back, grabbed the phone, kissed him hard on the cheek, "Anthony, I'll reward you tonight."
Anthony Weiner got dressed, decided to visit a pet market to buy a cat or a lizard as a pet.
He heard about a Florida pet shop specializing in green iguanas being sold to Washington as pets.
...
Abedin got up late after a late night, drove fast, and arrived at Capitol before Hillary Clinton.
She tidied Hillary's desk, checked the time, brewed coffee to the right moment.
As the coffee cooled, Hillary entered the office.
Abedin took her bag and reminded, "Tristan from the Education Committee will visit at 10 a.m."
Hillary sat at her desk, "Prepare a bourbon; he likes a drink during talks."
Abedin opened the cabinet, holding a bottle, "I prepared it yesterday."
Since 1996, Abedin had been Hillary's assistant and was highly regarded.
...
Abedin exited and sat in the anteroom, logged into Twitter to check messages and news.
San Francisco was still in turmoil, with no signs of stopping.
Philip's relatives sued San Francisco City Hall.
The court held the first hearing: Philip's relatives demanded $30 million; the city offered only $1 million. The huge gap made settlement unlikely.
Abedin thought California wouldn't stay a swing state long.
California's leadership was split between Gavin Newsom, young and inexperienced, and Jerry Brown, old and conservative.
Abedin watched neutrally; California politics was different from the East Coast's.
She logged into her Yahoo private email used for work with Hillary, which was against regulations but common.
No urgent emails from Hillary, so she scrolled further.
Suddenly, an email title caught her attention:
"Clinton's Satanic video fell into the hands of Hawke Osmond and the Ferguson family!"
Abedin didn't know the video but knew Hillary's involvement with the cult was crucial for her base.
Any problem here would dash Hillary's hopes to become the first female president.
Abedin urgently took her laptop back to Hillary's office, "Ma'am, urgent email to review."
"What email?" Hillary gestured to put down the laptop.
Abedin opened the email to a photo of a hooded figure abusing a girl tied to a cross, seen from behind.
Hillary recognized the image, startled, "Who sent it?"
"Anonymous," said Abedin.
Hillary's gaze lingered on Hawke Osment and Ferguson family's names.
It was surveillance footage partially leaked years ago; she had agents retrieve it and eliminated the perpetrators.
They claimed no copies, which she doubted, but no issues appeared for years until now.
Hillary rubbed her temple, frustrated. That unfaithful husband brought so much trouble with his women.
Can't men control their crotches?
As soon as this thought came out, Hillary shook her head slightly. Women are actually the same. She herself didn't control her crotch.
Abedin asked, "Ma'am, how should we handle this?"
*****
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