The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 140: The Bloody Truth]

This wasn't the first time Hawke and Brian had collaborated, and they had built up a level of trust.

In addition to understanding his side of things, Hawke pressed to know more about the other party. "What's the situation on their end? Don't tell me you can't manage just one director."

Brian elaborated, "The target of this case is the assistant to the governor's office, Pope. Before taking up the position, Pope worked for a film private equity fund, which has repeatedly collaborated with both Wagenen and Robert Redford on film projects -- all participating in the investment."

Hawke understood the implication: "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

"Obviously," Brian continued. "Wagenen isn't that influential, but Robert Redford counts as a big shot in Hollywood. He established the Sundance Film Festival and has great media relations. Under pressure from him, the mainstream media ignored this news."

Hawke, knowing more about the media and the entertainment industry than Brian, remarked, "More than that, have you ever considered that this issue touches on a lot of people's sensitive nerves in Hollywood and the media? They don't want this turning into a hot news topic."

Brian added, "That's one of the challenges. The other is that there's no direct evidence. Even if LAPD gets involved, they maintain a neutral stance without tangible evidence -- they can't act against a prominent director or producer. The essence of the secrecy certainly won't escape Parker Center; Uncle Carter, despite being a member of the five-person committee, carries significant weight but must consider other commissioners."

He pulled out another document, "This is Wagenen's lawyer, Cheryl -- she's a tough one."