[Chapter 140: The Plan]
After sending away the representatives from the Actors' Guild, Linton noticed everyone was looking at him with admiration, but he didn't pay much attention to it. The group then moved to the restaurant for a simple dinner, just enough to fill their stomachs.
Linton asked Frank and Anne to go ahead and prepare for tomorrow's shoot. Before Anne left, she hugged him tightly and kissed him passionately. "Linton, thank you. Without you, I wouldn't have known what to do."
Seeing her a bit emotional, Linton thought she wasn't his type and quickly pushed her away. "This isn't your fault. You've done great. Hurry back and prepare well so we can finish shooting early and get back to Los Angeles."
...
After seeing off Frank and Anne, he turned to his publicist Ellie. "How should we handle the media to maximize our gain?"
"We can do this in two steps," Ellie explained. "First, hold a press conference tomorrow morning to reveal the truth about the incident. We can let them verify with the police, which will help erase the damage and scandal on the crew's reputation.
Second, release the footage of Oakland's confession about Eric. Stir up the media with stories about why Step Up 2 was sabotaged, who did it, and who benefits if the movie fails. This will further promote Step Up 2 and expand its impact."
"Anything else?" Linton asked.
"Are you thinking about exposing the Actors' Guild's dirty dealings?"
"Do you think I should swallow my pride?"
"You need to think carefully. If you expose them, Vice President Haas Carsonberg will be forced to resign, but the Guild's image will plummet, and you'll make enemies across the Actors' Guild. Do you know what the Carsonberg name means?"
"What?"
"It's a prominent Jewish name. Jews hold great power and unity in Hollywood and the media. You might offend even bigger powers, and this news could be suppressed before reaching the public.
Plus, Universal probably won't support you. Although it's Japanese-owned, most top executives there are Jewish."
"What about WMA? Would they stand with me?"
"Mira and I are with you through thick and thin, but honestly, the company's top brass is mostly Jewish, including Vice President Logan."
"Mira, is that true?"
"Yes, they're all connected. If we take on the Jewish powers, they won't heed us," Mira said bitterly.
"Any suggestions?" Linton asked Ellie.
"I think we can approach Universal. Step Up 2 has huge interests there. We can hand the film over to Universal and let them handle the Actors' Guild. They might force the Guild to respond."
"What response?"
"If we are firm enough, there are likely two outcomes: Haas might resign voluntarily, and the Actors' Guild will offer compensation. We won't care about who foots the bill."
"That sounds reasonable. How much compensation?"
"Depends on your stance. The tougher you are, the higher the price and the larger the payout."
Linton thought it over. This seemed the best solution -- punishing the other party without making too many enemies and getting a sizable reward.
He definitely wouldn't let Haas Carsonberg off easily. There was plenty of time to deal with him. He nodded. "Let's do as you say. You and Mira go find Frank and arrange the press conference tomorrow morning. I'll talk to Universal about the Guild."
...
"David, you guys did great. Here's $10,000 as a bonus -- split it among your team," Linton said, pulling out a check. Rewarding effort had always been his habit.
Just then, Danny's phone rang -- it was Sandy from Los Angeles.
After Danny's call this afternoon, they zeroed in on Eric, who rushed off trying to escape to Mexico. Once inside Mexico, they captured him immediately.
After harsh interrogation, Eric confessed. He had been commissioned by a high-ranking executive at Hollywood's MiraMax named Harrell -- Harvey Weinstein's right-hand man, currently the operations manager at MiraMax.
Damn, Harvey was getting worse. It was time for payback. They had to teach him a lesson.
With everything clear and it getting late, Linton said, "Everyone, get some rest."
...
Linton went to Jennifer's room. Since witnessing Linton's brilliant handling of the case, Jennifer had been excited. When Linton returned, she rushed to him.
"Darling, you're amazing. The impossible challenges that baffle all of us, you solve with ease. It's incredible..." she said, planting a kiss.
Before Linton could reply, Jennifer excitedly continued, "The crew is saying you're like a messenger from God, who can perform magic... Darling, are you really a messenger from God?"
Messenger from God -- that wasn't a bad title. Maybe it would help him later. He'd let them believe it, as long as he didn't deny it.
"What do you think? Am I a messenger from God?"
"I don't know about that, but your magic tricks are real."
"Why do you say that?"
"Look at your strength. After every time I am with you, I don't feel tired -- I feel younger, and my skin's better. I don't even need makeup now. Catherine and the others feel the same. Isn't that magic?"
"Alright, stop spreading rumors about it. If word gets out, all the girls will come knocking on me. You don't want that, right?"
"No way. You already have too many women. I better warn Catherine and the rest not to spill the beans."
"Everything's settled. Tomorrow, focus on your performance. Don't let this distraction affect you."
"The crew just confirmed we're filming tomorrow. Everyone's happy. They just want to finish and get out of this damn place."
"Good. Let's all do our best. The movie's sure to be a hit."
"Enough talk. Darling, your big babies miss you. Come and love them," she said, placing his hand on her ample chest.
"Really? I need to check that out."
The scene shifted, and the sweet, joyful music began to play...
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.