In the hushed confines of the hospital ward, two familiar faces arrived, Bradt from the LAPD, tied to Martin since the Burbank Middle School incident, and Neves from the FBI, their paths crossing during the Washington espionage debacle. Martin had maintained a cordial relationship with both.
Amidst formal greetings and exchanged pleasantries, notes were diligently taken before they delved into the heart of the matter.
Neves took charge, his tone grave. "Seven out of nine gangsters perished on the spot. Two remain, one with a fractured skull, teetering on the brink, and the other... won't be the same man again."
Glancing at Martin, Neves raised an eyebrow. "Considering the chaos, your minor injuries are nothing short of remarkable."
Martin, keeping a veil over his emotions, replied, "In that fray, survival was my only aim, a battle for a flicker of life."
Bradt interjected, contempt lacing his words. "These Russians show no regard for law. Their brazen criminal acts merit severe punishment!"
Agreeing, Martin added, "Their ferocity could've easily claimed my life, if luck hadn't sided with me."
Neves, adopting a matter-of-fact tone, revealed insights. "These Russians underwent stringent agent training, born as lethal machines. Your survival was truly fortunate."
Martin, piecing together Neves's implications, nodded in understanding. "Their experience speaks volumes. Trained to be formidable adversaries."
Bradt grinned, emphasizing their expertise. "Their strength and professionalism allow them to slink into Los Angeles undetected by regular law enforcement."
Martin fell silent, studying the two figures before him intently.
Neves applauded Martin's role in thwarting the Russian spy conspiracy post the Washington incident. "Once again, you've foiled their schemes, Martin!"
"You're a hero here in Los Angeles," Bradt chimed in.
Martin, feeling overwhelmed by his injuries, redirected the conversation. "I've lost blood, my head's spinning, I'm not quite grasping everything."
Glances exchanged between Bradt and Neves as the latter shed light on their preliminary findings. "This assault aimed for revenge, intending to disrupt the U.S. election. You, being a prominent democrat, became their target."
Martin, seeking clarity, turned to Bradt. "Is this true?"
Bradt nodded, recognizing an opportunity. "This makes you a national hero."
"We're friends, and I'll assist in every way," Martin affirmed. "But I need to know more, identities, motives. I've speculated, but I need certainty."
After a contemplative pause, Bradt disclosed, "The man you confronted, Boris, sought revenge. His grandson suffered a similar fate at Burbank Middle School."
Martin nodded, confirming his suspicions. "It was indeed retaliation."
"His son met his end in a California prison," Bradt added, concluding the tragic cycle.
In a moment tinged with both gratitude and resignation, Martin flashed a helpless smile. "No wonder you're standing your ground alongside me."
With Boris's family lost, it was baffling that the old man didn't unleash his full fury.
Neves elucidated further, "Apart from those seen at the Santa Monica Pier, Boris has six cohorts, some stranded due to passport issues, others in Canada. We need substantial evidence to capture them for these crimes and seek extradition."
Capturing a heavyweight Russian spy would far outweigh merely eliminating a Hollywood star, a significant contribution for both LAPD and FBI. Moreover, should Russian spies cause havoc, it'd save face for the law enforcement agencies.
That bear, Boris, still managed to rattle North Americans.
Martin acknowledged these truths. "We're old friends. If I can help, count me in."
Understanding Martin's implication, Bradt stated, "Before coming here, I discussed matters with higher-ups at the Los Angeles Police Department and City Hall. Your exceptional contributions to urban security and the rescue of hundreds in the dock area, along with your representation in cultural communication and art, merit declaring today as 'Martin Day' in Los Angeles..."
Money aside, spiritual pursuits mattered, and the LAPD's sincerity was palpable.
Neves cut to the chase. "The FBI suggests you for the Presidential Medal of Freedom."
"I already have one," Martin disclosed.
Neves elaborated, "Not the regular kind. With your influence and this merit, you'd qualify for the special version with a star and a grand ribbon."
Martin chuckled. "I'd also appreciate an official FBI certification..."
"What kind?" Neves inquired.
"Proficiency in marksmanship and exceptional mobility, perhaps," Martin stated plainly.
"No problem, I'll arrange it," Neves assured. He, himself, had closely followed Martin's films. "A warm-up for your upcoming action movie next year, Chase?"
Martin didn't deny it. "Yes, Chase. You're welcome to watch."
"The FBI will support by buying tickets," Neves announced. "The video of your heroic feats today will be fascinating."
With agreements reached, Bradt interjected, "Russian spies are despicable. We won't linger. We'll uncover the rest and provide you with an explanation."
Neves pledged, "We'll ensure all Russian spies linked to this incident are caught, securing your safety."
"We all despise Russian spies!" Martin declared.
This wasn't the trio's first encounter. There was an unspoken understanding, and swiftly, they departed, leaving Martin to inform Thomas about the situation and seek cooperation.
Just as Elizabeth arrived, intending to remind Martin to rest, Blanco from Cartier Men's Watch appeared again.
The Frenchman, no longer with a white handkerchief, extended condolences and assured Cartier would cover all medical expenses.
Martin expressed gratitude. "Never expected a commercial shoot to end like this."
Motioning to his injured arm, he sighed, "The commercial might face delays due to this setback."
"It's alright," Blanco assured. "Focus on healing, and we'll discuss the shoot once you're better."
Despite the commercial's incomplete status, media coverage relentlessly tied the incident to the Cartier men's watch advertisement.
And in countless live videos, Martin's left wrist proudly displayed the Cartier men's watch, further elevating its popularity.
Blanco extended comfort to Martin, assuring, "Rest assured, don't fret. Reach out if you need anything. I'll be staying in Los Angeles for a while."
Martin nodded gratefully, affirming, "I will."
After a few courteous words to Elizabeth, Blanco exited the ward. He made a brief call, then left the building, lingering momentarily before departing in his car.
Outside, dusk had settled, illuminating the parking lot with scattered lights.
Pondering a plan, Blanco instructed his assistant, "Get in touch with the director and editor. Have them locate scenes of Martin wearing a Cartier men's watch in today's publicized video about him. Edit a special version of the advertisement. Expenses and rewards aligned with the full production of the ad."
The assistant, impressed, praised his boss, "Brilliant idea, BOSS!"
Blanco emphasized, "Martin's impact was pivotal. His diversion drew the gangsters' focus, aiding our takedown. Had there been severe casualties, we'd face hefty compensation."
"Let's head out," Blanco instructed the driver.
As they were about to exit the lot, a luxury car pulled in nearby. Three Coca-Cola executives emerged, catching Blanco's eye through the car window. The investment in Coca-Cola's sponsorship proved worthwhile, evident from the impressive advertising effect.
Coca-Cola, a recurring powerhouse in Martin's arsenal!
Lamelas, Coca-Cola's global marketing president, had rushed over upon hearing the news while attending an event in California.
Exiting the car, Lamelas made a call to Coca-Cola's Atlanta headquarters, inquiring, "Any decision?"
The CEO at the headquarters confirmed, "We've just reached a unanimous decision fifteen minutes ago. Martin Davis is appointed as Coca-Cola's lifelong spokesperson. Atlanta will dispatch a professional team to Los Angeles for discussions. Feel free to inform him beforehand."
"It's the best consolation for him," Lamelas remarked before entering the ward building.
As darkness settled, a multitude of Martin's supporters congregated outside the hospital. Rachel and Phoebe took the lead, each holding a lit candle.
The media swiftly redirected their live broadcast lenses upon spotting the gathering.
Rachel strategically timed the assembly for the news stations' scheduled broadcasts, facilitating widespread live coverage across North America through television and the Internet.
As Rachel and Phoebe lit candles, Martin's fervent fans followed suit. The flickering candles cast solemn shadows under the night sky as everyone offered silent prayers for Martin.
The constant media coverage kept the dock attack in the public eye, maintaining its high level of attention.