A rap on the study door interrupted their intense discussion. Bruce strode over to welcome Elizabeth as she entered, gracefully balancing a tray of refreshments. Martin and the others were still deep in conversation, their voices animated with the energy of scheming minds.
Without skipping a beat, Elizabeth set down the tea and quipped, "You gentlemen carry on, I'll have the kitchen whip up a midnight feast."
Martin, acknowledging her with a nod, added, "Liz, fetch a bottle of our finest from the wine cellar, will you?"
Elizabeth flashed a mischievous smile at Martin before murmuring, "Mind you, the study door is closed."
The tone of their conversation hinted at mischief brewing, and though Elizabeth refrained from interfering directly, her knack for organization and logistics was unmatched.
Meanwhile, Nicholson's phone chimed insistently, prompting him to check the screen with a furrowed brow.
Martin inquired, "What's the matter?"
Nicholson's tone was grave as he instructed, "Power up the computer."
Bruce complied swiftly, eager to uncover the cause of Nicholson's concern.
Fixing his gaze on Leonardo, Nicholson revealed, "I had someone dig into Nexium, and they just reported back—Gisele and Tom paid a visit to Nxivm's New York branch earlier this year."
At the mention of Gisele's name, Leonardo sprang to his feet, his voice tinged with urgency, "Are you certain?"
Nicholson affirmed, "There were whispers online, easily overlooked at the time."
With Martin now at the keyboard, he navigated to the relevant news article, but before he could delve deeper, Leonardo seized control, his hands trembling as he scrolled down to reveal an incriminating image.
It was a candid snapshot capturing Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen exiting Nxivm House in New York—a sight that sent Leonardo's pulse racing and his thoughts spiraling.
Martin attempted to soothe his friend, "Easy there, it might just be innocent curiosity."
But Leonardo couldn't shake the fear gnawing at him, "Those bastards have a way of manipulating minds. What if Gisele falls prey to their influence? And Tom, damn him! He promised to protect Gisele, yet here they are, entangled in this mess!"
With resolve hardening in his heart, Leonardo abandoned the computer and reached for his phone, intent on reaching Gisele.
Observing Leonardo's distress, Martin remarked, "Leo's never been able to let go of Gisele."
Nicholson chimed in with a wry smile, "Ah, the plight of the hopeless romantics. Neither of us seem capable of moving on."
Upon Leonardo's return, he divulged, "Gisele found Nxivm's teachings intriguing, despite my warnings. I fear my words fell on deaf ears."
Gripping Martin's arm and tugging on Nicholson's sleeve, Leonardo declared, "We're a trio of scoundrels, adept at stirring up trouble. We must rid ourselves of Nxivm and its ilk!"
Martin interjected, "But weren't we discussing how to thwart Nxivm and Keith Raniere?"
Nicholson added, "They're after our prized possessions, our swallow!"
Frustrated and desperate, Leonardo blurted out a reckless proposition, "What if we hired someone to eliminate Raniere? A vagrant or a truck driver, perhaps?"
Nicholson swiftly shot down the idea, "Absolutely not. The risks are too great. Nxivm has ties to powerful political circles. If Raniere were to meet an untimely demise, the repercussions could be catastrophic."
Leonardo fell silent, his passion momentarily dampened by the weight of reality.
Martin redirected the conversation, turning to Nicholson, "From your findings, it seems many influential figures have fallen under Nxivm's spell, correct?"
"Indeed, there are several city councilors in Los Angeles," Nicholson confirmed, though he emphasized that his information was limited to those whose affiliations had been made public. "In Washington, a deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and others maintain close ties with Nxivm."
He grimaced, adding, "Keith Raniere has evaded justice numerous times, despite his involvement in various crimes. If this pattern persists, the extent of their political influence is unsettling."
Martin interjected, puzzled, "But why would Nxivm target me? My status as a Hollywood star seems irrelevant to them."
Detective Nicholson offered his insight, "The gatherings you organized for the 'Coke God's Cult' attracted too many political figures. Even Russian sees value in that."
Leonardo shrugged, dismissing the allure of celebrity status, "Being famous doesn't hold much weight."
As Martin's thoughts coalesced, he proposed, "Nxivm's influence runs deep, especially concerning women. But what if we introduce a Russian spy into the mix?"
Nicholson nodded in understanding, "It's worth exploring."
Eager to rescue Gisele from the clutches of Nxivm, Leonardo chimed in, "I'm in."
Their deliberations continued well into the night, sequestered in the study until nearly 11 o'clock.
Elizabeth had dinner prepared, but Leonardo and Nicholson had already eaten. Martin dismissed them for the night, opting to speak with Elizabeth alone.
Concern etched on her face, Elizabeth inquired, "What's going on? You've been deep in discussion for hours."
Martin explained, "Someone's targeting Lily, and they have their sights set on Gisele Bundchen."
"Lily?" Elizabeth gasped, "But I thought she was traveling to East Asia."
Martin nodded, "She is. I've asked her to stay away until we handle this."
Relieved, Elizabeth nodded in agreement, "Good call. It's best to keep her out of harm's way. How can I help?"
Martin wrapped his arms around her, leading her upstairs, "Keep me grounded, so I don't act rashly out of anger."
Elizabeth squeezed him tight, promising, "I'll be your anchor."
The next morning, Martin, Leonardo, and Nicholson convened at Davis Studio as planned.
As the mastermind behind their operation, Nicholson wasted no time in delegating tasks.
Martin had already briefed him on the general plan, and after a night of contemplation, Nicholson had devised a detailed action plan.
Addressing Martin first, he instructed, "You need to sever all contact with Marina, leaving her no hope from your end. Understand?"
Martin nodded, "No problem."
Turning to Leonardo, Nicholson directed, "Our task is to subtly pique Marina's interest in Nxivm and expose her to its influence. Engaging with Nxivm will also provide us with a platform to reach influential political figures."
Leonardo nodded in agreement, his determination to save Gisele burning brighter than ever.
"Let's move out," Nicholson urged, "Stay vigilant, and don't tip off Nxivm."
Silently, he and Leonardo made their way to the San Fernando Valley.
Meanwhile, Martin made stops at Warner Studios and Century City, meeting with Thomas and Natasha respectively at WMA.
...
At Nxivm House in Burbank, Keith Raniere, sporting glasses, had just concluded a session with several Los Angeles politicians. He regarded them with a benevolent smile, exuding the aura of a wise and caring mentor.
Karen, a black woman among the attendees, spoke up, "Instructor, after attending your latest course, I feel like all my psychological barriers have dissolved, and my inner wounds have healed."
Raniere beamed, "With this newfound clarity, you'll lead the LAPD to better serve the people of Los Angeles."
Following the recent reshuffle, McClain had ascended to the role of LAPD chief, while Karen, representing another faction, had been appointed as deputy chief.
While it might appear absurd, even ludicrous, for high-profile individuals to align themselves with an organization like Nxivm, such occurrences are far from rare in America and even around the world.
Karen offered a respectful bow, her voice filled with gratitude as she addressed her mentor, "Thank you for your invaluable guidance, mentor."
A chorus of similar sentiments followed from the other attendees as the day's class drew to a close, and they filtered out one by one.
Karen lingered behind, eager to exchange a few words with Raniere in private.
Though Raniere might lack charm in some respects, his skill in weaving convincing narratives left Karen feeling enriched by their conversation.
Increasingly convinced that joining Nxivm was a wise choice, Karen fixed Raniere with an intense gaze, "Tutor, I've heard about the advanced courses. When can I enroll?"
Raniere, appraising the short-haired black woman before him, couldn't help but think that she might not be suited for the advanced curriculum.
Having caught wind of the advanced program, which boasted a charismatic life coach and promising prospects, Karen not only harbored no reservations but eagerly anticipated her enrollment.
Lanier composed himself and replied, "We'll need to complete this section of the course and successfully pass the assessment first."
"I eagerly await the assessment," Karen responded before taking her leave.
As Raniere exited the teaching room and entered his opulent office, his gaze fell upon a newly hung poster featuring the work of the young sculptor, Lily Carter.
Contemplating the encounter with Karen moments earlier and then glancing at Lily's poster, Lanier's desire intensified.
None of his current female devotees possessed the beauty and refinement he saw in Lily.
Summoning Allison Mack via intercom, Raniere inquired about Lily Carter's whereabouts.
Allison reported, "We've been monitoring her studio and residence, but there's been no sign of her."
Frowning, Raniere attempted to contact Lily directly, only to be met with silence. "Is she not in Los Angeles?" he mused aloud.
Alison replied, "It seems she's not specifically in Los Angeles. I'm still trying to determine her whereabouts."
"Keep surveillance on her home and studio. If she returns, notify me immediately," Lanier commanded impatiently. "Also, gather information on Lily Carter's associates. Anyone who can bring her to our program will be rewarded with $200,000."
Alison acknowledged the order, already strategizing how to lure Lily back. While $200,000 might not tempt Lily herself, her friends could prove more susceptible to such enticements.
Lanier pressed for information on the Russian woman's progress.
"Katherine reports that our plans are proceeding smoothly," Allison assured him.