Exiting the bustling terminal of Los Angeles International Airport, Martin emerged, dragging his suitcase, relishing the freedom of movement after a long flight. The plush first-class cabin had provided a sanctuary for much-needed rest, dissipating the fatigue from his previous night's toil, leaving him revitalized.
Thomas, a trusted ally, approached, offering a hand to assist with the luggage, which Martin gratefully accepted. Together, they maneuvered their belongings into the spacious trunk of a sleek Escalade, their ride awaiting.
Bruce, taking the lead, claimed the driver's seat with practiced ease, ready to navigate the sprawling streets of LA.
As the Escalade smoothly merged into traffic, Thomas wasted no time, opening his briefcase and passing documents to Martin. "Here's the latest on Billy Milligan and those two documentary biographies," he said, his tone carrying a sense of urgency.
With Lily and Elizabeth awaiting his return home, Martin knew they faced an impending battle. Closing his eyes briefly, he focused his thoughts. "Let's dive in," he said, his mind already racing through the possibilities.
Thomas began, "The situation's taken a turn. Turns out, Billy Milligan holds the copyrights to those books himself. He's been out of treatment for over a decade now and even set up a production company here in LA. Apparently, he's been eyeing a movie adaptation of his experiences."
Martin's surprise was palpable. "Has production started?" he inquired, intrigued by the unexpected twist.
"Nope, not yet," Thomas clarified. "But he's been sitting on a screenplay titled 'Crowded Room,' adapted from the books. Used his earnings to hire a screenwriter. Talks of big-name actors playing him, like Tom Cruise or Leo."
Recognition dawned on Martin. "I vaguely remember the buzz around that," he recalled. "Leo was linked to it in the media, but it fizzled out pretty fast."
"Exactly," Thomas agreed. "The project stalled. Billy couldn't secure funding or sell the script."
Bruce chimed in, voicing skepticism. "Can someone with twenty-four personalities really pull off making a movie?"
"According to the experts, his alters aren't a hindrance to his daily life," Thomas explained. "He's deemed non-threatening to society."
Martin cut to the chase. "Is he looking to sell the rights?"
"We can reach out and negotiate," Thomas confirmed. "But time's of the essence. Word is, Billy might be facing health issues."
Martin nodded decisively. "Get in touch with Jessica, secure those rights pronto. And let's keep this under wraps."
"Consider it done," Thomas assured him. "I'll drop you off at the bank."
Bruce's reminder carried a weight of caution: "As you head over there, keep your guard up. Even though the guy's been let out, he's got a history, a dangerous one at that."
Thomas, considering the potential risks, opted to bring along a small entourage of bodyguards. "Given Billy's track record, this has turned into quite the public affair. And if negotiations hit a snag, we'll have to improvise without stepping on any copyright toes."
Martin mulled over the situation before chiming in, "To minimize headaches down the road, let's aim to secure the copyright first. If that falls through, we'll pivot accordingly."
Their car snaked its way through Beverly Hills, deliberately passing Century City before dropping off Thomas. With determination, they pressed on to the North District of Sunset Boulevard.
Pulling up at Davis Manor, Martin stepped out only to find no welcoming party awaiting him. He sighed, hoisted his bag, and ventured into the silent hall.
Suddenly, the villa's door slammed shut, curtains drew closed, plunging the room into darkness.
Recognizing the sound of approaching footsteps, Martin stood still.
Swiftly, Lily crept up behind Martin, pressing a sharp, stone-like carving against his lower back. "Don't move a muscle. Hands up!"
Martin complied cautiously.
With a firm grip on his collar, Lily warned, "Move too slow, and you'll feel this blade in your kidney!"
Martin felt the fabric at his lower back tugged upwards, the cold, hard object pressing against his skin.
Setting down his bag, he raised his hands as instructed.
But Lily wasn't finished yet, "Hands behind your back, and make it quick!"
Martin complied, slowly maneuvering his hands towards his back.
"Hurry it up, we don't have all day!" Lily urged from a short distance away.
From behind the concealed area, a leg clad in black over-the-knee boots extended, revealing Elizabeth Olsen in a crimson leather hunting suit.
With a red rope in hand, Elizabeth emerged, attempting to maintain a menacing grin, though it softened unconsciously as she met Martin's gaze. "Yes, that's him! The American hero, captured alive!"
Satisfied, Lily nodded, "Good. Tie him up, we'll interrogate him thoroughly, see just how tough he really is!"
Martin, playing along, acted out his 'capture' convincingly, allowing Elizabeth to deftly tie a slipknot around his wrists.
As the noose tightened, Lily instinctively pulled back, causing the object pressing against Martin's back to shift slightly.
Seizing the opportunity, Martin swiftly grabbed Lily's wrist, snatching the knife from her grasp with practiced ease.
He swiftly pulled Elizabeth closer, the stone knife pressing against the little witch's delicate neck. With a sharp command, he bellowed, "Stay perfectly still!"
Across from him, Lily, clad in a sleek black leather ensemble, twirled a carving knife between her nimble fingers.
The custom-tailored outfit accentuated her figure so impeccably that Martin couldn't help but admire, cautioning, "Don't make any sudden moves, I'm calling the shots here!"
His sudden laughter broke the tension as he gently brushed Elizabeth's chin with the back of his hand, taunting Lily, "You wouldn't want to see this beauty's blood spill, would you?"
Lily, with a fiery demeanor, retorted, "Let go of my sister, you villain!"
Martin assumed the role of the archetypal antagonist, asserting, "I might consider it, but only if you play by my rules."
Elizabeth interjected, "Forget about me, just go!"
"Don't fret, I'll get you out of this," Lily declared, her eyes blazing with determination. "What do you want?"
"I want that leather hunting suit of yours," Martin stated firmly.
Before Elizabeth could protest further, Martin positioned the stone knife near her lips, silencing her.
"Don't," Lily pleaded, desperation evident in her voice. "I'll give it to you!"
With a swift motion, she rotated the carving knife, slicing through the leather with a satisfying crack.
Martin's surprise was palpable.
Concern etched across Elizabeth's face as she urged, "Don't hurt yourself!"
But Lily, the renowned young artist, wouldn't harm herself. Instead, she transformed her own body into a living canvas, sculpting with her artistic flair.
As the leather fell away, revealing skin akin to white jade adorned with delicate pink diamonds, Martin issued his command, "Come here."
Lily's righteous indignation gave way to humiliation as she obeyed Martin's orders, performing extraordinary feats under his direction.
And so, the Beauty Dragon Quest commenced.
Meanwhile, in the annex, Bruce packed his belongings, shooting a quick message to Martin before grabbing a handbag containing a gift box. Exiting the manor, he headed towards TMZ.
Not quite quitting time yet, he waited in his car momentarily. Suddenly, Jody appeared at the passenger side, rapping on the window.
Bruce promptly opened the door, inviting Judy inside, and passed her the handbag. "I have no use for the sponsor's gift, so consider it yours."
Judy eyed the Hermès logo on the bag, pondering when Martin might have struck a deal with Hermès.
"Where to?" Bruce started the car, ready to embark on their next destination.
Judy suggested, "Let's head to my place." She prodded with purpose, "You've just returned from Boston, yet you came straight to me? Seems our dynamic has shifted."
Bruce maintained his composure, offering an excuse, "As Martin's agent and PR manager, it's crucial to nurture ties with the editor-in-chief of the nation's top gossip outlet."
Judy wanted to voice her frustration but bit back her words. Instead, she shot Bruce a pointed glare, insinuating, "You're always fixated on Martin."
Unfazed, Bruce met her gaze squarely. Another sacrifice for Martin was underway.
...
As darkness enveloped Davis Manor, Martin, Elizabeth, and Lily gathered in the dining room, engaged in conversation over their meal.
Observing Lily fidgeting uncomfortably, Martin feigned ignorance.
Elizabeth handed Martin a document, announcing, "Lily and I have chosen the business jet."
Martin glanced at it but didn't open it, instructing, "If you've made your selection, place the order. I'll settle the bill later."
Elizabeth laid the document before him, detailing, "We've settled on a Bombardier Global 6000, boasting a 10,000-kilometer range and a price tag around $60 million."
Martin skimmed the details, nodding in approval. "Go ahead and place the order. You handle it," he delegated.
Lily chimed in eagerly, "Once the jet arrives, the three of us will take to the skies together."
Elizabeth teased, "Haven't you been through enough torture?"
Baring her teeth, Lily retorted, "He wasn't the only one restrained!"
Martin shot her a warning glance, reminiscent of their Atlanta days. "Watch your language, idiot."
Elizabeth, not one for Atlanta slang, ushered Lily out of the dining room. "Let's contact Bombardier and finalize the order."
Lily nodded, whispering, "Let's make Martin pay dearly for this."
After dinner, Martin retired to his study. He first called Leonardo to inquire about "Crowded Room."
Leonardo admitted, "I'm in the dark about that gossip. Heard of the project through the media, but the role with 24 personalities doesn't interest me. It's too taxing."
"It's your acting chops that are lacking," Martin jabbed before ending the call, leaving Leonardo no room for rebuttal.
Next, he dialed David Fincher, intending to discuss the project further. In Martin's estimation, Fincher was better suited to helm the film than Shyamalan.