[Chapter 72: Ability and Ambition]
In the area bordering West Los Angeles and Santa Monica on Wilshire Boulevard, a fierce argument erupted in a standalone villa by the street, with the sounds of a man and a woman shouting coming through to the neighbors' homes. Accompanied by the sound of objects being smashed, Miller Collins was tossed out of his house by his wife.
His wife, Maria, shouted her intention to divorce him and told him to "go die."
Their daughter was still at home, leaving Miller unable to do anything but get into his car and head out, irritated and choosing instead to drink at a nearby bar.
Bad luck tends to compound upon itself.
In the small bar, a large screen TV played Midnight Entertainment, and Miller became the center of attention.
The laughter of patrons echoed, and some even loudly asked how he felt.
Hiding his face in his hands, Miller ran out of the bar and sped off in his car.
He was speeding, drinking too much, and losing control of the vehicle, quickly drawing the attention of a patrol car from the LAPD.
When God closes one door, he surely seals another.
Miller was detained by the LAPD, taken for alcohol testing, and then charged with DUI, being temporarily held.
...
"From the video evidence, the person standing in the pool is undoubtedly Miller Collins, the San Diego Team's wide receiver."
On the TV screen, Midnight Entertainment was airing the video Eric had taken, while host Megan Taylor's voice provided commentary.
When Miller finally looked up and reached for his lips, she was noticeably taken aback: "Did he... consume the whole thing?"
In the West Coast studio, laughter erupted.
Hawke raised the can in his hand: "Congratulations, our news has hit the headlines again!"
Edward, Eric, and Frank clinked their drinks with him and joined in the celebration.
Eric watched the close-up of Miller Collins on the TV, and the frustration he'd been feeling evaporated instantly. He chugged half a can of beer, with the ideas bubbling up like a volcano breaking through the surface.
"Guys, guys, listen!" He stood up, animated: "I've got an idea for our next project! This real-life experience has unleashed my entire artistic potential!"
Frank piped in, "You're not thinking of turning this into a movie, are you?"
Eric pointed at Hawke and Edward: "Their work is ordinary yet thrilling; they're natural movie stars! I must base a movie on Hawke's character; that's my mission as a director!"
Hawke burst out laughing: "Using me as a model is fine, but don't mention my name in any context."
Eric asked, "Don't you want royalties?"
Hawke shook his head: "By the time you finish adapting that movie, I might not need the money anymore."
Eric didn't push: "I'll take your word for it."
Edward interrupted, "The news is on again."
Midnight Entertainment aired the surveillance video.
"Our special correspondent who provided us with the news captured the footage you see here, but then the studio was invaded; four thieves rummaged through cheap CDs and tapes, but the LAPD arrived in time, capturing them on the spot. Witnesses heard one of the suspects boast about having crossed a major figure in the sports world."
Earlier, they had seen Miller swallowing the milk, and with the video and Megan's voiceover, anyone with half a brain would connect it to Miller Collins.
Once the video ended, the scene shifted back to the studio.
Megan reported, "We've been in contact with Sheriff Lucio from the West LA division responsible for this case."
Sheriff Lucio filled half the TV screen and answered Megan's questions: "All four suspects had prior records, and after interrogation, we've confirmed their identities. They all belong to the white gang known as the Dwarfs' Gang..."
After concluding the link, the screen transitioned to show clips of news articles.
Megan continued, "Over the past few years, various media outlets have reported on Miller Collins' ties to the Dwarfs' Gang."
There were numerous clippings, constantly flashing, proving the rumors were not unfounded.
They even showed Miller Collins' response, where he previously defended himself in the media, claiming he was seen with a gang member because they were childhood friends, purely a personal relationship.
As the segment entered its final moments, Megan Taylor specifically addressed the celebrity crime topic.
She brought up the deceased Robert Downey Jr., using him as a talking point for sensationalism.
The ratings for the program reached unprecedented levels.
"Celebrity and crime is a topic that inherently draws interest," Frank remarked, setting his can down: "This woman's doing great with the news; she's ambitious and capable."
Hawke stated honestly: "She's also quite daring. I've got a feeling she's aiming to shift towards social commentary."
As the program wrapped up, Frank prepared to leave, grabbing a bag to toss the empty cans inside: "Want to climb the ladder? I haven't kept up with Channel 11 for years, but if Roger Ailes interferes, heh... that could be trouble."
Hawke fully understood the meaning behind those words.
Edward couldn't stand Frank's ego and chugged his beer, purposely tossing the empty can at him: "Sell it if you can; no need to thank me."
Frank was left speechless, struggling to form a retort and composed himself, taking the empty can with him.
Hawke turned off the TV, handing Edward a reassembled Taser: "You'll sleep downstairs tonight; do you know how to use this?"
"I can use it," Edward glanced at Eric, annoyed: "Why do I have to sleep downstairs?"
Hawke replied directly: "Put on some black clothes, make a dark bed on the floor. If someone really attacks us, they won't see you."
Edward protested: "So just because my skin is dark, I'm on the front line?"
Hawke pulled out a Glock handgun and grabbed a magazine, heading upstairs to sleep.
Eric was in high spirits, having drunk a lot, and Edward helped him upstairs to lie down, before returning to change into black clothes and pants.
...
At the Fox Television Center, Midnight Entertainment just wrapped up their broadcast.
Megan Taylor emerged from her makeup session, only to be greeted by applause.
Picking up her pace, she turned a corner into the office area where everyone was clapping enthusiastically.
Claire rushed over, announcing, "The latest ratings are in; we've made it into the top five for all shows nationwide at the same time!"
A huge wave of joy crashed over Megan, covering her mouth with her hands, utterly incredulous.
The entire team was applauding her.
"Thank you, thank you, everyone," Megan pressed her hands down, exclaiming, "At the end of the month, we'll have a buffet party, and I'll cover it!"
The applause turned into cheers.
Megan smiled as she returned to her office. Just as she sat down, the channel director Cynthia's phone call came in.
"Congratulations, you did well," she said on the other end.
Megan thanked her and said, "Director, I promised you I'd bring back the lost advertising revenue with our ratings."
"You did just that," Cynthia replied.
As Megan hung up the phone, she felt a wave of relief wash over her; she'd managed amidst the pressure.
The show's success and material were noteworthy.
Quickly, Megan picked up her phone and called Hawke.
"Need something?" he asked on the other end.
Megan spoke softly, "Just wanted to congratulate us; our show's ratings have made the top five nationwide."
Hawke was blunt: "Will I get a bonus for that?"
Megan laughed, enjoying the moment: "I'm planning to throw a party for the whole team; you can come too."
"Just call me with the time and place once it's set." Hawke then recalled something and reminded her: "That jerk has ties with the Dwarfs' Gang. Be cautious when you go out; watch out for him going crazy."
Megan took his warning to heart. After work, she purposely walked to the parking lot with several male colleagues before driving home.
...
The next day, entertainment news, sports news, and even social commentary flooded with stories on Miller Collins.
Images of him with his head down and wiping his mouth were published on the front pages of major newspapers and magazines, presented as giant posters in the most eye-catching spots.
Five sponsors had issued announcements in succession, terminating all co-operations with Miller Collins and seeking to hold him accountable for breach of contract.
The San Diego Chargers halted its contract renewal negotiations with Miller Collins.
Hawke had Eric call a tabloid.
Starting with this tabloid, Miller Collins' new nickname spread across the country: "The Milk Drinker."
There were still points yet to resolve; the four members of the Dwarfs' Gang remained tight-lipped, taking the fall for everything.
Furthermore, there were forces within the LAPD that obstructed outcomes.
Every well-known gang had to have legitimate influences backing them.
Maria Collins, after making a public appearance crying, suddenly went silent.
*****
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