Chapter 44 - Chapter 44: A Scenic Drive Interrupted

Bathed in the morning light, under a canvas of blue sky and wispy clouds. This was Los Angeles, a city blessed with year-round sunshine. Life in Beverly Hills had a languid quality, as if time itself had slowed.Early morning found Milo in the back of his Lincoln, watching the gates of his estate recede. David was at the wheel, Kenny in the passenger seat. Milo wasn't heading to the set; he had a meeting in San Francisco that afternoon, necessitating a midday arrival. He'd left the film set, the crew, even the storyboards, entirely in Wally Pfister's capable hands. Milo felt confident that Wally could manage perfectly well without him. If necessary… he could always relinquish the director's credit and simply remain as producer.Through the reinforced, bulletproof glass, Milo gazed at the scenery unfolding along the winding road. Partially obscured by lush foliage, the opulent and enigmatic mansions of Beverly Hills dotted the hillsides. Stars and magnates flocked here, displaying their wealth and status, amplifying their fame. In turn, more wealth flowed into their coffers, creating a spiraling ascent of fortune, elevating these residents higher and higher, their radiance growing ever more dazzling. This was, without a doubt, the West Coast's most prestigious enclave."Crack! Crack!"A few sharp reports, like the snapping of firecrackers, cut through the thick bulletproof glass and doors.Before Milo could react, David slammed on the accelerator. Kenny, in the passenger seat, instantly unbuckled his seatbelt, his bear-like frame lunging backwards to shield Milo, completely covering him."Fuck…"Milo's body tensed instinctively, a curse escaping his lips. He was about to retaliate against what he assumed was an attack when he remembered the security drills he'd undergone. He forced himself to relax, sinking into the seat and allowing Kenny to use his body as a shield.At the same time, his pupils contracted as he noticed a white mark appear on the passenger-side window. Where there had been nothing before. In the rearview mirror, he could even see a gunman taking aim.The car sped forward, David yelling from the driver's seat, "Attack! Kenny, is the boss alright?"Before Kenny could answer, Milo quickly interjected, "I'm fine, I wasn't hit!"Kenny, continuing to shield Milo, grabbed the satellite phone, shouting, "David, the boss is safe! Head to the safe house! 35 Melrose Avenue, it's a CLA black site! I'll contact them!""Okay! Protect the boss!" David roared, keeping his foot on the gas.Milo tried to calm his suddenly racing heart. He watched Kenny finish his call, then calmly extended his hand. "Give it to me.""The family and the CLA have been notified, but we haven't called the police yet," Kenny said quickly. "It's what the two Mr. Blackburns wanted. They told me if you were attacked here, the first thing to do is not call the police or the FBI. We go to CLA territory first."Kenny handed Milo the satellite phone, maintaining his awkward, protective posture.Milo nodded and quickly entered a local number into the phone."Hello?""This is Milo Herbert Blackburn. I've been shot at outside my Beverly Hills residence.""!!" "Yes, Mr. Blackburn, I'll inform Mr. Wilson immediately!"Half an hour later.Inside a windowless but comfortably furnished room at 35 Melrose Avenue, Kenny and David stood rigidly on either side of Milo.Facing Milo was a middle-aged white man in a black suit, his skin tanned a deep brown."…Judging from the bullet marks on the car, the attacker used a handgun. No larger than a .28 caliber, most likely a Czech CZ-82. It's a common weapon in Los Angeles, popular with gang members." The man gestured with his hands as he spoke to Milo."As for the attacker's identity, my colleagues are already on it. Someone also called the police. Since it happened in Beverly Hills, both the LAPD and the FBI should have arrived at the scene.""Mr. Blackburn, rest assured, you're safe here."Milo nodded, then turned and gestured for Kenny to lean down. He whispered a few words in his ear.Kenny's face grew grave. He looked at the CLA officer, hesitant.But he finally nodded, turned, and left with the satellite phone.Milo then spoke to David, "Any word from the house?""Mr. Aris is bringing men over."Milo nodded, falling silent. He sat on the sofa, his expression unchanging.For a long time, he didn't move.If it weren't for his breathing and the occasional blink of his eyes, the CLA officer, Jones, would have thought he was a wax figure.As the minutes ticked by, Jones grew increasingly uncomfortable.Seeing this, Milo waved his hand. "Mr. Jones, you can go if you have other business. I'll stay here and wait for news.""Oh, no need, I have nothing to do… I'll stay here with you," Jones quickly replied.Having worked for the CLA for many years, Jones was surprised by the young man's reaction.Milo seemed too calm. Calm in a way that seemed impossible for someone his age.Jones had seen many VIPs who had been suddenly attacked. Though he wasn't with the Secret Service, but with the CLA, he had witnessed more cases and scenes because of the CLA's nature.Most of those attacked VIPs were in a state of panic from beginning to end.Even those who appeared calm were often only putting on a brave face.Someone like Milo, who showed no reaction whatsoever, simply sitting on the sofa, was rare.Not that it was unheard of, but it was usually seen in middle-aged men or well-known figures.Someone this young exhibiting such composure…Jones had never seen it before.Suddenly, the phone beside Jones rang.The CLA officer breathed a sigh of relief and said to Milo, "It might be news. Probably a call from my colleagues."Milo nodded, and Jones immediately answered the phone.A few minutes later.Jones put down the phone and looked at Milo."They've caught the shooter. He's a devoutly religious man with a history of mental illness. He did indeed use a Czech CZ-82, firing six shots in total. Two missed, one hit your neighbor's car, another hit the convertible truck of your other neighbor's security detail, and two hit your car. Fortunately, your car was equipped with bulletproof glass and armor plating. You're very lucky."Milo listened, then nodded without a change in his expression.