Chereads / REVIVE: AMERICA 1995 / Chapter 45 - Chapter 45: Aftershocks

Chapter 45 - Chapter 45: Aftershocks

"Guns don't kill people, people kill people." (A play on the common gun rights slogan)

While it was true that America was a land of freedom, and gun violence was a frequent occurrence, no one found it amusing when that "beautiful scenery" was aimed at them.Milo remained at 35 Melrose Avenue until dusk. Only when Kim Aris arrived with his men did he leave the CLA's secret Beverly Hills safe house.Settling into a black Cadillac, Milo glanced back at the building. He thought that the next time he passed by, it would likely be a regular civilian building. A secret safe house that was no longer secret couldn't be a safe house at all."Kim, my phone."Turning back, Milo reached out to his butler in the passenger seat.Kim Aris handed over the phone without hesitation, as if he had been expecting the request."Grandfather, I'm not dead yet.""Of course not. If you had already been called to the Lord, Los Angeles and Boston wouldn't be so calm right now." The old man's voice on the satellite phone was steady as ever.Milo took a deep breath and said abruptly, "Grandfather, I want full authority here. I want Kim and the others to work with me."There was no immediate reply.For a moment, only the old man's faint breathing and Milo's own strong, young breaths could be heard on either end of the line.It could have been ten seconds, or perhaps several dozen."Very well, I agree. But before you do anything, you'd better meet with Edward.""Agreed, but I won't go to South Pasadena. I called him, and his secretary answered. If he wants to see me, he can come to our place.""I'll inform Edward. Return to 9406 Crest Drive. It's secure now. Kim had it swept before he picked you up.""Understood. One last question, Grandfather. The main battlefield isn't here, is it?""No.""Good. I understand."Milo hung up. Relaxing into the plush leather seat, he closed his eyes and said, "Kim, how's Wendy?""Young Master, Wendy is under review. His performance has been unsatisfactory." The butler's calm, gentle voice came from the front seat.Unlike others, Kim's way of addressing the Blackburn men was never "Boss" or "Mr."Whether he was addressing old John, Joseph, Milo, or the late Paladin, Kim always used the title "Master." However, when addressing Milo and Paladin, he would add the prefix "Young.""Apart from his work performance, are there any other issues with Wendy?"Kim paused for a moment before replying, "No.""Then let it go. I'm used to working with him. I don't want to change him anytime soon.""As you wish, my Young Master," Kim replied.The car soon arrived near 9406 Crest Drive.Unlike its usual peaceful and prosperous atmosphere, the area around 9406 Crest Drive was bustling with activity. Many police cars with flashing lights lined the streets, LAPD and FBI markings emblazoned on their sides. Several large Suburban SUVs were also present, drawing attention.The convoy, led by the Cadillac, slowly entered 9406 Crest Drive.Any other vehicles attempting to pass or approach were stopped and searched, regardless of whether they belonged to Hollywood stars or renowned tycoons. At least, that was the case tonight.Meanwhile, news of the shooting in Beverly Hills had spread before noon.Since August of that year, in less than four months, there had been eleven fatal shootings in America. Countless others had occurred without fatalities, many gang-related shootings going unreported.If this shooting hadn't happened in Beverly Hills, its lack of casualties likely wouldn't have garnered any media attention.But because it had happened in Beverly Hills, many reporters and media outlets were paying attention. By noon, reporters and anchors from major television stations had already interviewed people at the scene.However, because no one had died, and because various parties were subtly suppressing the widespread dissemination of information, this shooting, like countless others in America, would likely fade from the media spotlight quickly.But this was only in the eyes of the public. In the eyes of certain other circles and individuals, the aftershocks of this shooting were still spreading.At noon, Jimmy, a senior agent at Creative Artists Agency, heard the news.He was stunned. After excusing himself from his colleagues with a weak smile, he found a secluded spot and called his client."Fuck, how could he? How could he do this?" Jimmy muttered before the call connected. As soon as the call was answered, he roared, "My God! What were you thinking? How could you do something like this?! I went through so much trouble to get you out on bail, and this is how you repay me?! Damn!""What? What are you talking about? Jimmy, I don't understand what you're saying. Fuck you, what do you want?""You're still pretending? I heard it with my own ears! You said you'd kill him, that you would definitely kill him! Oh, damn!"Suppressing his anger, Jimmy told the other party what he had just heard."I didn't do it," the other party said immediately after understanding. "I thought about it, I even contacted people. But I haven't done anything yet! It wasn't me!"Jimmy felt a wave of relief. In truth, the agent didn't really believe his client was capable of such a thing.Although the man was addled from drug use, he was fundamentally rational. The incident at the Disney party was primarily due to the other party's low profile, combined with the effects of the drugs and a misjudgment fueled by his long-term success."That's good! I hope you're telling the truth!" Jimmy said, then added quickly, "I suggest that from now on, during your bail period, you absolutely, positively do not go out! Don't talk to any reporters who come to your door. It's best if you stay home and don't contact anyone outside, understand?""Do I have to be that careful? I haven't done anything.""Just listen to me!""Fine, fine. I will."After calming his client, Jimmy immediately mobilized his connections to try and find out what was going on.Although he was a senior partner at CAA, his social standing and network far surpassed that of ordinary people.But this time, after making some inquiries, Jimmy discovered that the matter was beyond his reach. He couldn't find any useful information.He only knew who had been shot at, but nothing else.By evening, Jimmy, exhausted and frustrated, called his client again.But this time, he called several times, and no one answered.Jimmy didn't think much of it, as this was common with this particular client.Sometimes he was high; sometimes he was partying; sometimes he was with other women or men; sometimes he was even under other men or women.So, Jimmy called the client's personal assistant.This was usually a reliable way to reach his client when he couldn't reach him directly.But today, Jimmy found that the personal assistant's phone was also unreachable.Frowning, he looked at the darkening sky.Jimmy decided to drive to his client's residence. It wasn't far.But when he arrived, Jimmy was shocked to find the house dark and empty.Standing at the door, Jimmy took out his phone, instinctively wanting to dial 911.But then, as if realizing something, he put his phone back in his pocket.He turned and left without hesitation, as if nothing had happened. He didn't contact anyone else.