The Wolf of Los Angeles

Chapter 45: Death and Disgrace

As the video concluded, Edmond, Susie, and Julian each let out a subtle sigh of relief.

Edmond and Susie, both from LAPD’s Parker Center headquarters, had already grasped the potential for this case to spiral into a massive public relations nightmare. Susie, who specialized in media relations, understood just how closely the media monitored the LAPD.

But these two videos were game-changers, enough to quash the storm and pin the blame squarely on Robert Downey Jr.

Susie noted the clever camera angles, which not only captured the entire shooting but also kept the focus firmly on Downey. Anyone who watched the footage would immediately feel that Downey had brought this upon himself.

A single event could provoke vastly different emotions depending on the perspective of the camera. Susie leaned closer to Edmond and whispered a few words.

Edmond’s demeanor shifted noticeably. He smiled at Hawk and asked, "Could we get a copy of the video?"

Susie pulled a flash drive from her bag.

"Sure, I’ll copy it for you," Hawk replied, taking the drive.

Once the transfer was complete, Edmond, still harboring a trace of doubt, asked directly, "Have you been following Downey?"

"I’ve been tailing him for a few days," Hawk replied, opening a folder on his laptop and clicking through photos and videos. "Here he is at Tracy Gym. Here’s him at the Wing Chun Martial Arts Hall on Victory Street. And this is him at the Viper Room bar."

Edmond pressed further. "Why were you following him?"

"It’s my job," Hawk answered, pulling out a recent issue of National Enquirer and pointing to the front-page story. "This was my scoop. But I’d appreciate it if you kept this confidential—I don’t want any trouble."

He added, "Oh, and about today’s video—please don’t reveal the source."

Susie reassured him, "We’re the LAPD. We understand media laws and won’t disclose the source of the footage."

Hawk gauged the LAPD’s stance and decided to align with them. "I’ve only been in L.A. for less than a month, and most of the time I’ve been running around like a headless chicken. When I landed this headline, I thought digging deeper might uncover more stories. I’ve read reports on Downey over the years. A guy like him not having scandals is like people not eating or drinking—it’s impossible. I figured he’d destroy himself eventually."

Thinking of Downey’s years of bad behavior, Edmond slowly nodded. Suddenly, he locked eyes with Hawk. "Did you call the cops?"

"Call the cops? I’ve never done that," Hawk replied, genuinely surprised.

With over a decade of police experience, Edmond could tell Hawk wasn’t lying. And Hawk wasn’t bluffing—he really hadn’t made the call.

Edmond nodded again. "There was someone else in the car with Downey, wasn’t there?"

Hawk confirmed, "Yes. Downey had a driver, but he never got out of the car, so I didn’t film him."

He spread his hands. "Even if he did get out, I wouldn’t bother filming. A driver doesn’t have news value—I wouldn’t waste a second of footage on him."

Edmond accepted this reasoning.

Susie, seeing Edmond had no further questions, shifted to the crux of the matter. "Did you hand the video to Fox News?"

"I granted 11 Channel’s Midnight Entertainment an exclusive license. The agreement is already signed," Hawk replied. He anticipated their concerns and added, "During negotiations, I made it clear how the story should be reported. The production team agreed and included this in the licensing agreement."

Susie hesitated but asked, "May I see the agreement?"

Hawk retrieved it. "Just don’t take pictures."

Susie skimmed through and found his claims accurate. "Thank you."

Hawk’s involvement suddenly made the LAPD’s job much easier. A previously tangled situation now seemed far clearer.

Edmond stood to leave, and as they departed, Susie handed Hawk her business card and asked for his contact details. "In case we need follow-up."

Hawk smiled. "You can call me anytime."

The three LAPD officers stepped outside and into their car. Susie turned to Edmond. "So, what’s the call?"

Edmond replied softly, "The higher-ups are clear: Downey pulled a gun on the police. He deserved it. They want this case closed, and Downey disgraced."

For years, the LAPD had repeatedly targeted Downey. The fourth strike was the fatal one.

Susie nodded, removing her hat to reveal her brown hair tied in a bun. "Drop me off at the Fox Television Center."

Julian drove toward Century City.

Susie quickly reached out to Megan Taylor of Midnight Entertainment. The two met at the Fox center and immediately hit it off.

The show’s coverage stance was entirely anti-Downey, complete with plans to dig into his scandals. Susie agreed to serve as the liaison, providing access to records from Downey’s previous arrests and arranging LAPD cooperation for interviews, including with the heroic female officer.

Their goals aligned perfectly.

---

Meanwhile, as Hawk saw the LAPD out, another knock came at the door.

It was Frank, uninvited, peering around with surprise. "You didn’t get taken in?"

Hawk shut the door behind him. "The LAPD came for help, not trouble. No drama for you—sorry to disappoint."

Frank, unbothered, grabbed two beers from the fridge and tossed one to Hawk. "I know your type. You guys will do anything for so-called press freedom. Plenty of you end up in jail."

Hawk opened his beer and took a sip before sitting on the couch. "On the contrary. I follow the law to the letter. That’s why the LAPD needed my help, and I gave it."

Frank took a seat, adopting a worldly air. "Smart move. Don’t mess with them. In this town, crossing one LAPD officer means crossing the entire department."

He warned, "In Los Angeles, the LAPD is the biggest gang in town. Even the FBI plays ball with them. Your line of work is bound to attract their attention."

Hawk nodded, listening. "I’m just a small fry trying to make a living here. I wouldn’t dream of crossing them."

Curious, he asked, "You claim to have been a Hollywood big shot. Why did Downey get arrested three times in recent years?"

Frank shrugged. "Simple. He pissed off one of LAPD’s benefactors. Hollywood’s full of druggies, but they targeted him. It was probably over some bedroom drama. So, buddy, don’t mess with the bigwigs. Hollywood stars are just their playthings."

"I’m not stupid," Hawk replied.

Frank smirked. "I’ve finally found a new friend. I’d hate to see you end up dead or in prison."

Hawk flipped him off for being pretentious.

Finishing his beer, Frank stood to leave. "I’m out. Time for bed. Maybe I’ll dream of my celebrity ex-wife."

Hawk shot back in Edward’s tone, "That dream will star your ex-wife cuddling with her boy toy under your wedding photo."

Frank fumed all night.

---

At 11 p.m., Hawk tuned into Channel 11. Midnight Entertainment aired its special, dedicated solely to Downey’s alleged drug possession, trafficking, and armed assault on police before being fatally shot.

Hawk’s two videos aired, cementing the public narrative.

Sympathetic or skeptical media quickly reversed their positions, and mainstream outlets unanimously condemned Downey.

By the next day, countless scandals involving Downey—and even his father—surfaced. Women’s groups accused him of targeting women and threatening to kill “her.” Some even protested outside Downey Sr.’s home.

Hollywood insiders jumped on the bandwagon, adding their accusations.

The narrative was fully controlled.

In death, Downey’s disgrace was absolute.

Alive, he might have had a chance at redemption. But dying in such a pathetic manner ended everything. Even his father’s attempts to stir up trouble failed to gain traction, as the LAPD had him firmly in their sights.

Downey was dead, and his reputation buried.

Midnight Entertainment milked the story for weeks, airing exposés that left no stone unturned. They even partnered with the LAPD to promote the heroic female officer, elevating her to a media darling.

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