The Wolf of Los Angeles

Chapter 372 - 372: Our Cause is Just

[Chapter 372: Our Cause is Just]

In the office, Vice President Jenna quickly typed away at her keyboard, logging into her Twitter account. She opened up trending news, which featured several stories about Jamie Foxx.

Michelle stood right behind her, taking it all in.

Jenna pointed at the screen and said, "This news is really hot; it's trending all over Twitter's news feed."

Michelle crossed her arms, observing, "A Black star accused of assaulting a white woman? That's a juicy story."

"I think this is an opportunity," Jenna said, her eyes blinking rapidly as she contemplated. "Ever since the Los Angeles wildfires, we've been mired in negative publicity, and our momentum has taken a hit."

Michelle understood all too well, responding, "While Jamie Foxx isn't exactly at the top tier of Hollywood, he is a major figure among Black actors, and an assault case involving a Black man and a white woman will definitely draw attention."

Jenna interjected, "Just like the Michael Jackson child molestation case, the media love to pounce on stories involving Black celebrities."

Michelle paced back and forth before firmly deciding, "Since the FMF was established, we've never felt as stifled as we have in the past few months. We've been misunderstood by the public and media, leading to a societal regression that we shouldn't tolerate. Now a woman is asking for our help; we must assist her in fighting for her rights. This will also help us regain visibility!"

While an ordinary case of an assault wouldn't normally catch much attention, the fact that a Black star was implicated had turned it into hot news.

The FMF not only intended to capitalize on this heat but also aimed to stoke the flames and become the center of attention.

Michelle continued, "Women helping women; we will fully support Alice."

Jenna stood, declaring, "Our cause is just!"

They didn't discuss whether Alice's claims were true or not because truth wasn't important.

What the FMF needed was visibility, to push for women's rights in this male-dominated world.

What did truth and justice matter?

...

The two women returned to the reception area, where Michelle embraced Alice once again, shaking Fiona's hand. "You are our sisters; the FMF will fully support you in seeking justice."

Alice quickly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, thank you for your help."

Fiona added, "Alice is just a small actress without a regular agent. We urgently need legal assistance, we need the help of a lawyer."

The FMF had a lawyer they worked with for a long time, experienced in these matters. Michelle told Jenna, "Contact the lawyer and get them here immediately."

They discussed how to respond, and a little while later, a female lawyer arrived with her assistant, forming an all-female legal team.

Alice and Fiona accepted Michelle's invitation to join the FMF.

...

"We will prepare today and rally as many media as possible," Michelle took the opportunity to stoke the fire. "Tomorrow, the FMF will hold a press conference to publicly announce our support for you."

Alice, aware of what was going on, asked, "What if the pressure becomes too much?"

Michelle waved her hand dismissively, saying, "Don't worry, dealing with a Black man is simple; if it were a Black woman..."

Jenna cleared her throat softly.

Michelle swallowed the rest of her words, recalling the fear of being dominated by Black women during the Los Angeles wildfires.

It was a process of being completely overwhelmed, from verbal abuse to physical attacks -- an overwhelming experience both physically and in spirit.

---

Fiona and Alice left the FMF, with Alice not heading home but temporarily staying with Fiona in Santa Monica.

When they arrived in West Los Angeles, Alice received a phone call from someone looking to talk with her.

Holding her phone away from her mouth, Alice asked, "Do I meet with them?"

Fiona had already anticipated this and provided an address. "Go meet them."

Alice told the address.

After hanging up, Fiona sent a text message.

...

A van sped off and arrived at a bar run by a Mexican, with arrangements made beforehand with the owner.

...

A few minutes later, Fiona and Alice entered the bar.

A Mexican waiter guided them to a booth.

Fiona excused herself to go to the restroom.

While washing her hands, a Mexican worker whispered, "The recording devices are all set up."

"Make sure to keep the target safe," Fiona nodded slightly and quickly returned.

...

Shortly after, three Black men entered the bar.

Leading the way was Jamie Foxx's driver, Thompson, who briefly scanned the bar before making his way to Alice and Fiona's booth. "Alice Carson?"

"It's me," Alice said, sizing up the three men.

The leader was dressed in a suit and shoes, and the two men behind him had shining bald heads marred by scars, an array of colorful tattoos on their exposed necks and wrists, and oversized jackets that hung open, revealing sheathed knives at their waists.

Thompson sat opposite Alice and said, "You have a skewed understanding of your situation. Do you not plan to continue in Hollywood? Do you really think you can stay in Los Angeles after this?"

Alice stared at the two men, her heart racing.

Fiona gently tapped her under the table.

Feeling a bit steadier, Alice replied, "Jamie Foxx must be held accountable for his actions."

Thompson glared coldly at Fiona, but it didn't register as a threat to her.

"Fifty thousand dollars to keep quiet," Thompson pulled out a check and laid it on the table. "Take the money and keep quiet, or you'll find it hard to get any work. My friends can pay you a visit anytime, anywhere."

The two men stepped forward, their towering presence and the knives at their waists creating a palpable pressure.

Alice instinctively reached for the check.

Fiona kicked her under the table.

These men were a blessing; had they not come, they would've needed to find a few actors of their own.

Alice connected the dots. Not considering legal settlements or compensation, just Fiona's side alone had offered $200,000!

What did these men take her for? A beggar?

Determined, Alice pushed the check back, embodying a defiant resolve. "I seek fairness and justice and will not accept your bribe!"

Thompson glanced at the check, pocketed it, leaned in closer, and grinned maliciously, "Good luck keeping yourself safe."

Alice felt afraid, but Fiona's presence gave her courage. She asserted fiercely, "Although I am a woman, I will not yield to threats!"

One bald man stepped forward, hand resting on his knife.

...

Across from them, two Mexican waiters kept their eyes glued to the unfolding scene.

At the counter, the owner barked, "You looking to start trouble? Get lost!"

Thompson turned around, ready to say a few harsh words when he saw the owner pointing a short-barreled shotgun at them.

This triggered something deep within him, and he immediately raised his hands, saying, "Let's not be hasty; we're leaving now."

The two bald men glared at Alice and Fiona before turning to leave.

...

Outside the bar, Thompson instructed, "Send your people over to watch them, and follow them everywhere."

...

Inside the bar, Alice looked out the glass window, spotting the men outside, she asked, "What do we do now?"

Fiona opened her bag, showing her a pistol. "Don't worry; we'll ensure your safety."

To bolster Alice's confidence, Fiona casually waved to the waiter, "Make a copy of the footage; I'll take it."

The Mexican waiter immediately left.

Alice scanned the bar's patrons, realizing, "All these people are with you."

Fiona reassured her, "That's right, so there's no need to worry. Just cooperate in getting this done."

Alice instinctively nodded.

The waiter brought back a USB drive, which Fiona took and led Alice out through the back door of the bar.

...

A car was parked outside, and there were two Mexican men on guard.

Fiona took the driver's seat, and when Alice got in, she said, "The footage we just recorded can be played at tomorrow's press conference."

Alice stated, "Even though I don't know the specifics of who you are, you seem way more capable than Jamie Foxx. I'll cooperate with you."

Fiona started the car, "You're a smart girl."

---

The next morning, the FMF held a press conference at a hotel in North Hollywood.

The story of the Hollywood assault case was definitely catching interest.

With support from media outlets, over a hundred reporters and entertainment bloggers gathered in the press room.

Backstage, Fiona personally did Alice's makeup, deliberately making her look haggard and stressed, portraying a sense of overwhelming pressure.

Michelle and Jenna accompanied Alice to the podium.

Jenna introduced the details of the case to the media.

During the following Q&A session, reporters sympathetic to women tried to steer the conversation. However, many pointed questions also arose.

A Black male reporter asked, "According to your claims, this incident happened two years ago. Why didn't you refuse him or call the police?"

Prepared for this question, Alice, with tears brimming in her eyes, responded, "Jamie Foxx is a huge star in Hollywood, a powerful figure; I'm just a nobody. I was too afraid to stand up against that power; I feared for my acting career. It was too easy for him to destroy me, especially since he had warned me. I was just too weak then."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she issued a grave warning: "I suffered from depression and contemplated suicide until last month when I joined the FMF and got help from Michelle and the others. I realized that to heal, I needed to stand up and boldly say no to power and crime!"

Another Black reporter shot back, "Do you have evidence against Jamie Foxx?"

Jenna interjected, "Is Alice someone who would disgrace herself and tarnish her reputation for accusations against another woman?"

"We've gathered some evidence," Michelle switched back to a commanding tone. "Play it."

A large screen to the side started displaying footage of Alice being directly threatened by the three Black men.

The room fell silent instantly.

The Black male reporter suddenly sat back down, recognizing that the Black man sitting across from Alice was Jamie Foxx's driver.

This tactic seemed rather direct and crude.

But then he thought shaking his head; after all, this was how many powerful men in Hollywood operated.

His newspaper had received tips about Harvey Weinstein's assaults, and those involved -- Matt Damon and Ben Affleck -- had threatened them directly to keep quiet.

*****

/Sayonara816.