The Wolf of Los Angeles

Chapter 475 - 475: Admitting Defeat

[Chapter 475: Admitting Defeat]

San Francisco, Civic Plaza.

Steve Nutt stood on a platform with the San Francisco City Hall and thousands of Occupy San Francisco protesters as the backdrop, giving a joint media interview.

"The truth behind this incident, I'm sure you've all seen it. This is a carefully crafted lie, a smear against us!"

Facing the camera, Steve looked very passionate. "Many have been asking why this was done, why not frame someone else? Just look around!"

He pointed to the protestors and the City Hall behind him. "Philip left us over six months ago and still can't rest. We're here seeking fairness and justice, but some politicians and groups keep obstructing us, staging vile incidents for their own hidden agendas."

The reporters were sharp and understood who he was referring to.

They also knew the state of many ordinary people, so one asked directly, "Are you talking about San Francisco City Hall?"

Steve stood tall, almost like a prophet, without hesitation said loudly, "Yes, the San Francisco Democratic Party led by Mayor Gavin Newsom manufactured this incident. Their goal is to stigmatize the LGBTQ community and disrupt our fight for fairness and justice."

There was no uproar, as such political battles on social issues were common.

Both sides were at this point because California was soon holding a new gubernatorial election.

Steve continued, "I urge the FBI and federal prosecutors to intervene in this case and ensure a fair outcome for Eddie Fister."

Eddie Fister had reported to the FBI after being released from the San Francisco Police Department and was pursuing legal action.

The plan was to escalate the matter.

...

Less than 200 meters away, in the City Hall office.

Gavin Newsom watched a live TV broadcast of Steve Nutt's interview.

Steve avoided the extreme verbal brawls that Hollywood stars like Scarlett Johansson and Emma Watson dealt with. As a true leader, he hit the core of the issue!

Who was behind this incident?

Gavin, as the key player, knew all too well.

Before the authentic video release yesterday, he still hoped to turn the tide. Even if he couldn't push out the LGBTQ community, he could at least restrain them and gain more public support.

But he hadn't expected his people to be so foolish.

The incident even happened inside the men's restroom!

Beside him, Gittens said, "Mayor, we're headed into a defensive position..."

This political disaster was so profound it could swallow the entire Democratic Party of Northern California.

Watching the confident Steve Nutt on TV, Gavin furrowed his brow, realizing they were utterly defeated.

He didn't want to respond, too embarrassing.

Gittens reminded, "Michelle is planning a targeted operation in Los Angeles, which might have already started."

Gavin hesitated, then said, "Let's hold off. If she succeeds, we'll follow up; if not, let them deal with the consequences."

Gittens disagreed, "We can't separate the two. Everyone knows we pushed her to the forefront."

Gavin wanted to curse but kept his calm, saying, "Quick, call Fiona and tell her to halt the LA operation and return to manage San Francisco."

Gittens immediately called Fiona.

The Occupy San Francisco movement, once fading in public attention, now surged again into the spotlight amid the media storm, becoming a national headline.

Now that Jerry Brown officially dropped out, the California Democrats were pushing him forward to compete against Brian.

Gavin knew his chances were slim.

Thinking this, Gavin suddenly noticed something and said to Gittens, "Have you noticed something?"

Gittens was unsure, "What?"

After hesitation, Gittens simply stated, "Though the California election is still two months away, our chances..."

Gavin glanced at the TV, where CNN was shifting focus from San Francisco to other cities.

Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Sacramento all saw large-scale LGBTQ marches today.

Gavin admitted bluntly, "We've lost. The election process must go on; we must keep trying, but we can also prepare for the next term early."

Admitting defeat is not shameful, Gittens said, "Give us some time, give the LGBTQ community some time, change will come."

Gavin's mind moved beyond this election, feeling the path ahead was suddenly bright. "We can push the LGBTQ community toward further radicalization, causing countless troubles for those scumbags exploiting them."

Gittens was inspired, "We can use this incident, for example, get the celebrities we support involved in the larger discussion."

Gavin said, "Prepare people to do so; the next gubernatorial election cycle has started."

Gittens left to gather the campaign team.

Gavin stood by the office window, looking at Civic Plaza where the rainbow flags fluttered vividly.

---

Los Angeles, Beverly Hills.

At a hilltop villa, the butler notified, "Mayor and Miss Huey are arriving soon."

Hawke and Erica arrived at the villa entrance to welcome Brian and Jennifer Huey.

The four entered the living room and discussed the current situation.

Jennifer couldn't help but interject, "Some comments have gotten downright surreal."

"But we're the beneficiaries, so it's bearable," Erica defended Hawke's plan. "It doesn't affect us."

Brian's goals were grand and long-term. "What if this movement spirals out of control?"

Hawke explained in detail, "No matter how chaotic society seems, most people are normal. The majority just want stable lives, unlike the LGBTQ community that protests loudly; they belong to the silent majority."

Even with tools like Twitter for easy communication, most active users use it for private messages, personal updates, or just casual browsing.

This created a curious phenomenon: troublemakers are very active in media and online, but the silent majority rarely voices out.

Focus groups and political powers don't rely on them to speak; platforms like Twitter don't promote these accounts.

These people barely represent a tenth of society.

Hawke stated, "Society and the silent majority have a tolerance threshold; when crossed, their power surpasses that of the minorities. When needed, we will be the silent majority in advance."

Such political tactics were common and not difficult for Brian.

For instance, party lines often saw supporters switching sides.

Brian said, "We need to endure these monsters a bit longer."

Hawke coldly commented, "Those people have serious issues."

Hawke reminded Brian, "San Francisco just got concrete news; the Democratic Party's new candidate, Gavin Newsom, plans to marry Jennifer Siebel."

Erica understood and said, "Gavin has a family; Brian doesn't. That's an advantage for Gavin."

"I heard that too," Brian squeezed Jennifer's hand and raised it, showing off, "We're getting married too, with the ceremony after the New Year."

He deliberately pointed at Hawke. "You owe me a special wedding gift."

Hawke said, "I have plenty of guns; pick whatever you want."

He wanted to joke about a terror attack at the wedding but refrained since Jennifer was there.

He didn't want to sound like a cult leader.

...

In the following days, riding the wave of public opinion, Brian's support in California soared to over 60% in polls.

The accusations from San Francisco against his side's involvement went silent unexpectedly.

In the current form, the more they said or did, the more mistakes they made.

In his office in Coastal Building, Brian handed Hawke the latest poll data. "Take a look."

Hawke tapped the paper gently, "63% -- a bit higher than I expected."

"After all we've done, it's normal to have support higher than predicted," Brian spoke confidently. "Also, The Los Angeles Fires continues to perform well, severely damaging the California Democratic Party's image."

Hawke asked, "What about official channels?"

Brian said, "Twitter and Pacific Investment Group, combined with support from some Silicon Valley companies, rival Pacific Electric Company."

The latter was the main capital backing Newsom's family.

Hawke warned, "Be careful; I heard Pacific Electric used underhand tactics in the past."

Brian nodded, "I'll be cautious."

Both knew in such a close rivalry, using high-level business warfare could backfire unless it was a knockout blow.

Defense was necessary.

Brian didn't stay long and soon returned to City Hall.

...

Hawke contacted Eric to check official box office statistics for The Los Angeles Fires.

Regardless, his foundation had invested in the film.

Eric, in Covina, was talking with Philip's mother and sister about related matters.

They were under the protection of Steve Nutt and the NAACP, temporarily residing in Los Angeles and ready to respond to the San Francisco City Hall lawsuit.

The lawsuit dragged on through several rounds of mediation without agreement.

One side offered little, the other insisted on a $30 million compensation.

As long as the case continued, it generated media attention, continuously damaging San Francisco's reputation.

Similarly, without resolution, the Occupy San Francisco movement fighting for Philip's justice wouldn't end.

Times had changed. The politically backed LGBTQ community couldn't be easily crushed like veterans.

With Schwarzenegger governing as governor, without his order, the National Guard couldn't clear protesters.

...

Minutes later, Emerson Film Studios sent the latest box office stats for The Los Angeles Fires.

After six weeks in North America, the film grossed $304 million, expected to surpass $350 million in North America.

Overseas, it had already released in Europe, Latin America, and East Asia, earning $225 million.

Critically, it maintained an 8.8 rating on IMDb.

Because of the film's impact, courts supported insurance victims, with Brian personally coordinating substantially.

Some victims settled out of court; some insurers hadn't gone bankrupt like Schwarzenegger's ex-wife's.

Public pressure forced non-bankrupt insurers to compromise.

In contrast, former California First Lady Maria Shriver's charity foundation remained deadlocked -- a tough case likely headed to court.

Though imperfect, Brian's proactive approach earned praise.

America was settling into a downturn. Ten years ago, Brian might not have stood out.

But contrasted with predecessors like Antonio and chaotic San Francisco, Brian was a standout talent.

---

After work, Hawke returned home where Erica prepared dinner.

She asked, "You look tired?"

Hawke took off his coat and sank into the sofa. "A lot of crap happened, but we have results. Brian's lead is huge. If it can still be overturned, I suggest you replace him."

Erica laughed. "I don't want to be a politician."

Hawke nodded, "Just want to kill legally."

"I only kill thugs," Erica said eagerly. "New Year's coming; shall we travel? We haven't relaxed in a while."

Hawke agreed, "Sure, plan it anywhere you want."

He added, "But no Russia."

Erica disliked Russia's cold and the attack in Africa linked to Russians.

She said, "Are we sure Russians were behind the Africa attack?"

"Yes," Hawke replied. "Bosque's hurricane mercenary company caught this lead proving Russian involvement."

Erica said, "When Brian influences national policy, get him to push against Russia."

Hawke thought further, "Try to drag Russia into a war quagmire."

"Civil war's okay, but a full war?" Erica knew Russia had the largest nuclear arsenal.

Hawke said, "Russians have strong endurance."

...

After dinner, they walked in the garden, discussing New Year vacation plans.

Before deciding, Hawke's phone rang.

"Chief of Staff Andrew Card." Hawke told Erica, answering, "Hey Andrew, it's late in Washington. Why the call now?"

Andrew's voice sounded tired, "Russians suddenly sent a note; I thought you should be warned early."

Hawke asked immediately, "Is it related to Twitter?"

"Yes, related," Andrew quickly said. "You must have seen the news. After the New Year, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri will visit Washington officially and plans to go to Los Angeles to tour tech companies. They chose Twitter."

Hawke knew Dmitri -- close ally of the new czar, a pro-West representative, former chief of staff, now deputy prime minister.

Also believed to have ordered the attack on Twitter and himself.

Hawke showed no hesitation, saying plainly, "Fine, let him come."

*****

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