The Wolf of Los Angeles

Chapter 61: The Wolf and the Lamb

Sherman Oaks, Hilltop Mansion

Caroline Jones hung up her phone in the hallway before stepping into the study, where Sarah Parker and Bro Derek were waiting.

“The man we were just talking about called me,” Caroline said with a smirk.

Bro looked surprised. “You know him?”

Sarah Parker reminded him, “When Donnie and I were secretly photographed last time, Caroline dealt with him.”

“It’s more than that,” Caroline added, not revealing too much. “He’s worked with Dwayne Johnson on image campaigns. As Johnson’s publicist, I’ve met him a few times.”

Bro thought for a moment. “That works. Go talk to him. Get all the video copies back, have him sign a confidentiality agreement, and make sure he understands the consequences of stepping out of line.”

Sarah, understanding what it would take to resolve the situation, added, “Money’s not an issue.”

Bro nodded slightly. Though he had called in many favors to suppress the story, as a practical-minded Jew, he added, “Pay as little as possible—or nothing at all if you can.”

With her client’s needs clear, Caroline set off for West Hollywood, making a call on the way to confirm the address and room number.

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West Hollywood, Swimming Pool Complex

Caroline arrived, parked her car, and walked toward the building.

In a nearby vehicle, Edward kept a close eye on her arrival. Seeing she was alone, he called Hawk. “Boss, it’s just Miss Caroline.”

Hawk instructed calmly, “Keep an eye out. If anything seems off, call me immediately.”

“Got it,” Edward replied.

Caroline entered the complex, changed into her swimsuit in a VIP room, and headed to the designated private pool area. Entering the access code, she stepped inside.

The private suite included a changing room, a lounge, and a small pool.

In the water, a muscular figure swam toward her.

Caroline couldn’t resist her usual sarcasm. “Did you learn to swim in some backwater Wyoming town? Your strokes are hideous—you look like a mangy wolf.”

Hawk swam to the pool’s edge. “A skinny little ewe like you wouldn’t last a day in Wyoming. You’d get tossed to the coyotes as feed.”

Caroline stood tall, flaunting her figure. “I’m proud to be slim.”

Her swimsuit had about as much fabric as a sock.

Hawk glanced at her, estimating a B+, and gestured. “Get in.”

Caroline tied up her hair, climbed down the ladder, and entered the water. “Why meet here?”

Hawk swam closer. “Do you trust me?”

Caroline answered without hesitation. “Not a chance. No one in our line of work trusts the opposition. What kind of joke is that?”

“Exactly,” Hawk agreed. “I don’t trust you either.”

Reaching out, he ruffled her hair, prompting her to retaliate by grabbing at his. Unfortunately, his short haircut left her with nothing to latch onto.

“To show good faith,” Hawk suggested, “let’s take a lap underwater.”

With a shrug, Caroline dove first, and Hawk followed.

After a few laps, they settled in the shallow end, sitting side by side by the ladder.

“You really know how to stir up trouble,” Caroline remarked. “Why do you always target my clients?”

“A tipster called me,” Hawk said, feigning sincerity. “Someone from the Sex and the City cast gave me the location. Can’t tell you who. They were venting about not being invited to the fun. Classic case of jealousy.”

He gestured at her Chanel swimsuit. “Look at you—you’re dressed in Chanel, while I wear bargain bin stuff. You’ve got money; I’m broke. If I stumbled onto a story this juicy, would you let it slide if you were me?”

Caroline ignored his reasoning. “You must realize the story won’t air. Not on Channel 11 or any network. No one will publish it.”

Hawk, recalling Harvey Weinstein’s tactics from his previous life, understood this was likely true. “Channel 11 already informed me.”

Caroline pressed her advantage. “You took their money. If you sell the video to someone else, it’s a breach of contract. Hand over all copies and sign a confidentiality agreement. Let’s end this here.”

Gone was her usual playful demeanor. “Money’s great, but a future in this industry is more important. Their influence runs deep. Cross them, and you’re finished.”

Hawk, who loved outmaneuvering opponents, smiled at her boldness. “Channel 11 signed a broadcast agreement. Since Midnight Entertainment breached it, I’m free to authorize another sale.”

Caroline scoffed. “You’re so short-sighted. Ever heard the difference between a single meal and a lifetime of meals?”

Hawk pressed on, “If the media won’t publish it, there’s still the internet. If that fails, I can sell it to Silicon Valley. Their biggest companies are owned by General Electric shareholders. Does Bro Derek’s influence extend that far?”

Caroline, steeped in traditional PR methods, hadn’t considered the Silicon Valley angle.

“How much do you think Silicon Valley would pay for the rights?” Hawk asked.

Caroline scrutinized him before replying, “You wouldn’t sell it there. Otherwise, why arrange this meeting?”

Borrowing Edward’s phrase, Hawk replied, “I’m a broke man, desperate. Poor folks don’t fear other folks.”

He added, “Save the warnings. I’ll give you the footage and sign a confidentiality agreement.”

Caroline was suspicious.

Prepared as always, Hawk laid out his terms. “Ms. Sarah Parker will pay $500,000 to sign a contract with West Coast Media Studio. In exchange, we’ll create a professional development plan for her career.”

Caroline splashed water at him. “You’re incredibly cautious.”

Hawk grinned. “Isn’t selling me out the standard move?”

Caroline, realizing this couldn’t be resolved without spending money, said, “$500,000 is too much. For that amount, we could hire an army of drifters to storm your studio. I can convince my client to agree to $250,000.”

Hawk tapped the water thoughtfully. “A $250,000 career plan—I’ll have to put some thought into it.”

Caroline studied him closely.

“What?” Hawk finally asked.

Caroline splashed him again. “Don’t you know the rules?”

Stretching out in the water, Hawk teased, “I get it. Go ahead. I won’t resist.”

Caroline, unfazed by his banter, replied, “Wolves and lambs don’t mix. The models don’t match.” She added pointedly, “I brokered this deal. Shouldn’t I get a commission?”

Hawk countered, “I’m sure you’ve left room for profit already.”

Ignoring him, Caroline climbed out of the pool, her figure on full display, and reached for her towel. “I need to see the footage.”

Hawk dried himself off and joined her in the lounge. Opening his laptop, he played the “three-person scandal” video.

Caroline watched in silence, considering alternative strategies.

Hawk casually commented, “Sarah’s taken great care of herself. She doesn’t look 35 or 36. Her skin’s as good as yours.”

No woman would let that pass. Caroline touched her smooth face. “Thank Beverly Hills’ advanced cosmetic treatments.”

“Botox?” Hawk asked.

Caroline ignored the question. “I’ll finalize this deal. Sarah won’t deal with you directly. She’ll delegate me to handle the signing.”

“That’s fine,” Hawk said. “I won’t be signing either. Edward will represent the studio, along with our lawyer.”

With terms agreed upon, Caroline left.

Later that day, Caroline informed Hawk that Sarah and Bro had approved the deal. Sarah authorized Caroline and her lawyer to sign a $250,000 contract with West Coast Media Studio for a professional development plan, along with a confidentiality agreement.

Hawk immediately started drafting the plan, knowing the next steps depended on it.

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