2. Time to kill. Part 2.

It was a well-crafted ceremony. The cinema radiated grandeur, much of it born from the film that was mere seconds away—a story rooted in books. It begins in the least expected way: a group of white men cruising through town in a pickup truck, while in the background, a young girl carrying a grocery bag is snatched by them. To rephrase, in the small town of Clanton, Mississippi, two white men, Billy Ray Cobb and Pete Willard, kidnap, brutally rape, and torture a 10-year-old African American girl, Tonya Hailey. The crime sends shockwaves through the community, especially her father, Carl Lee Hailey (Samuel L. Jackson), who seeks counsel from Jake (Billy) to understand whether the perpetrators will face consequences for their crimes.

The scenes of Jake Brigance (Billy), a white lawyer and friend of Carl Lee, deciding to defend him trigger significant repercussions that intensify over time. Though aware the case will be grueling due to racial tensions, Jake believes in the cause and is willing to fight for justice. There's also the ego tied to high-stakes cases, alongside the myriad complications surrounding this one.

But the situation shifts when Carl Lee takes justice into his own hands. The emotions on display are raw: Carl Lee (Samuel L. Jackson), desperate and enraged by the legal system's injustice, chooses to act. When the two accused men are brought to the courthouse, Carl Lee lies in wait and shoots them dead in the building's lobby. He also wounds an officer in the process, sparking severe upheaval in the Mississippi community and, more personally, in the life of Jake Brigance, who grapples with guilt over missing critical details. Soon after, Sandra Bullock enters as a supporting actress, charming, youthful, and captivating in her physicality.

Jake (Billy) transitions from representing a victim to becoming a defense attorney, an entirely different role. As chaos escalates, the narrative twists: characters become entangled in the community's racial tensions, polarized protests, and violent clashes. The Ku Klux Klan resurges, threatening Jake, his family, and his legal team. Jake's home is burned down, forcing his wife and daughter to flee town for safety—a pivotal moment that traps Jake (Billy) between a rock and a hard place, amplifying the themes of violence and oppression.

-' You're doing excellent work. This film could be worthy of nominations… I prefer it to the last one,'- whispered Monica, who was riveted by the plot's development. The tension, paired with Billy's performance—his face shifting between stress, panic, and reflection—delivered a warmly received, accomplished portrayal.

-Thank you… Though I'm not fully satisfied, it's good to hear praise from the team, - Billy replied.

-You're fantastic. If only you could see what I see… -

-We'll have to wait for your premiere. I'll go see how it all turns out for you in Life Is Beautiful, - Billy said to Monica, who nodded. She adjusted her dress and refocused on the screen.

-The sequence where Jake Brigance loses his home and Ellen is briefly kidnapped, though later rescued, builds toward the trial. The trial unfolds in a charged atmosphere. Jake argues that Carl Lee was not in his right mind due to the trauma inflicted on his daughter, acting under 'temporary insanity. - The prosecutor, Rufus Buckley (Kevin Spacey), masterfully channels venomous resolve, aiming to prove premeditation.

By all appearances, the case seems lost. During the trial, harrowing testimonies emerge, including Tonya Hailey's account of her ordeal. It's also revealed that the legal system would have failed to adequately punish the rapists due to racial bias. A critical blow comes when an expert witness is accused of sleeping with a minor, cornering Jake further. Yet, the defense hinges on a final, raw, and powerful testimony—a brutal truth that stirs the courtroom, eliciting murmurs of outrage and striking at precisely the right moments.

After intense jury deliberation, Carl Lee is acquitted on the grounds of temporary insanity. The verdict divides the community: some cheer the justice served, while others deem it a miscarriage. The resolution includes arrests and closures, but when Jake visits Carl Lee with his daughters, the moment lingers with unease.

...

While others received accolades, a few quietly praised Billy's stellar performance, though it was overshadowed by the plot's dominance. For seasoned viewers, the goal isn't to outshine but to immerse audiences in the film's world. That's what Arnon Michan appreciates.

-You'll need to arrive first thing tomorrow to start filming in Florida. Time's flown, and everything's ready for your role, - remarked Arnon Kopelso, a familiar name? The producer behind Se7en, who, under Fincher's advice, hired Billy. Now, he observes how Billy's craft has evolved without losing its luster: two lead roles this year, and everyone knows no one else could embody these characters as he does. His acting prowess speaks for itself—now portraying a morally driven lawyer who, ironically, loses sight of that morality.

Joel Schumacher, also connected to the project, initially wanted involvement. But due to the O.J. Simpson trial's media frenzy, he stepped back, and Warner's interest waned. Thus, the film landed at Regency, which agreed, though Billy's salary neared $2 million to meet Pacino's demands.

-No problem. I'll take the role. Tomorrow, - Billy answered succinctly. His priority was wrapping up the comic series, consuming most of his time, aiming to conclude it by Chapter 50—at least until he finishes other projects. For instance, Hellsing, currently at 65 chapters, might stretch to 75, though ideally to 120 for richer storytelling.

Juggling the series and a flood of ideas requires constant reference to guidebooks to maintain narrative coherence—a relentless effort to track additions, cuts, and improvements.

-Then I'll just say: good work. I hope we continue collaborating as we have, - said Arnold. A challenge, as Billy yearned for a breather. Noting how many veteran producers were retiring, he wondered if cinema's quality might dip without fresh, skilled blood stepping in.

-Of course. And Arnold, if possible, I'd like us to collaborate further, - Billy replied, closing the conversation to mingle—a far more lucrative endeavor than any party invitation. Sealing deals amid celebrations seemed the unspoken rule.

He approached Monica, who was chatting with Sandra Bullock. Sandra wore a white dress paired with black heels, sheer stockings, and a black cord trailing from her exposed back to her waist like a choker.

-We've got everything we need, - Monica remarked.

...

Hello everyone, how are you? It's been a while since I last left a message. It's because I started studying a specialization in corporate law in January. Along with work and writing, I barely have time to breathe when I'm coordinating everything. I'll be leaving work in May to take a two-month break and look for a better-paying job. I hope everyone is well and that I can finish this series in the coming months.

I want to take Billy down the path to fame. Even though it's not said, he has an ideal plan to continue his fame. Fame sells. It's a game of Monopoly, with all the good ideas that arise from having future knowledge.