Chapter 517: Experiencing Police Life in Boston

March, 2005.

Friday.

John lounged comfortably on the sofa, turned on the TV, and switched to the Fox channel, waiting for the prime-time drama at 9 PM to begin.

The sci-fi classic The X-Files had just concluded. What would Fox air next to fill the slot of this hit show?

John wondered curiously.

After the commercials ended, the new show began.

"Prison Break?"

John frowned.

Not his type. Would it be something like The Shawshank Redemption? Why couldn't they just continue making sci-fi shows like The X-Files?

Still, he was too lazy to change the channel. Habits were a scary thing.

Sigh, I'll just watch it casually.

Five minutes later, he had shifted from slouching against the sofa to sitting upright.

Fifteen minutes in, his body leaned forward unconsciously, fists clenched.

Half an hour later, his beer bottle sat forgotten on the table, his eyes glued to the screen, unable to look away.

Only when the credits rolled at the end of the first episode did he finally let out a long breath.

"Fuck, that was amazing! Is there a second episode?"

He stayed on the sofa for a while longer, waiting in anticipation, but once he confirmed there was no follow-up episode, he reluctantly turned off the TV and stretched.

The next Friday.

John was already seated in front of the TV, eagerly waiting for Prison Break to start.

Fox Network, Ratings Monitoring Department.

"What's the number? Did we hit 4.17?" a bald, middle-aged man asked loudly.

"Over ten million viewers! Ratings broke past 4! Hah, we're number one!"

"Fantastic!"

The entire office erupted in cheers.

Prison Break was a smash hit.

Not only were the ratings through the roof, but critical reception was also overwhelmingly positive. Online audiences even gave it an astonishing 9.8 rating.

"This is a show that demands brainpower—tightly woven, full of twists, and no matter how well-planned, there's always an unforeseen variable. Will the escape succeed? Let's wait and see!"

"After playing minor roles in Mean Girls and starring in High School Musical, Wentworth Miller has finally exploded into the mainstream. His performance in Prison Break is breathtaking. He completely embodies Michael Scofield's cool-headed intelligence, high IQ, and slight obsessive tendencies."

"I just saw in the credits that the production company is Meyers Entertainment, and the screenwriter is Martin Meyers. So, this is another Martin masterpiece?!"

"Good news—Prison Break will be released as a novel next month. Get your copies while they last!"

Meyers Entertainment Celebration Party

"Cheers!"

Meyers Entertainment was hosting a small party, with the guest of honor being none other than Wentworth Miller.

"Congratulations, Wentworth, you made it!"

"Thank you, thank you, Martin. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today—I'm really grateful!"

Martin thought to himself, That's not entirely true. You would've made it big anyway, just with a few more struggles along the way.

Wentworth Miller had no idea that even without Martin's involvement, he still had a shot at Prison Break.

Which was why his gratitude toward Martin was completely genuine.

And of course, having such a powerful connection—he intended to hold on tight.

Martin patted his shoulder. "Keep up the good work. There are plenty more opportunities ahead."

Wentworth Miller beamed. "You got it, boss! I won't let you down!"

The younger generation of the Meyers family was finally thriving.

And Martin's empire was only continuing to grow.

Martin Scorsese's Office

"Mr. Scorsese, Mr. Meyers' script is ready. Here's a copy."

A middle-aged man handed a script to an elderly gentleman with neatly combed, light golden hair, who was sitting behind a large office desk.

"Leave it on the table," the older man said without looking up.

Once the man had left, Martin Scorsese picked up the script and started reading.

Across from him sat another Hollywood legend—Jack Nicholson.

A while later, Scorsese sighed and set the script down.

Nicholson raised an eyebrow. "No way… Is it bad?"

"No, it's not bad. It's too good." Scorsese shook his head.

"Then why the hell are you sighing?" Nicholson was baffled.

Scorsese explained, "Because Martin insists on playing this role himself, and I'm worried he won't be able to handle such a complex character."

"Buddy, you're worrying over nothing." Nicholson shrugged. "Martin's acting chops are top-notch. He's pulled off even more complex roles before. And he agreed to audition, didn't he? If he doesn't measure up, just tell him straight up."

Scorsese nodded. "You're right."

Boston Police Department

By the time Martin arrived, Leonardo had already spent a month shadowing the Boston police on patrol.

"Fuck, you're finally here! I was dying of boredom! Being a cop isn't as exciting as I thought—it's just patrol, patrol, and more patrol."

"Buddy, that's literally what patrol officers do. You're here to learn how to be a cop, not to chase thrills. If I threw you into the Major Crimes Unit, sure, it'd be exciting—but I'm afraid you'd end up with PTSD." Martin smirked.

Then he added, "Don't worry, I'm done with my other business. From now on, I'll be patrolling with you."

"Fine, fine. But seriously, why'd you set the story in Boston? Wouldn't L.A. have been a better choice?"

"Because Boston's mob scene is way more famous. Especially South Boston—it's practically the birthplace of organized crime in the Northeast."

Martin's arrival drew significant attention from the Boston PD.

Commissioner Thompson personally gave him a tour of the station, lavishing him with compliments as if words were free.

In America, major city police departments—like the NYPD, LAPD, and BPD—have dedicated PR divisions to maintain their public image.

And having A-list celebrities like Martin and Leonardo visiting and speaking positively about the department? That was worth more than any million-dollar PR campaign.

So, Commissioner Thompson's enthusiasm was hardly surprising.

After all, by the time someone reaches the position of police commissioner, they're more politician than cop.

Leonardo grumbled, Damn, Thompson's compliments for Martin sound way too familiar… Shit, he used the exact same words when he was praising me—'handsome, talented, dedicated'… not even the keywords changed!

After the tour, Martin didn't head straight to patrol duty. Instead, he did something Leonardo hadn't thought of—he invited Commissioner Thompson and several patrol supervisors out for dinner.

The venue? Amrheins, a historic Boston restaurant dating back to 1890.

Housed in a grand red-brick Victorian building, the restaurant's vintage decor and wood carvings made it a favorite spot for Boston's old-money elite.

Over a pleasant meal, Martin smoothly secured permission to use the police department's shooting range.

Leonardo protested, "Fuck! Why didn't I get this kind of treatment? When I asked for a place to practice shooting, they sent me to the most expensive gun range in Boston! That's just unfair!"