Chapter 28: Let's Reschedule

[Chapter 28: Let's Reschedule]

Back at the office, Ian looked at his reflection.

His left eye's score had risen to 334, and a second duplication ability had appeared. The celebrity effect from the latest news, plus what happened with Blazer, would likely lead to a little more growth in score.

He figured if he published some articles about his relationship with Kate Beckinsale, that could further boost his score -- only downside was he couldn't include any scandalous photos.

Ian felt a twinge of guilt, believing he hadn't fully sacrificed enough for his craft -- truly great journalists should be able to hang their reputations on a line of shame!

Just then, Ron said, "Senator Brand is here."

Ian nodded, "Let him in."

...

City Councilman Reel Brand was a charming middle-aged man, dressed in a sharp suit with slicked-back hair.

In politics, it's crucial to manage your image; you couldn't be too opulent, but you also couldn't be too shabby, you had to have taste, and you certainly couldn't be rude.

The public were visual creatures, they only believed what they wanted to believe. If you looked disheveled, they instinctively disliked you and would find excuses to say things like, "If you can't manage yourself, how can you manage a city or even a country?"

It was a ludicrous reason, yet the people who said it believed it to the core.

Thus, most politicians resembled dapper middle-aged men. Even if they were overweight, they didn't appear greasy.

...

As he sat across from Ian, looking at some photographs, Senator Brand frowned, "Those bodyguards are useless."

He appeared composed.

A good politician was usually a skilled negotiator, no matter how hysterically angry they might be behind the scenes, they always kept it together on the surface.

Ian smiled, "First, I have to declare something... I didn't come after you, Senator."

The senator sighed, "I understand, given we're at Marlene's home."

Then he looked at Ian, "What do you want?"

Ian replied, "Friends. I just wanted to make a friend."

Brand smirked, "No one makes friends like that."

Ian said, "Things happen by chance; right now, I'm just trying to make things right. I've given you the photos."

Senator Brand laughed, "The question is, how do I know you didn't keep any negatives?"

Ian shrugged, "You see, there's the issue; even if I swore before God that I deleted all the negatives, you wouldn't believe me, would you? I mean, I could burn down my house, torch this newspaper, and you still wouldn't believe it. Once I got those pictures, there was no way to prove I didn't keep a copy, but it's irrelevant."

Brand chuckled lightly, "You're right; there's no need for proof as long as we're friends. So, what do you want as a friend?"

Ian shrugged again, "More friends."

Senator Brand laughed lightly, "That doesn't sound too hard."

He took a lighter and started burning the photos one by one, casually saying, "I accept your friendship. I often hold some parties; would you like to join?"

Ian smiled, "That would be fantastic. Do I need to bring a gift?"

Senator Brand was already standing, "No need, especially not cameras or bugs."

---

At 5 PM,

Ian glanced at his work, realizing he was about done for the day.

He approached the window, habitually looking down when he frowned.

After a moment's thought, he stepped out of his office and shouted, "Bill!"

A young editor came over, "I'm here, boss."

Ian waved for him to come closer and whispered a few instructions.

Bill nodded, "Got it, boss."

After briefing his subordinate, he leisurely exited the newspaper office.

...

Not far from the building, a black Cadillac pulled up beside him.

Two burly black men stepped out of the car, and one pressed a gun into Ian's back, saying, "Our boss wants to talk to you, Mr. Carr."

Once inside the car, Ian spotted a hefty man sitting there.

His face was slightly flattened, as if he had been born face down, yet his eyes conveyed a sense of menace and cruelty.

He was the leader of Bloods, a lunatic known as Jett.

You could tell from the nickname what kind of person he was.

Noticing Ian's entrance, Jett cracked a grin, "Ian Carr?"

Ian nodded, "Yes, Mr. Jett."

"You know me?" Jett asked, surprised.

Ian shrugged, "You're not a nobody, sir. Besides, I even personally reported on the riverside villa shooting; I thought you'd have come to find me sooner."

Jett guffawed heartily at that.

Jett looked at him, saying, "That's indeed part of the reason, but not all of it."

Ian smiled, "Then what's the other reason?"

Jett explained, "Charlie Mills. I had him help me out with a minor task."

Ian realized, "That producer couple?"

Jett nodded slightly, "Did he say anything to you?"

Ian laughed and shook his head, "Did you see the news? In that situation, the only thing I wanted to do was stab him. To say anything more would be irresponsibly tempting fate."

Jett grinned, "I thought the same. The question is, did you get anything from Charlie Mills?"

Ian shook his head, "No. If I had received anything important, I'd either have a good conversation with the person involved or break the story straight away."

Ian truly hadn't gotten anything noteworthy; it was just bad luck.

Jett frowned slightly, "I believe you, but I don't like that answer. Maybe you should do something to make me satisfied."

What the hell do you want?

You want me to pull down your zipper?

Ian took a deep breath.

Then he chuckled softly, "I suggest you'd rather schedule a new time for this argument, today's not good."

"What?"

Jett was taken aback.

Ian turned and pointed behind him, "See that building? Third-floor window."

Jett turned to look, and through the back window of the car, he could see a man on the third floor aiming a camera at them.

Jett was stunned.

Ian went on, "That's my guy. He doesn't have a gun, but sometimes, a camera is more powerful than a barrel. 'Ian Carr got into Jett's car, and the next day his body was found in the ditch?' You wouldn't want my death to be linked to you like that, would you? How about rescheduling the threat? At least let my guy capture the moment I safely exit your car."

He shrugged, "You have all the time you need to threaten my life."

*****

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