Chapter 32: Good News Needs A Twist
[Chapter 32: Good News Needs A Twist]
After Roy left, Ian closed the door and began to read the reactions from various sectors. In recent days, there had been two major news stories, but the responses varied greatly between domestic and international audiences.
Within the U.S., the focus was primarily on the Danny Koskri dismemberment case. After all, incidents of such violence tended to exist only in movies and were rarely seen in reality. Colleagues were particularly shocked at how the Los Angeles Herald managed to obtain such high-definition, full-angle photographs. Was the LAPD serving the Herald?
On the other hand, international attention was more fixated on Lili Marlene. Ian enjoyed reading the media's take on the situation as it brought him a unique pleasure.
"No one escapes the eye of the un-crowned king."
"Some say placing surveillance cameras in others' homes is illegal, but I argue that it is the right of journalists. Only by doing so can we peel back the layers of darkness and let the sunlight in."
"When every dark corner is cleaned, the house becomes naturally tidy."
"Revealing authentic intimate photos isn't about sensationalism; it's about accurately depicting the truth, it's an art."
"Nude modeling can be art, and so can photography! It is more real and closer to the original form, not to mention that there can be blurring."
Ian burst out laughing, relishing the comments.
He then picked up a promissory note from Garrick off his desk, rolling it into his cigar and slowly puffing away. The promissory note burned to ash within the cigar, and with Ian's growth, the debt transformed into a puff of blue smoke that disappeared.
A new life was about to begin!
---
LAPD Headquarters.
In the main office, the robust African American Chief Uhtred Beaton shouted furiously, "Look at what you've done! The incident happened just six hours ago! Six hours, and now the whole world knows! Do you understand what this means?"
His booming voice nearly shook the walls of the office.
A rather clueless officer responded, "Not everyone in the world knows, chief."
"Shut up!" Beaton yelled, waving his fist. "The mayor himself just called me; this is a colossal issue, and he demands it be handled swiftly. Countless eyes are watching us now; if we can't resolve this case, it's going to be a mess for everyone. Belman!"
A middle-aged white police officer stepped up, "I'm here, chief."
With deep-set eyes and a sharp gaze, he resembled Wade Williams, the officer from Prison Break.
Beaton pointed at Officer Belman, "You are in charge of this case!"
"Understood, chief," Officer Belman replied with a shrug before saying, "Katherine, Bert, you two come with me."
The blonde officer and a young white officer followed Belman out of the precinct. The first 48 hours of a case are the most crucial, and Belman and Katherine worked late into the night before returning home to rest.
...
The next morning, Belman arrived at the precinct, settling down at his desk.
The blonde officer handed him a cup of coffee. "Here you go."
"Thanks, Katherine, you are always so thoughtful." Belman rubbed his sleepy eyes and noticed a newspaper by his side and picked it up.
Katherine warned, "You better put the coffee down before reading the news."
"What?" Belman exclaimed in surprise.
He set down the coffee and looked at the news, which left him stunned.
In the next moment, he slammed his fist on the desk and cursed, "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! What is this Los Angeles Herald? How did they know about this?"
---
Los Angeles Herald President's Office.
Sunlight poured in through the windows, casting a warm glow over the green plants on the desk.
Ian Carr sat in his comfy chair, happily reading the newspaper.
The headline read, "Danny Koskri's Death Accompanied by Missing Drugs, Suspected Gang-Related Drug Wars".
Good news had to be spun, just like the Kate Beckinsale case, where she was first labeled a suspect and then later cleared.
A good formula never got old.
So, the last report in that thread stated that Danny Koskri died during a sinister ritual, while the next one discussed missing drugs, suspected to be linked to a drug turf war.
Presenting two possibilities allowed the public to debate and created controversy, engaging more readers and improving sales... even outdated newspapers could still be sold!
Now that was journalism.
Moreover, the case could be tied back to gang warfare, making it easier for the police to close the case, right?
He was just being helpful!
...
At that moment, an editor knocked on the door, saying, "A police officer is here to see you."
"Please let her in," Ian replied casually.
The editor was surprised, noticing that Ian had mentioned "her."
How did he know it was a female officer?
...
Moments later, blonde officer Katherine appeared before Ian.
She looked at Ian and said, "I need to ask you something, Ian Carr."
Ian waved his hand, "Please, take a seat."
Katherine sat across from him.
Her golden wavy hair cascaded naturally, framing her face as her striking blue eyes shone at Ian. "How did you find out that a batch of drugs went missing after Danny Koskri died?"
Ian shrugged, "It's not that I knew, it's that my reporter got the scoop. As for how he knew... well, come on, officer, we all make a living in this field; do I need to explain more?"
As he continued speaking, he couldn't help but admire the beautiful woman in front of him.
Under the scrutiny of his gaze, she was flawless.
Her S-shaped figure was appealing, with great proportions; she clearly worked out, boasting long legs with a hint of muscle and a healthy, sun-kissed glow.
She wasn't as stunning as Kate, but she was pretty close, especially with such a well-defined silhouette; her figure was fantastic.
Those long legs looked strong; being wrapped by them must be a thrill!
As he kept staring, Ian felt a surge of excitement.
She even had a stylish haircut!
He liked that!
Immediately, he tucked his hands into his pockets to hide his natural reaction, shaking his head to dispel the excitement.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.