Chapter 67: The Real News is in the Aftermath

[Chapter 67: The Real News is in the Aftermath]

"Extra! Extra!"

"L.A. Herald owner Ian Carr has been robbed!"

"Ian Carr fights back!"

"For more details, read today's L.A. Herald!"

All across Los Angeles, newsboys shouted on street corners.

People rushed to hand over cash for papers.

The vivid, bloody headline thrilled onlookers, especially the young man in a suit, who found the image of a man firing shots at a downed figure particularly provocative.

"Ha! Ian Carr really went for it, taking out two robbers?"

"This isn't his first time doing something like this."

"But he was facing a gun to his head this time."

"Are you sure he's a journalist and not a special forces operative?"

The chatter bounced around.

Naturally, some questioned why a newspaper owner, a star reporter, had such impressive reflexes and shooting skills.

Want to know the answer?

Simple, buy the paper.

The end of the article said: For specific details, check out WND News Network's follow-up coverage tomorrow.

So, the crowd grumbled, "Damn! Can't he just release everything at once? What a greedy businessman!"

...

At the Los Angeles Herald, when Ian stepped out the front door, he was met with a swarm of reporters.

People snapped pictures incessantly.

He hated those damned paparazzi; they had no respect for personal rights!

Ian adjusted his hat, trying to shield his face as he pushed through the crowd.

A reporter shouted, "Mr. Carr, according to WND News Network and the L.A. Herald, when you shot Alex Anstis, he was already incapacitated, yet you fired seven more shots. Is that correct?"

Ian glanced at the reporter; it was one of his own.

Some questions from familiar faces were at least less sharp.

He smiled, "Of course. At that moment, he still had a gun in hand, and I had to ensure he wouldn't shoot me... pulling the trigger doesn't require much strength."

Another reporter chimed in, "But according to the coroner's report, he was dead after the third shot, and you continued firing until you emptied the magazine."

Clearing a magazine out was a solid tactic; why were they so fixated on that?

Ian shrugged, "The issue is I'm not a coroner. I can't determine whether he was dead in that situation."

The reporter pressed, "That's overkill!"

Ian replied, "The assumption is that I knew it was a corpse. What I saw was just this guy, Alex Anstis, firing at me!"

The reporter countered, "But his gun was on safety at the time."

Ian responded, "I didn't know that. I thought the bullet jammed, and he was indeed pulling the trigger. At that moment, he could still have fired, so I had to act fast."

The reporter asked, "Weren't you scared?"

Ian answered, "I've said it before: even in the face of death, all I need is a microphone... but unfortunately, I wasn't carrying one at the time, which was bad -- very unprofessional! I won't make that mistake again!"

The reporter retorted, "Your first shot wasn't at him but at his companion, and you had already disarmed that companion. You didn't need to shoot him."

Ian started to doubt, "I lack shooting experience, and I'm no expert marksman. Should I apologize for my unprofessionalism in killing? What do I need to improve my killing skills?"

The reporter pressed, "Mr. Carr, are you open to trial for this incident?"

Ian paused, turned, and looked at the reporters, saying, "Of course, gentlemen. I'm willing to take responsibility for everything I've done! I have a clear conscience about my actions and am ready to face legal and moral judgment."

With a slight smile, he added, "For more details, check L.A. Herald; we deliver the latest news, the fastest, most comprehensive with our mission!"

With a wave, he prepared to leave.

Just then, a reporter shouted, "Mr. Carr, is it possible that you're a skilled shooter but orchestrated all this for a good story?"

Ian abruptly stopped.

He turned to the reporter, who looked lanky and had a smug grin -- Bernad from the Los Angeles Times.

Ian said, "What paper do you work for?"

The reporter answered, "The Los Angeles Times, I'm Bernad."

Ian stepped closer, stating, "Do you know your suggestion borders on defamation?"

Bernad grinned and replied, "Just standard inquiries; you're a journalist too, you should understand."

Ian chuckled coldly, "I wouldn't frame an interview subject as a deliberate murderer based on speculation. You'd better watch your words."

The reporter seemed excited, "Are you threatening me?"

Ian gently shook his head, "No, I never threaten anyone; just reminding you of the ethical standards a journalist should uphold."

With that, he got into his car.

...

What began as a simple case of a robbery turned into sensational news due to Ian's ruthless follow-up shots, making him the center of attention again.

Ian himself was summoned to court.

Shortly after, the police declared that Ian's actions were completely justified and necessary for self-defense, saying he had not violated any laws and even offered a model for all to follow.

Then Kate Beckinsale came out in support, stating Ian Carr did nothing wrong.

Then Scarlett Johansson spoke out, also supporting Ian Carr.

Of course, none of that mattered.

What mattered was that Ian Carr had money; he could afford great lawyers!!!

What started as a typical robbery-turned-self-defense incident exploded into one of the hottest news stories in America, fueled by a slew of celebrities promoting it -- hot news often emerged when other significant stories were absent.

Ian Carr's first milestone in the spotlight was achieved under such circumstances.

Not huge, but there were plenty of celebrities, and the timing was right!

In society, opinions varied, with some criticizing Ian Carr for being cold-hearted, while others praised him, believing that violence needed to be met with violence to deter crime.

The L.A. Herald and WND News Network quickly launched legal columns to discuss the incident, causing sales to soar...

Editor Lloyd couldn't help but grin widely.

Watching Ian's image in the papers during the court proceedings brought him more joy with every glance.

A good boss was one who would gamble everything for the business, just as a capitalist would sell their own noose for triple the profit!

...

In the office, Ian sat behind his desk, somberly staring at the Los Angeles Times.

The image prominently featured Ian in a standoff with Bernad, his expression glacier-cold.

The headline read:

"Why Does Ian Carr Keep Encountering Violence?"

"Premeditated Murder or Justified Self-Defense?"

Ian didn't care about accusations regarding his character, but being labeled a murderer deeply bothered him.

While this article wouldn't affect him much, it could complicate issues in the future.

He crumpled the newspaper and tossed it into the wastebasket.

"Now that's not how city rivalries should go! The Los Angeles Times is starting to get on my nerves. I'll have to settle this some day!"

*****

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