The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 266: Savior, Please Save Me]

Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Hughes Aircraft Company.

The aircraft manufacturing factory that Howard Hughes painstakingly built had long been transformed into a Hollywood filming hub, with its enormous aircraft manufacturing hangars turned into multiple sound stages.

The film Nightcrawler, produced by Cruise/Wagner Productions and directed by Eric Emerson, officially commenced shooting in one of those sound stages.

Hawke took some time to check it out, especially since he had struck a deal with Tom Cruise to act as the public relations manager for the Nightcrawler project during the next Oscar season.

While he wouldn't follow Hollywood's conventional award strategies, he still needed to have at least a basic understanding of the film.

Catherine remained one of the producers on the film, among several others. She joined Hawke and Edward as they walked into the outdoor set area.

From a distance, Hawke spotted Eric on a lift, busy directing the crew.

The investment, scale, and staffing of Nightcrawler had multiplied compared to the previous film Dark Journey.

After two films, Eric had developed stronger capabilities and was methodically coordinating the crew's various departments.

As production was about to commence, the three stood back to observe.

Hawke asked Catherine, "Did you invest in this as well?"

"I put in eight million dollars," Catherine replied candidly. "All the profits from D.C. Heights and Dark Journey were reinvested here."

Edward chimed in, "Eric deserves this investment, and the male lead is still Tom Cruise."

Catherine smiled, "It's not just Eric; it's Hawke."

Edward widened his eyes in surprise, 'Is this square-faced girl going to abandon Eric and turn to the arms of the boss?'

Catherine continued, "Hawke's role in orchestrating a campaign for the Oscars is crucial. I believe in Hawke's abilities. Even today, I remember what transpired at the Sundance Film Festival, where Hawke miraculously sold a film that went unnoticed to Castle Rock."

Hawke chuckled, "At that time, none of us had any options."

Catherine understood the past, but being a benefactor made her admire him more: "Indeed, we were all in a tight spot then; we could only give it a shot."

Hawke said, "Next year, when we go for the Oscars, we'll be able to join forces again."

Catherine reached out for his hand, shaking it, and said, "Here's to our success."

"Look!" Edward interrupted, "Tom Cruise is about to climb the light pole; we're going to see the 'Light Pole God' on screen."

As the crew readied to begin shooting, Hawke and Catherine ceased their chatter and focused on the set.

...

Tom Cruise, clad in a black tracksuit, carried a prop camera and stood next to a reinforced light pole. He refused to use a stunt double for next year's award run, insisting on doing all the stunts himself.

Tom Cruise might have his quirks, but he was undeniably dedicated. He had been training for half a month to climb that pole.

Having captured plenty of action sequences, Tom was prepared. The stunt team secured him with safety ropes.

With Eric's command, filming began.

Tom Cruise wedged his feet against the pole and climbed rhythmically, swiftly reaching about nine meters high. He wrapped the rope around the pole before removing the camera from his back and pointing it toward the second-story view facing the road.

After capturing the shot, Tom Cruise glided down the pole.

Next, they filmed a running sequence.

As everyone knows, Tom's works always highlight various intense running scenes.

Running is to Tom as furniture is to Jackie Chan.

...

After a few takes, the crew called for a break. Eric had some matters to attend to while Tom Cruise went into the resting area.

Catherine led Hawke and Edward into the area.

Spotting Hawke, Tom stood up to embrace him and said, "You finally made it to our set!"

Hawke replied, smiling, "I've been busy with some recent matters, but I finally found time to come by."

He praised, "I caught some of your performance -- it was incredible."

Tom was confident in this aspect: "For this shoot, I specifically sought out reporters and paparazzi to experience life, and also learned photography and climbing light poles, and did several months of preliminary preparation."

He emphasized, "I never noticed this before; streetlight poles can be shortcuts for climbing and escaping. When it comes time to shoot the new Mission: Impossible, I'll make sure to have a streetlight scene designed for Ethan Hunt."

Hawke said, "I believe it will be a classic action scene."

As Tom noticed Catherine approaching Eric, Edward had his sights set on a woman in the crew with a child actor. Leaning closer, he whispered to Hawke, "Do you have time this weekend? I can take you to a party, the kind where you wear masks. It'll be exhilarating."

For some reason, Hawke thought of Eyes Wide Shut, declining, "I'm visiting Erica this weekend; I need to prepare as this is my first formal visit."

Tom nodded, "You should take it seriously; maybe we can catch up next time."

...

As filming resumed, Hawke exited the set.

Tom glanced over at him, clearly understanding that Hawke Osment wasn't keen on being deep in his social circle.

If it were anyone else, he would likely drift apart.

But considering Hawke's Twitter and how effortlessly he settled issues concerning Pat Kingsley, Tom made an intuitive choice to maintain a good relationship with Hawke.

In the afternoon, the crew wrapped up on time.

Tom Cruise had to leave early for another commitment.

Eric invited Hawke and Edward to dinner.

He suggested, "There's a nice Italian restaurant nearby."

...

After dinner, Edward drove Hawke back home in an Audi A8, then drove all the way to Palisades, and pulling into the luxurious villa that was once filmed by Eric using a lift.

He didn't exit the car but honked the horn.

Maria Collins stepped out of the villa, carrying a bag and a bouquet.

Edward got out, walked over, and gave her a kiss, placing the flowers and bag in the back seat.

Maria got in the passenger seat as Edward drove them toward the Los Angeles Cemetery, which was not too far away.

The two remained silent, feeling a thrill about their impending actions.

The unspoken atmosphere amplified the excitement.

They were heading to visit Maria's ex-husband, Miller Collins, at the cemetery under the cover of night.

In less than half an hour, Edward parked near the cemetery, picking up the bouquet once more to accompany Maria inside.

He'd been there before; earlier in the year, he had come to visit Robert Downey Jr. at the same cemetery, so he knew the place fairly well.

Heading down a path, Edward glanced in the opposite direction that led to Downey's resting place.

Each time he visited with Deborah, Downey would give them positive comments.

Not giving a review, of course, means it is considered a positive review.

The cemetery was built against a hillside. The two walked in, and except for dim lights and the guard at the entrance, they didn't encounter anyone else.

"This way," Maria turned off into a small side path, quickly reaching a respectable-sized plot.

Edward switched on his flashlight, illuminating a familiar photo affixed to a granite tombstone.

It was a picture of Miller Collins from his glory days.

Edward placed the bouquet at Miller's gravestone, saying, "I'll take care of Maria and Dorothy from here on out; no need for you to worry."

After a moment, he added, "Since you didn't object, I'll consider it agreed."

Having had a bitter split with her ex-husband, Maria had claimed nearly all of his assets during the divorce. She was more than angry at her ex-husband's behavior of preferring to go to men rather than come to her.

At this moment, with her new boyfriend on hand, her purpose aligned with Edward's -- she had but one aim.

To let loose in front of the gravestone!

Maria loosened her long coat, revealing black stockings underneath, and urged, "Savior, please save me!"

"Just a moment," Edward reached into his pocket, pulling out a yellow paper talisman, sticking it on the side of Miller's portrait.

This was a product he bought from a China shop when he helped Hawke acquire essential oils -- a product the store owner highly recommended.

It effectively suppressed troublesome spirits.

He had even used it on Robert Downey Jr., who had given it a five-star review.

The wind blew, creating eerie sounds in the hilltop's expanse.

At the same time, the sound of cats mewing and some slaps and thwacks could be heard.

Maria held onto her ex-husband's tombstone for stability.

While Edward, standing behind her, ensured she kept warm against the chilly night air.

Miller Collins's photo, the former star, beamed with a lively smile.

The entire scene thrived with joy.

*****

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