The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 439: Because You Thought About It, We Were Attacked

Even twenty years later, America's appeal to Latin America was like the sun itself. "You're responsible for bringing them over," Hawke promised. This commitment wouldn't include the federal government.

Edward looked at Campos. "I need your help."

Campos said, "I'll send someone to accompany you to Costa Rica. Our company has people who've been there."

Edward left immediately to book the flights.

...

After they left, Hawke turned to Caroline. "The Manhattan AI Project involves aviation applications. Draft a plan and allocate budget to purchase two small planes and two business jets for AI research."

Caroline, always Hawke's top assistant, understood right away and asked, "Which brand of business jets? Boeing? Airbus? Or Gulfstream and Falcon?"

Hawke thought for a moment, then said, "Let's eliminate Boeing first."

Curious, she asked, "Is there any issue with Boeing?"Hawke replied, "Their commercial division is solid, but on the business jet side, they're not really a player. Plus, they've had internal restructuring and leadership changes lately -- too much uncertainty. I want something proven and focused."

Hawke didn't want the business jets to have constant issues like Boeing eventually did.Caroline nodded. "Got it. I'll have someone start planning right away."

She handed Hawke some documents. "These are orders placed with various suppliers. They're all anxious."

Everyone involved in helping Twitter win the Manhattan AI Project and the powers behind it wanted a share of the pie. Keeping it exclusive would be suicide. Hawke carefully reviewed and signed them, instructing Caroline to proceed quickly.

With the Manhattan AI Project officially launched, Twitter and Hawke's own company would continuously benefit from it.

---

In the afternoon, Hawke visited what used to be the Twitter Tower, now the Foundation Building, to meet with heads of several shell companies.

West Coast Environmental Technologies Group would provide a comprehensive green office solution for the Manhattan AI Project. This plan matched modern societal demands and met environmental regulations, valued at $1.35 billion.

Twitter only barely turned a profit this year, netting just over $100 million. That's why so many companies and interest groups hire various consulting firms in Washington to lobby; federal money was just too tempting.

---

That evening, Erica invited Brian and Jennifer to her house for dinner. Hawke called the chefs to start preparations early.

As dusk fell, Brian and Jennifer arrived in a single car to Beverly Hills. Hawke made a welcoming gesture at the door and asked, "Looks like you two are living together now?"

Jennifer Huey laughed, "I insisted strongly. He actually tried to back out, so I pointed a gun at his head."

Brian said, "You should handcuff yourself -- you threatened the Mayor of Los Angeles, that's federal offense."

He handed Hawke a bottle of champagne. "I urgently need to practice shooting."

The three entered the foyer. Erica overheard the conversation outside and said, "You need to calm down and focus your energy on governing and climbing higher."

Hawke agreed, "Jennifer's been waiting to become First Lady."

It was Jennifer's dream. She spoke bluntly, "One day, I want my picture hanging in the Blue Room at the White House!"

Brian reminded her, "The Blue Room only displays portraits of presidents."

Jennifer linked her arm with his. "You could change that rule. It was set by the president, and the president can change it too."

...

The four went to the dining room.

Among the dishes was a gift from Ethiopian officials to Hawke and Erica. The chefs presented a white plate with glossy red meat slices that caught the eye.

Brian tasted a slice. The crispy texture paired with rich braised sauce was uniquely flavorful. "What is this? I don't think I've had it before."

The chef introduced, "This dish is called Elephant Stew."

"Elephant?" Jennifer tried a slice and nodded slightly. "Tastes good."

Erica said, "It's a gift from Ethiopian officials. If you like it, I'll have some sent to you later."

The chef then left. Brian suddenly thought of something and asked, "What did you hunt in Africa? Lions? Zebras? Elephants? Rhinos?"

Hawke shrugged, "Just took down a few hyenas."

"How come?" Jennifer was puzzled. "Some of my doctor and finance friends hunted lions in Africa, and their shooting skills were way worse than yours."

Erica raised her glass and clinked with Jennifer, "We were just unlucky."

Hawke swallowed his food and said, "We ran into some unexpected trouble."

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Hearing this, Brian's spirits lifted, ready to clear his name. He immediately asked Hawke and Erica, "You weren't attacked in Africa, were you?"

"We were ambushed by a group of about 80 tribal soldiers in South Sudan," Hawke explained briefly. "They had two armored Hummers equipped with M2 heavy machine guns and struck just after midnight."

Jennifer was shocked, then relieved, "Good thing you're safe."

Erica smiled, "We took a team of over 20, and the security squad brought four PKMs and several RPGs in case of emergencies. We managed to destroy one Hummer, took out some attackers, and captured most of the rest."

Jennifer said, "Your team's combat effectiveness is impressive."

"Professional security," Erica vaguely commented. "Three died protecting me and Hawke."

The mood grew heavy. Brian poured drinks for everyone from the bottle.

Erica asked, "What about their families?"

"I've sent Edward and Campos to pick them up," Hawke replied briefly.

Jennifer looked at Hawke -- this was someone who actually got things done.

After several drinks, Brian sought to clear his name, "I didn't say anything about your Africa trip, right?"

Hawke nodded, "No, you kept quiet. After the trip was confirmed, I avoided you. I turned down all your invites to drink and dine."

Brian added, "I said nothing. You got attacked again in Africa, so the problem lies with you two, nothing to do with me!"

Erica was slightly shaken, thinking Brian had a point. There had been many incidents since she first met Hawke.

The first time they met, she shot down Robert Downey Jr., sending that bastard to hell. Later, Hawke invited her to Dwayne Johnson's yacht party, where they clashed with Mexican drug dealers in a chaotic shootout.

That's when Hawke met Brian.

But Hawke couldn't let Brian wipe his slate clean -- he wasn't about to let the leader of the cursed cult be replaced.

*****

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