The Wolf of Los Angeles

Chapter 459: Taking the Road Less Traveled

[Chapter 459: Taking the Road Less Traveled]

San Francisco, Mission Street.

Freelance reporter Trale carried his bag as he entered a coffee shop and waved to the owner. "The usual, please."

The owner quickly prepared his coffee.

Trale found a corner seat, pulled out a thick briefcase, and set it on the table.

Just as his coffee arrived, someone entered and spotted Trale. It was Dudek, the editor-in-chief for the social and current affairs section of the . He walked straight over and sat across from Trale, eyeing the briefcase.

"What's so important you didn't just send it to the office and had to call me out like this?" Dudek asked.

Trale joked, "I'm afraid if I bring this news into the office and don't sell it to you, I won't make it out alive."

"Is it that explosive?" Dudek pressed.

Trale didn't hold back and pushed the briefcase forward. "California Governor Schwarzenegger has been having an affair with his nanny."

For many, this wasn't exactly top-secret. Dudek said, "Hollywood male stars are always fooling around with their nannies. I'd heard rumors about Schwarzenegger before, but no solid evidence. is a responsible publication. We can't report unverified rumors."

Trale gave a sly smile. "Schwarzenegger didn't just cheat on the nanny -- he fathered an illegitimate child with her."

That caught Dudek's attention immediately, his eyes locked onto Trale as he asked, "Do you have confirmed information? That's not something to throw around lightly!"

Any man with some money or power is likely to cheat. But having an illegitimate child is a whole different level. Most spouses might tolerate affairs, but an illegitimate child usually shatters relationships.

Trale tapped the briefcase. "I have proof too. Without evidence, I wouldn't come to you."

"Where did you get this?" Dudek reached for the briefcase.

But Trale didn't let go. "Let's discuss the price first! I bought this from a paparazzo for a lot of money. If your offer isn't enough, maybe it's better not to look. It could cause trouble."

Dudek put his hand firmly on the briefcase and said, "Name your price."

Trale held out his hand, signaling a figure.

Dudek considered briefly and agreed, "Alright."

Trale let go.

Dudek opened the briefcase and examined the documents and photos carefully. There were pictures of the nanny and her child. The boy looked about ten and clearly resembled Schwarzenegger in facial structure while inheriting the nanny's features.

There was a photo showing all three together, which spoke volumes. The documents also included financial transactions between Schwarzenegger and the nanny.

This was enough to confirm the unusual relationship.

Dudek quickly scanned everything and recognized its news value. As a seasoned editor, he could also understand the larger implications.

Trale, who regularly cooperated with the and mainly dealt with Dudek, could see what Dudek was thinking and said, "If you don't want to report this, I'll have to take it elsewhere. News like this sells well."

Dudek closed the briefcase. "We'll take it."

They left the cafe and went to a nearby law firm to draw up a contract and finalize the deal.

...

Dudek returned to the and gathered trusted staff for a newsroom briefing. Since the subject was California's current governor, Dudek first reported to the editor-in-chief.

With such a scoop in hand, the paper was definitely going to publish it.

The editor-in-chief instructed Dudek, "When printing the midnight edition, make sure to call the governor's office as part of the usual protocol."

Dudek promised, "I'll call right before the paper hits the stands."

The editor then added, "Send extra reporters to Los Angeles and Sacramento for live coverage. Since you paid a high price for the rights, a series of reports is warranted."

"I'll arrange it immediately," Dudek replied, leaving to dispatch teams.

News about Schwarzenegger was more sensational than an average governor's story; after all, before politics, he was a film star renowned worldwide.

---

Los Angeles, Coastal Building.

In the large office of the Manhattan AI Project, Hawke sat in front of a large screen watching Harland fine-tune the supercomputer.

Edward quietly entered and sat beside Hawke, whispering, "The Mattachine Society has secured funding and staff; they are holding a large LGBT rally this afternoon near city hall and the council chambers."

Hawke lowered his voice, "What's the FMF reaction?"

Edward replied, "They're gathering too. A direct clash is likely."

Hawke said, "Heat has to build gradually. Stay calm."

Edward pulled out a chair and sat next to Hawke.

...

Harland finished setting up the supercomputer and said, "We're ready."

"You get some rest," Hawke said to Harland and looked at Caroline. "Input the