[Chapter 40: Blinded]
The morning sunlight in Los Angeles streamed clearly through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting layers of light across the office. Charlie adjusted his chair, as if the sunlight had blinded him, his entire figure sinking into the shadows. Holding the file in his hand, he stared blankly for quite a while.
Except for Lamont, the others slowly grew more solemn.
"Damn it!" Charlie suddenly stood up. "Is there any news coverage? Everyone mobilize, I want the latest updates, especially..."
There was obviously no news in the newspapers.
By four in the morning, the scheduled editions had all been handled at the printing press.
"ABC television broadcasted it," Lamont replied, confused by the situation.
Charlie stopped mid-sentence, watching Kevin and the others' expressions and narrowed his eyes with a hint of annoyance. "Watch your expressions; don't tell me you think I had something to do with this? Hurry up, I want the latest reactions from Tupac's side and his rivals."
'Well, that couldn't be ruled out.'
Spike made a goofy gesture, thinking to himself.
Kevin and the others had also briefly considered it. Charlie's explosive temper left a strong impression. They said it half-jokingly and then quickly dropped the suspicion, going about their tasks.
Lamont watched the busy team, puzzled. "Boss, isn't this a good thing?"
Charlie didn't explain, just kept a serious face. "Go find Mord and have him reach out to his old contacts for any news."
"Got it!" Lamont nodded immediately while also saying he would reach out to his friends to gather information.
Tupac was a top rap superstar! Charlie knew his influence well.
The sudden death of such a person wouldn't just fade away quietly.
Now everyone knew Tupac was involved in a feud.
Charlie asked himself honestly -- if he were involved, any party with stakes would definitely try to stir trouble.
His ambitions were high, ready to make a big move. But this sudden event left Charlie feeling deeply frustrated.
...
The music scene, especially the gangster rap scene, was not something familiar to those present.
After a flurry of efforts, no useful information came through.
Mord went downstairs to borrow a TV and watch the broadcast from the American Broadcasting Company.
The report on screen made his face change drastically.
"The famous rapper Tupac has been shot, and the Los Angeles Police Department is conducting an overnight investigation.
According to the reporter's findings, Tupac's associates stated that before the shooting, Tupac had received a verbal threat from Charlie Corleone, producer of Fifty Shades of Gray.
Another suspect, Christopher Wallace, and his label Bad Boy Records issued a statement expressing sorrow over Tupac's attack.
They also mentioned Tupac's parents' background with the Black Panthers, hinting that his death might be related to that!"
Things were worse than Charlie had imagined.
At first, he only had the darkest suspicions -- that Wallace's side might use him as a distraction.
But now, bringing up the Black Panthers was absolutely ridiculous!
The complex situation and lack of background information left Charlie at a loss.
Mord rushed upstairs to inform them, and even he and Lamont sensed the complexity.
The two swore bitterly, "Damn it, those bastards! They want us to be fall guys!"
"What does that brainless rap star's death have to do with us? It must be the B.I.G guy behind this. Boss, let's go take them out."
Charlie waved his hand, smiling helplessly, and took out his phone to call Ophir and Colombo.
...
Just then, a group of LAPD detectives appeared at the door.
Everyone in the studio became solemn.
Employees from other companies on the same floor peeked out, gossiping.
Charlie calmly went to greet them.
The lead middle-aged man, a Los Angeles detective sergeant, didn't look hostile. He extended his hand. "Hello, I'm Augustin Myers, LAPD Detective. We need to invite you for an investigation regarding the Tupac shooting."
"Do you have any evidence pointing at Mr. Corleone as a suspect?" Gert stepped forward and asked.
Tension filled the air.
Augustin didn't seem to notice and calmly looked toward Charlie, who smiled kindly and shrugged. "Not currently, but I suggest you come with us. It's the chief's recommendation. Mr. Corleone, things are a bit complicated. You may choose whether or not to cooperate."
"Regarding the Black Panthers?" Charlie asked solemnly.
The detective shook his head, offering no response. Instead, he glanced at his watch, looking troubled. "I'll be very busy; time is short."
"Alright, Gert, you go with me!" After a few seconds' thought, Charlie said decisively and calmly.
"Boss!"
"Godfather."
"Boss, you shouldn't go."
Several in the studio immediately spoke up to dissuade him.
Charlie opened his arms to quiet them and smiled reassuringly. "Look at me, folks, look me in the eye.
We haven't worked together long, but just as I trust you, you must trust me!
I assure you, I haven't broken any laws. Going to the station now is a form of protection.
I promise to handle all the trouble! Corleone Studios was built from scratch just three months ago. You all know I can face any trouble, and so can you!"
"Exactly, stay calm. The Godfather will solve this problem," Etto shouted loudly.
Lamont and Mord quickly added, "Yes, boss, we believe in you."
Seeing others nod, Charlie encouraged everyone with a smile and eye contact. "Good. Now listen.
Spike, keep following up on the Good Will Hunting project. Kevin and Gert, you two work on the other two film projects.
Keep everything on schedule and wait for me!
It won't take long. I believe you can handle it, right?"
"Of course!"
"Don't worry, boss."
Everyone was inspired by Charlie's calm demeanor. He had risen from nothing to these achievements in just a few months, earning their respect and trust.
...
After handling this simply, Charlie waved to them and, together with Gert and Detective Augustin, headed outside.
Waiting for the elevator, he even smiled and said, "Sorry to hold you up. Corleone Studios was just founded. I can't let current troubles affect the morale of my staff; that would be fatal for the company."
"I understand," Augustin said indifferently.
Of course, the detective didn't really understand.
Though Charlie didn't yet know the whole story or the causes of this incident, he clearly grasped one vital point: he had to keep Corleone Studios stable, keep the team stable.
That was the foundation!
External factors had countless ways to deal with, but internal causes were the root of all decline.
Entering the elevator, Charlie asked softly, "Detective, obviously you know I couldn't have committed this. I was with a lady all night yesterday. You probably know I have some professional military training.
You won't focus the investigation on me, will you?"
Augustin frowned. He had heard of this young and recently prominent film producer.
His previous performances -- how a 19-year-old faced sudden changes -- were impressive.
But this didn't inspire any goodwill in Augustin. In fact, he knew little about him.
Given Charlie's friendly attitude and success at a young age, the detective expressed some goodwill. "The chief usually doesn't intervene in cases like this, even if the victim is a rap superstar. I suggest you don't stress over this, Mr. Corleone."
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.