The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 299: Poisoning]

Downstairs, Jamie had just driven away. Fiona called Britney, instructing her, "Don't touch the kettle. Keep it in view of the cameras at all times."

Paris hurried downstairs to find Britney. Fiona intercepted the surveillance footage, packaged it, and sent it directly to an email before she also made her way down.

...

At Twitter's office, Hawke received the video and quickly viewed it. Edward stood beside him, having also watched the tape, and said, "Boss, we need to implement Plan A."

Hawke replied, "I'm in the process of convincing Britney to call the police while selling the news to Channel 11's 7 PM news." He inquired, "Has Campos found a freelance journalist who frequently contributes to the 7 PM news?"

Edward confirmed, "He's found one and a deal has been made."

Hawke nodded slightly, glancing at the clock as he awaited word from Fiona's direction. Meanwhile, he called Milner at the West District Police Department.

Since the case at Beverly Hills fell under their jurisdiction, once a call came in, Milner would be responsible for handling it.

...

Inside a villa on Beverly Boulevard, Fiona pulled up the kitchen video and played it back for Britney. The footage clearly showed Jamie drugging her. After much persuasion from Fiona and Paris, Britney finally decided to go to the police.

"I can see you're still a bit hesitant," Paris pointed at the untouched kettle on the low table. "Once we report it, let the LAPD take it. They'll have professionals examine it to check for harmful substances. The results will be crystal clear."

Britney nodded slowly, "Alright, let's do it your way."

Paris added, "Also, we need the media to reveal Jamie's agreement with Manninger. No matter the truth, public opinion will be on your side. You'll secure your independence rather than remain anyone's puppet."

At 22, Britney was eager to assert herself, nodding vigorously.

Fiona chimed in, "Let's find a freelance journalist to handle this, so Britney isn't put in a tough position."

Paris looked at Britney, who agreed, "That works."

Paris pulled out Britney's phone and handed it to her. "Let's get started."

...

Britney called the police. Just minutes later, three police cars arrived, led by Sheriff Milner, along with several LAPD officers who entered Britney's mansion.

Fiona approached Milner to communicate, and their exchange went smoothly. Milner used a body camera throughout, sealing Jamie Spears' kettle as evidence and having technicians collect fingerprints. Fiona also provided the surveillance footage from inside the room.

...

Subsequently, they all followed Milner to the West District Police Department. Thanks to Hawke's earlier call to Milner, the case was being processed quickly, with the kettle and its contents sent off for testing. Britney, as the informant, also had her video, pictures, and audio analyzed.

Additionally, Britney underwent blood testing.

Though it was past quitting time, Milner's team remained to obtain the test results for the kettle and its contents quickly.

The results revealed various prescription drugs, including three strictly controlled substances, including leech alkaloids. This met the criteria for poisoning.

...

Upon seeing the test report, Britney's expression turned pale, tears streaming down her face.

It was hard not to feel devastated when your own father treated you in that manner. Britney also received her blood test results, and seeing the same drugs listed in both reports, she could no longer cling to any hope or illusions.

In the waiting area, Paris said, "I might not be the brightest, but even someone like me can see that if you keep entangled with him, your life will be ruined! Don't forget, he wants to sell you off like a prostitute!"

She placed her hands on Britney's shoulders, looking into her tear-streaked face. "Be strong; from now on, you've got to learn to rely on yourself!"

Britney nodded firmly, stating, "Let's expose this to the media."

Paris dialed Hawke.

Outside, Milner led his team out.

...

The sun had set, and darkness enveloped the sky.

A car pulled into the parking lot at Fox Television Center, driven by Mills, who got out with a bag slung over his shoulder. Juan accompanied him towards Fox Tower, reminding, "Remember, I'm your new assistant."

Mills joked, "You really don't trust me, do you? No matter what, I wouldn't cross money. This big amount is enough for me to do nothing next year."

Juan replied sternly, "Just do as I say."

"I understand," said Mills, knowing firsthand the ruthlessness of these people.

They took the elevator upstairs, heading to meet Lana, the assistant producer of the 7 PM show, whom Mills had contacted.

In the reception room, Lana glanced at Juan and asked, "Your new hire?"

Mills started pulling out his things, saying, "My new assistant; pretty impressive, right? Full of energy."

Lana picked up a photo and her eyes widened as she recognized one of the faces: Manninger Jenkinson!

He was the competition to her immediate superior.

Lana asked, "Where did all this come from?"

Mills countered, "Did you forget? Last week, you reminded me to gather information on Manninger."

Lana recalled, indeed she had discreetly contacted reliable freelance journalists she often worked with, she didn't hold out much hope.

Mills glanced at Juan and said, "My assistant and I took some photos and videos and got an essential recording, all related to Manninger."

Lana quickly grabbed her laptop, first viewing the videos and images. Just like the photo, one of the individuals in the images was also recognizable -- Britney's father, Jamie Spears.

Mills handed over a USB drive with the recording. "Give this a listen."

In the previous videos, some music was heard, and Lana wasn't in a rush to listen to the recording. Instead, she stated, "You wait here; I'm going to get Ms. Russel."

...

She dashed out of the reception room and into the producer's office, saying, "There's new information on Manninger that you need to see personally."

Renee took it seriously, quickly setting down her task and following Lana back to the reception room.

Mills exchanged greetings and played the recording.

As Renee listened to the conversations on the recording, she viewed the photos and videos, unable to suppress her growing smile.

Manninger had indeed induced Jamie to drug his daughter, Britney, with malicious intent.

This news was explosive! But the recording lacked enough sharpness to make a significant impact.

The captured footage clearly displayed the exchanges between Manninger and Jamie, leaving little room for doubt.

Renee felt a mix of pleasure and concern, asking Mills, "Did you obtain all this?"

Mills recounted, "Last week, you hinted at looking for information on Manninger, and I spent substantial money on filming and recording equipment, following him for a long time to gather this."

He emphasized, "The cost of the equipment needs to be included in the news licensing fees!"

With those words, Renee's doubts dissipated, and she stated, "I'll take the news, and next, let's discuss fees."

"Sure," Mills replied.

Renee instructed Lana, "Tell the editorial team to redo tonight's headlines."

*****

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