The Wolf of Los Angeles

Chapter 19: Unprecedented

Melano Theater, Park City.

The credits for Intruder began to roll as Hawk stood and clapped enthusiastically.

Gradually, the other audience members followed suit, rising to their feet in applause.

Within seconds, over a hundred people were giving a standing ovation.

The applause was thunderous, seemingly endless.

In the front-row media section, Gina turned to a colleague. “How long has it been?”

The colleague glanced at their watch. “More than five minutes.”

Brazilian director Beto Brant repeatedly bowed to the audience, which only fueled their fervor.

The mutual exchange of gratitude between the audience and director seemed to create an unspoken rhythm.

Ten minutes later, the applause finally began to fade.

The journalists in the media section were visibly surprised.

Gina asked, incredulous, “Was the movie really that good? A ten-minute standing ovation is insane.”

A fellow journalist clapping along said, “It’s not bad. Judging by today’s response, Intruder might even win a minor award.”

Another colleague reminded them, “Time to head to the hotel. The production team is hosting a reception with a ‘special surprise.’”

The woman grinned. “I wonder what the surprise will be.”

Gina shrugged. “Whatever it is, once we accept it, we’ll have to write our articles according to their press release.”

Backstage.@@novelbin@@

Hawk exited through a side door and joined Beto Brant in the lounge.

With his thickly accented English, Beto asked, “Are the press releases ready, or do we need to add more?”

Hawk pulled out a chair and sat at a typewriter. “Let me add a few new touches—I just got some inspiration.”

Beto stood nearby, waiting.

Hawk’s fingers flew across the keys, translating the ovation’s intensity and his own prior knowledge into compelling narratives. His drafts focused entirely on thematic headlines:

Intruder Breaks Records: The Longest Standing Ovation in Sundance History!

Unprecedented! Intruder Receives a 15-Minute Ovation at Sundance!

Audiences Say the Film is So Good, They’d Clap Until Their Hands Bled!

Beto Brant, a wealthy and ambitious new director, nodded repeatedly as he read the headlines. “Good! Very good! I’ll make sure these are in the gift bags.”

Hawk tidied up his belongings, adjusted his jacket, and accompanied Beto to a nearby hotel for the media reception. His role was minimal—just to handle any unexpected issues.

In the banquet hall, Hawk grabbed some food and settled into a quiet corner to eat.

Gina, having received her gift bag from the production team, scanned the room for a quiet spot. Her eyes landed on Hawk, and she made her way over immediately.

“Mind if I sit here?” she asked.

“Suit yourself,” Hawk replied, unfazed.

“Why are you everywhere I go?” Gina teased as she sat across from him. She’d reported on District Heights and covered the George Hanson debacle.

Eyeing Hawk for a moment, she asked, “Intruder got an unusually long standing ovation, and District Heights reportedly had the same. You were involved with both productions. Is there a connection?”

Hawk remained unflustered. “I’m just a media professional and entertainment blogger chasing new films.”

Lifting a gift bag beside him, he added, “I got one of these too, just like you.”

Gina asked, “Will you write your article according to the production’s press release?”

Hawk, whose agreement was still active, kept things professional. “Why not? The production isn’t asking us to fabricate anything—just report the truth.”

Gina shrugged. “It’s all glowing praise.”

Hawk countered, “But the audience really did clap like crazy, right? They really did give a standing ovation. The unprecedented 15-minute record is real, isn’t it? Reporting the truth doesn’t violate journalistic principles.”

After glancing at her gift bag, Gina nodded. “Fair point. I’ll stick to the facts.”

Hawk gave her a thumbs-up. “That’s integrity.”

After the reception, Hawk approached Beto Brant to say goodbye—and to remind him about payment.

“Wait a moment,” Beto said, making a quick phone call. “I’ve instructed the bank to transfer the money. It should be in your account within 30 minutes.”

Hawk packed his belongings, briefcase in hand, and left the banquet hall.

Not long after, he received a text confirming the transfer: $15,000 successfully credited.

This income, of course, needed to be shared.

With no communal meal involved, the Alpine community theater group’s individual fee had risen to $15 per person. Like Brandt, the group members would likely demand higher rates next time.

By the end of the Sundance Film Festival, Hawk had completed four deals in Park City. After deducting expenses and splitting earnings, his net profit was $42,600.

Brandt also earned a substantial sum.

As the festival concluded, Hawk began preparing to leave Park City.

Watching Hawk pack, Brandt asked, “Larson wanted me to ask—will you be back for next year’s festival?”

Hawk zipped up his backpack, grinning. “Tell Larson not to worry. I’m a man of my word. I definitely won’t come back next year.”

Brandt breathed a sigh of relief but also felt a twinge of loss. The past ten days had matured him more than the previous years combined. “I wonder when I’ll see you again.”

Hawk walked over and gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder. “Quit acting so sentimental. Where’s your old carefree attitude?”

Brandt chuckled. “You’ve taught me a lot. Without you, I won’t find a better mentor.”

Hawk checked the time, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “There are some things you shouldn’t learn from me—they’ll only get you into trouble. You wouldn’t want me visiting you in prison, right?”

“I wouldn’t dare do anything too crazy,” Brandt replied, knowing Hawk often operated on the edge. “What’s next for you?”

“On to the next opportunity,” Hawk said, picking up his briefcase and heading for the door. “And learning to cook something special.”

Brandt raised an eyebrow. “You’re becoming a chef?”

“Only a rare chef can make this dish,” Hawk replied cryptically.

Seeing that Hawk wasn’t elaborating, Brandt let it go. Grabbing his keys, he offered, “I borrowed Larson’s car. I’ll drive you to Salt Lake City.”

Hawk didn’t refuse. “Thanks.”

Brandt drove Hawk to the Salt Lake City train station, the same spot where they’d first met.

After seeing Brandt off, Hawk shouldered his bag and embarked on a new journey.

During his time in Park City, he’d already chosen his next destination: Las Vegas.

There, at a club offering fitness, shooting, climbing, and combat training, Hawk began a six-week regimen.

Preparing for his role as a media professional in Los Angeles, he also enrolled in a photography and videography course.

Soon, a new Hawk Osmond would emerge in Los Angeles.