The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 329: A Complete Disaster]

Amidst the drifting ashes, Edward drove his Mercedes G-Class towards the small plaza ahead.

Hawke observed as hundreds of citizens gathered in the square, accompanied by dozens of reporters and a large amount of supplies. Brian stood atop a pile of supply boxes, delivering a passionate speech.

"Los Angeles faces wildfires every year, but why have they breached the city this year, burning over 300 square kilometers to ashes?" Brian shouted, his voice full of fervor. "Because Antonio sold out the interests of all Los Angeles residents! He sold off our water, leaving fire hydrants dry!" His rallying cry resonated, "Antonio is the culprit behind this disaster! He has used our tax money to hire unqualified firefighters, resulting in this tragedy!"

He raised a fire extinguisher above his head, "My brothers and sisters! The Los Angeles City Hall, the City Council, and various public utility departments have failed to protect us! We must take this home back into our own hands!"

...

Hawke sat in the car, watching Brian passionately rally support. After a week of fires ravaging Los Angeles, the blaze remained uncontrolled, but the winds had noticeably calmed.

Brian was stepping up. He moved from public outcry to action, taking direct aim at Antonio and the Democratic Party in Los Angeles. He mobilized resources and arranged to send a substantial amount of supplies to a critical route connecting the north and south, which displaced citizens could access for free.

Through Fox News and Twitter, the media heavily criticized Antonio and his series of blunders. The once-vibrant Los Angeles had turned into a hellish battleground under Antonio's leadership.

The Twitter news channel began a special segment on the Los Angeles fires, addressing issues such as water shortages, firefighting equipment, female firefighters, misuse of firefighting funds, and the "Smelt Fish Protection Act." Every incident was presented in concise language and video formats for all users to see.

Fox 11 News's Ace News program launched a series called The Harsh Truth Behind the Los Angeles Fire, airing three episodes in a row. Each episode covered the facts, reported news, and featured experts in the studio to analyze the sluggishness and incompetence of the Los Angeles authorities.

In contrast, Brian appeared at fire sites helping those in desperate need, calling for calm from environmentalists. Some extreme environmentalists, along with paid ones, clung to issues like non-compliance and pollution of California's air, resolutely blocking aid from other states.

Los Angeles could burn, but the sweet air of California must not be tainted! As for the smoke resulting from the fires, that was nature's wrath, not manmade.

During this unprecedented period, even a pig standing in front of Antonio would have held the advantage. How much more so for Brian, a wealthy and powerful man with the ability to take charge?

...

Outside City Hall, thousands protested in silence. The signs they held criticized government authorities and Antonio. Some wielded megaphones, leading chants from those who had lost their homes.

"Failure! Antonio must resign!"

"Investigate Antonio for negligence!"

"Democrats, get out of Los Angeles!"

Glancing through the window of a car discreetly leaving City Hall, Antonio watched the protesting crowd and the journalists capturing every moment, his expression soured. Just days before, most of these people were his supporters. Back then, his approval rating in Los Angeles had been over 70%. Re-election had seemed secured.

Beside him sat Gordon, his assistant and campaign manager. Antonio regained his focus and turned his attention to the newspaper in his hands. Even The Los Angeles Times, typically supportive of the Democrats, had headlined Schwarzenegger's criticisms of him -- brutally attacking his inaction as mayor. They even labeled him as the most ineffective mayor in Los Angeles in thirty years.

He understood the stakes; the media workers mainly resided in the northern part of Los Angeles, and many had lost their homes to the flames. Homes may have burned down, but loans still needed to be repaid. Those so-called homeless people would not spare the face of the city's leader. Additionally, his rival Brian Ferguson was escalating his attacks on the current administration daily.

Antonio asked, "Has my approval rating dropped significantly?"

Gordon couldn't sugarcoat the truth. "It's under 30% now." He spoke from a place of concern, "I suggest you resign."

Antonio exploded, "Resign? That would put all the blame on me! I would become the scapegoat for this fire, nailed to the shame column of Los Angeles!"

Gordon offered a more pragmatic outlook. "The current situation is highly unfavorable. Our supporters are turning into opponents. Even if the fire is eventually extinguished, the blame will still fall on us. Sacramento is eager to distance themselves from the environmental legislation and the Smelt Fish Protection Act; they won't assist us."

He warned, "As long as Brian Ferguson isn't a fool, once the fire is under control, he will initiate a recall election, and we will have no chance. If you resign now, you might negotiate terms with Brian and exit safely."

Upon hearing this, Antonio recalled the former governor Davis, who was defeated in a recall election by Schwarzenegger. Antonio, being of Mexican descent, had fought hard to acquire his current position and was not ready to give it up easily.

Antonio replied, "Let me give it one more shot."

Gordon fell silent.

...

As the car entered the financial district's business club, Antonio met with Nelson, the CEO of Wonderful.

"Where is Stuart? Why hasn't he come to see me?" Antonio had arranged a meeting with the Stuart couple.

Nelson smiled as he explained, "Mayor, the chairman and his wife suffer from chronic bronchitis and asthma; they cannot tolerate smoke. They left Los Angeles four days ago. If you have any requests, I can relay them to the chairman."

Antonio dismissed pleasantries, "I need you to release water to alleviate Los Angeles's drought and provide water for firefighting."

Nelson's expression hardened. "I'm afraid I can't agree. According to our agreements, the water in multiple reservoirs and canals..."

"Thousands of Los Angeles citizens have lost their homes!" Antonio interrupted. "Hundreds of thousands face the serious threat of fire, resulting in direct economic losses in the billions!"

Nelson responded, "The water resources of Wonderful's water bank must guarantee water for all of our plantations. This year's drought is severe, and we are running low. If our plantations suffer reduced or total crop failure for lack of water, we cannot fulfill our client orders. It's not just about refunds; we face significant lawsuits. Are you suggesting that the city hall or all Los Angeles taxpayers should foot this bill?"

He suggested, "Request assistance from Northern California; they have plenty of water."

This thought reminded Antonio of the Smelt Fish Protection Act and those fanatical environmentalists, filling him with frustration. He felt blood rise to his throat.

How could those members of the Democratic Party in the state legislature possibly formulate a self-destructive act? Were those tiny fish more important than Los Angeles?

The meeting ended on bad terms. With the stakes involving billions for other investors, not even a mayor of Los Angeles could sway their decision, let alone his father.

...

On his return to City Hall, Antonio saw once more the protestors gathered at the plaza. They did not only demand his resignation but also hurled various insults and curses.

More individuals continued to join the crowd. Some were victims who had lost their homes, some sympathizers, and others with ulterior motives stirring the pot.

Antonio realized that this continued protesting would only hurt his position further. He immediately pulled out his phone and dialed Karen Crowley, asking her to organize a counter-protest.

Most of the protesters at City Hall were men. If a group of women from a feminist group surged in, regardless of their actions, they would end up in a passive position!

...

Upon returning to City Hall, Antonio encountered Harvey Weinstein, a benefactor of his. The fat Jewish man had dirt on his face, having seemingly just come from a disaster zone.

Harvey erupted, "I lost two houses! The artwork inside was worth far more than the homes themselves. Your inept firefighter ladies blasted fluoride all over them, ruining millions of dollars worth of art!"

He was nearly beside himself with rage. "What were you thinking? Hiring a bunch of women as firefighters? That's irresponsible for every taxpayer! I demand you terminate them immediately!"

"I will find a way to resolve these issues," Antonio attempted to appease him. "Just give me some time."

Some people can give guidance when the winds are favorable, but when real challenges arise, they are utterly helpless. With 300 square kilometers scorched, it was not the time to dismiss Karen Crowley and her crew -- he risked losing the support of women's rights activists entirely.

Harvey left City Hall, not making it too far when chaos broke out in the plaza.

...

Over a hundred women charged into the square, brandishing signs supporting Antonio, shouting slogans, and hurling insults at the protesting men.

Some radicals even threw objects, tossing underwear and spitting.

In that moment, the men were left bewildered, unsure of how to respond.

Hierro, who was filming there, immediately notified Hawke about the commotion.

...

Brian, who had been discussing next steps with Hawke, also received the news quickly.

Hawke had anticipated this scenario. After hanging up, he stated, "Bring in the Saints."

Brian nodded and dialed Steve Nutt's number.

Saint Steve had formed the National Association for the Protection of the Rights of People of Color in Covina after leaving the NAACP earlier that year. Over the subsequent months, the group had gathered a large following of Black and Latino members.

Upon receiving the call, Steve sprang into action. He summoned over 200 female members, transporting them by several buses towards City Hall.

*****

/Sayonara816.