Chapter 696
There is only one way to go
In the meeting room on the sixteenth floor of the Coast Building, four well-dressed, civilized people were discussing sordid matters involving coercion and enticement.
Anton and Jenny both looked very unwell.
Frank's words were outrageous in their eyes: "Last time, you chose to stand with us. The election is about to begin, and in order to prevent you from being retaliated against by the Democratic Party, we are willing to provide you with the necessary protection."
He abruptly changed the subject: "But you've been serving the Donald Party all along, and you're well-known staunch allies of Hillary and Joseph. If you want the bigwigs within the Elephant Party to believe you, you need to do something."
Anton felt a pang of unease. He had never considered completely siding with the Elephant Party. He said, "The Satanic Church will absolutely not side with the Donkey Party. You can rest assured about that. I..."
Frank interrupted him directly: "Hawk is very reassured, but the other bigwigs within the Elephant Party are not. You need to offer something that will convince Hawke to persuade the others, instead of just empty words."
Anton kept quiet for the moment, waiting for the other person to continue.
“In the last election, your side consistently supported Hillary Clinton, standing against President Tom Emmer.” Frank’s words were simple, direct, and blunt: “The authorities in Washington have been keen to investigate soul cooking and your various sacrificial rituals, and the Department of Justice and the FBI have both initiated corresponding programs.”
He glanced at Anton's expressionless face, knowing that the other man wasn't so easily convinced, and said, "You don't know much about our president. Because the former president Walker offended him, he directly launched a war against the Walker and Cheney families. You have extensive connections in politics, you should have heard of that, right?"
Anton was certain he had heard of it. After a moment's hesitation, he slowly nodded: "I have heard of it."
Frank added, "In the last election, Hillary exposed so much dirt on Tom Emmer, and as a staunch ally of Hillary, do you think Tom Emmer will let the Satanists off the hook?"
How could Anton not understand the threatening meaning in those words?
What do you mean, Tom Emmer will let Satanism go? The roles are reversed. If you don't come up with something truly compelling, will Brian investigate Satanism if he's elected?
In the past, Anton felt safe and secure with those important figures around.
But after the Epstein incident, he changed his mind.
How can we silence those in the know and prevent future troubles? The answer is obvious.
Satanism cannot withstand scrutiny. Even a slight investigation will uncover a whole host of shady dealings.
Frank uttered the famous saying: "President George Walker once said, 'If you're not on my side, you're on my side.'"
This statement truly reflects America's hegemonic mindset and political situation.
Anton now understood that he either had to completely side with the Los Angeles Group or be considered an enemy by them.
He tried to argue: "Actually, we can do it another way, we..."
Frank gave him no false hope and interrupted him again, saying, "You only have two choices."
Anton couldn't help but look at Jenny, hoping that the saintess could use her status as an ex-wife to try and gain some leeway.
But Jenny couldn't say a word.
Her current ex-husband is not the same as her previous ex-husband; he now has the support of a huge conglomerate.
Jenny shook her head slightly.
Anton sighed inwardly; things were getting complicated.
He thought for a moment and said, "If I do this, they won't let me off the hook later."
Frank said, "Key members of the Satanic cult can stay in Los Angeles until the election is over, at which point they themselves will be in danger."
Anton thought of the recently released public opinion polls, in which the Elephant Party held a clear advantage.
Even if you're going to gamble, bet on the side with the higher probability of winning.
He made a similar choice when faced with both Lancelot and Sylvia.
Anton knew very well that it was time to make a different choice.
After considering for a while, he said, "The actions of the Donkey Party have crossed the bottom line of society. Some scoundrels within the Satanic Church have colluded with members of the Donkey Party and committed some shocking and shameful acts. As the spiritual leader of the Satanic Church, I have stayed away from worldly affairs for many years, yet the people below have allowed the Satanic Church to degenerate to such a state."
Upon hearing these words, Frank and Edward exchanged a glance.
Anton has made his decision: "I have discovered these scoundrels and have decided to come to Los Angeles to report them to the FBI, to use legal means to uphold the Satanic cult and severely punish those scoundrels."
Frank smiled and said, "A wise choice."
Edward pointed out, "A lot of things happen in New York, and reporting them to the FBI's Los Angeles branch requires a proper case."
Jenny glanced at the cult leader Anton, then at Frank, and said softly, "In previous years, some of the Soul Cooking events that Seraphim and Joseph participated in used ingredients from Los Angeles."
Edward remembered something: "There are several unsolved murder cases of teenage girls at the LAPD. Are they related to you?"
Jenny remained silent.
The cult leader, Anton, quickly put himself into the role: "That was an evil deed committed by the Donald Party bastards in collusion with traitors of the Satanic cult. That's why I came to Los Angeles this time to report to the FBI, handle these cases, and bring fairness and justice to the victims."
He spoke with such righteous indignation that he almost believed it himself.
Having achieved his goal, Frank said, "We will fully cooperate with you."
At this point, both parties reached an agreement.
Fairness and justice, the truth of the case—all must give way to political interests.
More than half an hour later, Edward went to see Hawke, and Hawke came over to see Anton again.
Both sides have basically reached an agreement.
Subsequently, Anton notified his confidants in the Satanic cult to secretly bring the man to Los Angeles.
The remaining high-ranking Satanists in New York were unaware of the latest developments and were also chosen by Anton to be scapegoats.
He wasn't worried about these people spreading rumors because an agreement had already been reached with the Los Angeles Group.
As we all know, once some criminals are arrested, they can't just confess whatever they want.
Rather, you can only confess what the interrogator wants you to confess.
Hawke also contacted the FBI's Los Angeles office.
Jennifer had made preparations in advance.
Both parties are steadily advancing their work on the election.
Both parties are actively raising funds.
Brian and Joseph both refused federal public relations funding, and their campaign funds came entirely from fundraising.
The 2010 Citizens Union ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, which allowed unlimited independent spending, fueled the rise of super PACs, enabling corporations, the wealthy, and special interest groups to influence elections through indirect donations.
With the Donald Party's base on his side, Joseph's team successfully raised $9.24 million.
Brian's campaign has been even more impressive, raising nearly $13 billion.
By mid-year, the combined fundraising from both sides had exceeded $20 billion, setting a record for a US presidential election.
To win an election, you absolutely need money.
Just as July began, the Republican Party completed its routine election procedures and immediately announced the results, declaring that Brian would run as the running mate for the upcoming election, alongside conservative leader McCain.
Not to be outdone, the Democratic Party also announced its internal election results, with Joseph and Obama's black-white ticket emerging victorious.
The two sides have officially entered a stage of direct confrontation, a battle to the death.
Beyond normal publicity and campaigning, mutual attacks have long become the norm.
Under the exaggerated portrayal of the Elephant Party, Joseph is depicted as a super pervert who has a thing for young children.
According to the Donald Party's propaganda, Brian was promiscuous, had AIDS, and was on the verge of dying.
Their respective partners were no exception.
For example, Guan Hai has unusual religious beliefs; he's a green-clad guy and an accomplice of Middle Eastern terrorists.
McCain was corrupt while in the military, and he sold off military assets without authorization.
However, with several months to go before the election, neither side has launched a particularly strong attack, both secretly accumulating strength and waiting for the right opportunity to launch a fatal attack.
Brian and Jennifer arrived together at their hilltop estate in Beverly Hills.
The two were preparing to travel to Washington to attend a public event.
Erica looked at Jennifer's slightly protruding belly and said, "You must be careful not to make any strenuous movements, and don't overwork yourself. Let the people below you do everything."
Jennifer covered her stomach with one hand and said, "Apart from keeping a close eye on a few key cases, I've delegated all the other work to my deputy."
Her tone suddenly changed: "Those bastards actually framed me for being pregnant, just to gain attention and sympathy."
Erica said, "Ignore them, and don't get angry over them. You need to stay calm."
As a ruthless person, she only offered good ideas: "Those people attacking you, those media outlets slandering you, find a notebook and write them all down, so you can settle accounts with them one by one after the election."
Jennifer laughed out loud: "Great idea, I'll bankrupt them all and let them experience what it's like to be homeless on the streets."
In the United States, where freedom of speech is paramount, one cannot simply say whatever one wants.
There are quite a few journalists who have committed suicide after being shot in the back.
In the ongoing phone hacking scandal in Great Britain, several journalists who first reported the story, as well as former News Corp employees who exposed the incident to the media, have either been in car accidents or committed suicide.
Every single one of them went to meet God.
Conversely, entertainment reporters who expose celebrity scandals are all thriving, reaping both fame and fortune.
Hawke, on the other side, upon hearing Jennifer's words, said, "Street vagabonds in America are like a treasure hunt. I'm sure they'll love it and eventually find the treasure."
Erica asked curiously, "What is the treasure?"
Hawke rambled on, "A magical drug that can turn you into a zombie."
Now everyone understood.
Although they don't go to slums and areas with many homeless people, they have seen similar people and things.
Brian interjected, "Those Donald Party guys have gone mad. Joseph, in order to win votes from drug addicts, actually claimed that he would establish legal drug dens in major cities across the United States."
Hawke said, "The votes held by drug addicts are also votes, and this group is enormous."
Erica clicked her tongue in amazement: "America is setting new lows every day."
Brian said, "The Democrats will only lead America into the abyss."
Although Hawke didn't want to say it, so did the elephant party, because he would make a point of it.
Jennifer said, "This fundraising has broken records, exceeding the total amount raised by both sides in the 2004 election."
Money is the foundation of an election campaign, Hawke said as he considered the situation: "This amount of money may not be enough, and fundraising needs to continue."
“I don’t think it’s enough,” Brian continued, explaining in detail: “I’ve had someone prepare a rough budget, taking into account the expenses of the last election, as well as the changes in the social situation and the general increase in advertising costs over the past few years. I think the total cost of the election, all added together, will be over $50 billion.”
This is not just the cost to both parties, but also the expenditure of the federal government.
Jennifer asked, "When will the Satanic cult call the police?"
Hawke calculated the time and said, "There are still four months until the vote. The public is forgetful, so we can't be too hasty."
Brian agreed: "Public sentiment is always fluctuating and can be easily swayed."
…………
Dover, Delaware.
Joseph, who was promoting himself in his hometown, shared the same thought: the most intense attack was not yet time.
He called over his supporter, Blinder, and said, "The phone hacking scandal has been exposed. Contact London and have Downing Street step up their efforts to put pressure on News Corp."
Blinder said, "I have contacted Cameron, and he is putting full pressure on News Corp and the Murdoch family through the judiciary. The main resources of the Murdoch family and News Corp are now being tilted toward the UK in order to deal with the negative impact of the phone hacking scandal as soon as possible."
Joseph nodded: "What about the American side?"
Blinder said with a smile, "It will happen soon. The phone hacking scandal will spread from Britain to America and deal a heavy blow to News Corp."
“Very good.” Joseph was quite satisfied: “With News Corporation reducing its resource investment, the propaganda efficiency of the Elephant Party will be greatly reduced.”
The Donald Party has also been pushing for an undercover attack, using the "phone hacking" scandal in the UK to target News Corp. and Fox News, thereby undermining the propaganda base of the Elephant Party and Brian.
The phone hacking scandal has had a huge impact on News Corp., and Rupert Murdoch has personally gone to London.
After Blinder left in a hurry, Dillon came in from outside and said, "Jack just contacted me. His middleman has gone to the Al-Aqsa militia and bribed the Al-Aqsa leader. They agreed to send an elite team to Ethiopia, but they need us to send the people there."
Something similar had already been done once before, Joseph said. “Let our shipping company in the Middle East handle it and send the people over.”
This requires coordination from the Joseph family.
Dillon changed the subject, saying, "Jack will make a brief stop in the Middle East to receive any evidence he may gather."
“Sure.” Joseph’s target was Hawke’s security company; he believed he could find a way to deal a heavy blow to Hawke from there.
This will severely impact the two major media platforms of the Elephant Party.
Even Hawke Osment himself will face enormous trouble. (End of Chapter)