Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Playing Media
In the second-floor office of the club, Vincent sat on the sofa, flipping through channels with the remote control as the TV screen displayed various news stations.
On those screens, close-ups of the Hulk Mansion Club appeared repeatedly.
Vincent kept switching channels, and the Hulk Mansion frequently featured in real-time news segments.
Despite the commotion downstairs, Vincent paid it no mind. After about half an hour, he witnessed the Hulk Mansion Strip Club receiving extensive coverage on five TV stations.
It was sure to dominate the social news headlines in the newspapers the next day.
Considering how much it would cost to achieve such extensive media coverage, and given Georgia's regulations, the Hulk Mansion didn't even have the opportunity for direct advertising.
"Martin Davis, this idiot, is quite the talent!" Vincent mused as he poured himself a glass of whiskey and sipped it slowly.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and he called for the person to enter. Martin stepped in and reported, "Boss, there's a situation."
Vincent gestured to the sofa and said, "Take a seat and tell me."
"We just rescued Kelly Gray..." Martin quickly recounted the recent events.
Vincent inquired, "What's your take on this?"
Martin replied, "They could potentially become our largest customer group."
"Do as you see fit." The previous operation had instilled confidence in Martin.
Martin added, "media reporters will be arriving soon for interviews, Boss. Should I handle it?"
Vincent hesitated, "I'm not suitable for media appearances."
"Shall I handle it?" Martin sought a clear answer from Vincent before heading downstairs to meet a public relations representative sent by Kelly. They quickly exchanged views and prepared to open the club's doors.
Meanwhile, at the back door of the club, eight individuals, including Bruce and Ivan, exited through the alley onto Clayton Street, holding their mobile phones as they searched for their targets.
TV reporter Mia, just finishing her busy work, approached the interview vehicle to grab a bottle of water. She noticed a man approaching with a goofy smile, holding a mobile phone.
She cautioned, "The TV station is working; please don't come too close."
Bruce raised his mobile phone and asserted, "I called the news hotline, so I should get the reward."
Mia advised, "Go to the TV station tomorrow or leave your email address."
Bruce persisted, "How much are we talking about? Today's incident was because of the strip club. I can help you get in touch with people from the Hulk Mansion."
Mia's interest piqued at the mention of the Hulk Mansion Strip Club. The club's door, at the center of the commotion, had been closed. After tonight, this Strip Club was destined to be the talk of Atlanta's social news.
She fetched her bag, took out a $50 check, and placed it in front of Bruce. "Do you promise?"
Bruce accepted the check, glanced at the amount, and pocketed it. He stated, "This is for the last news. Now, for this one, you'll have to pay me $100."
Mia hesitated briefly, then produced a $100 check. Bruce reached for it, but she pulled it back and cautioned, "Contact the person first."
Bruce dialed Martin's number, but it was Hart who answered. He handed the phone to Mia, saying, "It's someone from the Hulk Mansion."
Mia, a little annoyed at Martin's evasion, had a brief conversation on the phone, handed the check to Bruce, and called to her assistant, "Drive the TV truck to the club's entrance!"
Bruce collected the check and quickly disappeared into a nearby alley.
Mia arrived at the Strip clubs entrance and heard the sound of a lock being opened from behind the club's door, like someone was unlocking it.
Her colleagues, who had been scattered throughout the area looking for interviewees, began to gather around.
Mia noticed Dyke from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and asked, "Why are you here?"
Dyke hesitated but, seeing the growing crowd, admitted, "An informant from inside the club tipped me off."
Mia's expression soured. "For $100?"
"Same here."
"Me too!"
The other reporters who joined in had similar stories, and they all wore expressions of frustration.
Mia muttered, "What a bunch of jerks!"
Although it was clear that someone from the club was behind this, they still needed to proceed with their interviews, and no one wanted to leave.
Just then, the club's door swung open, and Martin stepped out.
Cameras turned toward him, and the reporters became inexplicably excited.
After the brief interview, Martin returned to the club.
The public relations expert sent by Kelly commended him, saying, "You did a great job. If you need any assistance later, please don't hesitate to contact me."
Once the man left, Bruce approached Martin and jokingly reminded him, "Man, you've made it big!"
Martin quipped back, "As long as it benefits us, I don't mind sending you to Thailand."
Bruce responded with a middle finger gesture, pulled out the check, and asked, "Aren't we going to face backlash from the reporters for this?"
Martin, self-assured, replied, "You're used to being a civilized person and haven't dealt much with the media. Let me tell you, don't be afraid of criticism when you engage with the media. Pleasing them won't prevent them from scolding us. You think too highly of them! No matter how much they criticize us, they're still talking about us. Hulk Mansion needs publicity."
He inquired further, "Does the club have legal counsel? In a few days, when the news cools down, we'll hold a press conference and send a lawyer's letter to the Methodist Church. This will keep the story going."
Ivan and the others returned with checks, asking, "What do we do with these bonuses?"
Martin, still counting, found the total amount quite amusing. "You shameless bunch managed to pull in $1,200!"
All raised there middle fingers to Martin in response.
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