Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Please Welcome Martin Davis
A van sat parked in front of the Marietta Community Theater. Martin parked his Ford diagonally across the street, exited the vehicle, and crossed the road to find Robert overseeing the unloading of goods with several unfamiliar faces.
Robert wiped his sweat-soaked forehead and beckoned, "Come and lend a hand."
Before Martin could respond, a window on the second floor of the theater facing the street swung open, and Jerome signaled him to come up. "You shouldn't be doing this work, Martin. Join me upstairs."
Robert grumbled, "How's that fair?"
Martin patted Robert's shoulder and proceeded into the theater. There were at least forty new faces bustling about, handling the cargo.
Jerome had brought in quite a few new hires.
Upon reaching the team leader's office, Martin maintained his courteous demeanor. "Captain, I'm here."
Jerome poured him a cup of coffee and spoke enthusiastically. "I reached out to industry contacts in Los Angeles about that matter you mentioned. I got the details. It's a project jointly funded by multiple companies, spearheaded by Focus Features, in the romance drama genre. It hasn't been officially announced yet and is temporarily known as 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' or something similar. They shot in Los Angeles for a while and will be relocating to Atlanta next month."
Martin made an effort to recall, though he'd seen countless movies in his previous life. Movies devoid of action or romance rarely left a lasting impression.
His attention wandered, and he inquired, "What about the female producer Andrew mentioned, Kelly Gray's connection? Gray's company has been assisting with crew-related matters in Atlanta, probably due to her involvement. Learning more about her could benefit the troupe."
This was also a key concern for Jerome. If the troupe could collaborate with a genuine Hollywood crew, how many members would be willing to pay their dues?
Jerome inquired with care, "Her name is Louise Meyer. She's the executive producer of the show and the head of Pacific Pictures. It's rumored she's also involved in the investment. There's another piece of information that might be useful: Louise Meyer is the Director of the LA Womans Association."
Martin wasn't surprised. Kelly Gray had discussed Los Angeles with him, and she had a deep connection with Californians.
"Captain, you're impressively well-informed," Martin complimented Jerome at the right moment.
Jerome chuckled, "Don't forget, our troupe once produced Robert Patrick!"
Martin understood that Jerome probably had connections related to T1000.
Jerome added, "As you get closer to Gray Company, don't forget the troupe." He assured, "If the troupe can be involved in this major production, Martin, I'll recommend you as the assistant director. This would also serve the troupe well."
Martin immediately affirmed, "I'm a member of the Marietta Theater Company."
Jerome didn't mention membership fees at all. If this opportunity materialized, he wouldn't have to worry about collecting membership fees.
After Martin left, he went to the Marietta Library to use a public computer and searched for information about Louise Meyer. Unfortunately, there was very little information available.
He then drove to a quiet spot to ponder his options.
"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" boasted a $20 million budget, dwarfing all of Gray Company's works combined.
Louise Meyer's influence had exceeded the limits of his current contacts with Kelly Gray.
Martin believed that networking was crucial, and he had a channel in Kelly Gray.
From the information he gathered, he knew that the other party was a member of the Free Association, and Kelly Gray had mentioned that her friend in Los Angeles enjoyed wine.
The latter was easy to address, but the former presented a challenge.
Hollywood had always been at the forefront of liberal democracy and had the most fun. What Kelly Gray found interesting might not be limited to Hollywood.
Perhaps it was time to offer something more daring?
Martin had previously contemplated expanding the sales of the Strip Clubs products, and there was one product particularly suitable for liberal advocates.
It would be best to align with the prevailing social climate and public opinion.
This time, they'd be on the opposing side of the Methodist Church again.
But if executed correctly, it could lead to significant profits.
Failure wouldn't be any worse than the current situation, and the worst-case scenario was being called out on stage.
Martin calculated the time it would take for the crew to arrive and pondered for a while. He then called Buckley, a reporter from the Atlanta Star.
Buckley had a favorable disposition toward those who provided him with funds. "Mr. Davis?" he greeted.
Martin requested, "Could you do me a favor? Find out who the most prominent conservative leader within the Methodist Association is, and check if they've had any recent public activities. Can you dig up relevant information?" He added, "I won't let my friends' efforts go to waste."
Buckley smiled and agreed, "Leave it to me."
After a brief conversation, Martin hung up the phone.
Glancing at the time, he started his car and headed to the club.
Inside the club, the Stylish Boy Group was practicing a tap dance routine on stage, choreographed by an instructor from the Savannah School of the Arts.
Bruce leaned against the bar and asked, "Is your wealthy lady coming tonight?"
"It's a possibility," Martin replied. He pulled up a tall stool and settled in to enjoy the performance. It didn't involve any stripping, and the dance performance by the Stylish Boy Group was actually quite impressive.
Bruce brought up a more serious topic, "Are you prepared for it?"
Martin, however, was still preoccupied with his earlier thoughts. "That's not the main focus; it's just one option among many."
"One option?" Bruce nodded, understanding the underlying strategy. "You've got the right idea."
At 8:30 in the evening, Kelly Gray arrived at the club. Differing from her professional attire during the day, she had changed into a skirt and applied makeup, making her look much younger.
After watching the tap dance for a while, Kelly Gray tossed a $20 bill as a tip and made her way to the bar.
"Good evening, Kelly," Martin greeted her as he approached.
Bruce took over all the bar duties, sensing that this was an important conversation.
Kelly Gray settled onto a high stool and asked, "Any recommendations for tonight?"
Martin didn't immediately answer. Instead, he inquired, "Is there something specific you've been wanting to do lately?"
Kelly Gray thought for a moment before responding, "I've been yearning for a beach vacation, but I can't let go of my work and responsibilities."
Martin nodded and began preparing a cocktail. "Indeed." He expertly mixed ice cubes, gin, blue curacao, and lemon liqueur, shaking the concoction before pouring it into a chilled martini glass, garnishing it with a lemon slice.
The cocktail's turquoise hue resembled the serene sea.
"The love of the Aegean Sea," Martin commented, ensuring to add, "As per the old tradition, I invite you."
Kelly Gray sipped the drink slowly and brought up a topic, "I heard the Methodist Church accused the Hulk Mansion of discriminating against men?"
"Outrageous slander! I intend to set the record straight," Martin replied, showing his determination. "I've been following the news closely. Conservative public opinion has vehemently retaliated, with the Methodist Church leading the charge. They've publicly insulted the Free Association, the Hulk Mansion, and even accused us of sexism!" He argued reasonably, "The club prioritizes women's entry isn't that in line with the gentlemanly spirit we've always promoted? How can that be labeled discrimination?" Kelly shared his view, asserting that women should be given priority. She emphasized, "Accusations of discrimination are quite serious. You must respond. And if you need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to me."
Martin assumed the responsibility seriously, saying, "Kelly, you shouldn't lower your standards by getting involved in this low-level battle. The scum of the Methodist Church isn't worth your attention."
Kelly Gray agreed, "You're right." She nodded slightly and assured, "Feel free to handle it your way, and the Woman Association will cooperate."
After a moment's reflection, Martin expressed his concerns, "The Methodists are likely to use slander as a weapon, and I... Kelly, I come from a different background, so my response might be a bit unrefined."
Kelly Gray considered this for a moment and then decided, "Very well, share your detailed information with me. The Woman Association also has male staff, and I'll recommend you as a part-time social investigator for ATL Free Association." Martin, feeling the magnitude of the moment, responded, "Alright." Inwardly, he wondered if this part-time role came with a salary.
However, considering the image he had just built, he decided not to inquire about the salary at this moment.
The music suddenly ceased in the dance hall, and Hart, standing on the ring stage with a microphone, called out to the women in the audience, "Tonight, we have a special performance. The most handsome man from the House of Beasts, a dream for many of you, is about to make his acting debut. Please welcome Martin Davis!"
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