Chapter 204: Chapter 203 This Person is Too Noble
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The stretcher was carried out, and one by one, the ambulances screamed away.
Two severely injured perpetrators were also carried out of the basketball gym.
One's head was bloody, and the other was shot and remained unconscious.
The highest-ranking officer on site from the Los Angeles Police Department, who was also the current Chief, Bratton, looked somber, as Los Angeles had once again experienced such a serious violent incident.
A captain of police quickly approached.
Bratton asked, "What's the casualty situation?"
"No one on our side was hurt." The captain rapidly reported the situation on the ground, "One perpetrator was killed by SWAT, two others are critically injured, suspected to have been subdued by Hollywood star Martin Davis. Among the victims, more than ten are confirmed dead, and there are also more than ten seriously injured, mainly Burbank Middle School's basketball team members and staff."
Bratton cursed under his breath and said, "Collect the surveillance footage from the scene, comfort the injured, contact their families, try not to let them talk recklessly, take statements from those who are emotionally stable, I need to understand exactly what happened inside the gym."
This case was bound to cause a sensation across America.
Several policewomen hurried over, interacting with the cheerleaders to understand the details.
Everyone's statements all pointed to one person: Martin Davis!
It was Martin Davis who saved them, risking his life to subdue the armed criminals.
The Los Angeles Police Department only obtained a clip on Helen's DV of SWAT breaking in, but they acquired the tape recorded by the cameraman's camera.
Bratton and a few captains watched the tape together, which was not long, less than ten minutes, but clearly recorded the moments from when Martin's manager noticed something wrong, Martin signaling people to quickly leave, to the head-exploding scene in the convenience store.
"A model of self-rescue." One of the captains said.
Another female captain added, "Without Martin Davis, none of those girls would have survived."
The footage was very clear, the criminal had gone berserk, charging into the store and shooting wildly; if not for Martin Davis' selfless action, everyone hiding in the store would have been killed.
The death of more than a dozen young girls would have a far greater negative impact than the same number of men being killed.
McLain, the captain in charge of public relations, said, "Martin Davis is a hero, he prevented a major massacre in Los Angeles."
It was clear to everyone that if there had been more victims, the pressure they faced would have been many times greater.
The schools attended by those at this top private middle school are at the very least from wealthy middle class families.
"The follow-up public opinion is a problem." With the bodies of the deceased still warm, Bratton was already considering the social impact.
To hold his position, he often thought more like a politician, "We must guide the direction of public opinion."
McLain said, "I think Martin Davis is key."
Bratton took the initiative and said, "I haven't let him be in contact with outsiders yet, let's go meet him together."
McLain and Bratton went to find Martin.
The Los Angeles Police Department showed great respect, specifically bringing two beautiful young female officers to accompany Martin and Bruce in conversation.
Martin chatted with them casually, not surprised to see Bratton and McLain, knowing the Los Angeles Police Department would certainly come to have a talk with him.
McLain glanced at Helen, the reporter, stepped forward to shake hands with Martin, first introducing himself and then Bratton, and said, "Let's find a place to talk alone."
Martin nodded, "Okay."
The three walked together to a secluded area.
Bratton was the first to speak, "On behalf of the police department, I want to thank you, Martin, you prevented a violent case from escalating."
Martin spoke honestly, "I was scared too, I acted out of self-preservation."
Bratton added, "I saw a portion of the tape, you were very brave, taking down the vicious criminal at just the right time, in just the right way."
Martin specifically asked, "I went a bit hard, won't that be trouble?"
"Trouble? How could there be!" With so many witnesses at the scene, Bratton was very aware that the events would get out, he emphasized, "You're a hero in Los Angeles! I'll write a special report on this and submit it to the Mayor's office and City Council!"
Martin, understanding the situation, stopped and took the initiative, "Actually, I want to express my thanks to the Los Angeles Police Department."
Bratton and McLain stopped, momentarily unsure of what Martin was about to do.
Martin said very seriously, "At that time, my manager Old Cloth and I were trapped in the corridor by criminals with automatic weapons, and it was the Los Angeles Police Department who rushed in and saved us in time, personally, I consider the Los Angeles Police Department the heroes."
McLain was taken aback for a moment, the Chief had just laid down a good foundation, and before this public relations officer could even start talking, the other side not only raised the white flag but was also shouting that we are one family.
This man was totally on track!
After performing such a heroic act, wasn't he supposed to be unruly, arrogantly dismissive?
Bratton responded super fast, "That's the duty of the Los Angeles Police Department, Martin, on behalf of all officers, I'm inviting you to visit the department headquarters."
Martin was especially agreeable, "I will definitely come in person to express my thanks!"
Today's incident, while the spotlight was on him, would benefit both him and his relations with Los Angeles's biggest gang, the Los Angeles Police Department, without any downside.
Bratton shook Martin's hand firmly, "The Los Angeles Police Department never underestimates its friends."
McLain said, "Shall we talk specifics?"
Martin said, "I'll call my agent, you talk to him about these things."
McLain nodded, "Okay."
Martin took out his phone and went aside to make a call.
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Bratton asked, "What do you think?"
"A very smart and sensible young man." McLain tried his best to remain objective to avoid influencing his superior's judgment, "He's bound to become the hero of this city, and we're also pushing from behind, using his deeds to draw public and media attention, to alleviate our pressure."
Bratton nodded, "Alright, since he is willing to cooperate, our job will be much easier. Also, take care of the reporters from Warner Television Network."
McLain said, "Leave it to me."
After Martin finished the call, he said a few words and then went back to the car.
There were still many aftermath matters the police had to handle.
Especially in terms of public opinion.
Over by the car, many cheerleaders and their parents arrived.
As soon as Blake Lively saw Martin, she rushed over, hugged him tightly, tears wetting her eyelashes, and with her hands frantically checking him over, ensured that Martin was unharmed before choking out, "You're alright, you're alright, thank goodness! You took the gun and went out to save Old Cloth, you scared me to death..."
Martin gently patted her back to comfort her, "It's all over now, we are all safe."
A middle-aged man came up behind Blake.
Martin thought about letting go of Blake, but she kept clinging to him, still frantically checking him over as if to verify he was completely unharmed.
Ernie-Levitt said, "Blake!"
Blake finally let go of Martin and stepped back two paces, introducing, "This is my father."
Martin shook hands with him, "Mr. Levitt."
Ernie shook hands with him earnestly, "You saved my daughter, you saved my family. Thank you."
Martin replied, "No need for courtesy, I'm friends with Blake."
Ernie took out a personal business card and handed it to Martin, "You must have heard of me, if you need anything, just call me."
Martin exchanged business cards with him, exchanged a few polite words, and then Ernie left with his daughter.
Blake looked back every three steps, her eyes filled with stars.
It can't be helped, a girl of seventeen or eighteen, facing such a person, facing such an event, how could she not be overwhelmed.
People like Leonardo and Jack had already been thrown out of Blake's mind, leaving Martin as her only idol.
Then, Judith and her parents, along with other girls and families whose names Martin couldn't recall, came up one by one to express their gratitude to Martin.
Martin received a wave of good will and favors from many people.
Whether it was Burbank Middle School or Holle Middle School in North Hollywood, both are top private middle schools in California, and the students who can attend these schools are not from ordinary families.
Martin was well aware that these favors could at least be used once.
"Sister, there's Martin," Elizabeth said, leading two women, almost half a head shorter than her, by their hands, "Without Martin, I'd probably be lying in an ambulance."
Ashley and Mary also expressed their gratitude to Martin.
Elizabeth came over and threw herself into Martin's arms, crying.
Martin's face was full of innocence, spreading his arms wide to show he had done nothing.
Mary moved to step forward but was stopped by Ashley, "Let her cry it out, she'll feel better after a good sleep when she gets back."
"Sorry." Mary pointed at Elizabeth, "She was terribly frightened."
Bruce, that rotten guy, sat behind an ambulance, looking at the drama with great interest, finding it more and more fascinating.
His gaze swept over the Olsen sisters, then he shook his head. These skinny girls, hunched over with their chests caved in, definitely weren't Martin's type.
"It's absolutely not my fault about Cohler!" Bruce found ample reason and excuse for his wrongdoing: "It's all Martin's fault, this jerk infected and corrupted me!"
Elizabeth was about to leave with her sisters.
Martin advised, "Go back early and rest well."
Elizabeth asked, "When will you go to see Louise?"
Martin said, "I'll contact you when I'm going."
"I'll come to find you then." Elizabeth was led away by her sisters.
Martin went to Old Cloth and took the water he handed over, unscrewed the cap, and took a drink, then he saw Thomas.
The agent hurried over.
Coming with him was someone Martin was rather surprised to see.
Louise came over quickly wearing black-framed glasses and in a business suit, glanced briefly at Martin, and casually said, "Good to see you're okay."
Martin deliberately showed his hand smeared with iodine, "I did get hurt!"
Thomas said from the side, "You scared me to death!"
Martin talked business, "I've told you, negotiate with LAPD about the public opinion matter, go."
Thomas, the utility man, hurried off to work.
Martin looked at Louise and smiled at her.
Louise said, "What, surprised to see me here? Don't forget, you still haven't cleared your debt to me!" She snorted coldly, "You think you can die without paying off your debt? Not that easy."