Chapter 24: For Whom Do Fireworks Bloom?

In just three minutes, Edward Connor drove his car to the delivery location, but didn’t see the buyer.

"Over here," came a man’s voice from the dark alley, the glow of a phone screen lighting up a friendly face.

Edward turned his car into the alley, driving further into the darkness.

He wasn’t worried or scared; as a man from Compton, he was like a night spirit.

“Good thing I’m bold—who else would dare deliver like this?” Edward said as he got out and opened the trunk. “We agreed the goods and delivery fee would be double. If you’re even a dollar short, you won’t get anything.”

Hawk glanced at his face, noting it wasn’t too dark, and paid him. He then pointed toward a fire escape, saying, “Help me carry this up, follow my instructions, and I’ll give you an extra hundred bucks.”

Edward became cautious. “What are you trying to do? I’m telling you, fireworks go up in the sky. Set them off in the wrong place, and someone’s gonna get hurt.”

Hawk pointed at the sky. “Just follow my lead.”

Thinking of the extra $100, Edward grabbed one of the boxes and reminded him, “And don’t mention this to Britty. This is my side hustle—if she finds out, she’ll make me take her daughter to an amusement park.”

Once Edward reached the stairs, Hawk urged, “Hurry up, stop wasting time.”

True to his chatty nature, Edward quipped, “Men shouldn’t rush things. It’s all about strength—move slow and steady.”

At the rooftop, Hawk pointed to the highest platform. “Go there. Set everything up. I’ll tell you when to light it.”

Edward noticed Hawk’s camera setup. “Wow, buddy, that’s some serious gear. You could sell that on the black market for thousands.”

Being a native Angeleno, Edward guessed, “You a reporter? What are you shooting? The hotel across the street? Some celebrity getting wild?”

“Shut up and get to work,” Hawk snapped.

Edward, still talking, busily carried the box to the higher platform and arranged the fireworks. As he sat on the edge, looking at the hotel across the way, he pulled out a lighter and asked, “You’re a reporter, right? What are you waiting for? Why not light these now?”

Hawk glanced at his watch and said offhandedly, “Who’s gonna stop to watch fireworks in the middle of what they’re doing?”

“Plenty of people!” Edward chimed in, sharing his own experience. “I love leaving the curtains open while I... you know, take in the view.”

He looked at Hawk with mock disbelief. “You still close the curtains? Man, that’s old-school. No vibe at all!”

Annoyed by Edward’s judgment, Hawk shot him a middle finger. “Shut up.”

Edward shook his head. “You need to face the facts, man. Look at what you’re doing. If you don’t, you’re gonna end up messed up in the head.”

Hawk raised his binoculars, catching sight of shadows moving behind the curtains of Room 407. He rushed behind the camera, using the zoom lens for a better look, and then waved to Edward. “Light it now—two at a time.”

“When I was in Compton, I was always in and out of the police station,” Edward said as he lit the first fireworks. “But I’d always get out quick. You? Not so lucky. Some of those guys inside love fit dudes like you.”

The fuses of two square fireworks caught, and soon fiery serpents shot into the sky, exploding into dazzling displays.

A few hotel staff at the entrance looked up, captivated by the spectacle. Several guests pulled back their curtains to enjoy the unexpected show.

But the curtains of Room 407 remained closed.

Are they going for round two? Hawk thought.

“Don’t stop! Keep going!” he shouted.

Edward, undeterred, eagerly lit more fireworks. The sky brightened, and more hotel windows opened as guests peered out.

Hawk shouted again, “Keep lighting them!”

Edward, still lighting more fireworks, called out, “Man, hurry up! If LAPD shows up, we’re screwed. They won’t hesitate to empty their clips.”

Hawk smirked, “That’s for you, not me.”

For the first time, Edward was at a loss for words.

More fireworks burst into the sky, drawing everyone’s attention.

Inside Room 407, Sarah Parker was stirred by the noise and lights outside. She got up, opened the curtains, and gasped at the beautiful display.

Enveloped in post-romantic bliss, she excitedly called out, “Look! Fireworks!”

Downey, wrapped in a blanket, joined her at the window. “Beautiful fireworks.”

“Is this your surprise?” Sarah asked.

Downey thought, Wasn’t that billion-dollar surprise I gave you enough? But he simply nodded.

Sarah leapt into his arms, covering him with kisses. Downey, feeling an unusual thrill, passionately kissed her back.

On the rooftop, Hawk, like a machine, snapped photo after photo of the couple’s intimate moments through the window of Room 407.

Behind him, Edward, excited like a cotton-picking worker, had set off every last firework.

The sky was lit up, as was the rooftop where they stood.

Downey suddenly noticed someone on the opposite rooftop, seemingly with a camera. He quickly pulled the curtains shut and pushed Sarah aside. Peeking out, he saw the person packing up and getting ready to leave.

“Damn it! We might’ve just been caught by paparazzi!” he cursed.

Sarah immediately understood the gravity of the situation, grabbing her phone. “We’ve got a problem. I was on a date, and we might’ve been caught on camera. Hell, if it were Brody, I wouldn’t even bother calling you! I’m notifying PR now.”

Downey also made a call—their crisis management teams came from the same firm.

Meanwhile, Hawk swiftly disassembled his camera and packed up, grabbing the tripod as he sprinted toward the stairs, shouting to Edward, “Let’s go!”

Edward wasn’t far behind, following Hawk down the fire escape.

Once they reached the ground, Hawk jumped into his Mondeo. “Follow me. We’ll meet up outside this neighborhood.”

Edward quickly jumped into his car, started it up, and followed Hawk out of the alley and into the next block.

There were no police sirens or lights; LAPD had more pressing matters than investigating some fireworks.

Hawk pulled into a parking lot with multiple exits. Edward, with some decent driving skills, followed closely and parked beside Hawk’s Mondeo.

Hawk handed him a total of $100 and a business card. “If you come across anything interesting, give me a call.”

Edward checked the cash, pocketed the card, and grinned. “Man, your job is exciting! And you pay quick. You make good money?”

Hawk downplayed it. “Just enough to get by.”

Edward didn’t buy it. “If you’ve got more easy money like this, call me.”

As Edward drove off, Hawk suddenly realized he still owed someone money. He returned to the hotel, changed his appearance a bit, and walked into the lobby.

Sure enough, Jacqueline was looking around as if waiting for someone.

Hawk handed her an envelope of cash. “This is yours.”

Jacqueline lowered her voice. “Were you the one behind those fireworks earlier?”

Hawk wouldn’t admit it. “What fireworks?”

Jacqueline hesitated.

Hawk handed her more business cards. “You’ve got a lot of friends, right? Pass these around. If they hear about someone or something interesting, tell them to call.”

He pointed to the cash in her hand. “You see? I’m generous. Money’s not an issue.”

Jacqueline misunderstood. “I’m not helping you film celebs fooling around. My agent would kill me if it got out.”

Hawk shook his head. “You don’t have to shoot anything. Just share a tip or two.”

Jacqueline pocketed both the money and the cards.

Hawk returned to his car and drove away from the hotel. Pulling out his phone, he scanned through his contacts.

The footage he’d just captured had to be monetized, and only the right media outlet would pay the right price.