Chapter 20: Live Broadcast
Night fell. Times Square, the "crossroads of the world," buzzed with tourists enjoying the vibrant nightlife. Suddenly, the large electronic screens, usually displaying advertisements and news, changed. The New York Times' television channel mirrored the shift.
A 4:6-split hairstyle middle-aged man—Murphy Johnson, editor-in-chief of the New York Times—appeared. Confused tourists and viewers watched as Murphy's voice, slightly trembling, filled the New York night sky:
"This is the New York Times building. I'm Murphy Johnson, editor-in-chief. I'm reporting urgent news: the New York City mayor has been kidnapped, and we're hostages!"
Before the shock subsided, Murphy continued: "The mayor has been missing for two weeks. This is a joint operation by the bank bombing mastermind and the hotel robbery mastermind, John Wick, and the Joker. They're on the rooftop of this building. Now, we go live to our reporters…"
The announcement sent shockwaves through the city. News outlets scrambled to cover the story.
[Shocking riot, gain 0.2 reputation from Citizen A]
[Shocking riot, gain 86 reputation points from Tony Stark]
[Shocking riot, gain 20 reputation points from Jin Bing]
[Shocking riot, gain 46 reputation points from Happy Hogan]
Inside the New York Times building, Yang Xu watched the system notifications, sensing the city's turmoil. This was bigger news than 9/11, amplified by the media's reach.
Meanwhile, the NYPD was in chaos. Emergency calls flooded in; officials and wealthy individuals contacted Chief George directly. Reporters swarmed the station, demanding answers:
"What's happening? The mayor's kidnapped! Why did the Joker and John Wick team up? Chief George, with all these incidents, have you reflected on your performance?"
Ignoring the reporters, Chief George ordered the police to hold back the surging crowd. He barked orders:
"Helicopter ready? Armed personnel, move out! Contact the FCC; cut the New York Times signal! This is a terrorist attack!"
But the broadcast continued. The Joker, with his distinctive green hair, pale face, and red lips, appeared on screen:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Joker! A pleasure to meet you all!" He snapped his fingers, focusing the camera on the bound mayor. His laughter echoed: "I hope the authorities cooperate and don't interrupt the signal, otherwise…"
A flying knife plunged into the mayor's shoulder. A scream. The Joker, holding a coat full of detonators, jumped toward the mayor. Then, a shocking sight: he used a stapler to close the mayor's wound.
"He's using a stapler?! That clown must be a former military medic!"
The Joker then placed the bomb-laden jacket on the mayor, securing them with rope.
"The clowns put a bomb vest on the mayor! Where are the officers?!" Chief George roared at his contact officer.
"Times Square is blocked by crowds. We can only walk. Even if they arrive, they can't breach the building's defenses," the officer stammered.
George slammed his fist on the desk. "Damn clown! Is this part of your plan?!"
A breathless officer rushed in: "Chief, the helicopter and armed personnel are ready!"
George bolted from the office, heading for the helicopter.