hollywood system: art

Thomas Carson had spent years working with care and precision, always watching over his son from the shadows. He knew his son had his flaws, but none of them diminished the deep love he felt for him. His son remained the loving and kind person he had always been. As Thomas flipped through the newspapers that often mentioned him on their pages, he saw stories about new comic series, movies, businesses, or a new woman in his life. All of them—models, actresses, celebrities, or unknown figures—exuded an undeniable aura of charm.

Now, he was certain his son was working with an actress trying to make a name for herself. The report detailed their filming in Rosarito, where Billy was dressed in sportswear, with his long hair and a face full of determination, greeting someone with a nod.

Billy Carson's new movie was set to release in October. It was about a lawyer, A Time to Kill, based on a novel by John Grisham, one of the most renowned legal thriller writers of recent years, with several movies adapted from his books. The film boasted an impressive cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey—fresh off his acclaimed role in Se7en—Donald Sutherland, and Kiefer Sutherland.

Thomas heard the sound of children running around as Livy chased after them, dressed in her overalls that highlighted her slender figure despite having gone through three pregnancies.

-We're going out for steak,- Livy said, posing it more as a question.

-We will,- Thomas replied.

-Claudia's still asleep. When she wakes up, you should talk to her about moving to London. She's too young and hasn't finished university. She won't listen to me,- Livy insisted.

-I'll do what I can, but she's just as stubborn as you are.-

-It doesn't matter; just do it.-

-I will,- Thomas reassured her.

Soon, the doorbell rang with a delivery—a birthday gift. Every year, Billy sent gifts for the twins, who were born on August 2nd. Without fail, he ensured they received presents. Thomas opened the package to find high-quality clothing—a blue outfit for one twin and a pink one for the other—along with toys suitable for five-year-olds. There was also a jar of early childhood protein powder, packed with vitamins B, C, B12, calcium, and zinc. The set included three large jars with clear instructions.

The gifts were always arranged by Anne, Billy's assistant, who handled such matters. Thomas left a voicemail for his son, thanking him and inviting him to join the family for Christmas. They had recently moved into a large house with six bedrooms and a separate guest house, which had once been the studio of the previous owner. Even the family from Texas planned to join them in San Jose for the holidays.

Maybe Billy would come, or perhaps he would just send gifts and an apology through Anne, who often handled his absences.

-Oh, new clothes,- Livy said, admiring the designs for their children, who grinned with delight.

-Piano lessons,- she noted, scanning a music lesson contract.

-Well, the kids need extracurricular activities and good connections. Now that we have more money and you don't need to work, you can focus on their education. They're the future, after all,- Thomas remarked, unaware that Livy was pregnant with their fourth child.

-Yes, I think it's good for them,- Livy agreed, as the noise upstairs signaled Claudia was awake. She motioned for Thomas to go and talk to her moody teenager.

…

Rachel Sanders was Anne's second-in-command, primarily assisting with managing the comic book factory and toy store operations. Her responsibilities included overseeing the accounts for both businesses—a demanding job, as the toy store now had nine locations nationwide and partnerships with numerous companies.

The comic book distributor was a massive operation with outlets in other countries. Their first partnership was with Titan Distributors, which handled the UK and British Isles. Neptuno Distributions covered Spain and Portugal. FM International managed Canada, while Coliseum Distribution oversaw Italy and France under tense relations.

The company also owned 15% of Dark Horse Comics and Sunrise Comics, which handled distribution across North and Latin America. Lux Toys served as their primary brand, with seven stores located in California, Chicago, Florida, New York, Atlanta, and Texas. They planned to open new locations in Colorado, Ohio, and Montana.

Opening a store wasn't simple. It required production lines, a suitable venue to display comics, games, and merchandise, and at least four employees and a supervisor. Lux also owned TSR (Tactical Studies Rules), the creators of Dungeons & Dragons, as well as Workshop Games (Warhammer 40K), Panini, and Skylerbox. The stores stocked everything from Lux Animation figures to other merchandise agreements.

-So you want to host a Dungeons & Dragons tournament?- Rachel Ruset asked, reviewing orders.

-Yes, I have a group. We'll gather at the new Colorado location. Since it's the largest building, I think we can set up a big stage for fans,- Raimon explained.

-Then let's use the Blitz rules for two-hour games,- Rachel suggested.

Raimon's jaw dropped.

-Wait, what?-

-The Blitz rules,- she repeated.

-I know what they are! Don't act like I don't, rookie,- Raimon retorted, irritated by Rachel's teasing.

Raimon spent much of his time studying the products, which distinguished him from Rachel Sanders, the director of operations and his professional rival.

-We'll offer a special edition Dungeons & Dragons set and a Baldur's Gate game pack as the tournament prize. The following day, we'll sell the same packs for $400 each. We'll need about 100 in stock. I'm sure they'll sell out, and it'll boost the store's popularity,- Raimon concluded, already prepared with his team.

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