Max Goes To Hollywood • Part 1

A Max Headline News Story Adventure

Sep 09, 2025

This is a three-part story. I won’t keep you waiting long for the parts. I scheduled Part 2 for tomorrow morning and Part 3 for the day after. - Mark

A story is a story, but I hate getting assigned fluff pieces. I’m a hard-hitting investigative journalist, after all. Give me something to investigate, and I am like a bull at a rodeo before the gate opens. I can’t wait to throw that cowboy to the dirt and trample him. So imagine my disappointment when the Boss told me he was sending me to California to cover a television show, of all things.

“Don’t give me a hard time, Max. I know you hate these kinds of stories, but that’s exactly why I want you on it. I want you to dig and find something the other papers won’t. The show is the hottest thing on television. And with television becoming increasingly popular, we need to cover it.”

“But, Boss, there are plenty of other reporters better suited to this kind of drivel. There is…”

“That’s enough, Max. You’re on it. End of story.”

I turned and headed out of the office when the Boss said, “One more thing. I’m sending Sharpeye with you.”

“What?! A dame? She’s not even a reporter. She’s a proofreader.”

“I know what she is. And I know she will keep you on the straight and narrow in Hollywood. I don’t need you spending your days at the beach getting drunk. Think of her as an assistant. She will fix your copy and keep you focused. And I want a female perspective on the story.”

“You’re giving a proofreader a byline on my story?”

“A story you don’t want to write? Yes. I think she has promise.”

“But she’s a dame. Are we going to share a room?”

“Of course not. You will each have your own room. And don’t get any ideas.”

“I’m not the one with ideas. She looks at me like I look at a blueberry pie.”

“Get over yourself, Max, and get out of my office while you still have a job.”

I couldn’t believe it. It was bad enough I had to cover a television show. But I would have Charlotte Sharpeye hounding me the whole time. Maybe it is time for a career change.”

“Max, did you hear the news!” Charlotte said as I sat down at my desk.

“You mean the news that we are going to California to write a story about a television show?”

“Of course, Silly.”

“Yeah, I heard. If you don’t want to do it, I am sure I can get you out of it.”

“What? Are you crazy? This is my big break. A real story. Don’t you mess this up for me, Max.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, kid. Just follow my lead. I’ll show you how it’s done.”

“I’m so excited. I am going to buy some new clothes and a swimsuit after work today. Want to come?”

“I have plenty of clothes, and I ain’t going swimming. This is a job, not a vacation.”

“Yeah, but I am sure there will be some free time.”

“Any free time is booze time.”

“Not on my watch, Max. You are going to show me the ropes and be sober doing it. The Boss told me to keep you in line, and I intend to. Got it?”

“Yes, Mommy.”

“Stop it, Max. Come on, this will be fun.”

“We’ll see.”

Two days and a grueling flight across the country later, Charlotte and I arrived in Los Angeles. We made our way to the hotel and checked in. After throwing my suitcase on the bed, I walked next door and knocked on Charlotte’s door.

“It’s me, Max.”

“Come on in,” Charlotte replied.

I went in, and Charlotte was unpacking both of her suitcases into a dresser and a wardrobe.

“I still don’t understand why you brought so many clothes,” I said.

“Of course, you don’t. Look at what you’re wearing.”

“What’s wrong with this?”

“It’s 85 degrees out, Max. You have long sleeves on.”

“That’s all I own.”

“Why am I not surprised? At least roll them up.”

“Geez. Are you gonna nag me the whole trip? We ain’t married, you know.”

“I know. But I have to be seen with you. Why are you here, anyway?”

“I’m taking you out for a steak dinner,” I said.