LA Observed: Los Angeles media, politics and sense of place since 2003
Right of Way 58

ON THE STREET

A black Bentley with tinted windows and no tags SCREECHES up in front of him on the nearly empty street, cutting him off. Two men in Ninja black, including masks, jump out and before Napolitano can react, one NINJA is at his door with a gun. Rachel breaks free, runs to the Bentley and jumps in back. Napolitano raises his hands. The Ninja opens the door.

NINJA
Get out!
NAPOLITANO
Look, I’m the mayor of Los Angeles. Nobody has to get hurt.
NINJA
Out of the car!
NAPOLITANO
Okay, take it easy.

Napolitano gets out slowly. As he does, he notices that both his assailants are wearing actual Ninja-style boots -- black with split toes and no markings. The Second Ninja pats him down, finding only his cell phone, which he takes. He then moves back to the Bentley and jumps in the driver’s seat.

NAPOLITANO
He gonna use my calling plan to get free long-distance?

The Ninja SMACKS him across the face with his gun, shutting him up. The Bentley backs out of the way.

NINJA
Get moving -- that way!

Napolitano edges back toward the sidewalk and moves off, looking over his shoulder, as the Ninja puts the Lexus in gear and shuts the door, letting it roll forward toward Washington, where traffic is still light. HORNS HONK. The Ninja jumps into the passenger seat of the Bentley, which races off. Napolitano watches as --

HIS LEXUS

Rolls into the intersection, crossing into oncoming lanes, causing cars to HONK and swerve. The Lexus picks up speed, finally CRUNCHING into a parked car across the street.


 
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Eric Estrin