Daniel, that fucker, already knew exactly where to go and what to do, but he kept it from me for a few days before suddenly showing himself up in the house we borrowed from John's father.
It was a late evening. Somebody rang the doorbell so I want to open it. It was only me and Leonel inside since the rest was still walking around the city.
- Hi - Daniel said with a smile on his face.
It was already dark outside, and quite chilly too. The street lamps were already on, plus there was a lot of additional light coming from all the windows of the neighboring homes. Further, in the distance, you could spot even more of them coming from the taller buildings. It looked quite lovely.
- I hope you brought me something good - I told him, then stepped to the side to make space for him to enter.
That's exactly what he did.
- I have something decent. Good would be an overstatement. I know a guy who works as a contact, or one of the contacts, between the local government and the place you want to go - he told me heading straight to the kitchen.
Proving that he knew the layout of the entire building. I closed the door and then followed him.
- Good. Where I can find him? - I asked not wasting any time on idle chit-chat.
- I'll give you the time, the location, and a photo. He will be there for sure, but after that, you will have to follow him discreetly. Very discreetly - he explained. - You do the job, then return, like nothing ever happened, and continue your trip.
- Sure - I replied to him, although there was no option for him to dictate to me what I was going to do in the end.
- I really mean it - he said, as he opened the door to the fridge in the kitchen.
It was a massive, silver one, with two winged doors. Filled to the brim with nice stuff. He picked some fruits, then closed them.
The kitchen had an island in the middle with a sink, and a lot of space to cook, behind the island, was a wall with the fridge I already mentioned, and multiple cabinets, including hanging ones. Between them was a microwave mounted to the wall and an oven.
He chose to sit on top of the island, as he munched on some grapes.
At the same moment, Leonel showed up, lured by our conversation. He was surprised to see Daniel and clearly wanted to know what we were talking about.
- Good evening - he said, rising a hand to greet the guest.
- Hi - the spy replied, then added: - It's a private conversation. It's better if you don't eavesdrop.
My son looked at me. I guess to confirm if that was really the case. I simply nodded, which made Leonel leave.
- There is a possibility that after everything you will have a visit from the authorities, and they will be asking questions of you and your family. After all, you are a hunter, and so are they. I'm sure you can deal with this, but not so sure he can - he pointed in the direction where Leonel just was standing.
- Yeah. I know. It's better if they don't know anything. Give me the photo and the other stuff you promised - I extended an open hand.
Daniel shoved another grape into his mouth, then a folded piece of paper from his pocket. He placed it on my palm.
- Nobody can see you. I really mean it - he said.
I opened the folded piece of paper. There was a photo of some older Japanese guy inside and on the paper itself a scribbled address and the time. As I was looking at this Daniel jumped off the island, then started walking towards the door.
- You leaving? - I asked briefly looking at him.
- Yes. Better if fewer people have seen me here - he explained.
His words made me look again at the photo. Moments later I heard the door opening and closing, informing me that he really left.
I practically ignored that, staring at the photo. The man was probably in his fifties. He had black hair with no gray strands. Serious face, and was wearing a suit. He could easily be a political figure, judging by his attire. I wanted to memorize him well, so I would notice if he passed by me.
Thanks to that I didn't even notice when Leonel showed himself once again in the kitchen.
- What are you looking at, dad? - he asked me, probably after e moment of observation.
- It's better if I don't answer this question - I told him, putting both the piece of paper and the photo in my packet.
- Why? - he asked.
He was clearly confused by my behavior.
- One day I explain. For now, it's better if you know nothing about this. I have to... I have to do something. A long time ago I made a mistake. This mistake hunted me for a long time. It's hunting me even now. If it was just me, then maybe I would let it go, but... It's not just me. It's you, your sisters, your mother... Arc too - I nodded slowly, looking only partially at him, more consumed by my own thoughts. - The whole city is in trouble because of that mistake.
- I... I trust you, father - he said to me.
He didn't smile. He looked concerned, but he still decided to leave me alone. At first, I felt a little bit sad. He didn't offer help. He didn't offer a good word. Then I realized, that him trusting me, meant that he believed I could handle anything thrown my way.
After all, since he met me, I was able to deal with any trouble. I was the sole pillar that wouldn't crumble even if the whole world was resting on it. It felt nice. It also felt overwhelming.
With those thoughts in my head, I went outside, into the approaching night, to find the right place and the right man. To fix my mistake from years ago.
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