Oldman Dunn watched as Audrey and her assistant disappeared into the bustling crowds, his gaze lingering for a moment before he turned his attention back to the letter in his hand. With a quiet sigh, he recognized the familiar seal on the envelope, a mark of importance and secrecy.
"Let's see what the director wants to say this time," he murmured to himself, his curiosity piqued. With deliberate movements, he carefully opened the letter, revealing the neatly written words on the paper within.
His eyes scanned the contents and his brows furrowed slightly, revealing a mixture of concentration and intrigue. The beautifully handwritten letter contained detailed instructions and a list of names that held significance in their covert operations.
[Agent Greecious,
I trust this correspondence finds you in good health and high spirits. As you read this letter, it signifies that Audrey has successfully arrived at Thyrate.
Now, as the Barlian forces may retrace Audrey's trace back to you, I order you to temporarily close your stall. During this period, you are to move to another location and conduct an investigation there.
The list of important individuals are....]
"Perfect timing!" Oldman Dunn exclaimed under his breath. It seemed as though the director had anticipated the need for a change in operations, just as he himself had been concerned about the potential risks when Audrey introduced herself.
Folded the letter carefully, Oldman Dunn tucked it back into its envelope, vowing to keep its contents and their mission hidden from prying eyes.
Without wasting a moment, he swiftly retrieved a sign indicating the closure of his stall and placed it prominently in front, ensuring that any passersby would understand that the stall was closed.
However, his sudden action elicited complaints and puzzled remarks from the customers.
"What the heck, old man? You're suddenly closing your shop?" one customer exclaimed, voicing the sentiment shared by others.
Oldman Dunn, trying to manage the situation swiftly, responded, "Yes, I won't be available for a while. If you want to make a purchase, then quickly pick up the fruits you desire."
The customers hurriedly selected their fruits, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected closure.
One of them couldn't help but inquire, "Where are you going?"
Oldman Dunn, masking his true purpose, responded with a lie, "There's a problem with the suppliers, so I plan to go and take a look."
Another customer interjected, "Why would you even care? Just find another supplier."
Oldman Dunn's eyes narrowed, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "Because I had my money on it, damnit!" he retorted, his tone filled with irritation. "Hurry up and make your selections!"
"Fine! Fine!," Understanding the urgency and the slightly agitated response, the customers quickly made their choices and completed their purchases.
Oldman Dunn watched them leave with a mix of relief and impatience, knowing that time was of the essence.
With his stall closed and the customers dispersed, Oldman Dunn blended into the crowd, his purposeful strides carrying him away from the market.
His destination was clear in his mind. His small house awaited him on the outskirts of the capital, nestled near the slum area.
As he approached the neighbourhood, the atmosphere changed noticeably. The air grew heavier, tinged with a mix of dust and the scent of poverty.
Dilapidated buildings lined up the streets with their apparent weathered facades. The narrow alleyways and crowded corners created a maze-like effect, further enhancing the sense of isolation and seclusion.
The maze-like layout of the neighbourhood played a significant role in Oldman Dunn's decision to set up his base in this particular area.
Its intricate network of narrow alleyways and crowded corners provided him with an advantage, making it easier to navigate and evade any pursuers who might be on his trail.
In this area, buildings changed hands frequently, whether through clashes between rival gangs or the unfortunate demise of their owners.
The constant flux and turnover of properties created an atmosphere of impermanence and unpredictability.
It worked to Oldman Dunn's advantage, causing hardship for anyone who wish to track him.
The cheap prices of the dwellings in this area were also a practical consideration. In his line of work, maintaining a low profile and managing expenses were essential.
Oldman Dunn arrive at the front of his humble dwelling, a small structure with a weathered exterior that blended with the surrounding environment. Its faded walls bore the marks of time, while the worn wooden door showed signs of multiple repairs.
Stepping inside, Oldman Dunn entered a different world. Despite the less-than-desirable location, the interiors of his house were clean and minimalistic. The furnishings were simple yet functional, carefully arranged to optimize the limited space.
A neatly organized desk stood against one wall, and papers and documents were placed with precision. The shelves that lined another wall held a collection of books, their spines worn from frequent use. A small table in the corner provided a cosy space for a cup of tea or a moment of respite amidst the chaos of the outside world.
His home exuded an atmosphere of calm and order, a sanctuary amidst the unpredictable nature of his work as an agent.
The old man swiftly rummaged through the collections of papers and documents in his house. His hands sifting through important records and classified information, categorizing them according to their importance.
He knew that he needed to transfer all of these valuable materials to a safe place, as he anticipated the possibility of someone attempting to break into his house during his long absence.
As he sorted through the documents, his mind pondered the question of whether he should pass them on to Audrey, the young diplomat he had met earlier.
However, after careful consideration, he decided against it. He doesn't want to drag that poor young lady into this mess.
After giving the matter some thought, the old man made a decision. He would transfer some documents to his house in a neighbouring city first, away from the capital and the immediate dangers that lurked within.
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