"Okay, what did you get from the scan?"
After the data collected was converted into auditory and visual cryptics, it produced accurate videos of the man's memories.
The data was extensive and would take a considerable amount of time to review in full, so Evan instructed Aurora to only relay the important and that's where Evan focused his attention.
Evan leaned in, his eyes locked on the screens displaying the filtered footage. The video showed Jefferson Kinnes, also known as Jerkins, moving with quiet precision. His dark eyes scanned his surroundings, blending into the background as he observed Evan.
Evan's expression remained neutral as he watched Jerkins document every detail of his interactions. The agent's thoroughness was evident—he noted every visitor, every meeting, and any change in Evan's routine.
The room was silent except for the video displayed on the equipment. Evan absorbed the information, recognizing the importance of understanding the man named Jerkins.
In a dimly lit, sparsely furnished office, Jerkins stood by a simple desk. The room was sparse, mirroring the agent's unassuming persona. His phone rang, cutting through the silence. Jerkins answered promptly, his voice steady and controlled.
"Jerkins."
The voice on the other end was sharp and authoritative. "We have a new assignment for you. Your target is Evan. Monitor him closely and report on his activities. Keep an eye out for any high-profile contacts he may meet. Document everything—who he interacts with, what he discusses, and any significant changes in his routine.
Especially, see if any woman of high society approaches him."
Jerkins's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Understood. I'll start immediately."
The call ended, and Jerkins's face was set in a determined line. He swiftly gathered his equipment and moved out of the room, his mind already focused on the task.
Next, the footage showed Evan meeting other suspicious individuals and discussing the plan.
This man wasn't issued any order to harm him but to keep a detail on his every move.
"What the hell is going on?" Evan spat, frustration evident in his voice.
He didn't remember doing anything that might have drawn this much attention from the government.
"Is it because of a deal with the government?" Evan's brows furrowed.
[It's unlikely. From the scan of memories, the agent was instructed to keep an eye on dangerous individuals and there is a list of designated protocols. According to it, you aren't on the list.]
[Also, based on the brainwaves, I can infer that it wasn't the order of his superiors but rather a personal interest. Moreover, pay particular attention to the last warning—he was specifically asked to keep an eye on a woman and make sure they couldn't contact him.]
"Woman...is it Suri?" Evan rubbed his brows.
Jerkins accepted the phone with a nod of respect while Evan made his way to the door, ready to leave.
As Evan prepared to depart, he glanced back at Jerkins, who had now assumed an attentive position. "Remember, your task is critical. Keep me informed of all the developments."
"Yes, sir," Jerkins responded, his loyalty evident.
Evan closed the door behind him and walked to his car, contemplating Jerkins's next moves.
_____
The new year began on a somber note for Evan. The morning was gray and cold, reflecting the bleakness that had settled over him with the death of one of his bodyguards, Rick. The loss was a stark reminder of the dangers that surrounded him.
Evan stood in the police station, flanked by his remaining bodyguards. He handed over Jerkins, now under police custody, and provided a detailed account of the situation. The officers, aware of Evan's reputation, treated him with a blend of respect and caution.
After the exchange, Evan walked to the office where Uncle Max had once been in charge.
The familiar building felt strangely empty; Uncle Max had been transferred two months ago, and the office now bore the mark of his absence.
The change of command had not gone unnoticed, and the atmosphere was tinged with an air of uncertainty.
Evan was escorted to a room where the police interrogated him. The officers' questions were routine but probing, aimed at understanding Jerkins's sudden appearance and the circumstances surrounding his capture.
"Why did you hand him over now instead of calling us?" one officer asked, glancing at the paperwork.
Evan's response was as cold and unyielding as ever. "My bodyguards wanted to beat and torture this man for killing one of their friends. I intervened to ensure the matter was handled properly."
The officers exchanged glances, noting the chilling detachment in Evan's tone.
They took down his statement, their expressions with a mix of professional detachment and underlying concern.
Truthfully, they didn't know how to react; this was more than self-defense.
With the interrogation concluded Evan left the station. But just after he left, a man in a black suit opened the cell where Jerkins was held.
"Can't believe you fucked up this mission so badly?"
"It's my fault... How could I know I would be unlucky enough to be stopped by a dog?" Jerkins grumbled.
"Whatever! I was ordered to get you out of here, so let's go."