The Spy

Chapter 3

John took another sip of his bourbon and let out a deep breath. He glanced around the bar, taking in the dimly lit surroundings and the other patrons nursing their drinks.

As he looked back down at his glass, he noticed someone take the seat next to him. He turned his head slightly to get a look at the newcomer, and saw a tall, lean man with slicked-back hair and a dark suit.

"Evening," the man said, his voice smooth and confident.

John nodded in response, studying the man more closely. Something about him set off alarm bells in John's mind, and he felt a prickling sense of danger.

"You look like you could use another drink," the man said, gesturing to the bartender.

"I'm good," John replied, his hand drifting down to his holster.

The man raised an eyebrow. "Relax, friend. I'm not looking for trouble. Just thought I'd come over and say hello."

John didn't believe him for a second, but he kept his face neutral. "What do you want?"

The man chuckled. "Just some friendly conversation. You look like a man who's seen some things."

John stayed quiet, his senses on high alert.

The man took a sip of his own drink and leaned back in his seat. "My name's Victor Manzini, by the way. And you are?"

John on the other hand kept his answer short, his tone cool. "John."

Victor smiled. "John. Nice to meet you."

John took another sip of his bourbon, his mind racing with possibilities. Was this man a threat? A potential ally? He couldn't be sure, but he knew he needed to keep his wits about him.

The man paused before turning to John. "You were at the art workshop earlier today, weren't you?" he asked.

John turned to him. "Yes, I was. How did you know?"

The man smiled, revealing a set of perfect teeth. "I saw you there. I was there too, studying the paintings.What did you think I meant by my  statement earlier." He inquired with a smirk settling on his face.

They continued to chat about the art workshop. Victor seemed knowledgeable about the paintings and artists, and John found himself invested in the conversation.

As they talked, John's spy instincts kicked in, and he started to wonder if Victor was connected to the  theft mission he was working on. He decided to  discreetly ask him a few questions.

"Victor, have you heard anything about any upcoming art heists in the city?" John asked casually.

Not that discreet i assume.

Victor looked at him curiously. "Why do you ask?"

John hesitated for a moment before explaining that he was a journalist and was working on an article involving art thefts and was trying to gather any information he could.

Victor shrugged. "I haven't heard anything, but if I do, I'll let you know."

"Although I have to tell you something, John," Victor said, leaning closer to him.His eyes narrowing.

John raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "What's that?"

"The Mona Lisa. It's a fake," Victor said, his tone serious.

John's eyes widened slightly, and he leaned in closer to hear more.

"What do you mean, it's a fake?" he asked, trying to keep his voice low.

"I have sources, John. Trust me. The original Mona Lisa is in private hands. It's been missing for years. The painting that's hanging in the Louvre is a copy," Victor said.

John was intrigued but also skeptical. He had been on enough missions to know that people often claimed to have insider knowledge when they didn't.

"How do you know this?" John asked his voice heightened with skeptism.

"I have a contact who's been tracking the painting for years. He told me about it," Victor responded his voice in a whisper.

John took another sip of his drink and thought for a moment. If what Victor was saying was true, it could change the whole dynamic of the mission he was on.

"Can you introduce me to your contact?" John asked.

Victor nodded. "I can. But you have to do something for me first," he said.

John raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

Victor leaned in closer, and John could smell the hint of cologne on him. "I need you to help me steal a painting," he said, his voice low.

John's eyes narrowed, and he leaned back in his seat. "What painting?" he asked.

Victor smiled. "A little something from a private collection. Nothing too risky. But if you help me, I'll introduce you to my contact."

John went along with his proposal, if he could get his hands on the real Mona Lisa, it would be worth it.

"Alright, Victor. You've got a deal," John said, extending his hand to seal the agreement.

Victor smiled and shook his hand. "Excellent. Let's get started."