The Spy

Chapter 13

 From the corner of his eye John noticed a peculiar object in the room. He carefully picked up the velvet box from the bedside table, his heart pounding with anticipation. He opened the box and almost gasped as he saw the magnificent emerald necklace glittering in the soft light of the room. He could feel the weight of the priceless jewels in his hand, and he knew that this was the necklace he had been sent to retrieve.

As he was admiring the necklace, he noticed a small note tucked under it. He picked it up and read the elegant handwriting:

"Dear John, I hope you found the necklace to your satisfaction. I apologize for the cloak and dagger nature of our meeting, but I assure you that it was necessary for everyone's safety. Please stay the night and enjoy the amenities of this suite. Tomorrow, you will have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brown. He is eager to make your acquaintance and discuss business with you. Rest well, my friend."

John felt a mixture of curiosity and unease. He had a feeling that this was something  he had less control over, but he couldn't ignore the chance to finally come face to face with Max Brown. He decided to take the risk and stay the night, but he made sure to keep his guard up.

As he settled into the comfortable bed, he couldn't help but wonder what the next day would bring. He knew that he had to be ready for anything, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was in over his head. Nevertheless, he closed his eyes and tried to get some rest, hoping that he would wake up ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

John took a remote and turned on the TV , he felt his heart stop as he watched the news report The headline read: "Secret Spy John Westwood found dead after being hit by a car as he was headed home."

His hands trembled as he used the remote control to turn up the volume. The reporter's voice filled the room, recounting the story of the accident  in which John Westwood was presumed to have died.

John's mind raced as he tried to make sense of the news. Was this some sort of trick? Was it a ploy to throw off his enemies? He tried to rationalize it, but deep down, he knew that it was a very real possibility.

He couldn't believe it. How could he be dead when he was sitting right there in front of the TV?

He started to piece together what had happened. He had received the anonymous tip to come to Italy, and now he realized that Max Brown was probably behind it. He must have wanted everyone to think John was dead, so he could carry out his plans without interference.

He thought of Reyes and Carter, and how they would react to the news. He wondered if they would even believe it. But most of all, he thought of his family and how they would cope with the loss.

John felt a lump form in his throat as he turned off the TV. He knew he had to stay calm and think logically. He couldn't afford to let his emotions get the best of him. 

He started to piece together what had happened. He had received the anonymous tip to come to Italy, and now he realized that Max Brown was probably behind it. He must have wanted everyone to think John was dead, so he could carry out his plans without interference.

John's phone rang, and he hesitated for a moment before answering. He knew who it was, and he wasn't sure he was ready to face Max Brown just yet.

"Hello?" he answered.

"Johnny boy," came the familiar voice on the other end of the line. "I trust you received my little gift?"

"I did," John replied, keeping his voice calm and measured. " Although one seems to outweigh the other,"

"And what do you think?"

"I think you have my attention."

"Good," Max Brown said. "I knew you were a smart man. I have a proposition for you, John. I want to offer you a job."

"A job?" John repeated, incredulous. "You're joking, right?"

"I'm deadly serious. I'm willing to pay you a very handsome sum to work for me."

"And why would I want to do that?"

"Because you're a smart man, John. You know when you're on the winning side. And I assure you, I am the winning side."

John was silent for a moment, considering the offer. He knew he needed to tread carefully. "And what if I decline your offer?"

"Then I'm afraid you leave me no choice but to bring an end to our little game. You see, John, I have a lot of enemies, and they're all looking for ways to take me down. And what better way to do that than to find someone like you, who knows all my secrets and my weaknesses?"

"I see," John said. "And what exactly would this job entail?"

"I can't say too much over the phone," Max Brown said. "I wouldn't be late for breakfast tomorrow if i were you.i"

John weighed his options. He knew he couldn't trust Max Brown, but he also knew that he needed to. "I'll consider your offer," he said finally.

"Good. I'll be in touch," Max Brown said before hanging up.