The Spy

Chapter 14

John sat across from Max Brown, his eyes scanning the newspaper as Mr. Brown chatted away. He couldn't believe he was having breakfast with the man he had been tracking for weeks, but he had to admit, Max Brown was quite charming. 

They were in a luxurious and spacious cafe with large windows offering a stunning view of the city skyline. The walls  painted in a light beige color, complementing the elegant white tablecloth and the silver cutlery laid out neatly. The room was overflowing  with natural light,  as the  warm rays of the sun made an appearance . The chairs were upholstered in cream-colored leather, adding to the opulence of the room. The centerpiece on the table was a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers in shades of pink and white, adding a delicate touch to the grandeur of the room. The room exuded a sense of sophistication and refinement, befitting the stature of the two men having breakfast.

"So, John, tell me, have you ever been to Venice?" Max asked, sipping his coffee.

John looked up from the newspaper, surprised. "Uh, no. Why do you ask?"

Max leaned in, a sly grin on his face. "Because I have a job for you, and it just so happens to take place in Venice."

John raised an eyebrow. "What kind of job?"

Max leaned back, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's just say, it involves a little bit of art and a lot of money."

John felt a knot form in his stomach. "I don't do illegal jobs, Mr. Brown."

Max waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, John, you misunderstand. This is completely legal, I assure you. I simply need someone with your expertise to help me acquire a very valuable piece of art."

John narrowed his eyes. "And why do you need me? You seem to have plenty of resources at your disposal."

Max leaned in again, his expression serious. "Because I need someone I can trust. And I believe I can trust you, John."

John's mind raced as he considered Max's offer. He knew he shouldn't trust the man, but he couldn't deny the allure of the job.

"You see, John, I have spent my entire life acquiring some of the rarest and most priceless treasures the world has ever seen," Brown began, taking a sip of his coffee. "And now, I have reached the pinnacle of my career."

John raised an eyebrow. "And what is that?"

"A diamond, John. The largest and most flawless diamond in the world," Brown said, leaning forward. "It's worth billions, and I have it."

John's eyes widened in shock. "That's... incredible. But why are you telling me this?"

Brown smirked. "Because, my boy, I need your help to keep it safe. You see, there are people out there who would do anything to get their hands on it. People like Agent Carter and your own government."

"Simple, really," Brown said, waving his hand dismissively. "I want you to take the diamond and keep it safe."

John frowned. "Why me? Why not keep it yourself?"

Brown chuckled. "Johnny boy, I have enemies everywhere. People who would kill to get their hands on that diamond. But you? You're dead. No one would suspect you of having it."

John shook his head. "I don't know, Mr. Brown. This sounds like a lot of trouble."

Brown's expression turned serious. "I assure you, John, the diamond is worth it. And I will make it worth your while as well."

"I'll think about it," he said, taking a sip of his coffee.

Max nodded understandingly. "Take your time, John. But I suggest you decide quickly. The clock is ticking."

"Can I ask you one last question?" John said.

"Of course," Max replied, dabbing his lips with a napkin.

"How did you manage to make everyone believe that I had died in an accident ?"

Max raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you're asking me that, John. You of all people should know the answer to that."

John frowned. "What do you mean?"

Max leaned forward. "I mean, John, that you and I are not so different. We both have a certain set of skills that allow us to do things that others cannot. And one of my skills is making things happen that others believe to be impossible."

John narrowed his eyes. "So you're saying you faked my death?"

Max chuckled. "I'm not saying anything, John. All I'm saying is that I have my ways of making things happen. And sometimes, those ways involve a little bit of deception."

With that, Max stood up and made his way out of the cafe, leaving John alone with his thoughts. He couldn't deny the job sounded exciting, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Max Brown was up to something.

The coffee was running cold as John sat at the small breakfast table.