The Spy

Chapter 36

John returned from his morning run and as he entered the airbnb, he noticed a large package sitting on the kitchen table. He walked towards it and upon closer inspection, he realized that it was the Mona Lisa.

Mr. Rodriguez had come through on his promise. John opened the package to make sure it was the real Mona Lisa and not a fake one, as he had learned not to trust anyone in this situation.

As he examined the painting, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over him. He remembered his earlier monologue about the painting being cursed and wondered if this exchange would lead to more trouble.

John shook his head, trying to dispel these thoughts. He had to focus on the task at hand, saving Isabella and Sofia. He quickly put the painting away in a safe spot and went to the kitchen to start making breakfast.

However, as he opened the fridge, he realized that he had forgotten to buy groceries. The fridge was practically empty except for a bottle of water. He sighed, realizing that he had to go grocery shopping.

John quickly put on his shoes and headed back out.

Finally, he arrived back at the airbnb with a full grocery bag. He put away the groceries and started cooking breakfast, trying to focus on the task at hand and not let his worries consume him.

As he cooked, he couldn't help but glance over at the Mona Lisa, still feeling a sense of unease. 

^^^

John's heart sank as he read the text from Alex. He had been hoping for good news but it seemed like he was back to square one. He sighed and put his phone back on the kitchen counter.

Just then, he heard a knock on the door. He hesitated for a moment before going to answer it. When he opened the door, he found a man in a suit standing outside.

"Mr. Westwood?" the man asked.

"Yes, that's me," John replied.

"I have a delivery for you," the man said, holding out a small package.

John took the package and examined it. It was small and rectangular, wrapped in brown paper.

"Do you know who sent this?" he asked the delivery man.

"I'm sorry, sir. I was just told to deliver it to you," the man said before turning and walking away.

John closed the door and tore open the package. Inside, he found a note written in messy handwriting.

It read: "Meet me at the corner of 5th and Vine at noon. Come alone."

John's heart raced as he read the note. Could it be Jerry? Was he finally going to get Isabella back? He had to find out.

He quickly got dressed and left the airbnb, making his way to the specified location. As he walked, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

When he arrived at the corner of 5th and Vine, he saw a man standing there. It wasn't Jerry, but someone he recognized all too well.

"Max," John said, his voice filled with anger.

"John," Max replied, a smirk on his face.

"What do you want?" John demanded.

"I heard about Isabella," Max said, his tone serious. "I'm sorry John."

"Cut the crap, Max. What do you really want?" John asked, not buying the sympathy act.

Max sighed. "Look, John, I know we've had our differences in the past. But I swear , I'm here to help you."

John raised an eyebrow. "Help me? Why would you do that?"

"Because Sofia is my daughter too, John. And if there's anything I can do to help her, I will," Max said, his voice filled with conviction.

John hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, Max. But I'm warning you, if you try anything with me, I won't hesitate to take you down."

"I understand," Max said, holding out his hand. "Truce?"

John shook his hand. "Truce."

^^^

John picked up his phone as it rang, recognizing Jerry's number. He hesitated for a moment before answering, unsure of what Jerry might say.

"Hello?" John said, trying to sound as calm as possible.

"Hey, John. I hope you got my message. We're gonna do the exchange in Florida," Jerry said, sounding excited.

John paused for a moment, trying to process the information. "Florida? Why Florida?" he asked.

"It's the perfect place, John. No one's gonna be looking for us there. Plus, I've got a guy who can help us out," Jerry replied.

John thought for a moment. He didn't like the idea of leaving Argentina, but he knew he had to do whatever it took to get Isabella back. "Okay, I'll meet you there. When?" he asked.

"Tomorrow afternoon. I'll text you the location. And John," Jerry said, his voice turning serious. "Don't try anything stupid. Bring the Mona Lisa and no tricks."

John swallowed hard. He didn't like the sound of that, but he knew he had no other choice. "I won't," he said before hanging up.

"That was Jerry on the phone," John said, "He wants me to meet him in Florida."

Max's expression changed from apathy to concern. "Why? What does he want?"

"He wants to do the exchange there," John explained, "Isabella for the Mona Lisa."

Max stood up from the couch. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"I don't have any other choice," John said with a sigh, "I have to do whatever it takes to get Isabella back."

Max nodded slowly, understanding John's predicament. "Okay, I'll come with you."

John thought for a moment. "You have a private plane, right?"

Max nodded. "Yeah, I do. It would save us a lot of time."

John considered the offer. He wasn't thrilled about spending more time with Max, but he couldn't deny that having a private plane would be helpful. "Alright, you can come with me."

Max grinned. "Great. Let's go."

John finished packing his bag and they headed to the airport. Max's plane was waiting for them on the runway, and they quickly boarded.