It had been almost a week since Ludlow bought his first car. He embarked on a six-day adventure, staying in motels across the country. On the seventh day, he stumbled upon a building for sale—a perfect replica of one he had seen during his final mission.
It was a lodging house. During his last mission, the target had been located in a similar establishment, using the lodgers as hostages.
Ludlow, orphaned and driven by a deep empathy for children, found himself prioritizing their safety over his mission objectives. Their vulnerability reminded him of his own past, a time when he too had yearned for protection and support.
"Interested in buying this building?" an older man asked Ludlow, noticing his contemplative gaze fixed on the property.
"..."
"You've been staring at it for quite some time," the man remarked, breaking the awkward silence.
"Are you the owner?" Ludlow finally responded.
"Well, technically yes," the old man replied.
"What does that mean?"
"The previous owner left it with me before he disappeared. He was quite a peculiar fellow, much like yourself."
"..."
"I didn't mean any offense," the old man quickly added, sensing Ludlow's hesitation.
"How much is it?" Ludlow inquired.
"So quickly decided? Well, it's not exactly for sale. The owner had a peculiar request."
"What kind of request?"
"He wants to give it away for free, but with a condition—it must remain a lodging house."
"Forever?"
"Something like that. He spoke of wanting others to continue his legacy."
"Why?"
"I'm not sure. That's all he mentioned in the message he left."
"A rather unusual request for such a low price."
"Additionally, he wants the manager to charge below market rates for lodging."
"That shouldn't be a problem."
"You're taking it then?"
"Yes."
"Well, I thought I might pass away before finding someone willing," the old man chuckled softly.
"Could I stay in the house tonight?"
"Right now? You could, but it's been abandoned for a while. It might not be in the best condition."
"I don't mind roughing it," Ludlow replied calmly.
"Go ahead then. The key is under the red 'home' mat by the door. I'll gather the paperwork for you."
"Thank you."
With that, the old man departed, leaving Ludlow to approach the door. He lifted the red mat, revealing the key, and unlocked the door with a sense of anticipation.
As Ludlow stepped inside, he was struck by the uncanny resemblance between the interior and the one from his past mission. It was as if this place shared the same owner.
Making his way directly to the final room, reminiscent of where he had found the children held hostage, Ludlow noticed the familiar layout—the beds, the bathroom—all eerily identical.
YOU ARE READING
Retired Agent Opens a Cozy Lodging
AçãoLudlow Loures, retired top agent known as UCASI 1, retires to run a quiet lodging in Japan after fleeing his home country to escape his past. He soon discovers that retirement may not be as peaceful or boring as he had hoped. Ludlow must dust off h...
