Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 58:A Date?(perhaps)

Ethan summoned Vinnie "The Shadow," his top operative, into his office.

"Vinnie, I need you to put on your best spy hat and trail Alexander," Ethan ordered, his voice low and serious.

Vinnie's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Target?"

"Alexander himself," Ethan replied, his expression stern.

Vinnie raised an eyebrow.

"The king? What's going on? Did he steal your lunch from the fridge again?"

Ethan rolled his eyes.

"No, Vinnie. This is serious. Alexander's got a 'personal' life, and I want to know who's behind it."

Vinnie whistled.

"Amelia, huh? Sounds like a job for me. I'll put on my Sherlock Holmes hat and get to the bottom of this."

Ethan's gaze narrowed.

"Keep it quiet, Vinnie. Alexander's paranoid. And don't blow your cover. We can't have him thinking we're spying on him."

Vinnie grinned.

"Don't worry, boss. I'll be a ghost. Or better yet, a nerdy librarian with a bad mustache."

Vinnie transformed into "Nerdy Norman," complete with fake glasses, mustache, and a pocket protector.

Ethan chuckled.

"Perfect disguise. Now go spy on your king and find out who's making him smile."

Vinnie saluted.

"Mission 'Alexander's Secret' has begun. I'll report back with intel."

Trailing Alexander to Bella Vita restaurant, Vinnie reported:

"Boss, Alexander's meeting Amelia tonight. And get this – he's wearing a tie. A tie! Our king's gone soft."

Ethan's eyes lit up.

"Get Amelia's details. Now. I want to know everything about this woman."

Vinnie nodded.

"Already on it... Alexander's smiling all day. I've never seen him like this. He's practically skipping."

Ethan scowled.

"That's not our Alexander. Something's fishy. Find out if Amelia's got a hidden agenda."

Vinnie chuckled.

"Love's got him hooked, Ethan. You're worried about nothing. Maybe Alexander's just found his queen."

Ethan's expression darkened.

"Love? In our line of work? That's a liability. We can't have our king compromised."

Vinnie shrugged.

"Maybe Alexander's found his weakness. Or maybe he's just happy for once."

Ethan's eyes flashed.

"Find out everything about Amelia. Before it's too late. And Vinnie?"

"Yes, boss?"

"Don't get too close. We don't want Alexander to suspect a thing."

Vinnie snickered.

"Got it, boss. I'll keep my distance. But if Alexander starts singing love ballads, I'm outta here."

Ethan's voice turned menacing.

"Vinnie, focus. Or you'll sleep with the fishes."

Vinnie straightened.