Gods and Monsters

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Jack Canterbury's office - Quantum Technologies London HQ, London

Black blinds covered the office windows as Jack sat at his desk, only a small lamp illuminating the room as he wrote up the days events. It had been a hobby of Jack's since he was in his early twenties. Of course, he had to avoid writing about some of a more illicit activities that he took part in, however, what he did write was an interesting mix of fact and fiction which even Jack himself couldn't tell apart anymore over thirty years later. As the golden pen hit paper once again, a knock on the glass door interrupted Jack, however he waved his visitor in, not moving his eyes from the paper on the desk.

Dominic Cross, Jack's most loyal assistant and arguably the closest thing he had to a friend, entered the room taking his place next to the leather chair opposite his boss. Dominic's face was framed by a pair of horn-rimmed glasses which balanced on two large ears. His chocolate hair was the perfect length, parted on the left side, his features classical patrician, almost too handsome, like something crafted in porcelain. "Sir, Number Two has arrived for debriefing."

"Thank you, Dominic." Jack said. "Is the situation with Mr Philips resolved?"

"Yes. He has been...dealt with. Mr Philips will no longer be an issue for us." Dominic pushed his glasses slightly further up his nose. "I also have an update on the situation with Number Nine. Number Four has

made contact and is continuing to provide updates, however they do not have any substantial information yet."

Making a noise that signalled that he had acknowledged Dominic's contribution to their meeting, Jack gestured for Number Two to enter the room. The towering figure walked over to the desk, standing on the opposite side of the chair to Dominic.

"Mr Callaghan," Jack said, finally looking up to greet Number Two. "Mr Cross has informed me that your operation with Flight 616 was a success. Congratulations.

Butch smiled slightly before regaining his composure. "Thank you, Sir. It was a pleasure to get out in the field again."

"You will need to stay in our safe house in the Maldives for a while. Our new friends in the police are likely becoming aware of your involvement today and I'd like you to stay low until this all blows over. I'm sure you understand."

Butch responded with a slow nod, slightly disappointed that it would likely be a few more months before he could return to the field, but the Maldives didn't sound too bad this time of year.

Jack asked. "And what of Mr Cleverley?"

"His body was recovered by our operatives in the ambulance service just seven minutes after his death."

Jack finally cracked a smile, placing the golden pen in the pot to the side. "Good, good. Take Anton for interrogation." He waved the two gentlemen out of the room, turning back to face the window as the blinds raised revealing the night-time skyline of London.

To be Continued...