Page 31 of Saved by my Baby Daddy Spy
“Good,” Eli applauds me. “Why are you showing yourself now?”
“I decided that saving the world doesn’t pay the bills.”
“Good. Don’t forget the phrase that your contact should use,” he adds.
As the conversation concludes, I end the call and let my gaze linger on the pavement. I sit on a bench out in the open. It’s probably going to be another disappointing assignment but something tells me that today will be different.
I take in the beautiful scenery of the streets, the restaurants and numerous people who walk the streets. I see couples hold hands and my mind drifts back to Hannah. She probably hates me right now and I’d totally understand why.
I glance at my watch and realize my contact is late, I contemplate my options and decide to wait a little longer. I feel uneasy, someone is watching me. The rapidly descending sun doesn’t make matters much better.. I have to get out of here.
“Hello there,” A voice erupts beside me and I look up to find the source of greeting. I see a distinguished figure, his white hair catching the sunlight like a silvery crown. The man wears glasses that frame keen eyes, the kind that have witnessed years of both history and intrigue. His clothes exude a mysterious yet elegant air, blending quite well with the beautiful city of Florence.
The man extends a hand, and as our palms meet in a firm shake, there is a depth to his eyes that suggests a wealth of experiences.
. "I am Vladimir," he introduces himself, his accent carrying the cadence of a life steeped in international affairs.
Vladimir Mikhailov, with an enigmatic smile playing on his lips, gestures toward the Arno River below. "A city rich in history, is it not?" he remarks, his gaze sweeping over the iconic landmarks that tell tales of bygone eras. I get the impression that this meeting is about more than just pleasantries because of the nuanced weight of his remarks. Is he the contact? Nobody said anything about a Russian mafia contact and I am really uneasy about this.
“I love this city, it’s a very good vacation spot. Don’t you agree?” he asks with a wide grin on his face. I reply him with a soft nod.
“You don’t talk much, do you?”
“My mother always told me not to talk to strangers,” I reply casually and he bursts into laughter.
“I don’t disagree with your mother but in Russia we have a saying. Fortune favors the bold,” he smiles.
“Audentes Fortuna iuvat. It’s Latin, not Russian and it doesn’t relate to what I said.”
“Oh it does,” he says as he adjusts his suit and sits down beside me. “You have something that I want, something I have tried to get for a very long time. I shouldn’t be out in the open like this but you have forced my hand.”
“I don’t understand what you are talking about,” I say tersely as I prepare to take my leave.
“I won’t do that if I were you.” he says and I notice a small red dot on the center of my shirt. He has a sniper on me.
“I don’t have what you want man. I’m just an American tourist trying to enjoy my vacation.
“Why don’t we uhm… How do you Americans say it again? Cut the bullshit. I know who you are Holden, I know everything about you. I kept a close eye on Richard, do you think I won’t know everything about his boys?” He laughs.
“What do you know about my father?” I ask, trying to calm the rage building inside me.
“I know that he didn’t have to die. He was a great man but he crossed the line.”
“You killed him?” I clench my fist.
“An accident killed him, I simply caused the accident.” he laughs.
I stand up and all I can think of is killing this man, tearing him from limb to limb, punishing him in the most gruesome way I can think of but even that will be too merciful.
I try to think of my options but they are all clouded by anger.
“Hand over the drive, do not be like your father.”
“Here it is,” I remove the drive from my pocket and throw it at him.
“This is fake. You can’t trick me,” he scowls.
“It’s government property, do you think I’ll be walking around with something that valuable in my jean pocket?”
