0.5

"Ah, Ethan. Long time no see, hmm?"

The brunette let out a bored sigh, leaning back against the couch he was seated on. He gazed at the man seated across him through strands of his dark brown hair, his green eyes cold, as usual.

"What is it, Ian? Why did you call me here so early? My last job was two weeks ago," he said, holding up two fingers. "I'm not supposed to have any business with you until next month."

The older male—Ian—let out a nervous laugh. "Yes, Ethan, I know. I apologize deeply. Something came up. Something I'm afraid only you have the ability to take care of."

Ethan's brow raised in curiosity. "Only me, you say?" He hummed, sitting up. "Well, if that's the case, it must be something very serious. . . if it's not, I advise you to let me go home, Ian. I'm a busy man, and I don't like having my time wasted, or being disappointed."

Ian shook his head, reaching over and picking up the file that had been on the coffee table in front of him.

"No, I assure you; it's serious. But. . . I might have been lying when I said only you can handle it."

Ethan clicked his tongue in irritation. He opened his mouth to speak, but was promptly silenced by Ian.

"However," the man continued. "I believe you are the only one who *should* handle it.

Ethan blinked in confusion, perfectly shaped brows furrowing. "What? Should? Why?"

Ian smiled, simply handing Ethan the file. Immediately, the younger male opened it, pulling out the first of its contents: a sheet of paper and a photograph attached to it.

He remained silent as he read the words on the page, examined the face in the photograph, and then read the words again.

When he was finished, his fist was clenched so tight that his long fingernails dug into the skin of his palm, and his face was red from pure rage.

He looked back at Ian's now smiling face.

"Wipe that smug look off your face, you bastard," he growled, this statement only earning an even wider smile from Ian.

"Will you take the job?" Ian asked, cocking his head slightly in curiosity.

Ethan's answer came immediately.

"Yes."