Chapter 22: Informant
The aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans enveloped me as I stepped into my cherished café. Scanning the empty tables, I realized I had arrived ahead of schedule; our meeting was set for eight thirty, and my watch indicated it was only eight past ten. Summoning the waiter, who promptly made his way over to assist.
"I'll have one espresso and a croissant, please!" I politely ordered.
After jotting down my requests, the waiter inquired, "Will there be anything else?"
I shook my head in response and declined. The waiter then proceeded to the counter, handing over my order to the barista and the service crew. Meanwhile, I grabbed a newspaper from the stand, hoping for something of interest. Unfortunately, the headlines failed to capture my attention.
As I flipped through the pages, finding nothing engaging, I set the newspaper aside just as the waiter returned with my espresso and croissant. Savoring the rich aroma of coffee, I glanced out the window and spotted Bruce and his friends hurrying toward our agreed meeting spot.
Their surprise at seeing me inside the cafe was evident. Bruce, appearing flustered, gestured for his friends to hasten their pace, and they hurried to join me.
Bruce then made a request, asking if his friends could join my team. He explained his intention to bring along at least four former colleagues. "We're terribly sorry!" Bruce apologized breathlessly as he caught his breath.
I rose calmly from my seat and reassured them, "It's alright, please, take a seat."
Bruce and his friends complied, settling into chairs across from me, their expressions tense. "We apologize for our tardiness, sir! Chico delayed his breakfast, and we had to coax him along." one of Bruce's friends explained hurriedly.
"There's truly no need to worry. I'm in no rush." I replied with a reassuring smile, dismissing their lateness.
"By the way, sir, allow me to introduce my friends to you, along with their credentials." Bruce said, turning to the four individuals with him.
His friends promptly presented their papers and cover letters. Bruce quickly organized them before passing them to me. "Sir, you can rely on these individuals. Their skills are invaluable." he assured me earnestly.
Nodding thoughtfully, I began to review the qualifications of the first applicant on the list...
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Name: Wilson K. Ludwig
Age: 29
Sex: Male
Address: Ninth Saint Street, Baltimore Town, Canesville
Occupational Background
Employer: Black Wolves PMC
Role: Engineer and Cyber-security Expert
Specialty: Explosives, EOD, Hacking, Cyber security
Tenure: 4/22/2095 - 1/11/2103
Employer: Haven Ground Forces
Rank on Dismissal/Retirement: 2nd Lieutenant
Role: Combat Engineer
Specialty: Explosives, EOD, CQC
Tenure: 1/15/2089 - 7/12/2092
Educational Background
….
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I carefully scrutinized Ludwig's countenance, searching for any imperfection or impediment that might hinder his ability to work effectively for me. Finding none, I placed his cover letter on my right side, indicating my acceptance of him into my team.
Turning my attention to the remaining candidates, I was underwhelmed by the last one, identified as Chico by Bruce. Despite his youthful appearance, he appeared lacking in potential. Sensing my reluctance, Bruce attempted to advocate for Chico. Sensing the tension, I motioned for the other candidates to step away, leaving Bruce and me alone at the table.
"Sir, I implore you, please consider Chico..." Bruce pleaded earnestly, making his case for Chico's inclusion.
With a regretful shake of my head, I replied, "I'm sorry, but I don't see a role for him."
Bruce persisted, insisting, "He has potential, sir! Despite his lack of confidence, he's hardworking."
Observing Chico's demeanor, which seemed timid and uncertain, I shook my head once more. "No, he's not suitable."
"Sir, I'll resign if Chico isn't hired. Please, reconsider!" Bruce's plea was desperate.
Realizing the importance of retaining Bruce due to his skills and experience, I pondered the situation further and revisited Chico's cover letter...
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Name: Chico B. Rodriguez
Age: 25
Sex: Male
Address: Palermo Heights, Fuentes, Taroma
Occupational Background
Employer: Black Wolves PMC
Role: Survival Expert, Chef, Scout
Specialty: SERE, Scouting, Cooking, Survival
Tenure: 9/24/2099 - 1/11/2101
Employer: Taroma Geographical Defense Unit
Rank on Dismissal/Retirement: Corporal
Role: Scout
Specialty: SERE, Scouting, Survival
Tenure: 1/15/2090 - 7/12/2094
Educational Background....
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Upon reconsideration, I decided to offer Chico a chance, recognizing the value of individuals with strong survival skills, which my team lacked. Closing Chico's folder, I placed it among my new hires and extended my hand for a handshake, which he accepted eagerly.
"Thank you, sir. I'll make sure he proves himself." Bruce said gratefully.
After bidding farewell following the interview, we went our separate ways. Gathering the candidates' cover letters into my briefcase, I prepared to head home when I recalled a previous phone call.
"Quite the informant," I muttered to myself, scrolling through my contacts and dialing the number. Glancing at my watch, I noted it was almost ten o'clock.
The phone rang thrice before disconnecting. Redialing, I encountered the same outcome. Persisting, I dialed once more, finally connecting with a deep-voiced individual.
"It's you. Shayne McLane?" the voice identified.
Confirming my identity, I replied, "Yes, it is."
"We're short on time! There's a crucial package arriving at Telmnac Train Station. All I know is it's vital to Triton Corps." the voice relayed urgently.
Curious, I inquired, "Why help me?"
"We share common goals," came the cryptic response.
Sighing, I retorted, "If our goals align, why the secrecy?"
With the call abruptly ending, I was left with more questions than answers. Suddenly, an unfamiliar SMS arrived, containing details about the Triton PMC package. Intrigued, I examined it closely.
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Unknown
Text Message
03-24-2107, 10:22 AM
This message serves as a notification that a crucial package is scheduled for delivery to Triton PMC. It contains classified cargo and strict security measures must be implemented to safeguard it. We trust in your diligence to prevent any mishaps and ensure the cargo's safe arrival.
- Telmnac Security Manager
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I never expected this individual to possess such adept hacking skills and a knack for gathering information. Whoever they were, their efforts deserved commendation. After perusing the text message, I noticed an attachment had been sent to my email. Marking the email as read, I promptly dialed Elanor's number.
"Good day, Mr. Shayne. How may I assist you?" Elanor's courteous greeting resonated through the line.
Glancing at my watch, I chuckled slightly before replying, "Actually, I could use some assistance with manpower management."
"I see... You've encountered an unexpected addition to your team?" Elanor inquired.
"You could say that." I responded.
Elanor let out a sigh before saying, "It's alright, Mr. Shayne. Please forward their cover letters to me, and I'll take care of the arrangements."
"Thank you!" I expressed gratitude for her prompt assistance.
Before I could end the call, Elanor interjected, "I noticed you have an appointment in ten minutes, sir. Would you like me to reschedule it?"
"Please, postpone it by twenty minutes. I have some matters to attend to," I instructed.
"Understood, sir. Thank you for letting me know," Elanor concluded, ending the call.
I continued on my way to my next destination. I am headed to Alison's office in the city. Outside his office, many cars were lining up. His customers were from well-known backgrounds and needed the private investigation services of his company. I was looking for him outside of the office but he was not there.
Entering his office, a familiar voice greeted me with warmth and familiarity. Alison, was comfortably seated in his favorite spot, a leather chair that seemed to have molded itself to his form over the years. His two employees, dedicated and focused, were diligently working away at their respective tasks, the soft hum of their computers filling the room with a sense of productivity.
"Hey there, Shayne! What brings you by today?" Alison's jovial tone filled the room as he spotted me.
"The usual!" I replied, handing him my phone.
Glancing at the screen, he quipped, "We don't trade in cellphones here, just dignity!"
I chuckled, firing back, "You won't be getting mine!"
Our laughter echoed for a moment, bouncing off the walls of the office and mingling with the soft hum of the air conditioning, creating a brief but welcome interlude of camaraderie before we refocused our attention on the task at hand.
"Need me to dig into this number for you?" Alison offered.
I nodded, confirming, "Yes, please."
"Just a heads up," Alison began, leaning forward slightly with a hint of seriousness in his tone, "there's no guarantee of findings. But if there's even the slightest lead, you can count on us to chase it down relentlessly, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of the truth. So, are you still game to proceed with this?" he asked, his eyes reflecting determination and commitment to the task at hand.
I agreed, inquiring about the cost.
"For you, a final offer of 15 thousand. Sound good?" Alison proposed.
"Yes!" I replied, transferring the amount from my electronic wallet.
"We'll give it our best shot. Should take us no more than three days," Alison assured.
Fifteen thousand wasn't an insignificant sum, even with the discount. But knowing Alison's capabilities, I had confidence he'd unearth the information I needed.