The Recruit

The smell of strong coffee flavored the air with a faint hint of cherries. For the season of fall the temperature was pretty warm. Maybe it was the Central Heating Unit.

But none of it mattered to Ethan who stood inside the conference room half of his consciousness observing the outside world, while Jade her supervisor and colleague for the past year looked at the documents in front of him.

He felt the excitement which seemed a bit intimidating after such a long time. He had joined the CIA because he longed for that very excitement. He had realized it quite early that it wasn't coming, yet didn't want to let go, for two very specific reasons.

One being the pay too well for a common man. The second that he was actually helping people through it.

If social service was all he wanted to do then, it would have been more prudent to start a charity than work in an intelligence agency.

'What is it that is troubling you Ethan...? The money?... or maybe your workload?' Jade cleared her throat towards the end of the sentence, contorting her face to the raspy voice. The weather was playing its card, and her voice showed the sensitiveness to it.

But it was improving with time, a strong medicine was working its magic - Azithromycin perhaps.

All of observations and conclusions constantly played over in his subconscious mind. A habit he picked up early owing to the introverted nature of his childhood. Most of the time when people were engaged in conversations, he just listened to them deciphering patterns within like a puzzle.

When he finally had enough and started socializing, the childhood habit refused to disappear and remained embedded into his daily life. Over the years of his life as a third person, he knew what pattern a conversation followed with different type of people. All he needed to do was pick out a favorable response. This made him a very likable person even with people he spent a few minutes with.

But the woman in front of him was different.

Jade didn't look for words that pleased to her ears. She had this way of life which gave her this truth-seeking fiery personality. She was rarely stressed and made the best of her life. It was almost as if she led her life in a casual yet very calculated way.

Ethan liked to be around her quite a bit. For him she was like a mentor, and one of the reasons he stayed this long. She trusted him more than most of his friends.

'It's not about the money Jade. The pay is exceptional. For a person like me who lives alone, it's just going to rot in the account.'

'Then what is it...?'

'It's nothing you or I can do anything about. I need a more dynamic lifestyle.'

He couldn't just tell her that he was quitting this job just because he has a childlike infatuation with some adventurous life. For a fleeting moment he actually wanted to know how she would react, but just suppressed the urge.

She had enough years of experience with him to see through his empty words, but didn't prod any further.

'So that means there is nothing I can say or do to stop you huh...?'

'I wish there was...' he let the words hang in the air for a bit.

'You know you're pretty harsh...'

Ethan raised one of his eyebrows.

'How so?'

'You know that 90% of the effort I put into making you stay here is because I don't want you to leave. The rest 10% was a job obligation. And here you are leaving without a care'

At the sentence which was truth bared, his expression softened.

'So why are you letting me leave... Because it’s my right?'

'No, it’s because I want you to have a life which you can enjoy... If you have any need, I will always support you as a friend and as a mentor.'

She let out a deep sigh after realizing that Ethan was not going to budge over his decision. She didn't expect him to.

'As your supervisor, I relieve you of your duties Ethan Armstrong.'

Ethan laughed out at the scripted dialogue.

'So now what... will you treat me to your retirement?' she joked.

Ethan narrowed his eyes.

'On a note you're about 8 years older to me. I think retirement suits you more than me.'

She cringed at the jab. 'Jeez Ethan... Even I am a bit too early for retirement.'

'I'll pick you up at 8 tonight. It’s my treat. I can do as much.'

'Sounds great then... see ya. I'll cry alone in the corner.' She pouted.

He laughed.

'Save that for later tonight.'

Ethan walked out of the conference room through the lobby, his shoes giving out a characteristic 'squeak' while he walked through the polished marble.

After getting out and taking a deep breath of the earthy air, realization hit.

He had left his only job and had no idea what to do. He had enough money to live by for a good six to seven years. But he didn't leave the job to sit idle and do nothing.

* * *

The weather wasn't particularly cold, but the wind made it slightly uncomfortable.

Lily was more absorbed at the workings of her article in the phone. Her supervisor led the way while Tony and James followed her.

She wasn't exactly pleased by the way they worded her reports. Personally, she would have liked a bit more of transparency and facts than just focus on the crowd-pleasing words. But again, she was paid to deliver the news not the articles.

Unlike most beginners she had great influence over the company. Mostly due to her ability to drag out the most in a situation which were unfavorable even for seasoned journalists. She couldn't believe the offers she landed from other companies after she had delivered her maiden news report.

But money wasn't the only thing she wanted. No doubt money was important to her. But she didn't need to gruel herself for the five years she spent in New York. She wanted people to know that there was more to it than what was the end product within the TV.

The media we know now is not false. It is manipulated. There is a fine line between fake news and manipulated news. This was exactly why she detested the field she was in.

She remained in the industry because her company gave her something nobody offered. To give the headlines to one of the prime-time news pieces.

'Lily how did the meeting with the Editor in Chief go?' her supervisor Erina asked as they entered to the business dinner.

'How did you expect?' she spoke thoroughly frustrated by the conversation which ended on a sour note for both of them.

Erina laughed at the tone in her voice which slightly lightened her mood.

'You know when I was in my sophomore year, I submitted a case study which got an A.'

Lily was confused

'Can you guess the title of the case study?'

'Crazy editors?'

Erina laughed. 'Wishful thinking.'

'My case study was titled 'Books for Women and Jobs for Men.' '

'The case study depicted how most of the Journalism and Mass Communication schools have 85% women. This figure transitions to 38% by the time you reach the newsroom. What I want to point out to you is that you're expecting to dominate an area which even men do not dare to touch in a male dominated scene. I am not saying that you are to bow down to all of this. But be careful on where you tread.'

Lily appraised the words spoken by the industry expert.

'I think you misunderstood what my aim in this despised field is. I want to exploit this extremely potent field to get real information to people. I want people to know the truth... To realize that euphoria of drug masks the addiction. I could care less about who dominates the industry whose voice is heard as long as its true. I don't want the spotlight.'

Erina was momentarily taken aback by this girl who was walking a path she didn't know existed.

'You know you're like my own reflection in the sophomore year. Visions and dreams before reality. I think I forgot the purpose of journalism after the competition and spotlight took over my sights.'

'I respect you for the sweat and tears put into the position you're in right now. And your respect for the field itself.'

Erina laughed.

'That's the first time I'm hearing it from someone who means it. But I hate you because you managed to reach this level of importance in the field you 'despise'. '

Lily laughed ’I guess it’s better to be hated than be on the receiving end of fake love.'

'But I have come to like you more than the hate which is now no more than intrinsic competition.'

Lily pouted. 'It’s not fair to say that after expressing your hate.'

She picked up the menu card and frowned with outright hate at the name of the restaurant.

Erina looked at the amount of hate exuding from girl who sat across her.

'Is something wrong?'

'You know that this restaurant is owned by Oliver Fournier.'

Erina looked questioningly at Lily.

James spoke for the first time since they left the main office.

'He is a half French half English tycoon in his mid forties working in the restaurant business. His wife is also a partner in the interior decor giant La Italia. He ranked fourth richest in the business by FORBES. He focuses on lavish restaurants which suits his tastes and this is the cheapest and only franchise.'

'And why do you hate him?' Erina asked Lily.

'Most of his wealth is undisclosed which are stored overseas. All thanks to his prostitution business in the Netherlands red light district.'

Erina was shell shocked.

'He is in the safe zone for now because one of his customers is the current senator Robert Smith.'

'Did you have proof?'

'Yes, I went with the entire coverage to the Bill. Two days later he came to me and said that the opposition is not ready to pay for the news to be broadcast but to be buried which meant that...'

Erina nodded her head while finishing the statement.

'Which meant that both sides were his patron.'

An arm appeared and slowly rested on Lily's shoulders. She turned around and her face went pale at the person standing behind her.

* * *

The night was chilly even for the season.

Jade pulled her long coat tighter on herself as she waited for Ethan.

There were a lot of things she had to deal with after Ethan left. Most of it stemmed from the greatly impacted work capability of her branch. She realized how big an influence he had been in the organization. But she was known for persevering under pressure.

She wondered if she could figure out the way he saw things. Maybe observe things she does not usually find.

She looked around her to find anything suspicious.

Who am I kidding, this is Washington DC. The only eventful thing happening here is the leaves falling of branches in fall.

She looked at a group of people walking by.

Three girls and four boys. They looked from a common workplace. Maybe going out for dinner.

Following two more men walked along the street. they were dressed in thick winter clothes which made her feel a little uncomfortable for the not so cold weather. They walked straight without the exchange of any words. One of them was playing with his pocket zipper, which seemed a bit too childish for a man his age.

Maybe this was the world Ethan saw through his eyes.

She thought with a giggle.

It was intriguing and funny world once when you start thinking that way.

Just as she finished a horn sounded in her direction as Ethan stopped the car before her.

Jade got in the sedan which seemed a bit expensive for a man living alone.

'So where are you taking me?' Jade asked with a slightly excited tone.

This was her second dinner with him since he joined. First one was when she treated him at his day one. Then they both were too busy to hang out much. Though they had lunch together many times, but it wasn't for the appreciation of food, more like a break and a necessity for something to be in their stomachs.

As he started to drive she realized that these are the times

'I missed this non-workplace self of yours. I don't know much about this side either.'

Ethan laughed.

'On the contrary I feel that you are the only one who knows me as much. There are people who live in the illusion that they know me, but I guess you are one of the few people who I can enjoy my time with.'

She sighed.

'That's not what I was getting at though.'

'But that is the only thing I can tell you apart from 'let's get to know each other', which would seem a bit awkward.'

She laughed 'Since when did you start thinking about awkwardness between us?'

'Do you remember the last case that I handled?'

'The one where the number of female immigrants shot up suddenly?' Jade asked confused.

'As my parting gift I finished the case for you before I gave in the resignation letter.'

Jade was surprised.

'Thank you. I'm not used to people taking care of my work, so as a first I really appreciate it. Although it would have been better if you'd stayed rather.'

Ethan laughed as they drove into the parking. 'You don't give up until the end do you?'

Even with its lavish look the restaurant was filled with people. Jade and Ethan walked to the reception where the receptionist asked their names and Ethan gave her an ID for occupying the reservation.

'Have you come here before?' Jade asked as they were led to their table by a maître d'.

'Yes, this place is pretty famous among food critics. Its the only franchise restaurants out there which serves good food.'

'You've got give me its name. I may impress one or two of my bosses.'

'I don't think the restaurant will remain as good as it is now for long.' Ethan said as he handed her the menu.

Jade sighed. 'If you're gonna say something that's gonna make me more curious, follow up with the whole story.'

Ethan laughed. 'A little bit of curiosity always helps a conversation.'

'My last case where the female immigrants' numbers shot up, one of the main culprits was the owner of this franchise restaurant. That means when I dealt with your case, I closed it entirely.'

Jade was surprised to hear this.

'You seem to have done a thorough job. And celebrating the closing of this restaurant by the dining here...'

Jade let out a laugh.

'How dramatic do you need to be?'

'Speak of the devil.' Ethan said as he pointed out to a stout yet tall man in a tuxedo followed by two more men and approached a table.

He gently placed his arm on the shoulder of one of the occupant. She turned around and her face turned pale.

'What's wrong Lily?' Erina asked as her gaze slowly shifted from the tall figure to Lily.

James whispered to Erina in a low tone. 'He is Oliver Fournier.'

Lily formed a disgusted expression as she shrugged off from his touch.

'If I'm not mistaken you must be Lily.' he flashed a friendly smile in her direction.

Lily just frowned.

'I see you're the smart type. No wonder you were able to discover my previous endeavors.'

'We were having a company dinner and would like to discuss our headlines with some privacy. It would be prudent if you could provide us with the same. If I would call the police then it would create more problems for both of us.'

'Oh! I guess you misunderstood my intentions miss...?'

'Erina'.

'Miss Erina. I was here to just convey my thanks for bringing forth my shortcomings. It must have been a disappointment for you after all the trouble you went through to gather your precious information.'

Lily softened up after she realized all he came here was to rub salt on her wounds, which she was more or less getting used to.

'I'm sorry Monsieur Oliver, but your attempts at razzing me is useless. Generally, my conversations with the editor is way more frustrating.' she gave a cocky grin which was mirrored by Erina.

'Also, for the matter of fact I am not recording your conversation, even if I did you would render it worthless. So, I would prefer it if you could drop all the pleasantries.'

Oliver seemed flustered and taken aback by how he was entirely transparent to this girl who was barely into her adults.

'You know I would put in a good word for you to Matthew. For you to 'succeed'.' He emphasized it enough to get it through to her.

'It would be much appreciated.'

'To success!' she raised her glass to toast.

Oliver smiled as he turned back.

'You know in my line of business you would have a great worth. A lot of old people have fetishes for smart cocky girls like you.'

She felt the blood rushing to her head.

'My worth here is the same as your worth in the jail. Relevant to a fault. Also, how's business going? I feel that your pockets are turning dry since my recent look-ups for your other business is coming up blank.'

Oliver turned red with anger.

'Let me guess... drugs? Or maybe STD? Either case I pity your family.' she razzed him further.

The wine glass in his hand was visibly shaking. He took a deep breath and spoke through his teeth.

'If I were you I would stop and not come back again.'

'Unfortunately, I am not a coward like you. Seems like the 'girls' in your trade have more peace of mind than you.'

'Enough!' his shout echoed in open large hall making all eyes turn towards him.

'You're going to regret this girl. You have no idea what all I am capable of. When I received the report of your news... I gave you mercy thinking you're new in this business. If you want to be happy get out of here right this instant and do not come back ever again.'

Lily steeled her gaze.

'I am sorry Oliver but you're greatly mistaken to think that my happiness starts with you. If it wasn't supposed to be a business dinner, I would never come to this place.'

Oliver's face suddenly relaxed and turned somewhat happy which confused Lily.

'You know luck plays a huge part in the business world.'

Lily followed his gaze to see the news director walking towards her table.

'Hello Mr. Matthew.'

'Hello Monsieur Oliver. I heard you voice and came wondering what was going on.'

'This girl sitting here has been constantly trying to undermine my status in front of my own customers. I believe she is your employee.'

Matthew gave a slight annoyed glance in the direction of Lily.

'Yes, Monsieur Oliver. I apologize in her stead.'

'I would like you to put her on a leash. She might bring us 'both' down one day.'

Matthew felt the quotation marks in his words.

He turned to Lily with anger evident in his eyes.

'Its my deep regret that you came across her. What has she done this time.'

'She just accused me of using drugs while undermining the name of my restaurants.'

'How much of this is true?' Matthew turned to Lily.

'Does it matter? Since, when have you looked at the truth?'

He smiled. 'Lily, I am putting you on a month of probation.'

'Probation? Is that your idea of punishment?' she smirked to which his mouth twitched.

She could take that any day for insulting the piece of shit that was standing in front of her.

'Following which you will be assigned to meteorological department as long as you work here. Which is probably the culmination of your talent.'

Lily was dumbfounded. But it was something she had come to expect with the way her behaviour had been at the company.

'Its not what I signed up for. You can't just stand there and send me off to an entirely different job without any procedure.' she knew it was inconsequential but she had to try.

'Lily this is the best I can offer you, the pay is more with a training period that is too short for the job. You can return as the journalist once things calm down a little. If you are still adamant about your position, then you can go look for another job.'

With Matthew's steely gaze it was clear that he meant it.

Lily sighed.

'I don't think you are going to budge anytime soon. I wish you would have a bit more balls to stand up to people like him. But since you're not capable of that I will take you up on that offer.'

Lily stood up taking her bag and her coat.

Matthews was fairly surprised for her to give in this easily, not that the words she said didn't sting. He hated his job the most in this context, having to undermine his staff in front of other people.

'Take care Erina. I wished you were my boss longer.'

The words hurt slightly as she had come to like Lily quite a bit.

'You don't need to leave. It’s still a company dinner.' Matthew felt slightly bad for her.

'You seem to have misunderstood Matthew. When I said I was taking you up on that offer, I meant the offer of looking for a new job.'

Matthew looked at her unbelievably.

Erina let out a laugh. 'You planned for him to ask you that didn't you?'

Lily gave a wry grin following which he turned to Matthew.

'Mark my words you will regret doing this to me.'

'Will I?' Matthew challenged her. 'You see your skills are no good unless you find the relevant news. I don't think I will regret you going to another company. It would benefit the company enough to make me appreciate it.'

She turned to Oliver.

'One day I will bring this old man down.' she grinned confidently while turning to Matthew.

'And I don't think your company is getting off unscathed after that. Your funding will stop from this guy.' She pointed to Oliver. ' The big government names would try to clear their name. And in the process, they wouldn't spare a second thought when they will want to turn the attention to how a news agency was trying to cover him up. It would turn your agency into an accomplice and other agencies would be happy and paid to do so by the same senators you're getting paid by now.

That's media manipulation. You of all know best how it works right? That's when you will regret it.'

The way the conversation went. Matthew was regretting his actions extremely.

He knew that bringing Oliver down would not be any child's play or she would have done it already. But for the period she had worked in the office she never bluffed. She had something. Some lead that would definitely bring him down.

He was about to apologize to Lily and give her position back when another hand reached his shoulder.

'That won't be necessary.'

Matthew looked at the fairly tall man with pitch black hair and striking blue eyes which held determination of young blood.

'I am agent Ethan Armstrong CIA and this is agent Jade.' he pointed to the woman beside him who seemed a bit confused.

'Do you have something to do with me?' Matthew asked surprised.

'No as a matter of fact, I overheard the conversation happening with this young lady here.' He pointed to Lily. Who herself was confused. Ethan turned to Oliver who was watching all of this wide eyed.

'We are here to detain Oliver Fournier on the suspicion of running a prostitution racket spanning 50 million dollars in illegal currency.'

'Come again!?!' Oliver asked in an incredulous voice.

'Monsieur Oliver we need you to come with us. If you resist or become violent, we will be forced to add charges. Anything you say now may be used against you, and you have the right to remain silent.'

'You are making a mistake! I can get you in touch with Senator Robert O' Neil. He can explain to you what all is happening.'

Ethan lowered his voice to a whisper as he pushed him down while Jade cuffed him.

'I just said whatever you say will be used against you. Do you seriously think he will help you after you just took his name?'

The color left his face as reality hit.

'You can't do all this in my restaurant without a warrant.'

'This is not an arrest, we are detaining you. Also, this is not your restaurant anymore, you company has filed for bankruptcy and this is now your respective bank's property.'

'What?!?'

After he was cuffed, Ethan turned to Lily.

'Lily was it?' she nodded slightly after being dazed for a short moment.

'We would like you to come with us. We just need to ask a few questions. And you would be free to go.'

Jade held her breath as the four of them slowly walked out of the restaurant while a police car waited outside which they had requested earlier.

'Don't be so tense.' Ethan smiled towards Jade who was a bit on the edge of her nerve.

'You're an absolute monster when it comes to working stuff, yet you haven't bothered to learn the Miranda Rights?'

Ethan laughed.

'I said I completed my final case before leaving right... This is the final case. You'll find all the evidence in my records. It will be a piece of cake for you.' hearing which she relaxed a little.

She was worried of the repercussions he might face for the actions he has taken by pretending as a law enforcement agent after leaving his job. But she relaxed a little after realizing that he wasn't the type to bring trouble upon himself.

'That's not what I'm worried about. You just managed to ruin your last dinner date with me.'

Ethan winced slightly.

'Not the last. Don't worry I'll make up for it.'

'You better do.' she threatened while Ethan nodded with a smile.

He turned to Lily.

'You are coming with me.'

'Where are you taking me?' she demanded.

'Dinner, since you haven't had an appetizing one today.' Ethan said with a confident smile.

'Huh?!'

'Trust me you won’t regret it.' Ethan said as he walked towards his car.

Lily was internally making a choice, whether to follow him or make a run for it.

'Don't try to run. You are wearing the wrong footwear. All you would do is give yourself a sprain.'

'What?!' she wondered for a moment whether he could read her mind before dropping the ridiculous possibility.

'How did you...'

'Figure it out? I will tell you if you follow me.' Ethan said indifferently as they reached his car and opened the door for her.

she stood there now adamant.

'If you tell me now I will come with you.'

Ethan was slightly amused.

Generally, people would refuse in such a situation. But this girl is ready to get into a stranger's car just due to her curiosity.

'What's funny?' she asked.

'You already know that I am not a CIA agent. But you know that Jade is a CIA agent. Which made you curious as to why I was pretending to be one. I was a bit too good to be an imitator. So, you guessed I am a former CIA agent. Which is true. Your basic survival instinct that I may be a creep and your curiosity as to who was I and what did I want made you contemplate running away or following me. That is how I figured it out.'

Lily stood there and listened to the explanation as her mouth fell open.

'You-'

'read the rights wrong. I know.' he finished

'I want to recruit you for a job. Your dream job where no one censors your content, no one rejects it, you are free to do whatever you want to do with the news you found.

So, unless you want to get back in that company or any of the like where you would be pushed around for ridiculous reasons... get in.'

Lily looked at him incredulously, gave out a short laugh before getting in the car.

I must be crazy to think that this is going to work.

Ethan got in and started driving.

'So why are you doing this for me?' she asked as he drove.

'I was looking for a job. And I thought why not create one? And I was slightly impressed by your stand earlier. And I assumed you would be the best one as my first recruit.'

Lily cringed at the word recruit.

'So why did you leave your job?' she asked.

'I was bored.' Ethan put it out bluntly

'That would have been funny if not for the situation.' she let out a smile.

'How long were you in the CIA?'

'Probably two to three years. They had me in training in my early college.'

'So that means you are what... 26 years old?'

'Almost 27 this December.'

'That is one of the most daring moves I have ever seen someone do. Leave the job just like that at a young age.'

'You shouldn't be the one to say that. we're not both so different.' he smiled as he pulled into the driveway of another restaurant.

'Well. I had no choice. I won't do something I don't want to do. It’s as simple.'

'Same here.' he said as he got out of the car and came around to open her door.

'Daring suits, you more than it suits me. Leaving your job in your prime status, picking a fight with a business tycoon, and finally out to dinner with an ex-CIA who is currently jobless.'

'More reason to drink.' she said as Ethan held the door open for her.

Ethan laughed.

'A table for two. get us somewhere private.' he handed a twenty to the maître d'.

'Follow me.' he said as he led them towards a cabin room at the right end of the restaurant.

'Did an ex-CIA bribe someone.'

Ethan laughed.

'I don't want ears and eyes to this conversation. Because if you accept or refuse the job offer, I am getting into some dangerous stuff… and this is where it all starts.'

Lily felt a little tingle down the spine. The same feeling when she was at her first investigation ever. The slight adrenaline rush was what was driving her forward.

And now the gut feeling that this mysterious man might actually get her the dream she yearned.

With a deep breath she tied up her light chestnut hair and walked into an unknown territory with the conviction of a lioness.