Chapter 613: The common property of the bastard trio.

The studio resembled an ancient Roman underground fortress, with a grand bathing pool at its heart.

Martin, clad in a sleek black suit, gestured to Bruce from the rest area. "Nolan's knack for behind-the-scenes hype is worth emulating," he whispered.

Bruce, ever candid, replied, "Chad lacks Nolan's finesse. Nolan can spin tales from thin air, but Chad's not cut from the same cloth."

Martin nodded thoughtfully. "Keep it in mind. This tidbit might spice up our pre-release buzz. Just don't jot it down in your notebook."

Bruce smirked, tapping his temple. "My memory's sharper than a pencil."

Too lazy to argue, Martin changed the subject. "During 'John Wick 2', Leo, Jack, and I had a hunch about a Russian spy among us, posing a threat to the States. We're on the hunt."

Bruce cautioned, "It's only useful if we actually find the spy."

"Exactly," Martin agreed. "First, we need to identify the spy and discern her intentions."

Meanwhile, Nicholson and Leonardo observed the set, their focus fixed on Marina Alexandrova, elegantly attired.

"Martin's got an eye for talent," Leonardo remarked. "This Russian woman's more than just a pretty face; she's got depth."

Nicholson, sunglasses concealing his eyes, concurred. "Like Martin, he's got a thing for extraordinary women."

Leonardo pressed, "Any leads?"

Nicholson shook his head. "Not yet."

"Can you handle it?" Leonardo questioned.

Nicholson lifted his sunglasses. "Don't doubt Detective Jack's prowess. If anyone can uncover the swallow, it's me!"

He emphasized, "Detective Jack - Nicholson!"

Leonardo reminded him, "There are only two suspects."

Nicholson fell silent as Martin and Marina entered the set, signaling the start of filming.

Following Chad's directives, the scene was marked, and filming commenced.

Martin, armed, entered the hall. After a brief exchange, Marina disrobed, feigned self-harm, and submerged herself in the bath, portraying a suicide.

A crimson tide engulfed her.

With a single shot, Martin turned away.

After just one take, the extended shot was greenlit.

Marina's performance transcended the realm of mere props.

"Cut!" Chad called out. "That's a wrap!"

As Marina emerged from the bath in a bikini, a blanket was draped over her.

She glanced at Martin, asking softly, "Was it alright?"

"Not bad," Martin replied, urging her to take a hot bath before further discussion.

With three scenes to go, Marina's downtime was brief.

As the crew transitioned, Martin, firearm in hand, meticulously inspected it, preparing for the ensuing action sequence.

As Martin made final preparations, Marina returned to the set after freshening up.

Martin's interest piqued, he handed Marina a Glock pistol with an empty magazine. "Want to give it a try?"

Marina accepted the firearm, her grip uncertain. It was evident she wasn't accustomed to handling guns.

Meanwhile, Nicholson and Leonardo joined Martin. One toyed with an AR, the other inspected a Berneri shotgun.

Noticing Marina's unfamiliarity, Martin inquired, "Never handled a gun before? Thought there were plenty in Russia."

"I played with my father's pistol as a child. He was a Soviet officer," Marina explained. "But I was too young to remember much. Afterward, I moved to Moscow for school and never had the chance again."

Martin, intrigued, asked, "Your father was an officer during the Soviet era?"

"Indeed," Marina confirmed. "He retired before the Union dissolved."

"And life during those times?" Martin prodded.

"Manageable," Marina reminisced. "Moscow and St. Petersburg had it better than most."

Casually, Martin remarked, "I'd love to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg someday."

Marina smiled, "I'd gladly show you around, especially in winter."

Martin chuckled, "I've failed to give you the grand tour of New York."

Marina assured him, "Svetlana and I explored Manhattan extensively, thanks to your generosity."

"How are you finding it here?" Martin inquired casually. "Many folks come and never want to leave."

Marina, harboring her own agenda like Svetlana, expressed her desire to stay. "I, too, wish to remain here."

Nicholson, nearby, subtly reacted, his focus still on the rifle.

After a brief exchange, Chad signaled they were ready to shoot.

The following scenes were filled with gunfights.

Martin adorned himself with a gun belt, AR slung across his back, shotgun in hand, and entered the set.

Svetlana directed the action as Martin, portraying Jonathan, battled adversaries in the underground passages of the castle.

Gunshots echoed as Martin dispatched foes with precision, showcasing his firearm prowess.

The "John Wick" series prided itself on long-shot action sequences, emphasizing Martin's skill and consistency.

Despite the demanding shoot, Martin's endurance waned as the day wore on. He collapsed onto a lounge chair, exhausted.

Nicholson appeared beside him, startling Martin. "Could you make some noise when you walk? You nearly gave me a heart attack."

Nicholson retorted, "Aren't you curious about my findings?"

Leonardo, recalling yesterday's incident, advised, "Treat him like a big brother, Jack. Show some respect and admiration."

Martin, feeling torn, asked, "So, what did you find out?"

Nicholson's tone turned serious, "In my observation, Marina's acting seemed more deceitful than Svetlana's. She's the one we should be wary of."

Martin, trusting Nicholson's judgment, conceded, "Your instincts in acting are reliable, Jack."

Nicholson cheekily responded, "We could try a little FBI-style misinformation campaign. Reel in the catch, so to speak."

Martin inquired, "And then what?"

Nicholson hesitated momentarily.

Leonardo interjected, "We're not exactly professionals in this field."

Martin contemplated, "Let's hold off on any action for now. We need to be certain before we act."

Nicholson, intrigued by the prospect, proposed, "Let me handle it. I'll get everything out of her, make her sing like a canary."

Martin shook his head, "We're not resorting to illegal tactics. No illegal detentions or torture."

Leonardo suggested, "Why not involve the FBI? Let them handle it."

Nicholson objected vehemently, "Absolutely not! We'll handle this our way."

Martin intervened, "This stays between us and Bruce. If one of them is a spy, what's Russia's endgame?"

Nicholson speculated, "They're after information or have ulterior motives through you."

Leonardo chimed in, "As the leader of the Coca-Cola Cult, you're attracting more political figures..."

Martin concluded, "Let's bide our time. Exposing them now won't benefit us. We wait for an opportunity. If needed, we'll involve the FBI."

Nicholson and Leonardo agreed in unison.

Nicholson emphasized, "But remember, Martin, agent is a shared interest. You can't sell her off alone."

Leonardo added, "She belongs to all three of us. Any action we take, we do it together."

Martin assured them, "I'm on board. We'll face the consequences together and enjoy the ride."

Nicholson joked, "Hope you find some big fun."

Leonardo teased, "Martin's our troublemaker-in-chief."

Martin humbly replied, "I've learned from the best. You two are the masters of mischief; I'm just a student."