The Tycoon's Odyssey

"Okay, what did you get from the scan?"

After the data collected was converted into auditory and visual cryptics, it produced accurate videos of the man's memories.

The data was extensive and would take a considerable amount of time to review in full, so Evan instructed Aurora to only relay the important and that's where Evan focused his attention.

Evan leaned in, his eyes locked on the screens displaying the filtered footage. The video showed Jefferson Kinnes, also known as Jerkins, moving with quiet precision. His dark eyes scanned his surroundings, blending into the background as he observed Evan.

Evan's expression remained neutral as he watched Jerkins document every detail of his interactions. The agent's thoroughness was evident—he noted every visitor, every meeting, and any change in Evan's routine.

The room was silent except for the video displayed on the equipment. Evan absorbed the information, recognizing the importance of understanding the man named Jerkins.

In a dimly lit, sparsely furnished office, Jerkins stood by a simple desk. The room was sparse, mirroring the agent's unassuming persona. His phone rang, cutting through the silence. Jerkins answered promptly, his voice steady and controlled.

"Jerkins."

The voice on the other end was sharp and authoritative. "We have a new assignment for you. Your target is Evan. Monitor him closely and report on his activities. Keep an eye out for any high-profile contacts he may meet. Document everything—who he interacts with, what he discusses, and any significant changes in his routine.

Especially, see if any woman of high society approaches him."

Jerkins's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Understood. I'll start immediately."

The call ended, and Jerkins's face was set in a determined line. He swiftly gathered his equipment and moved out of the room, his mind already focused on the task.

Next, the footage showed Evan meeting other suspicious individuals and discussing the plan.

This man wasn't issued any order to harm him but to keep a detail on his every move.

"What the hell is going on?" Evan spat, frustration evident in his voice.

He didn't remember doing anything that might have drawn this much attention from the government.

"Is it because of a deal with the government?" Evan's brows furrowed.

[It's unlikely. From the scan of memories, the agent was instructed to keep an eye on dangerous individuals and there is a list of designated protocols. According to it, you aren't on the list.]

[Also, based on the brainwaves, I can infer that it wasn't the order of his superiors but rather a personal interest. Moreover, pay particular attention to the last warning—he was specifically asked to keep an eye on a woman and make sure they couldn't contact him.]

"Woman…is it Suri?" Evan rubbed his brows.

[I can't deduce that since there wasn't any clear mention of the woman's identity. But since they are trying to sabotage it, that suggests either you know her or she is someone who is trying to reach you, Sir.] Aurora offered a rough conclusion.

Aurora's conclusion was based on initial data. If given more time, she might come up with a number of plausible scenarios, though everything would still be vague.

"This is troublesome..."

"Aurora, derive the faces of all the people this person knows and is involved in. Also, recheck his brain and modify it. Implant and engrave his unwavering loyalty for me."

[There might be a significant risk that his brain might malfunction, rendering him a fool.]

"I don't care...If he dared to do this, he should bear the consequences."

Evan would make sure that Jerkins signed a loyalty contract, binding him permanently.

_____

In a sleek, high-tech room, Jerkins lay motionless, connected to the VR headset. As he woke, he experienced unexpected tranquility, free from the pain that usually plagued him. His mind raced, struggling to grasp the absence of the usual discomfort. He wondered if he was dead, his thoughts a mix of confusion and relief.

Just then, a voice cut through his reflections. "How are you feeling?"

Jerkins sat up, startled by his sudden ability to move without pain. He looked at his limbs in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the lack of any pain in his limbs.

"Is this real? Am I dead?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Evan, observing Jerkins closely, smirked. "No, you're not dead. You're simply in a state where you're free from pain, but your situation hasn't changed."

Jerkins's gaze remained fixed on his body, astonishment etched across his face. His face, previously swollen like a pig, now felt miraculously free of pain.

"Who did this? Who's behind all of this?"

Evan's expression grew serious. "I'm interested in knowing who issued the orders that you followed. You're to find out who's behind this and report everything to me."

Jerkins, still grappling with the situation, shook his head. "I don't know who's behind it. I just followed the orders I was given."

Evan nodded. "Understood. Here's what you need to do now, return to your forces and resume your role as an informant. Investigate who's behind the orders and report back to me with everything you discover."

"Yes, sir," Jerkins replied, his voice steady with newfound determination. "I'll get to work immediately."

Evan handed Jerkins a new phone. "Use this to contact me whenever you need assistance or have updates."

Jerkins accepted the phone with a nod of respect while Evan made his way to the door, ready to leave.

As Evan prepared to depart, he glanced back at Jerkins, who had now assumed an attentive position. "Remember, your task is critical. Keep me informed of all the developments."

"Yes, sir," Jerkins responded, his loyalty evident.

Evan closed the door behind him and walked to his car, contemplating Jerkins's next moves.

_____

The new year began on a somber note for Evan. The morning was gray and cold, reflecting the bleakness that had settled over him with the death of one of his bodyguards, Rick. The loss was a stark reminder of the dangers that surrounded him.

Evan stood in the police station, flanked by his remaining bodyguards. He handed over Jerkins, now under police custody, and provided a detailed account of the situation. The officers, aware of Evan's reputation, treated him with a blend of respect and caution.

After the exchange, Evan walked to the office where Uncle Max had once been in charge.

The familiar building felt strangely empty; Uncle Max had been transferred two months ago, and the office now bore the mark of his absence.

The change of command had not gone unnoticed, and the atmosphere was tinged with an air of uncertainty.

Evan was escorted to a room where the police interrogated him. The officers' questions were routine but probing, aimed at understanding Jerkins's sudden appearance and the circumstances surrounding his capture.

"Why did you hand him over now instead of calling us?" one officer asked, glancing at the paperwork.

Evan's response was as cold and unyielding as ever. "My bodyguards wanted to beat and torture this man for killing one of their friends. I intervened to ensure the matter was handled properly."

The officers exchanged glances, noting the chilling detachment in Evan's tone.

They took down his statement, their expressions with a mix of professional detachment and underlying concern.

Truthfully, they didn't know how to react; this was more than self-defense.

With the interrogation concluded Evan left the station. But just after he left, a man in a black suit opened the cell where Jerkins was held.

"Can't believe you fucked up this mission so badly?"

"It's my fault… How could I know I would be unlucky enough to be stopped by a dog?" Jerkins grumbled.

"Whatever! I was ordered to get you out of here, so let's go."