(Chapter 127) An Improvement

Brad got back at their safe house late at night. He went to the debriefing room to see everyone waiting for him.

"Mm, this is very good." Brad said looking at the information they all had collected.

Ryan had found out that the navy officers at the docks were infiltrated by Jukovic's men. He had seen a few of the men on the MI6 database before. For this reason, they had a lot of reason to suspect those ships to be hiding something for Jukovic, possibly delivering something.

Editt didn't find out much, but he did confirm that some dangerous-looking men were still in the area. As he had been told to be careful many times.

Gareth's method would take longer to get any results. But he did come into contact with one of the local people traffickers, and found out that they did have connections to the Russian government and police.

Zenith didn't have any strange behaviors on the cameras, but did find out about a possible female trafficker in the area. And after some more discussion, Zenith and Gareth were very likely to be talking about the same person.

"Great. The informant had correct information. I can confirm that Jukovic had been in this area within the last week." Brad draw a much smaller circle on the map than the others.

"Ohh, shall we start to move in on them then-leader?" Ryan asked, the cirlce was small enough that they could clear the area between the 5 of them in an hour.

Gareth shook his head. "No we can't. I feel like waiting for some more information from the local crimelords and making sure the connection to the navy is correct takes priority." Brad nodded to Gareth's words.

"I think that too. Ryan, stay with the navy for now. Keep yourself in deep cover for a week at least. Find out as much as you can. Zenith keep eyes on the situation there." Brad said as he took another map, this time zoomed in on the area where Jukovic was last likely.

"No problem." Zenith replied, smiling at both Ryan and Brad.

Brad then moved his attention onto Gareth and Editt. "Gareth, continue what you are doing. But focus in this area here. Editt, collect information on a potential people trafficker in the area. I will take this area here and collect information on Jukovic." Brad then took the map, and folded it.

"Sure." Gareth replied uninterestedly, he was going to do what Brad said anyway...

"Roger." Editt responded with a nod.

With everyone knowing what they will be doing for a week or so, they could dive deep undercover. So Zenith would be their only of communication with each other for now.

.......

In the morning, they all took their separate ways and went undercover, they weren't to meet for another week. So Zenith and Ryan made use of the situation to get their needs finished quickly.

Brad couldn't keep the cover of a tourist in the area he was going. So instead he got himself in a suit. And went to a bar in the area and acted like a businessman ready for a fun time...

He arrived just before 7 and sat himself down with elegance. It wasn't hard for him to act this way, since it was in his blood as a rich heir.

He smiled at the bartender and ordered some drinks for himself. The bartender immediately noticed that the man was likely rich based on his attitude and the drinks he was buying were exclusive and expensive.

The bar slowly filled up with people looking for a drink. With the rich-looking Brad in the corner sitting at a table with his drinks. Some women already had their eyes on him.

"Hello handsome, you wouldn't be able to pay for a drink will you?" One of the women ended up walking up to him. And speaking in Russian to him.

Brad smiled, looking over the woman. She was quite pretty. But he knew most of that was due to makeup and even a surgery... "Pay for a drink? That is no problem! Bartender! A drink for the lady please." Brad responded in Russian as well.

The woman smiled seeing Brad's attitude, her eyes were on his suit. His watch, his expensive ring. And she could tell the man was rich.

The bartender obliged with a smile, the woman was a regular patreon and men like Brad were normally her prey. But it seemed that the man seemed to be more than happy to oblige with her schemes...

.......

Astrid woke up in the morning feeling much better than she did yesterday. While not completely clear of pain, she felt much more clear-headed than before.

Astrid groaned as she reached for her drawer. She then huffed as she remembered that Lewis had confiscated her cigarettes.

Astrid got herself out of bed and looked back at the still sleeping Lewis.

Her eyes were warm and full of love. She then opened her door to go and call for Winoa.

It was so early in the morning that no one was up yet, Astrid then spotted her pack of cigarettes on the table and quickly grabbed them. Then knowing she wouldn't have to wake up Winoa, Astrid went outside and sat on her bench.

She couldn't even describe how much better she felt now she had her cigarette, she did keep her promise to Lewis though and didn't get her phone and start working.

Making herself comfortable, she went back inside after she shivered. It was cold outside and knew the cold was not good for her right now.

Coming back inside, she was met with Lewis sitting in the living room with a knowing look on his face.

"Sorry... I just felt better." Astrid immediately apologized, especially since he knew she had smoked when he had said not to.

Lewis smiled. "It's fine, seeing your face you do look better." Lewis was happy hearing Astrid apologize immediately, so at least she felt bad for smoking.

Astrid then sat down and got herself comfortable, feeling she was cold. Lewis cuddled up to her and warmed her up.

After just an hour. Everyone apart from Anya had shown themselves.

Winoa looked at Astrid and felt her worries fly away. She was in a much better mood. And seemed to not be in pain either. Knowing this, she was relieved that she wouldn't be punished for taking Lewis's side.

Seeing their daughter act how she was, Mr. and Mrs. Tuhs were just watching with a sliver of amazement in their eyes.

It was like their daughter was a different person, but she also looked extremely happy.

They didn't really plan to have Lewis stay for so long, but knowing Astrid's improved mood they didn't really want him to leave.

When Anya woke up, Astrid was the first to greet her. Seeing her sister again Anya was in a much better mood herself.

After eating their breakfast, Lewis decided that he would need to find something for Astrid to do that wasn't work as quickly as possible.