Chapter 6

John; Do you mind if I drink a little? I am getting this feeling that I might end up killing those higher-ups if I go without it.

Leorio; Sure! Make one for me too!

After completely emptying two bottles, both of them rose, took the coats off the rack, and moved out into the rainy streets to the Agency.

Leorio; You had a car, right? Where did it go?

John; Yeah, right. It got wrecked a week before this whole charade.

Leorio; You wrecked the car I gave you! This kid is looking for death. Right?

John; Well it happened like this. Sean and I were street racing and got cops behind us. So in order to save ourselves, we dumped the car as a diversion.

Leorio; huh? What!!? Why?

John; Well we could not drink and drive now. Could we?

Leorio; I might end up killing you today. Though you are a law enforcer, you were doing things illegally and wrecking my precious beetle.

John; Now that you mention it, I really felt embarrassed racing in that beetle. I should have dumped it long ago and taken something bette-

Leorio; (Staring) Let's move before your house has a grave in its garden.

Then they started to move toward the Agency. It was five minutes later that John remembered something.

John; What about the watch I gave you?

Leorio; Well.. Let me rem...member, I gave it to… someone.

John; It was an antique, you oldie!

Leorio; Hey watch it, kid! I didn't know that, and I'm not old.

John; Oh really? Your white hair says otherwise.

Leorio; It is their natural color.

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After a while, they reached a large building in the middle of a busy street. It looked just like any other office building. Inside a mess. The reception area looked like it was overloaded. Phones ringing like crazy. They paid no heed to John and Leorio. Walking past them, They entered the lift. John and Leorio, still not looking at each other.

*Ding…FLOOR 25*

As the doors of the lift opened, it opened to a scene of utmost chaos. People were running left and right, and the phone rang continuously; it was loud ringing, and people were too. Walking down the aisle, making sure not to bump into someone, both of them made their way up to the room, labeled, "Conference Room."

John; Shall we then?

Leorio; (with a smile) after you.

John entered the room. The pressure was no joke. There were a total of fourteen people in the room waiting for these two. The conference room is dimly lit, and a mix of tension and suspicion hangs thick in the air. High-ranking agents sat around a large oval table, their stern faces betraying their concern. Leorio took a seat beside Gabe, and both seemed to, but even they were unable to ease the palpable animosity directed at one person - John. He sat alone at the head of the table, his back straight, but his eyes betraying a hint of anger.

Gabe: (addressing the room) Alright, everyone, let's settle down. We're here to discuss a serious matter concerning Agent John.

Agent A: (nodding) Yes, accusations have been raised against him, and we must address them responsibly.

Agent B: (leaning forward) It's clear he's colluding with someone. He deliberately prevented Agent Sean from meeting Mia.

Agent C: (nodding) And remember, after that, Mia turned up dead under mysterious circumstances!

Agent D: (pointing at John) It's too much of a coincidence. He's the only link between these incidents!

Agent E: (leaning back) Not to mention his strange behavior. He disappears without explanation on the fifth of every month!

Agent D: (suspiciously) What are you hiding, John?

John: (calmly) I understand your concerns, but I assure you, I have no involvement in any of this.

Agent E: (sarcastically) Oh, you expect us to believe that? You can't just vanish every fifth of the month without a valid reason!

John: (nervously) I know it looks bad, but there are reasons beyond my control. I can't disclose them.

Agent D: (raising an eyebrow) Can't or won't?

John: (pleadingly) Can't. It's a personal matter.

Gabe: (interjecting) John, you must understand that your reluctance to explain only deepens the suspicion against you. Without a reasonable explanation, it's difficult for us to defend you.

John: (looking defeated) I'm not the traitor or the murderer you're looking for. I've been dedicated to this agency my entire career!

Agent D: (snorting) That's exactly what a double agent would say.

Agent F: (nodding) I'm afraid he's right. We need more than just words to trust you again.

John: (clenching his fists) I understand, but I need you all to know that I would never betray this agency. My life is dedicated to its mission.

Agent G: (crossing arms) Then prove it! Tell us where you go every fifth of the month.

John hesitates, a mix of rage and internal conflict visible on his face.

Agent A: (leaning forward) Come on, John. We've trusted you with our lives on numerous occasions. Don't you think we deserve the truth?

John: (exhaling deeply)I can't share the details, but it's a personal matter, not a betrayal.

Agent B: (doubtful) Personal matter? We're a team, John. We're supposed to trust each other implicitly. What's so secret that you can't share it with us?

John: (looking around at his colleagues) I know it's hard to believe, but some things are best kept hidden. It's for my own safety and the safety of those around me.

Agent D: (skeptical) Safety? That sounds like an excuse.

Agent A: (firmly) Until we get answers and clear evidence, you're suspended from all duties for two months, John.

John: (resigned, whispering to himself) It didn't even matter to you, people.

Gabe: (sympathetic) This meeting is adjourned.

The agents start to disperse, leaving John alone in the conference room, clenching his fist.