A Decade in Transition Part I

"Huh?! You’re heading to Paris already? What’s going on? You just said you’d take another week off!"

Dani’s voice rang out, filled with surprise, as Joke, now dressed in a long black leather coat and much warmer, thicker clothes, stepped out of the high-tech cabin where he’d been hiding out for the past week.

"I’m just as confused as you are. But it seems the plans have changed."

"Why do you sound so defeated, then?" Dani asked, clearly puzzled.

Joke took another deep sigh as he stepped outside to take in the crisp, fresh air. His eyes scanned the surroundings, landing on five dark-tinted black cars parked in a line. Around them were numerous men in black suits, their intimidating presence hard to ignore.

"Don’t even ask, Dani. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you," he said, shaking his head in exasperation, leaving Dani even more confused.

"Anyway, I’ll meet you in Paris first. Once I get the address, I’ll let you know immediately," Joke added.