Temporary Worker

"Autumn break is just around the corner. Got any plans?"

As September neared its end, the U.S. autumn holiday was less than a month away. Many students were already planning their trips.

"I'm going to San Francisco!" Meg announced first. "Simon, you're coming with me, right?"

"San Francisco? What's so exciting there? The bridge?" Simon raised an eyebrow.

When he thought of San Francisco, the first thing that came to mind was the Golden Gate Bridge—the one that collapses in every disaster movie.

"San Francisco also has Silicon Valley. That's pretty cool," Veronica added with a smirk.

"And Fisherman's Wharf," Wallace chuckled. "Just make sure your wallet is ready."

Ignoring them, Simon turned to Meg. "Are you going for an event? A gala?"

"No," Meg shook her head. "I'm checking out Stanford."

"Stanford?"

"Yeah. I've decided—I want to go to Stanford for college."

"No way." Simon rejected it instantly. "Columbia's journalism program is one of the best in the world. Not to mention, New York has way more opportunities—publishers, TV networks, everything."

"I've changed my mind," Meg explained. "I don't want to be a journalist anymore."

"Then… what do you want to do?" Simon asked.

"I want to be a cop."

"A cop?!"

Meg's response stunned everyone at the table.

"I wanted to seek the truth for people as a journalist. But after what Veronica did, I realized something new."

"Me?" Veronica looked confused. "What did I do?"

"You stood by me when everyone else abandoned me. You helped me clear my name and find justice."

Meg took a deep breath and continued, "There are already plenty of reporters covering social issues. But what about individual cases? What about those who need justice but don't have a voice?"

"I never thought about it that way. I just wanted to pay my bills," Veronica admitted sheepishly.

"Maybe you didn't intend it, but you made a difference. You helped me, and you showed me how to be strong."

"Alright, I get it," Simon finally nodded. She wasn't just acting on impulse.

"I respect your decision. What major are you choosing?"

"Psychology—specifically, criminal psychology."

"If that's the case, the FBI might suit you better than the police. A cop's job might be too limiting," Simon suggested.

"I hadn't thought that far ahead, but I'll consider it," Meg said thoughtfully.

"Then, will you come with me to Stanford during autumn break?"

"A trip with just the two of us? Why not, sweetheart?" Simon smirked and leaned in for a kiss.

"Ughhh!" Veronica and Wallace both groaned in disgust.

Simon kissed Meg anyway, flipping both of them off as he did.

---

Morgan Night

"Hey, Simon! You wanna join us for Morgan Night?"

That evening, Simon had just started his shift at Buy More when Chuck and Morgan approached him.

"Morgan Night? What's the plan?" Simon asked.

"Chinese food, Kung Fu movies, and fireworks." Morgan said enthusiastically.

"Just the three of us?"

"And Sarah," Chuck added. "You can bring Meg too if you want."

Simon thought about it for a second before agreeing. "I do love Chinese food. Sure, I'll bring Meg."

"Awesome! I'll go make the reservations right now," Morgan ran off excitedly.

As Morgan left, Chuck turned to Simon. "Thanks, man. You're the only one willing to come to these."

"Hey, I like switching things up now and then. Plus, I really do enjoy good Chinese food."

Before Chuck could respond, a voice came from behind them.

"If you're done talking, step into the AV room."

Simon sighed, recognizing Casey's silent footsteps before even turning around.

After exchanging a glance with Chuck, Simon followed Casey to the AV room, where Sarah was waiting.

"Alright, what's this about?" Simon asked.

"I spoke to my superiors about your proposal," Casey said, getting straight to the point. "They agreed."

"You'll be hired as a temp. When we need an extra hand, we'll call you for backup or cover."

Simon's eyes lit up. "Sounds promising. What's the pay?"

"Depends on the risk level and duration. Base rate is $100 per mission. Max payout is $500,000."

Casey paused.

"…But that's only if you die."

Simon's excitement vanished as his eye twitched.

"Great. So I either make some pocket change or get a posthumous fortune?"

"That's the deal," Casey smirked.

"Alright, what do I need to sign?" Simon asked.

"No paperwork. Each mission is paid in cash. And—you cannot tell anyone about our operations. If you leak anything…"

Casey leaned in.

"We'll make sure you spend life in a windowless cell."

Simon raised his hands. "Hey, I get it. Loose lips sink ships."

Sarah chimed in. "You still have a chance to reconsider."

Simon nodded. "**Just one question—**what if I have to kill someone on a mission?"

"If it's self-defense, we'll cover for you," Casey stated. "But if you kill without justification, we'll throw you to the wolves."

Simon nodded slowly. "Fair enough."

"One last thing," Simon added. "When all's said and done—are you going to 'clean me up' afterward?"

Sarah shook her head. "We're spies, not assassins. You're safe."

"Then we have a deal."

"Good," Casey tossed Simon a small box.

Simon opened it and found:

1. A sleek black watch

2. A hidden earpiece

3. Two pistols

"Tracking watch, encrypted comms, and non-lethal firearms."

"Wait, tranquilizer guns?" Simon frowned. "Am I supposed to fight hitmen with these?"

Sarah reassured him. "Unless it's an emergency, we won't put you in direct combat."

"Even if we gave you a real gun, could you actually pull the trigger?" Casey asked pointedly.

Simon hesitated for a second.

"...Probably not," he admitted.

He had plenty of combat skills, but taking a life was a different matter.

If he could kill without hesitation, he would've already dealt with Doug instead of playing it safe all this time.

Casey smirked.

"Exactly. Welcome aboard, rookie."