Monday, January 8, 2007
1:10 AM
9.
“May I have my meal in the car?”
Kyle’s inquiry broke the silence in the spacious interior of the black Mercedes. Mikael, who was sitting beside him, gave Kyle a momentary look. Aroma of the fillet-o-fish burger from a local McDonald’s swept through the officer’s nose. Piping hot French fries and a medium coke, in a separated plastic bag, proved to be an ideal snack for someone who had not eaten anything since arriving at a new city at such wee hours. The sight of the familiar fast food chain at the foreign metropolitan Shanghai will unquestionably paint a smile on any tourist’s face, and that’s the reason why Kyle just can’t wait to munch through his favorite burger.
“Of course,” replied Mikael coolly, with a slight nod.
“Gee, thanks!” Kyle responded with a cheerful smile. “And, oh yeah, just to remind you, the iMac that I wanted is a 24’’ one, not an 18’’ one.”
“Yes, I will bear in mind of that. Please don’t worry, sir.”
“That’s great!” Kyle giggled to himself as he feasted on his supper, oblivious to where he is heading. The comfortable, silent inside of the car is, to him, another world.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters moments later, Edward Bridges felt a trivial movement in his right pocket. He took out his vibrating cell phone and answered it without hesitation.
“Oh, so he’s here already? Great. Please escort him in.”
Kyo and Seana’s eyes lit up. Finally the arrival of the third person will bring their boring wait to an end and besides the eventual revelation to their mission, both of them were eager to know if what they’re expecting in their third member was accurate.
The lights of the corridor leading to the hemispherical room were switched on and footsteps were vividly heard echoing in the hallway. Everyone in the huge chamber locked their eyes onto the entrance of the room, keen on meeting the “final piece of puzzle”.
When a young Caucasian boy emerged from the tunnel with two subordinates, murmurs of astonishment could be heard all around the room. Surely they expected someone much older, perhaps wiser, than this youth who was busy looking around in awe, admiring the architecture in the space.
Mikael walked up to Edward Bridges and whispered into his superior’s ears.
“I’ve done my job, Mr. Bridges. I’m sure it’s him.”
“Good. I can see that from his eyes… How did you manage to convince him?”
“A 24” iMac, playstation 3 and all his trip expenses.”
“Oh, okay…” Edward Bridges ended the conversation with a hopeless nod as he observed the teenager who was wandering all over the place. Bridges walked over to Kyle and offered a handshake.
“Mr. Sealarz, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Edward Bridges… and I would like you to meet these two persons.”
