Meanwhile, in Mysonna, Eagle King and Flying Fish, who hadn't accessed news media for three days, were vacationing at a secluded estate. Completely unaware of current events, they'd been playing hide-and-seek with wildlife.
The estate, located in Mysonna's southwest corner, was surrounded by miles of sparsely populated land. Only Eagle King, Flying Fish, and the estate's owner, Yvette, occupied the area. Yvette favored the location for its seclusion, the ability to build a private airstrip, and the abundance of wildlife, allowing them to practice their skills competitively, albeit without genuine stakes. More importantly, the fresh game meat was a significant perk.
Upstairs, Flying Fish abruptly rose from her computer, rushing downstairs and shouting, "Damn it! Eagle King, something big is happening!"
Downstairs, Eagle King was preparing oatmeal when Flying Fish burst in, her long legs swinging beneath a white shirt, momentarily distracting him. Sighing helplessly at her flustered state, he knew her seriousness was reserved for missions. He gently tousled her messy hair. "Why the commotion so early? What's wrong?"
Flying Fish displayed her phone screen: the Black Gold Network forum displayed a pinned order.
[Mr. Jenkins' order has been accepted by Zola]
Eagle King, confused, muttered, "The Boss is back and taking orders? But this is low-profile. Why would she bother with an Interpol agent?"
Flying Fish nodded, picking up the oatmeal and moving to the dining table. "Why this small job? Should we ask if she's still in Clusia? It should be evening there now."
Eagle King replied, "I'll call. If this order's problematic, I'll go see her myself."
Flying Fish, now rigidly seated, awaited the call, forgoing her oatmeal.
Eagle King dialed, connecting quickly. "Boss, are you out of retirement?"
Yvette, in Clusia, answered while drying her hair, the Black Gold Network open on her computer, displaying Mr. Jenkins's messages. Her voice was soft. "Yes, I just accepted an order."
Eagle King, knowing no one else could handle this, simply inquired about the unusual order. Flying Fish then grabbed the phone. "Boss, why such a small job? Are you in Clusia? If it's problematic, I can go see you!"
Yvette paused, chuckled softly, and lowered her voice. "You want to kill me?"
Flying Fish was stunned. Eagle King, equally baffled, exclaimed, "Boss, you and I killing you? You should kill us instead!"
Yvette smiled. "Did you check the target's name?"
Flying Fish scrolled to the end and gasped, "What the hell?"
Eagle King saw the same name. So the Boss is the target? Mr. Jenkins is using her own site. He's asking for death.
Flying Fish had a revelation. "Jenkins wants to kill Interpol agent Yvette. The Boss is both an assassin and an Interpol agent? That'sโฆ far-fetched."
Eagle King agreed. They simultaneously asked, "Boss, when did you join Interpol?" Their combined volume would have disturbed the peace, were they not so isolated; even the nearby wolves fled.
Flying Fish's heart pounded. No wonder she's the Boss; she secretly obtained an Interpol identity.
In Skyland, Yvette sat, casually responding to Jenkins:
[Are you there?] [Did you take the job?] [When will you take action?] [What happens if it doesnโt work out?] [Please respond.]
Yvette typed: [Three days from now, pay upfront.] Then closed the chat.
Into the phone, she said, "Just messing around."
Eagle King and Flying Fish twitched their lips. If anyone else said thatโฆ But from the Boss, it fits.
Eagle King said, "Boss, Jenkins ordered a hit on you. Should I take him out?"
Yvette, amused, glanced at a recent transfer. Quite generous; an extra fifteen million. And he wants me to kill Yvette? My life's worth only thirty million?
She said, "No need. Leave him three days; he's useful. I'll handle it personally."
Eagle King asked, "When are you returning to Mysonna?"
Yvette, noticing Jeremiah entering, softly said, "In two months," before hanging up and clearing all traces.
Jeremiah entered, placing donuts on the table, naturally taking the towel to dry Yvette's hair.
Yvette took a bite. This man's improving my tastes!
Jeremiah smiled, his eyes on hers. Iโm getting the hang of this househusband thing. He said warmly, "It's a new recipe, brown sugar. How is it?"
Yvette nodded. "Delicious." He could open a restaurant. Smart people learn fast!
Drying her hair, Jeremiah squeezed her fingers. "The chess match roster is out. You're playing."