Shadows of the Past — Chapter Five

Chapter Five: The New Partner

The early morning sun peeked through the clouds as he made his way across the tarmac towards the sleek, private jet that awaited him. The chill wind nipped at his face, a sharp reminder of the task ahead. It was a long journey from Portland to his destination, and he was all too aware that this was merely the beginning of a much longer odyssey.

As he approached the jet, he noted the figure waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs. A young woman, her posture straight and her gaze focused. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and her sharp eyes surveyed him with an intensity that matched his own.

“You must be the new partner,” he said, meeting her gaze without flinching. He had been informed about the young field agent assigned to assist him. Another surprise in a day full of them.

“Yes,” she replied, extending a hand. Her grip was firm, her handshake confident. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“All good, I hope,” he said, a wry smile on his face. He had no illusions about his reputation in the agency. He was a relic from a bygone era, a reminder of a time when espionage was more about instincts and less about technology.

“Mostly,” she said, the corner of her mouth lifting in a half-smile. “You’re a bit of a…