New Life : A Second Chance

Once they arrived, everything went by pretty normally.

As Kyle wasn't a known figure in this part of the world, it was quite easy to move about on the first day. Kyle figured that things may get slightly more 'hectic' once the interview was done, but even then, it wouldn't be too bad.

So why the precautions on having Edward take his place?

Simple.

There was too much at stake to take things for granted. 

He would rather be overly cautious than be caught unawares. Having Edward take his place meant that he would have an alibi while he did his mission. Even though it would seem far fetched i.e. how would anyone ever think Kyle would be connected to what he was going to be doing next?

Call him paranoid, but Kyle would rather not take the risk - even if the risk was minute.

To minimise the risk even more, Edward did not make any contact with them. Except for that night, of course, when Kyle slipped over to his room undetected.

Edward hardly batted an eyelid when he found Kyle inside the room, simply giving his normal 'heels together, stiff-back and bow' greeting, "Sir."

"At ease," Kyle said even though he felt rather silly for saying it.

However, it was how his team operated and he couldn't get them out of this habit so, in the end, he just gave in.

"Did Big Bro Nic give any additional instructions?" Kyle asked.

After all, anything could arise during the time he last saw Big Bro Nic, and when he arrived at Country I. 

"Nothing, though he was very insistent and stated that you need to be very careful. Mr. Nitocris is rather apprehensive about the method you've decided to use," Edward said, "The target is known to be quite possessive."

Kyle nodded.

It was the same thing Big Bro Nic had stated that night when Kyle first proposed the idea.

They had thrashed it out for quite some time, which was why they had taken so long to finalise the details. Big Bro Nic didn't really like the idea of Kyle putting himself in that position but finally admitted that it was the fastest method.

Kyle wasn't a fool.

He knew it was a dangerous move and thus, he had been practicing his hypnotism regularly. He's more confident now, but he still had to be extra careful. After all, Samantha was easy enough as an emotional woman would be easier to control. This one ... 

Well, this one was an underworld person. It would be tougher.

Kyle went through the equipment and items that Edward had brought. 

"Is it complete, Sir?" Edward asked nervously. Even though he had double-checked the list, he was afraid that he may have missed something.

"Yes, this is fine," Kyle replied as he took out a vial and looked at it carefully. 

It was quite pretty, really. Light blue and looks so harmless. Truth serum.

This would certainly take a whole load off Kyle's shoulders, and he could concentrate on other things rather than using up his energy on the hypnotism. It was only after Kyle told Big Bro Nic about this was he finally able to relent.

A bit.

"I took the liberty of also bringing in additional fly bugs, should you need it," Edward said, "It has an additional feature."

"Oh? Something new?" Kyle said with interest.

"Yes, taser capabilities," Edward replied.

"Impressive," Kyle said, making Edward puff out his chest in pride. After all, it was something that his team had come up with.

"Thank you, Edward," Kyle said with a smile. 

Kyle looked through the items one last time. Fake ID, clothes, hair dye, and weapons. 

"You've confirmed his weakness and preferences?" Kyle asked one last time.

"Yes, Sir," Edward answered, "Nothing has changed."

"Good," Kyle said, "The interview is tomorrow, so we shall change positions during dinnertime."

"Yes, Sir," Edward replied, "1900 hours?"

"Make it 2000 hours," Kyle said after thinking it through, "We might take longer during the recording, so best to be safe."

"Affirmative, Sir."

✿ Next Day ✿

Kyle, Kay, Xing Han and Sam were having dinner at the hotel lounge.

Harold had gone back immediately after the interview, saying that there was nothing in Country I that he wanted to 'sightsee'. 

"That was a rather boring interview," Xing Han complained, "They kept trying to dig out information and spoilers."

"Of course," Kyle answered, "Wouldn't you?"

"Then they started asking personal questions," Xing Han continued to complain, "Do you have a girlfriend? What is your type? blah-blah-blah. SO imaginative. NOT."

"Oh come on, Xing Han," said Kay, "Give the interviewer a break. She was practically drooling over Kyle that she couldn't think straight."

"So unprofessional," Xing Han complained again, "She had this 'come hither' look and you. YOU!" 

Xing Han pointed at Kyle, "You flirted with her, too!"

Kyle laughed, put his elbow on the table and his chin on the palm of his hand, "Well, Xing Han. Have you forgotten? I am also looking for girls to date, right?"

"But she's so oooolllddddddd," Xing Han said, dragging the last word.

"Xing Han, she's only 25," Kyle pointed out.

"Yeah. Ancient," Xing Han reiterated.

Kyle didn't say a thing, then wiped his lisp while getting up, "I've got to go to the bathroom now."

"Okay," Xing Han replied.

"Er, I wasn't asking for permission, you know," Kyle retorted with a laugh. He patted Xing Han on the shoulder as he left.

[Take care of the little one for me, will you?] Kyle asked his sister kindly.

[Not a problem] Kay replied [Food is his best distraction]

Kyle smiled at that.

[Be careful, brother] Kay said worriedly, though she did not show it on her face.

She knew what Kyle's plan was, and she didn't like it. Yet, other than telling him about it, there was nothing much she could do.

She turned to watch him go, silently praying for his safety. Somehow, that back seemed lonelier than usual.