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“I’ll make this quick, we have a new mission, Twilight.” Without looking at him, Handler spread the contents of the folder out on the table. “It’s about Dr. Edward Campel. Rumor has it he’s researching something that could be of potential interest to us. It’s important that we take a look at it to be sure, so we’ll know how to handle it if our suspicions are confirmed.” Twilight silently skimmed through the documents. “Is it a poison or a virus?” he asked, and Handler shook her head.
“We don’t know. During the war, Dr. Campel’s lab wasn’t directly affiliated with either side, but it’s striking that he was one of the few who suddenly found himself in a much better financial position after the war than before. That’s why we’re keeping an eye on him,” she said, adjusting her glasses and pointing to a photo of the outside of the lab. “There have been increasing reports of him spending nights alone in his lab without telling anyone why.”
Twilight nodded understandingly. The whole thing seemed highly suspicious. He studied the profile of Dr. Campel that Handler had put together for him.
Dr. Campel was a man in his late 60s who had studied at the best universities. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening and playing golf. He also loves spending time with his grandson.
His grandson...
Twilight went through the family's records. Dr. Campel had a married son who worked as a sommelier at a high-end restaurant, and his wife owned a lesser-known jewelry store. Her son was a year older than Anya and also attended Eden.
In Twilight mind, he was already running through numerous plans. He had successfully carried out this kind of mission many times before, but this time he wanted to try something new. If everything worked out the way he imagined, it would also be helpful for another mission.
“I accept the mission.”
“But that really wasn’t necessary, Mr. Campel,” said Loid, but the man he was talking to waved him off. “It’s the least I can do. Without your suggestion, I would never have realized that my son might need glasses.”
“Oh, that was just something my daughter noticed,” Loid replied with a smile. Anya had never seen this boy before, but he left that detail out. “Finally, he’s not constantly making that face anymore. He really did look like an old man,” giggled Mrs. Campel, who was already a little tipsy.
The wine they’d been served as an aperitif with their appetizer was really excellent. “I’m glad we were able to help you,” Loid said kindly. “My wife has wanted to try this restaurant for a while, but it’s so hard to get a table.”
Mr. Campel, who was also already a little tipsy, tugged at the collar of his shirt with a proud grin. “Oh, that was no big deal.”
Obviously, since you work here.
“We’re really grateful to you for this. My wife and I haven’t spent an evening at such a fancy restaurant in a long time.” He knew he was laying it on thick, but he had a plan.
“Well, if that’s the case,” Mrs. Campel laughed, clapping her hands enthusiastically, “order whatever you like, my husband and I will treat you.”
“That’s far too generous of you,” said Yor, taken aback by the gesture. “Not at all,” said Mrs. Campel, “My Steve can handle it. It’s our pleasure.”
“But…” Yor looked uncertainly at Loid. “If they invite us, we’ll have to accept the invitation,” Loid said with a smile.
“Well, if you say so,” Yor said, stealing a glance at the menu. Loid watched her with a smile.
It was no lie that Yor really wanted to go to this restaurant. The reason was that they served dishes from East Nielsberg, which was Yor's hometown.
Twilight was glad it had worked out and that he could take her out as Loid. Now all he had to do was finish his other mission.
“I’m just glad we were able to find someone on such short notice to watch our daughter,” Loid said, emphasizing his relief, and Mrs. Campel giggled. “My Steve and I don’t have to worry about that. My father-in-law adores our son and would drop everything for him. He was really happy to watch our little one today.”
“Oh, that’s nice,” said Yor, explaining that her brother was watching Anya today. Loid nodded, snapped the menu shut, and set it aside. As he did so, he casually brushed against his glass and moved it a few inches to the right. At the same time, a brunette woman stood up and walked past his table.
Mission accomplished, Loid let his shoulders drop with a smile as the waiter came over to take their order. Yor’s eyes lit up with excitement as she placed a huge order, and Steve Campel audibly swallowed.
Loid smiled, thrilled that he’d been able to make Yor happy. He should make more use of his role as a father and husband to ensure the success of his missions.