The air in the motel room was sharp as he registered the presence of ten assassins concealed in the corners of the room. The veiled woman before him, also cloaked in black.
"Why are you here?" he asked, his voice steady but edged with suspicion. The bartender wouldn't have assigned him an occupied room by mistake. He was sure she was here on purpose.
"I'm here to form a partnership," the woman replied, rising from her chair and gesturing for him to sit. Her voice was unmistakable, the same one that had answered his inquiries at the information agency.
Baines's eyes narrowed. "And why?" He didn't wait for her response, moving to his bed and pulling out fresh clothes. With deliberate nonchalance, he began changing.
The woman faltered, momentarily thrown by his casual disregard. "So you can have a backer," she said, regaining her composure. "We'll provide any information you desire."
