After thanking Winston, Smith found an empty booth, sat down, and picked up a newspaper to read.
Smith, hearing Fox's words, asked, "Who's the unlucky guy with the bounty?"
Fox checked the message and replied, "A guy named John Wick."
Smith smiled, "He's the target I brought you to observe today."
Fox was confused, "Observe? I thought you were going to collect the bounty. What's there to observe about a retired killer?"
Both Smith and Fox knew John Wick, the Night Demon. Smith had introduced him to Fox when they learned about the Continental Hotel.
Fox had little regard for the hotel's assassins. To her, the Assassin's League was like Robin Hood, especially since a failed mission had led to her family's tragedy. She admired the League's ideals, even without the sacred loom.
The Continental Hotel's assassins, in her eyes, were mere mercenaries, unlike the League's members, especially Mr. X and Cross, whose sniping skills were legendary.
Smith, noting Fox's dismissive tone, said, "Learn slowly, don't rush."
On the other side, after dealing with assassins sent by Viggo, John Wick drove to the Continental Hotel.
Carrying a box in one hand and a canvas bag on his shoulder, John Wick walked steadily to the front desk, his expression solemn and surrounded by an aura of danger. He had just taken many lives the previous night and was like a volcano ready to erupt.
At the front desk, a beautiful assassin named Perkins greeted him, "Nice to see you again, John!"
"Likewise, Perkins," John replied.
After checking into room 818, John watched a video of his late wife and murmured, "Helen, if this is real, I'll wish to bring you back." He placed the Dragon Ball in a pouch around his neck, believing it safest close to him.
Dressed, he headed to the underground bar, entering after depositing a gold coin. Noticing the absence of African killers, John frowned. Typically, the Continental Hotel had more of them.
John greeted Perkins and made his way through the crowd to Winston's booth. "Hello, Winston," he said.
Winston, setting aside his newspaper, replied, "Jonathan."
John's full name was Jonathan Wick, but friends called him Jonathan. Winston, removing his glasses, remarked, "Weren't you the one who never left a mess?"
"Almost," John replied.
Winston inquired, "What brings you here?"
"Rusev Tarasov," John stated.
"What's with him?" Winston asked.
"I need to talk to him," John said.
Winston sipped his drink, "Talk, huh? I'm familiar with your style, Jonathan. Ever thought of turning over a new leaf?"
"Just visiting," John replied.
Winston pressed on, "Have you thought about it? Completely? You escaped once, but you're in too deep now. You'll find a way out, but you'll only sink deeper."
Ignoring Winston's advice, John asked, "Where can I find him?"
Winston, seeing John's resolve, cautioned, "You know the rules here. No trouble, or you'll face severe consequences." He then began to write down an address.
John interrupted, "This is personal," and left.
Winston, shaking his head, thought, "Returning here, do you really think they believe you're retired?"
John approached the bar for information.
Eddie, spotting him, exclaimed, "Oh my God, Jonathan!"
"Hey, Eddie," John replied.
Eddie pulled him close, "It's been over five years."
John nodded, "Retirement's been good, Eddie. Better than I deserve."
"I'm sorry about your wife," Eddie offered.
"Thank you," John said.
Eddie, studying him, remarked, "I've never seen you like this."
"What do you mean?" John asked.
"Haggard," Eddie replied.
John took a deep breath, "I'm retired."
Eddie smiled, "Drinking here means you're not."
"Same old?" Eddie asked, pointing to the wine cabinet.
"Okay," John agreed.
Elsewhere, Fox, checking her phone, noted, "Smith, his bounty's risen to $4 million. Plus, 4 extra gold coins from the Continental Hotel."
(End of Chapter)