In the taxi heading to Heathrow International Airport, Toru sat in the back seat. He opened the kraft paper file in his hand, took out the thick stack of documents inside, and began examining them carefully.
The documents contained detailed information on Akai Mary, from her birth up until her recent disappearance.
Through these files, one could piece together a complete picture of her life and habits.
Included were clear front, side, and back profile photos of Akai Mary.
"Doesn't look like someone elderly at all."
Toru muttered to himself.
In terms of age, Akai Mary should be around the same as Vermouth.
But even with the passage of time, judging from the photos taken within the past year, she was still extremely well-maintained. She looked like a mature woman in her early thirties.
However, after being administered the drug, she should now appear no older than a primary or middle school student.
Toru put the photos and documents back into the file, and the taxi arrived at the airport. He paid the driver in pounds, got out quickly, and entered the terminal.
Heathrow International Airport, like most airports worldwide, had a bright and spacious terminal. However, it lacked a bit of flair.
After collecting his boarding pass, Toru didn't bother going to the VIP lounge to rest. Instead, he walked toward the boarding gate.
As he passed an airport café, he paused for a moment, then decided to stop for a cup of coffee.
Just then, someone bumped into him from behind.
The impact was light and soft, without much strength behind it.
So, while Toru remained perfectly still, the one who bumped into him let out a small "ouch" and fell backward onto the floor.
Judging from the voice, it sounded like a young girl.
Toru's instincts kicked in instantly, and his hand reached toward his waist.
Right, he wasn't carrying a gun.
But it didn't matter. With his current level of Karate, he was unbeatable in close-quarters combat.
As a secret agent, it was only natural for Toru to be highly cautious.
He didn't trust coincidences, someone bumping into him could easily be an assassination attempt or a theft targeting the file in his hand.
Toru quickly checked himself. Nothing was missing, and the file bag was still tightly in his grip.
Only then did he lower his guard and look at the person who had run into him.
It was a girl with long pink hair, wearing a plaid shirt in the English style and a pleated skirt. She had a fresh and youthful vibe, pulling a small carry-on suitcase behind her.
She had fair skin and a delicate, youthful face full of energy. She was sitting on the floor, rubbing her sore bottom and letting out a pained breath.
But the moment she saw Toru turn around, she quickly got up and bowed, saying, "Sorry, I…"
From her voice and accent, it was clear she was Japanese, and her English was clumsy and heavily accented.
Toru, wearing sunglasses, raised an eyebrow.
He quickly scanned her, focusing on her hands. She didn't have the hands of someone trained with firearms, nor the dexterity of a professional pickpocket.
It really did seem like she had just bumped into him by accident.
His alertness faded slightly.
Looking at her nervous expression and the way she was fumbling to apologize, Toru smiled and said, "Relax, relax."
The pink-haired girl lit up when she heard him speak her language. Her eyes sparkled, and she exclaimed, "You're from Japan?"
"Sort of."
Toru replied vaguely.
As a top CIA agent, he had enough passports to fill a drawer. He could be any nationality he needed to be.
Toru's answer was a little odd, but the girl didn't seem to mind. She bowed again to apologize.
"I'm really sorry. I was distracted and didn't notice you standing there. I didn't mean to bump into you!"
Seeing her bow at a perfect ninety degrees like some apologetic fairy, Toru smiled. "It's alright. I'm at fault too. I shouldn't have been standing in the way."
"No, no, it was definitely my fault. I wasn't paying attention."
Seeing her intent on continuing the cycle of apologies, Toru interrupted her. "Then answer one question, and I'll consider the matter settled."
"Please ask."
The girl looked a bit nervous, instinctively gripping the handle of her suitcase tightly. She began to wonder if she had run into a weirdo.
"What kind of coffee do you like? Latte, mocha, cappuccino, Americano?"
The pink-haired girl blinked her light gray eyes, finding the question a little strange. But she still answered honestly, "Mocha. I like that the most…"
Toru nodded, said nothing more, and walked into the coffee shop nearby.
The girl was stunned for a moment. She muttered something to herself, shook her head, and continued wheeling her suitcase toward the boarding gate.
Chihaya Anon felt that today was just not her day.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇◇
◇ I'll be dropping two bonus chapters for every 10 reviews.
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ If you enjoy the story, please consider leaving a review, it helps a lot!
◇ Don't forget to add the book to your library.