Chapter 83: The Best Actor
"Then it's just fries, or I can make you a cheeseburger."
"Okay, that works for me." Ron handed the menu back to Max and quietly played on his phone while waiting for his food. Although the iPhone had just been released and Ron hadn't upgraded yet, that didn't mean there weren't good games on other smartphones to kill time.
For instance, there was a game called Tetris on his BlackBerry. By rotating and aligning falling blocks, you could clear lines endlessly. When Ron first discovered this addictive game, it brought back memories.
However, Ron's attention wasn't entirely on his phone at the moment. He played absent-mindedly, occasionally glancing at the sports bar across the street from the corner of his eye.
Harry's son, the lean assassin, had already rested his head on the muscular man's shoulder, which made Ron's skin crawl.
"These assassins have no moral boundaries. They'll even switch teams to complete their mission! Talk about being flexible," Paige complained through the earpiece, and Ron nodded in agreement.
Caroline finally arrived, her heels clicking angrily across the floor. Due to the angle, she didn't see Ron, but instead walked right up to Max with her hand extended.
"Are you happy now? I look like a Vegas showgirl!" Caroline's nails were painted a gaudy red, with fake extensions that made them look incredibly tacky.
"More like a casino cocktail waitress."
"It cost me seventy-three dollars and fifty cents! She made me get these fake nails, and then charged me extra for them," Caroline said frantically. "And since you weren't there, I didn't get the friends and family discount."
Max smiled knowingly. "See, having your man around makes all the difference. Gives you that extra confidence."
"What?!" Caroline followed Max's gaze and finally spotted Ron. Like a startled deer, she ducked behind the counter, her rear end sticking out as she peered over at Ron.
Max's mouth fell open at Caroline's exaggerated reaction: "Girl, what's wrong with you? You two have already hooked up, and you're afraid to face him?!"
"I don't want him to see me in this ridiculous uniform! I'd rather he saw me naked. This is a complete disaster, worse than when my dad got arrested for that Ponzi scheme!"
"Are you sure you want to do this in front of Oleg?" Max said with a smirk: "FYI, he's checking out the view up your skirt and getting his kicks. I'm pretty sure he's fantasizing about that naked scenario you just mentioned."
Caroline turned her head and saw Oleg leaning against the prep station, staring at her backside with a perverted expression. One hand was doing something suspicious below the counter while his body swayed rhythmically.
Caroline shrieked and shot upright, smoothing down her skirt with both hands while glaring daggers at Oleg.
"Um..." Ron had somehow appeared at the counter without anyone noticing: "Excuse me, that uniform might be ridiculous, but it looks absolutely incredible on you two."
"Thanks." Caroline turned around, but kept her hands behind her back, still covering her skirt.
If it was just Ron, she would've flashed him right there, but not with Oleg lurking around.
"Max, I've left the money and tip on the table. Sorry, something urgent came up and I need to bounce. Catch you later."
"Bye, Ron." came from three voices—even Oleg waved from the kitchen window.
After Ron left, Caroline finally relaxed and resumed her argument with Max: "Max, I really want to be your bestie, but you're obviously messed up in the head."
Of course, Max wasn't having any of it: "Meet me in the walk-in cooler."
...
Ron left early.
Of course, it wasn't because Paige was watching. He wouldn't dare mess around with those two women while she had eyes on him. He might be somewhat reckless, but Paige wasn't the type to let things slide, so it wasn't worth the risk. Hell, she'd probably secretly watched him with other women before.
Given that girl's resourcefulness, it was entirely possible.
Ron's main reason for leaving was because he saw Harry's son leave early, and the muscular guy hesitated for a moment before following him out.
So, naturally, Ron tailed them, casually tossing his expensive suit jacket into a dumpster and loosening his tie as he walked.
Before the big guy could turn around suspiciously, Ron ducked into a corner bodega to buy a bottle of the cheapest wine available. The muscular man, after turning around and seeing no suspicious figures, continued his pursuit.
"Hey, sweetie, I have to warn you that you're making a terrible decision. From what I've observed, this guy probably prefers petite brunettes. If you're planning on seducing that rookie assassin to get close to him, you're way off base."
Ron nearly choked on his drink!
"I suggest you lay off the romance novels," Ron said, swishing the wine around his mouth to ensure it reeked of cheap alcohol. He swallowed a bit and spat out the rest. Then he poured the bottle over his head, hunching his shoulders. He immediately appeared several inches shorter than before and instantly transformed into a stumbling drunk with a vacant stare, his expensive shirt wrinkled enough to look like a recently divorced middle-class guy who'd lost everything.
Paige couldn't help but applaud. "Your acting is absolutely phenomenal! If I hadn't known you for so many years, I'd think you'd just lost your life savings in a crypto crash.
Honestly, even if you weren't a federal agent, your acting chops could get you work in Hollywood. You might even snag an Emmy. Seriously, would you consider a career change?"
"You know I hate the spotlight, and you know that Emmy isn't made of real gold!" Ron belted out his response in a loud, operatic tone, and passersby grimaced at the alcohol stench radiating from him. They hurried past with muttered complaints of "Damn wino!" Several people gave him wide berth, but no one suspected he was on a phone call, assuming he was just a drunk having an episode.
After several blocks, he relocated his targets with Paige's guidance. Even better, his presence didn't attract the slightest attention from either man.
Ron was incredibly proud, his theatrical instincts fully engaged. He even quickened his pace, aggressively stumbling between the two men and bumping directly into the muscular guy, glaring at him while breathing alcohol fumes in his face.
"Hey! Buddy, I'm talking to you! I'm an IRS agent. Have you been paying your taxes lately?!"
The muscular man grabbed Ron's face in disgust and shoved him away. "Get lost, you drunk loser!"
(End of Chapter)
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