Chapter 4: Identity

After returning, Ethan Reed was summoned by John Avery for a private discussion. Without preliminaries, Avery stated, "Plans have changed. Michael Chase is temporarily off the hit list."

He then explained the reason, "Our inside man has sent word that Global Dynamics' new weapon is nearing completion. In a few months to a year, they'll have tangible results. Global Dynamics plans to gather major buyers to appraise their creation, and the true power behind the corporation will be present. That's our chance to take them all down in one fell swoop. If we eliminate Chase now, we might lose this opportunity."

Reed expressed his doubts, "Is the insider's information reliable, or is this just a stalling tactic?"

Avery admitted, "We can't be certain," and turned on the screen mounted on the wall. "I've pulled up surveillance footage from your last operation. Watch here."

He fast-forwarded the video, then played a segment showing the black Lincoln at a stoplight with Chase's vehicle in the center of the screen.

Soon, Zheng Zi Qing's vehicle positioned diagonally behind the Lincoln, followed by a water truck stopping behind Chase's car. Moments after the water truck settled, the rear door of the Lincoln opened, and a figure quickly stepped out, disappearing from the camera's view. Though the footage didn't clearly capture the person's face, Reed knew it had to be Chase.

Avery paused the video at the moment Chase exited the vehicle, pointing out Zheng's Toyota blocked by the water truck, "The surveillance caught it, but from Zheng's position, his view was completely obstructed. The few seconds of the red light coincidentally allowed a water truck to obscure Zheng's line of sight, clearly a prearranged plan to give Chase an escape route."

"This means Zheng and Reed didn't lie," Reed concluded. Avery nodded, "It proves they weren't lying but doesn't clear them or us of suspicion. Chase's preparedness indicates he knew about the hit, but it's still unclear who leaked the information."

Reed reiterated, "The inside man could also be a suspect." Avery agreed, "You're right," and turned off the screen, "which is why we need another reliable person inside Global Dynamics to gather information."

"You mean..." Reed hesitated.

"You're the only one I can pin my hopes on now," Avery declared.

Reed disagreed, "But with Chase already on guard so soon after the incident... Approaching Global Dynamics now is too risky." The sound of the Lincoln's explosion was still fresh, and Chase would undoubtedly be more vigilant. The timing was too close, making it almost like announcing his role as a spy.

Avery was aware of the poor timing but stressed the urgency, "If Global Dynamics acts fast, we only have a few months. Gaining Chase's trust takes time, and we have no other choice. I chose you over a newcomer because I trust your capabilities." He slid a dossier across the table to Reed, "This is your new identity. I assure you Global Dynamics won't find any flaws. You'll meet with Chase in three days."

Reed had to accept, despite the difficulties. He glanced at the dossier, asking, "Do we know who the inside man is?"

Avery replied, "He was sent by the Joint Investigation Department, without our interference. Only his handler knows his identity, for his safety."

"Even if he might have turned?" Reed pressed.

"It's only a possibility," Avery affirmed.

"Understood," Reed said, taking the dossier to familiarize himself with his new background. Avery wished him luck.

Avery prepared a wealthy heir persona for Reed, considering the lure of significant funds to entice a personal meeting with Chase. This incentive was a substantial five hundred million dollars.

Three days later, Reed, dressed in a suit and tie, left the lavish residence arranged by Avery and boarded a Mercedes prepared for him. Arriving at the Global Dynamics Tower, he was greeted by the man he had seen in Chase's office, "Mr. Reed, I'm Rand Duncan, Mr. Chase's assistant."

After introductions, Duncan led him to Chase's office. Reed, having previously scoped out the office, felt a sense of familiarity upon entering.

Chase stood to shake his hand, "Welcome, I'm Michael Chase, CEO of Global Dynamics."

Seated with coffees already prepared, Chase mentioned he heard Reed liked coffee, a detail included in Reed's new identity dossier.

Their conversation quickly turned to business, with Chase inquiring about Reed's interest in investing five hundred million in real estate. Reed, adapting to his role, did not beat around the bush.

Chase delved deeper, but Reed maintained the facade of a naïve rich heir, ambiguous in his responses.

After an hour, Chase concluded the meeting without a definite stance on the collaboration.

Leaving the office, Duncan openly assessed Reed as an ideal partner — wealthy but naive.

Chase, however, was not entirely convinced and instructed Duncan to investigate Reed further, particularly intrigued by the calluses on Reed's hands.