Rogue agents 1: The prima ballerina

Venice

*Ryan*

The hum of the Duckling's engines brings a sense of calmness as we soar through the sky, and I find myself glancing at Karolina beside me. Her eyes are wide with wonder, and there's a part of me that hopes this journey will bring some joy amidst the chaos we're facing.

I watch her as she takes in the view, her expression full of both awe and anticipation. And it hits me like a ton of bricks as I realize just how much she has already come to mean to me, a realization that terrifies me, I do not get emotionally entangled, it only leads to problems.

As we approach Venice, the skyline begins to shift, the canals and historic architecture coming into view. The city is a masterpiece, a blend of history and beauty, and I can't help but feel a sense of awe myself as we prepare to land.

Tommy expertly maneuvers the Duckling, finding a safe spot just outside the city. The landing is smooth, and I admire the skill it takes to handle such a complex vehicle. Once we're safely on the ground, I turn to Karolina.

"Ready to explore the city of canals?" I ask, trying to inject some enthusiasm into my voice despite the tension underlying our mission.

She nods, a smile playing on her lips. "Always."

We disembark, leaving Tommy behind with the Duckling in case we need a quick escape.

Sebastian leads the way, his posture determined and purposeful. "We won't be able to bring the Duckling too close," he explains as we walk, the cobblestone streets of Venice beneath our feet. "There's no roads, and I have no doubt you can imagine what kind of attention it would bring if we sailed it through the canals."

I glance at Karolina, her eyes taking in every detail. There's something captivating about her Innocent curiosity, and I find myself drawn to it, wanting to share in her discoveries.

As we navigate the winding streets and cross the iconic bridges, I feel the tension in my shoulders ease a little. Venice is a city that demands admiration, its beauty impossible to ignore.

We approach our destination, a quaint café nestled by a canal. It's bustling with locals and tourists alike, the air filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries. It's the perfect place to blend in, to gather information without drawing unwanted attention.

Sebastian nods to a table near the water, “If you and Karolina sits there, me and Holly will deal with the informant.”

We take our seats. I keep a watchful eye on our surroundings, but there's a part of me that can't help but steal glances at Karolina.

As we settle in, I lean closer to her, my voice barely audible above the chatter. "I've always wanted to visit Venice, it is actually one of the few places I have never been" I admit, surprising myself with the honesty in my words.

Karolina meets my gaze, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I would be happy to show you around, I have been here several times, but I guess we do not have the time," she replies, her words carrying a warmth that sends a flutter through my chest.

The café's ambient noise fades into the background as my attention narrows to the scene unfolding at Sebastian's and Holly’s table. The informant has arrived, a nondescript man with an air of nervousness that sets me on edge. I watch intently, trying to pick up on any cues or snippets of conversation.

Karolina is sipping her coffee with an air of calmness that belies the tension simmering beneath the surface, she is too innocent about what is going on to realise the danger. She catches my eye, offering a reassuring smile, but my focus remains fixed on the meeting.

As Sebastian leans in closer to the informant, I notice a subtle shift in the man's demeanor. His eyes dart around, and there's a flicker of something in his expression that sends alarm bells ringing in my head. It's a look I've seen before… fear, desperation, and the willingness to do something drastic.

My instincts kick in, and I know I have to act fast. "Karolina, excuse me for a moment," I murmur, my voice steady despite the urgency thrumming through me. Her brow furrows in confusion, but she nods, trusting me implicitly.

I reach into my pocket, fingers closing around the small device I always carry for emergencies. With practiced precision, I aim and fire a tiny dart into the informant's neck. It's over in a heartbeat, the man slumping forward as the poison takes effect.

Sebastian's reaction is immediate, his eyes widening in shock and anger. "What the hell are you doing, Ryan?" he hisses, barely keeping his voice low enough to avoid drawing attention. “Why are you killing our lead?”