FBI Washington Headquarters, a familiar office.
"Good afternoon, Director."
Knocking and entering the office, Luo An handed a small package to Vireness, smiling:
"This is a specialty I brought back from Hawaii, Director. You might want to try it; it's quite delicious."
The items in the package were mainly macadamia chocolates and macadamia honey, the forr with a rich texture and the latter sweet and delectable, both falling under the types of sweets Vireness liked.
"Thank you."
Vireness's lips slightly curled into a smile as she took the package Luo An handed to her and carefully placed it to the side. After so pleasantries, she steered the conversation to the main topic:
"Luo An, there's a case I hope you can lead the team to handle."
"What case?"
Luo An looked around; usually, at tis like this, Vireness would hand him a folder containing relevant case information.
But this ti there was no folder, and Vireness made no motion or gesture of searching for one.
"This is a secret case."
Vireness cleared her throat and with a serious face began to explain:
"Five months ago, our FBI and another agency in the building, the CIA, conducted a joint operation.
That operation was half successful, half failed.
The success was that both agencies collaborated to capture the target individual, but the failure was that a list was lost during the operation."
Hearing this, Luo An's mouth twitched as he sarcastically said:
"...Aren't lists supposed to be confidential? How do they keep getting lost?"
The previous case on the small island in the Bahamas had also involved a lost list.
Hearing Luo An's sarcasm, a look of speechlessness flashed across Vireness's eyes, and after a silent mont, she said in a low voice:
"After that case, the FBI's report indicated that the list was mainly lost due to the CIA's errors and fault."
"…"
Luo An did not comnt sarcastically, but after pondering briefly he asked:
"So, is the target of this case to find that list?"
Vireness nodded her head and continued:
"Half a month ago, the intelligence departnt of the CIA received a tip that the list is now in the hands of an underworld rchant.
The list contains not only the information of CIA agents but also that of many undercover FBI agents embedded in international cri rings.
The underground rchant plans to sell the list soon, and our goal is to retrieve the list and arrest the rchant."
Luo An nodded, then after a few seconds of contemplation, he followed up with the question:
"Is this a joint operation between the FBI and the CIA?"
"Correct."
Vireness explained:
"The underground rchant's area of operations is mainly outside the federation, in other countries, which typically doesn't fall under FBI jurisdiction.
However, since our FBI undercover agents' information is on that list, it involves our responsibilities.
Furthermore, since the original operation was a joint action by the CIA and FBI, this operation should follow suit."
Luo An nodded, and before he could speak, Vireness's deanor suddenly beca stern as she spoke in a lowered voice:
"Luo An, because of the special circumstances of this case, it's not suitable for widespread attention, so we won't be taking large-scale action, and not many people will know about it.
The CIA will only send three agents, and we cannot afford to have too many on our side either—three is just right.
Luo An, you need to think carefully about the personnel arrangents; during the operation, the special investigation team will still be officially on leave."
Luo An narrowed his eyes upon hearing this:
"Will there be support during the operation?"
"There will be support, but it needs to be arranged in advance."
"OK."
Luo An nodded his head in agreent, and Vireness went on to briefly inform him about what to be cautious of during the operation and the importance of safeguarding oneself in case of danger, and other words of concern.
Finally, Vireness gave Luo An an address, which was the rendezvous point for the CIA agents and FBI operatives involved in this operation.
Leaving the office, Luo An stared at the information on the note and fell into deep thought.
The special investigation team consisted of six people: Luo An was the team leader, Chenier was responsible for interrogations, Reesi for intelligence, Michelle for logistics, Winslow for combat, and Mona for computers, each with their own roles.
However, only three operatives could participate in this operation... Luo An's eyes narrowed slightly, he fell silent for a mont, and then took out his cell phone to call Reesi:
"Where are you? Need to talk to you."
------------
An hour later, beside a park in Northwest Washington D.C., Reesi saw a familiar SUV and imdiately crossed the street and got in:
"Sorry, I'm late."
Inside the SUV, Luo An and Mona had just arrived not too long ago. When Luo An turned around and saw Reesi in the back seat wiping lipstick off her face with a wet wipe, he was at a loss for words.
Mona, however, was very composed, not only passing the box of wet wipes to Reesi but also pointing out a spot for her:
"Left side, there's another one on your neck."
"Thanks."
Reesi smiled and thanked her a few tis, then looked towards Luo An:
"What's the situation this ti?"
"A list has gone missing, we need to find it."
Luo An briefly outlined the case, and for the three-person selection, he chose himself, Mona, and Reesi.
Mona's computer skills were beyond doubt, invaluable in critical monts.
Reesi's intelligence gathering abilities were also top-notch within the special investigation team; in this regard, neither Chenier nor Winslow could compare to her.
For combat, choosing Reesi was also most appropriate. She might not be as strong as Winslow, but comparable to Chenier, and if she couldn't win a fight, she could still run.
Plus, with Luo An himself being the strongest combatant, there was no need for another mber who excelled in combat. Reesi's role was just right.
After listening to Luo An's case briefing, Mona frowned slightly and Reesi's eyes narrowed, pondering for a few seconds before asking in a low voice:
"Luo An, what are you thinking about the CIA's involvent?"
Luo An did not speak, and Mona was taken aback:
"What do you an?"
"Exactly what it sounds like."
Reesi chuckled and spread her hands to tell the truth:
"We all understand the CIA's style; saying one thing to your face and another behind your back is the norm.
From what I know, most joint operations between CIA and other agencies are never short of shenanigans.
The three CIA agents we're eting this ti are also likely not to be straight shooters, given that there's no environnt within the CIA for the honest ones."
Luo An's mouth curved into a smile as he spoke:
"That's why we are the chosen ones for this operation."
Reesi was definitely the most cunning mber of the special investigation team—a term not ant pejoratively, as her sharp observation skills allow her to catch many details others overlook.
Mona wasn't naive either, not lacking in cunning when needed. It was only Luo An who was deed utterly unremarkable and honest.
"..."
Hearing Luo An's self-assessnt, Mona and Reesi both rolled their eyes at the sa ti.
Luo An chuckled and started the car to head towards the location on the note.
"By the way."
Mid-trip, Mona suddenly rembered sothing and asked:
"Do we have any information on the underground trader, like a na or photo?"
"The ssage ca from the CIA, they didn't go into detail about it."
Luo An shook his head; the CIA had only ntioned that a list was to be sold and requested the FBI to collaborate.
Mona and Reesi imdiately furrowed their brows upon hearing this, but Luo An remained very calm:
"Don't worry, we'll find out the specifics. It might just be a bit more troubleso later, but I'll handle it."
Mona and Reesi understood the aning in Luo An's words, exchanged glances, and said no more.
An hour later, the SUV arrived at the specified spot indicated on the note at the appointed ti, but when the three got out of the vehicle, they found the place empty except for themselves.
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