Chapter 336: It Seems About Right

The man named John spoke, a sly smile plastered on his face as he continued.

“It means let’s help each other out. Don’t misunderstand, Charlie. I’m just trying to gather some information.”

“Since when has the NSA started gathering information from people?”

“We need to adapt too. Things have changed a lot since the past.”

“I’m not interested.”

As I turned to walk away, it was clear John had no intention of stopping.

“If you keep going like this, you’ll regret it.”

I halted my steps and turned back to face John.

“Regret?”

“Yes. Charlie, what you do has piqued my interest. I’m ready to learn more about you… Don’t you think you’ll regret this?”

I was so taken aback that I couldn’t even muster a laugh in response, just glaring at him coldly.

“Should I take that to mean it’s the White House’s intention?”

“Well, I’m not sure…”

“Why don’t you give it a try?”

“Don’t take the easy way out, Charlie. Just pass me the information I want. If what you do helps you, then it won’t hinder you either.”

Unlike my cold demeanor, John kept up his friendly chatter.

“I said I’m not interested. You keep repeating yourself.”

“I don’t know how much you know about the NSA, but when we do something, we do it right. I hope you’re listening carefully.”

He handed me a business card with his contact number on it.

Without a word, I accepted the card, and John waved goodbye, departing without a trace of reluctance.

“I’ll be waiting for your call then.”

As he vanished from sight, I passed the card to Manager Ma.

“Find out about that guy. It won’t be easy.”

“Didn’t you say he was with the NSA? That might be tougher than dealing with the CIA.”

“The NSA isn’t as well-known as the CIA, especially within the U.S. military. Still, look into it.”

“Understood.”

Even as I gave the order, I had little hope for significant results.

After all, not much information about the NSA’s military personnel was available to the public.

They started to gain recognition only after Al-Qaeda terrorized the U.S.

I glared at the direction where John had disappeared for a long while before shaking my head.

“Let’s call it a night. I’m not in the mood to laugh and enjoy myself.”

After glancing back at Bush and the Prime Minister, who were surrounded by people off in the distance, I left the banquet hall.

But when I took the elevator down to the hotel lobby, I unexpectedly ran into someone.

“Charlie! Long time no see!”

It was Jessica, who had once come to visit me in Pyeongchang-dong.

She approached with a smile, extending her hand. I took it and shook it lightly, responding.

“It’s been a while, Jessica.”

“Indeed. Quite a while, hasn’t it?”

After we finished shaking hands, she checked her watch and said,

“But why are you leaving so early? The event is just getting started.”

“I’m just not in the mood to stick around. By the way, why is the CIA at the banquet?”

“Oh, right. I transferred. I’m with the newly established Department of Homeland Security now.”

“Oh really? Congratulations!”

The Department of Homeland Security was an administrative body newly created after Al-Qaeda’s attacks in the U.S.

Numerous intelligence agencies existed, like the CIA, FBI, and the NSA under the Department of Defense, but they failed to prevent attacks on U.S. soil.

This intelligence-gathering agency was formed to respond to and defend against the first homeland attack in U.S. history.

I recalled information about the Department of Homeland Security while looking at Jessica.

If Jessica had joined the newly formed Department of Homeland Security, it meant she enjoyed the trust of the U.S. government.

“This is all thanks to you, Charlie. That’s why I decided to drop by the banquet after all, even though it wasn’t in the plan. But even so, why are you leaving so soon?”

I shook my head; there was no good coming from bringing it up.

“It’s nothing. I just don’t feel good about the situation.”

“Oh, it seems like that’s not the case. Why don’t you grab a drink with me? Talking with someone always helps when you’re feeling down, right?”

Jessica urged me with a bright smile.

It was a transparent attempt to cheer me up, but I decided to play along.

Since she seemed to hold a pretty high position in the CIA, perhaps she had connections in the NSA too.

“Since you were the one to suggest it, I’ll take you to a good place.”

We walked through the hotel lobby and out the main entrance together.

After getting her into the car, I took her to a secret bar in Gangnam.

The bar was bustling as usual. Amidst the crowd, Madam spotted me and rushed over.

“Boss! It’s been a while since you dropped by!”

“Please reserve a room where we can talk quietly. And for the drinks… Jessica, do you have a preference?”

“Not really. I’m fine with anything, Charlie.”

Perhaps it was a habit from working in intelligence; Jessica looked around cautiously as she replied.

“Just prepare what I usually drink.”

“Understood. This way, please, Boss.”

Madam led us to a private room tucked away in the back.

Both Jessica and I settled in as Manager Ma waited outside the door.

It wasn’t long before Madam entered with staff in tow to serve drinks and snacks.

A variety of appetizers and drinks were laid out on the table. Madam held up a bottle and spoke in English.

It seemed she was explaining it to Jessica, who was seeing it for the first time.

“This is Cognac. It’s one of the most popular varieties of Louis XIII.”

Jessica’s eyes lit up as she gazed at the Cognac in Madam’s hand.

Looks like she enjoys her drinks. I chuckled lightly and asked her.

“Is this good for you?”

“Yes, it’s perfect.”

“Then let’s have it together.”

“Alright, understood. If you need anything else, just call for me.”

Madam bowed her head and exited the room.

I poured a little liquor into a glass and handed it to her.

Jessica accepted it, turning the glass under the soft lighting. She watched the reflecting colors before taking in the aroma.

“Mmm, it smells amazing.”

“Glad to hear that.”

I followed her lead, warming the alcohol with my body temperature as I swirled my glass.

Before diving into heavy drinking, I decided to start a conversation.

“So, what brings you to Korea? I thought the Department of Homeland Security only looked after matters within US territory.”

“Ah, our department has taken over security for the President as well now.”

Was this due to the recent attacks? If so, it explained why she was in Korea.

To prevent any monopolization of power, the U.S. President had not maintained a separate security detail.

Despite numerous assassination threats against the President, this was the method chosen for power distribution.

Originally, this task was handled by the Secret Service under the U.S. Department of the Treasury, but the recent attacks raised concerns regarding presidential security.

Consequently, operations transferred from the Treasury to the Department of Homeland Security.

“So, you are in charge of the Secret Service at Homeland Security, huh?”

“That’s a secret.”

Even as Jessica spoke with a playful smile, I shrugged and responded indifferently.

“I see.”

“What’s with the dull response?”

“What am I supposed to ask when it’s a secret?”

“Come on, you should know how to play along. Now, let’s have a drink.”

Jessica complained about me being a bore and offered her glass.

I clinked my glass against hers, savoring the aroma of the Cognac as I took a sip.

“Wow, this is really good!”

Clearly enjoying it, she spilled words of admiration. As she wet her throat, she curiously asked.

“By the way, Charlie, why were you feeling down? Did something happen on our side?”

“Hmm.”

“Speak up. I might be able to help.”

The words I had been waiting to hear finally slipped out. I set my glass down and wiped the smile off my face.

“Jessica, the NSA came looking for me.”

“What? The National Security Agency is after you?”

Jessica’s eyes widened. She seemed genuinely surprised by the news.

Was she clueless, or was she just acting?

“Yes, they were warning me.”

Even Jessica, who had been joking until now, started showing seriousness on her face.

“It’s rare for the NSA to take direct action… It wasn’t the CIA but the NSA, right?”

“Yes, they clearly stated it was the NSA.”

“Did you get anything from them?”

“I did get a business card.”

“Can you show me that card?”

I nodded and called for Manager Ma.

As he opened the door and stepped inside, I gestured for him.

“Manager, please hand me the card I received earlier.”

Manager Ma retrieved the card from its case and passed it to me.

With a light motion, I indicated for him to close the door again.

I handed the card to Jessica, who examined it closely, flipping it over carefully.

After holding it up to the light, Jessica raised an eyebrow.

“This is definitely a card issued by the NSA.”

“Do you know this person?”

“I don’t know much about the NSA. I might know the CIA better.”

Returning the card to me, Jessica took out her phone and asked.

“I’m going to make a quick call.”

I nodded, watching her rise from her seat as she dialed a number.

Even though she spoke in a low voice in the corner, the utter silence of the room allowed me to catch bits of her conversation.

“…They say the NSA approached Kim in Korea.”

Though I couldn’t hear the voice on the other end, Jessica listened intently for quite a while.

“Yes, understood. I will convey that message.”

Once she concluded the call, Jessica returned to her seat.

“Our Secretary says this is news even to him. He wants me to apologize on his behalf.”

This indicated that Jessica held quite a prestigious position.

She could share information directly with the Secretary of Homeland Security. I looked at her in astonishment and asked.

“Did the Secretary personally convey this to you?”

“Yes, it’s something we’re not aware of. If we had known, I would have come to find you, Charlie.”

“Understood. I wonder if this is aligned with the White House’s intent.”

“I highly doubt it. Isn’t Rumsfeld meeting with National Security Advisor Rice this time? Why would we be involved?”

Her tone was firm, but I couldn’t shake off my suspicions.

“The NSA, operating under the Department of Defense, warned me. I can’t help but suspect if it’s just a coincidence.”

“I doubt it. I don’t know why the NSA would do this, but the White House absolutely doesn’t intend to be hostile towards you, Charlie.”

“But there are reports about a tax investigation on Dream High and companies associated with me in New York…”

Jessica, who had been speaking confidently, suddenly fell quiet.

She couldn’t deny it because the tax investigation was indeed a fact.

“I understand their stance. The most significant accounting scandal in the U.S. broke out, so they probably needed a scapegoat. I know they targeted companies more closely related to me among those on Wall Street. Trust was already broken from that point. But for them to come searching for me personally today? That’s just disrespectful.”

Looking somewhat apologetic, Jessica finished her drink and asked me. Her tone was noticeably deflated compared to before.

“What did they say to make you feel this way, Charlie?”

“They demanded information that would satisfy them. If I don’t comply, they’ll start digging into my background thoroughly.”

“Sigh…”

Jessica buried her face in her hands and exhaled deeply.

“I’m so sorry. I’ll call Rumsfeld right away.”

“No, I’ll discuss this with him directly tomorrow.”

I stopped Jessica, who seemed ready to call right now.

Just knowing Jessica had direct access to the Secretary and her awareness of the White House’s intentions was already a significant victory.

Any further desires for information would just be greed. I forced a casual smile.

“I like having you around, so I hope you’re not involved in this mess.”

“Thank you, Charlie. I really had no idea.”

“Then let’s drop the subject for now.”

Nodding at my resolute statement, Jessica agreed.

“If I find out anything, I’ll share it with you.”

Instead of answering, I raised my glass toward her. Jessica grinned and mirrored the action.