After speaking, Nerissa went back inside as the castle gate closed.
* * *
As he left Chapman’s castle, the cold night rain hit Brown’s face.
But his mind was filled with thoughts colder and more chaotic than the rainwater.
'Al-Muradi.'
The man Chapman had pointed to with crazed conviction, and a man who likely held a grudge against him.
'Is he connected to Manuel.'
In fact, more than the thought of Zahir Al-Muradi, it was Nerissa who was more deeply embedded in Brown’s mind.
His body, still reeling from the shock of being hit by Nerissa, ached all over.
'Is it because I’ve relaxed…'
Brown got in his car and drove towards the CIA’s temporary western command post.
It was because Lennon was currently in the west, not at Langley in the east.
Exhaustion washed over him, but he pushed himself.
The contents of his report were too important to be delivered over the phone.
Brown turned on the radio to fight off the drowsiness.
<…And now for our next piece. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Winter.>
“What? Is today the day I’m supposed to get friendly with this kind of music.”
The piece was terribly fitting for the drive through the rain.
“I should get some sleep as soon as I arrive, and then see the Director right away.”
Artistea’s voice came from the phone connected to the car for navigation.
“Hmm. Let’s make it 9. I have to be there by 10 at the latest. I have a lot to discuss with the Director.”
“No, that’ll be fine. I can still get about 4 hours of sleep if I go now.”
“Thanks. But, no. My car isn’t that new of a model yet.”
As Brown conversed with Artistea, he felt a sense of unease.
'Yes…. it’s definitely different.'
“Arti, I just met with Dr. Chapman.”
“No, that’s not what I’m trying to say.”
“The entire castle where Dr. Chapman lives is under your control. But the strange thing is, the voice was completely different from yours. Is it an added function? Or is it a special version just for Dr. Chapman?”
“I suppose that’s possible.”
Though Brown’s suspicions were not entirely resolved, he didn't ask any more questions.
In the end, he arrived at the western command post without having slept at all, changed his clothes in the on-duty room, and went to sleep.
The next day, his steps were heavy as he walked down the hallway of the command post.
He had managed to sleep for 30 minutes more than planned. The current time was 9:50 AM.
Brown was tired, but more important was the tension of having to meet the man called the greatest figure in CIA history.
A legend who had defended the Director’s seat like an iron fortress for 20 years.
Even his marriage was part of the legend.
When he, a widower, remarried the young Asian genius scientist Song Joo-eun, people whispered that it was a union of power and information.
But the Lennon Brown knew was not just a calculating man.
The Lennon he had seen since his rookie days was a superior who was crazy about his work, but also warm and kind-hearted.
He believed that that deep character was the true strength that had allowed him to reign as the head of this massive intelligence organization for 20 years through numerous reappointments.
Brown steeled himself to take responsibility for this mission’s failure and step down.
The mission to protect Chapman was a matter of protecting the history of the world.
And Lennon, entrusting him with such a heavy responsibility, had told him.
“I trust you.”
Having failed to live up to that trust, simply stepping down was not enough.
That was the responsibility he had to bear as the man called Lennon’s right hand.
He had to uncover the whole truth, no matter what.
Lennon’s office was surprisingly modest.
Only a pile of documents and a computer sat on the desk.
The office, without even a common family photo, bore only the traces of a diligent man.
Only the old American flag hanging on the wall seemed to show his conviction.
“Right, I understand. I still trust you.”
To Brown, who had finished his report, Lennon’s answer was a reconfirmation of his unwavering trust.
Though in his 60s, Lennon boasted a solid physique.
He was a charismatic man, different from the typical superior who just sat in his office giving orders.
His deep voice inspired trust in people, and his deep-set eyes held a mystery, as if he knew everything.
Brown lowered his head in guilt.
He could not be a stain on his superior’s career.
“I will step down after I have uncovered the whole truth of this matter.”
As Brown reiterated his intention to resign, Lennon looked at him with displeasure.
“…You can’t do that. I’ll be leaving the CIA soon myself. Then, who should take this position.”
It was a shocking statement.
For over 10 years, since his fledgling days, the Director to Brown had always been Brian Lennon.
Of course, Lennon would have to leave someday, given his age.
Many within the CIA believed that Brown would be the next Director.
There were few who could compare to Brown in terms of service record or achievements.
If not for this massive failure, Brown, too, would have thought that the position was rightfully his.
Lennon’s words now meant that he trusted him despite the massive failure.
With a heart full of excitement, like a child who had received a Christmas present, he waited for the next words.
To say thank you first would seem too impolite.
He couldn't be misunderstood as wanting to push Lennon out.
“I can’t reveal everything yet. For now, I’ll just say that you have two choices.”
'Was he testing my reaction….'
Lennon was always like the ‘conductor’ of a grand symphony.
Every member of the orchestra could only see their own sheet music, but only the conductor could see the entire score and coordinate everything.
Brown was the first violin of that orchestra and was always in charge of the most important and brilliant solos.
But he could never know what meaning that solo had within the entire symphony.
For the past 20 years,
he had learned to play perfectly while looking only at the conductor’s fingertips,
and at the same time,
he was tormented by the desire to read the entire score like that conductor.
For now, the duty of a performer came first.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
His loyalty to Lennon was stronger than his suspicion.
“You must have guessed that the first choice is for you to succeed me. The second is… well. First, do you trust me?”
Was the loyalty he had shown so far still not enough?
A voice in his head screamed at him to hold back, but his mouth reacted first.
“I have trusted and followed you, Director, until now. I may have made mistakes due to my shortcomings, but I do not believe I have ever betrayed your trust.”
The corners of Lennon’s mouth rose ever so slightly.
He seemed to be pleased with Brown’s answer.
'Would living with such a person in marriage be happiness, or hell.'
“Right, you are that kind of man. Then, wrap this up, arrest that man Zahir. And follow me to the Department of Defense.”
A series of unexpected words poured out.
While Brown hesitated for a moment, Lennon said, stroking the old chair in the Director’s office.
“It’s alright. I’m about to take the next step myself.”
“Is there some… reason for this?”
Lennon’s eyes pierced through Brown.
“It won’t be too late to think about it after you’ve finished the mission. And about catching that Dr. Zahir this time, try using this method.”
As always, Lennon did not answer Brown’s question.
He just explained his plan, and Brown executed it.
Brown received advice from Lennon on how to carry out the mission.
The entire board was already set.
All he had to do was go and place the final piece.
'Why am I the leader of this mission?'
Brown, leaving Lennon’s office, called Ben to coordinate the details of the operation.
He had to cast aside his doubts and succeed in this mission, no matter what.
“Ben, how are you.”
“Sir.”
Fortunately, Ben’s voice was healthy.
“We’re on a mission together again. Are you feeling alright.”
Ben had been hospitalized for a while after being injured by Manuel in the Oxford incident.
Ben’s injuries had been severe.
With his right-hand man gone, Brown had to investigate the Chapman case alone.
Lennon had assigned other personnel to Brown, but they were not like Ben.
Lennon was not pleased with Brown’s continued obsession with the case, but knowing Brown’s sense of responsibility, he had respected his choice.
Brown knew that Ben had just returned after undergoing extreme rehabilitation training.
He felt sorry for him, but also happy.
'It would be more perfect if the person working with Ben now wasn't Julia.'
“Are you leading this operation, sir? That’s a relief. I’m fine.”
Ben’s energetic voice blew away all of Brown’s worries.
“How are the preparations for the operation?”
“Yes, sir, we have secured the target’s movements. However, some of the equipment is not functioning properly, so it will take a little more time.”
“Right, good work. I’ll be there soon, so let’s get in touch again when I’m nearby.”
After hanging up and checking the mission documents, Brown’s brow furrowed.
'Why did Director Lennon have Dr. Zahir Al-Muradi under surveillance for 13 years?'
It was the biggest surprise Brown had felt when he reported on Zahir.
The document with Zahir’s personal information had nothing unusual, except for the fact that he was from Iraq.
He couldn't understand what had drawn his attention to him, who just seemed to be an MIT professor and a successful research director.
'To think Julia was doing this…'
Brown recalled Julia’s methods, moving beyond the documents.
She always collected information by treading the fine line between legal and illegal.
Would it be the same this time.
A series of questions came to mind.
Why was Ben assigned to this, of all people.
Why was the extreme order of ‘arrest at all costs’ given, instead of a simple witness interview.
Brown sensed that at the center of this whole picture were Lennon’s intentions, which he could not understand, and Julia’s methods, which he despised.
He boarded the plane with his unresolved questions.
The questions didn't end even on the flight from the West Coast to the East Coast.
When he arrived at the airport, a familiar face saw Brown and waved.
“Sir!”
Brown burst out laughing when his eyes met Ben’s. Ben ran up and hugged Brown.
Ben, whom he hadn't seen in two years, seemed to have recovered his health completely, fortunately.
“Sir, I’m glad to see you looking healthy. If I hadn't made a mistake that day….”
“It wasn't your fault.”
But the moment of reunion was brief.
“Henry Brown.”
While they were asking after each other’s well-being, Julia, who had spotted him, called his name.
“Julia Marier.”
Brown responded briefly.
Brown’s CIA colleague.
Once his lover, and now his rival, called one of Director Lennon’s two arms.
Her methods were too gray for the younger version of him, who had only distinguished justice in black and white.
“How long have you been here?”
Brown put aside his joy at seeing Ben and got straight to the point.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't bring himself to speak kindly to her.
“I don’t know. I think I got the order to watch Zahir Al-Muradi about 15 years ago. Why, are you doubting the Director?”
As Julia shot back sharply, Ben intervened with a look of discomfort.
“We should get going now.”
Brown and Julia obediently followed Ben’s words.
The target was Zahir’s MIT Energy Institute.
“Let’s talk about the operation. Zahir had a visitor today. Karida Rashid.”
They shared the progress of the operation in the moving car.
“Did you figure out their conversation?”
Brown remembered the things Chapman had said about Karida.
'She’s like a child who wants you to listen to her story. I don’t understand what’s to like about her.'
“I couldn't get a visual because of Ben. The idiot couldn't connect the camera properly.”
Julia openly blamed Ben.
“I’m sorry. For some reason, the screen….”
As Ben made an excuse, looking intimidated, Julia cut him off.
“But the whole conversation was recorded. The code word ‘treasure hunt’ came up too. And since the sound of the safe opening was recorded, it’s certain the real thing is in there. It would have been much easier if we had the video.”
Ben, glancing at Julia, pressed a button to turn on the radio.
“Ben! What are you doing, we’re talking about the operation?”
“What? Ah, I’m sorry. I thought the operation talk was over…”
“Impressive, Henry.”
Brown tried hard to hide his displeasure.
“I want to listen too, so it’s fine. I have some things to think about.”
“What? Yes, understood.”
“Seriously, is this how you two have been working until now?”
Julia replied bluntly, crossing her arms and legs.
Ben was fidgeting, but Brown lightly ignored her words and organized his thoughts.
A series of events happening in places he didn't know. Karida Rashid, Demisass Chapman, Song Joo-eun, Zahir Al-Muradi, and Brian Lennon.
In the rearview mirror, Julia was still nagging Ben.
“Where did Amy go?”
Julia’s right-hand woman.
Though there was a big age gap and she hadn't been there long, she was a woman who was recognized for her abilities and carried out dangerous missions with ease.
“Do you think I’m only on one mission?”
“You mean she’s been assigned to another mission?”
“What’s it to you?”
Invisible sparks flew between the two.
“I see.”
“It would have been much easier for me if Amy were here.”
Brown felt a deep anger at Julia's last words, but he knew that losing his temper now would only harm the team.
but he didn't know if that was what Ben wanted.
“By the way, I need to listen to that recording too.”
Brown, who had suppressed his urge to curse, changed the subject and asked Ben. He had been brought in suddenly, so he didn't know much about this mission.
Still, his pride wouldn't allow him to ask Julia about every little thing.
“Where is Zahir now?”
“He should be at the wedding venue. It’s his youngest son’s wedding today. That was the pretext for calling Karida, too.”
Julia said with an arrogant smile.
“Was there any suspicious conversation between the two?”
“I don’t know. Ah, right, Dr. Zahir and Dr. Karida must have some connection to the Director.”
'Is this a way to throw out information and induce curiosity in others? So like Julia.'
“What? What do you mean? Isn’t this mission just to arrest Dr. Zahir?”
“Dr. Song Joo-eun.”
“Hey, that’s enough.”
He couldn't understand Julia’s intentions.
It was certain that she, too, was loyal to Director Lennon.
'Is this a strategy to drive a wedge between me and Ben? Or is she testing my loyalty to Director Lennon? Is she boasting that she can say such things freely?'
“Ben, play the recording.”
The moment he received the recording file from Ben and listened to it, a thrill ran through Brown’s body.
Eternal Conductor. Finite Conductor.
They were words he had never heard before, but it didn't take long to realize their meaning.
A tremendous object with as much, if not more, influence than Artistea.
'Was this the real thing the Director was talking about.'
Brown began to put together all the pieces he knew.
“I see. Eternal Conductor.”
Brown turned off the recording file.
“It seems like a great object, but there’s no video, right? What does ‘treasure hunt’ mean, and how are we going to solve the safe’s password?”
Julia, as if she had been waiting, said, glaring at Ben.
“That’s what I’m saying. If Ben had just secured the video, we could have at least tried to guess the password. In my opinion, there’s no other way but to arrest him under the National Security Act and interrogate him directly.”
“The National Security Act?”
'It must be related to Dr. Song Joo-eun. Chapman, Karida, Zahir, even the Director, all of them…'
“What? What’s wrong? Didn't you come here after talking to the Director?”
Julia grabbed the back of the passenger seat where Brown was sitting and leaned forward.
“No, I just heard it was for a different case.”
Julia’s eyes were suspicious, but she didn't press for more details and leaned back in her seat again.
“Dr. Zahir seems to be involved in a lot of things.”
'It would have been better if I knew nothing….'
It was a moment when his loyalty to Lennon felt like shackles holding him back.
Early the next morning, the area around the research institute was already completely surrounded by Brown’s team and support forces.
When Julia presented the arrest warrant she had gotten from somewhere, the protesting research staff had no choice but to make way.
Brown stationed his team members in front of the director’s office and just waited for Zahir to arrive.
The concern that he might sense something was wrong and run away was unfounded.
At 10 AM, Zahir Al-Muradi came to work. He was not agitated even after seeing the unfamiliar scene in the lobby.
On the contrary, he calmed the research staff, identified himself as the director, and requested to speak with the person in charge.
His attitude was that of a dignified scholar, without a trace of fear.
Brown finally came face to face with Zahir in front of his office.
“What is the meaning of this. Will you explain?”
Zahir asked, looking back and forth between Brown and Julia.
His voice was unwavering, the fear from yesterday’s recording completely gone.
'Is he acting, or does he really not know? There will be a lot to ask.'
“Are you Director Zahir Al-Muradi of the MIT Energy Institute?”
While Brown was confirming his identity, not a hint of surprise could be felt on Zahir’s face.
His words were subtly strange.
He seemed to be expressing anger, but his eyes were too calm, as if he knew everything.
Brown silently held out the arrest warrant Julia had handed him.
Seeing it, Zahir’s eyes widened for the first time, and he shouted at Julia as if exploding.
“Julia!? You… what on earth is all this!?”
Julia did not avoid his gaze full of resentment and met it head-on.
To endure such hatred without flinching.
That was the talent Brown knew she had, and the way she survived, which he had once despised.
“Director, I was originally with the CIA.”
At Julia’s words, Zahir’s clenched fists trembled.
“The CIA? You mean Director Brian Lennon! I need to see the director! On what charge are you arresting me!”
His agitated voice was filled with sincerity.
'Hmm… is this confidence that he can talk to Director Lennon through Dr. Song?'
Julia approached Zahir.
“The reasons are all written on the arrest warrant. Violation of the National Security Act.”
At Julia’s shameless tone, the research staff began to stir.
Then, one researcher shouted.
“It’s a trap! Weren't you with the recently hired security guard! Entrapment is illegal!”
The researcher pointed his finger at Ben. Julia looked at Ben, who flinched at the words, as if he were pathetic.
Then she kindly explained to the researcher.
“That’s for ordinary criminal cases. This is the National Security Act. Do you understand, Mr. Reed Stefan?”
As she mentioned the researcher’s name and spoke with a shameless attitude, Stefan could not continue.
“Mr. Zahir.” Brown stepped forward.
“We need to search and seize the director’s office, so please open the door.”
At his gesture, Ben handcuffed Zahir. At the words search and seizure, Zahir’s expression darkened for the first time.
He looked around for a moment, then obediently led them to the director’s office.
While Ben and the agents were carrying out decades of research materials, Zahir’s brow twitched in pain.
“Found it!”
Where Ben shouted, was the very safe that had appeared in the recording file.
“Good job, Ben. You finally did one thing right.”
Julia praised Ben, slapping him hard on the back.
Brown clicked his tongue inwardly as he watched the scene.
'Ben did the most work, but she’ll make that achievement hers too.'
Though he had made a mistake, it was Ben who had infiltrated as a security guard and installed the listening device in the director’s office.
Though the infiltration had succeeded with Julia’s power, the one who had caught the evidence was Ben.
“Please open the safe.”
At Brown’s request, Zahir exercised his right to remain silent.
“Fine. We’ll find out slowly. Everyone, withdraw.”
At Brown's command, the agents moved in an orderly manner.
Zahir also followed them without any special resistance.
'Why did the director give me this mission?'
It was a mission with almost nothing to do.
It was simply about going and bringing in an Iraqi scientist who didn't resist.
It was also strange.
Julia had invested a full 13 years in this mission.
But why did she willingly accept Brown taking command? The reason that it was Lennon's order alone didn't explain it.
It was surprising all over again. Brown and Julia had become CIA agents a full 21 years ago in 2005. Julia had carried out most of her missions while also doing this one.
Without a single failure.
Brown was deep in thought about the dull and boring mission when a strange sound suddenly reached his ears.
"I've found the treasure!!! I!!! I've found the treasure!!!"
Zahir began to shout meaningless words into the air.
When the commotion broke out, Brown immediately ordered his men to silence him.
“I have to find out what that means.”
Julia muttered as if frustrated.
The same was true for Brown.
Throughout the transport, Dr. Zahir did not answer any questions.
He was silent even when they provoked him with stories about his family.
After the successful arrest operation, Brown, who had arrived at Langley, the CIA headquarters, went to see Lennon right away.
“What should we do with Dr. Zahir, who is now in custody? His family has not made any particular movements.”
Lennon, who had somehow returned to the East Coast, listened to Brown’s report calmly and then was lost in thought for a moment.
'Is it a sense of relief that he has resolved the matter with his wife?'
Brown felt a sense of self-loathing for constantly doubting Lennon.
To him, Lennon was a man who moved solely for justice.
There was no way Lennon could be corrupt.
“Ah, keep Dr. Zahir in custody. Give him a solitary cell if you have to.”
“Understood. Then, how will you proceed with the interrogation?”
“Hmm… right. This is something others shouldn't know about, so I'll have Julia handle it.”
“Julia… sir?”
“Yes, Julia has spent years with Dr. Zahir, so she would know a lot.”
After giving the order, Lennon sat down at his office desk and began to rummage through other documents.
Brown could not move from his spot even after hearing the order.
Why would Lennon travel from the East to the West to give Brown an order and then go back to the East?
Why did he seem indifferent to important reports about Nerisa, yet deploy
him on a mission like Zahir's arrest, where Brown wasn't even needed?
“What is it?”
Lennon, noticing Brown’s unusual behavior, looked up from his pile of documents.
“It’s nothing, sir. I was just thinking about what I should do now.”
“Ah, right. I forgot to mention.”
Lennon suddenly began to rummage through the pile of documents and then handed one to him.
“Move to Virginia by next week.”
The document he received had the address of a new house in Brown’s name.
“What do you mean by that, sir?”
“Huh? Didn’t I tell you? You have two choices. You chose the second one.”
'Wasn't the choice mine to make?'
“Why? Do you have more questions?”
Lennon’s decision could not be wrong.
“Then may I ask what the first choice was?”
Though he asked as politely as possible, his trembling heart would not calm down.
It was the first time he had questioned Lennon’s decision.
* * *
At the same time, in a dark and cold interrogation room.
Zahir was tied to a steel chair.
In front of him stood Julia with a cold expression.
“What is ‘treasure hunt,’ Doctor?”
Zahir just glared at her, his lips sealed tight.
* * *
“You still have feelings for Julia? Isn’t it enough that I said I’ll have Julia handle it?”
Brown felt the cold weight in Lennon’s words.
'Have Julia handle it.'
He knew what that meant.
“No, sir.”
The water was already spilled.
Since he had already spoken, Brown decided to ask the question he was most curious about.
“Then… who will be the next CIA Director?”
Lennon answered as if he were stating a fact that had been decided long ago.
“Ah, that would be Julia.”
* * *
Julia nodded to the large agent standing next to her.
The agent approached Zahir and grabbed one of his fingers.
“Aaargh!!!”
Zahir’s terrible scream echoed emptily only within the walls of the perfectly soundproofed interrogation room.
* * *
“Then by any chance, my first choice was…”
Once he started, the questions wouldn't stop.
“You’re being strange today.”
Lennon closed the pile of documents, stood up, and approached Brown.
“Yes, the first choice was to make you the Director.”
'I knew it… if I had just handled Dr. Chapman’s case well…'
“But you are my strongest arm, are you not. You must follow me.”
“To the place you are going after leaving the directorship?”
Lennon smiled faintly and patted Brown’s shoulder.
“Yes, you will go with me to the Department of Defense. I am becoming the Secretary this time.”
“Sir?”
Lennon did not answer this time.
Brown, leaving Lennon’s office, went to a nearby cafe and sat down.
After ordering a cup of coffee, he sat there blankly, dazed.
His mind was reeling from the shock of Julia becoming the Director and the story of the Department of Defense, which he had never even considered.
But what had taken his breath away most of all was himself.
'For me to question Director Lennon’s decision…'
He realized.
He had been an excellent tool, but at some point, he had stopped thinking for himself.
And now, he really had to choose.
To remain the excellent tool, Brown.
Or to become a violin that thinks and moves on its own.
Bach’s Air on the G String was playing in the cafe.
Part 1 concludes. However, the puzzle is not yet complete.
Side Story: Asha. It is essential to understanding the true beginning of this tragedy.
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Next upload (Side Story): ?? 2026-01-17