The Devilish Assassin Meets The Angelic Detective

"His name is Brandon Stone," Marie answered Allen truthfully.

A deep frown appeared on Allen's forehead. This was the first time he heard that name. He had no idea that Marie knew someone and even fell in love with that man. 

For so many years of being together, Marie had never mentioned Brandon Stone to him. Allen often heard about her ex-boyfriends but never heard about that person who was close to her heart.

Brandon Stone became a mystery for him. His interest and curiosity were piqued. He wanted to know more about that guy. He just wished that man would never hurt Marie just like what her ex-boyfriends did to her.

Though Marie had rejected his feelings for her, Allen still cared for her. All he wanted for her was to be happy. But he wanted to make sure that this Brandon Stone would do that for her.

"If you don't mind, can I ask you something about this Brandon Stone?" Allen said after he released her from his hug.

Marie didn't expect him to ask further but in the end, she just nodded in agreement.

"When did you meet him? Did you know him already before you lost your memory?" Allen asked her curiously.

"Yeah, I knew him already even before I lost my memory. He's my secret boyfriend," Marie couldn't help but smile as she remembered what Black Shadow had told her before.

"So I'm sure you didn't know him," Marie added.

"How did you know? Did you remember a portion of your memory?" Allen asked her expectantly.

Marie shook her head. "He told me when we saw each other again. He's the mysterious guy who had been sending me flowers for the past two years."

Allen was aware of the daffodil and the anonymous sender. He didn't know why but he had a nagging feeling about this. He was somehow suspicious of this Brandon Stone especially his motive.

'Why did he approach Marie after two years? He should have done that before, but why only now?' Allen pondered at that thought.

"Can you introduce us to each other? I'm curious. I wanna know the person who stole your heart from me." Allen said it in a manner of a joke but he truly meant it.

"He will be working out-of-town this week. I will introduce you to him once he returns next week. I am also planning to introduce him to my parents. I will give you a heads-up." Marie informed him. 

"Hmm, okay. Thank you. I will be looking forward to that day, meeting the person who won your heart."

Marie just looked at him helplessly because of his last remarks. She felt uncomfortable because she knew that she broke his heart tonight.

"Oh, by the way, how's the reunion five days ago? I'm sorry I was not able to attend. Besides, I am no longer a member of the police task force nor a member of Task Force Eagle." Marie said, changing and diverting the topic.

"Oh, it's okay. We understand. But the team missed you. You're the only one who was not present that night. Captain Jason, Carl, and I had a few drinks while Jane went home early when her boyfriend came to pick her up." Allen responded to her, giving her an idea of what happened during their reunion.

The original members of Special Task Force Eagles left the team already, only Jane remained. 

Captain Jason was no longer the head of Eagles because he was promoted as Major General after they solved Catseye's Case two years ago.

Marie resigned because of her condition while Carl and Allen were recently transferred to Erick's team. Both of them were now members of Team Alpha Cinco.

The mini-reunion was organized by Captain Jason, inviting the new and the old members of the Special Task Force Eagles.

Only Marie was not able to attend because she was sick at that time. Her parents didn't allow her to attend. They became more protective of their daughter since the incident two years ago happened. They almost lost her.

"Once you organize another reunion, I will make sure to attend it," Marie said as she wanted to make it up for the team.

Allen let out a soft chuckle. "No worries, we will have another reunion during Bryan's and April's wedding. Speaking of that, I also came to give you the invitation."

Allen picked up a small rectangular card inside his shoulder bag which was hanging on the bench.

"Here…" he handed it over to Marie.

Marie thanked Allen before accepting the invitation card.

It did not take long when Allen bade Marie a goodbye. When he left Marie's house, Allen contacted Carl.

He was rejected tonight so he needed a drinking buddy that's why he called Carl.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, Black Shadow proceeded right away to Skull Gang's Main Headquarters after leaving Marie's place.

They would be finalizing their plan for their upcoming mission three days from now. He was also excited because he was expecting that Catseye would also come tonight.

But to his disappointment, there's no sign of Catseye. Even James had no idea why Elle was not able to come.

They were about to start the planning session when someone arrived. It was a man whom they didn't know.

Skull Gang members immediately pointed their guns in his direction. They wondered how this anonymous man was able to enter their conference room without being spotted by the guards.

'Is their security system ineffective?' That's what they were thinking at those moments.

Some of them shielded Supremo. They thought the person was sent to kill their supreme leader. They suspected that he was sent by the Dark Knight Organization.

But before they could shoot him, the man raised his arms, indicating that he was not holding any weapons nor had a plan to attack them.

"Who are you?" It was Black Shadow who asked the man.

The man let out a soft chuckle before answering Black Shadow.

"Relax. I'm an ally, not a foe. Catseye was the one who sent me here. Something came up that she couldn't come tonight. So I'm here on her behalf."