Chapter 28 Not Inaction, but Already Taking Action

George hung up the phone and gave a casual glance at the Latin dance membership card chillin' on the dressing table. With a thoughtful look, he skimmed through it real quick before putting it back where it belonged. Then, he strolled over to the wardrobe.

He tossed his clothes from the bag into the closet, grabbed a fresh shirt, and threw it on in a hurry. Without wasting any more time, he bolted out of the room.

In the dimly lit surveillance room, Isaac's lips curled into a sly grin. "Looks like you're already feeling the heat, Captain Stone." But... why'd he come back so soon? Was the whole Egyptian pyramid gig wrapped up already?

Isaac lit a cigarette and leaned back, mulling over the hidden deets behind George's moves.

As George stepped out into the hallway, he pulled out his phone and slowed his roll, heading towards his car. In the open space, he dialed the Director. He wasn't sure if his ride was bugged, so he figured it was safer to make the call out in the open.

The phone barely rang before the Director picked up, greeting him with a smile.
George immediately dropped his voice, "Director, my cover's blown."

The Director's smile vanished in a heartbeat. "What? What do you mean?"

"Yeah, I just got home and found out my place has been under surveillance. The kicker is, I have no clue when they set it up." Which also meant he had no idea how long he'd been a target. "I'm more worried about Ellie and her folks' safety right now."
"Did you tip off the enemy?"
"Nope."
"Good. If they wanted to make a move, they would've done it while you were away. If you haven't spooked them, they should stay put for now. I'll get protection on them ASAP. Also, you can't use your current identity anymore. I'll sort out a new setup for you, pronto."

George's fingers tightened around the phone, a slight tremor running through them.

Six years was a long time, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance. Letting go of his identity, this city, and dragging Ellie and her parents away from their home was tough. But...
"I get it. But Director, the fact that they managed to bug my place means this person isn't just any ordinary Joe. They know a lot about the Seventh Bureau."

The Director let out a deep sigh, clearly sharing the same worry. "Yeah, that's what's got me on edge too."

If the enemy had that much intel, George was in the hot seat now, but who knew who'd be next? If they were not only watching but also had a deep understanding of the Seventh Bureau...

They couldn't just hide and hope for the best. They had to tackle this head-on, considering the safety of every team member and their families.

"Got any idea who it might be?"

"Not a clue, Director. I'm in the dark here."

"Where are you now?"

"I'm downstairs in the neighborhood, about to have dinner at Ellie's parents' place. When I got back, she wasn't home, so I called her and used that as an excuse to step out."
The Director let out a sigh of relief. "Alright, head over to your in-laws' place, act like everything's cool, and nothing's up. I'll chat with Deputy Director Smith about our next steps. Also, try to think back on any weird stuff lately."
"Got it."
"That's all."
"Yeah."
As George hung up, he reached his car. He pulled out his keys, unlocked the door, and, like clockwork, hit up the convenience store at the entrance. He grabbed two packs of smokes and a couple of bottles of wine before heading to his in-laws' place.

On the way, his mind was racing, trying to pinpoint when things started going south. Suddenly, he pictured Ellie's dressing table with all her cosmetics and that Latin dance class membership card, along with some recent changes Ellie had made...

He furrowed his brow and tightened his grip on the steering wheel. They must've already made a move on Ellie, not just sitting back and doing nothing!