Found
[May 26. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina]
A taxi speeds into the night, leaving Teniente Luis Candelar airport behind. The driver has been chuckling incessantly for the past four minutes, thoroughly entertained by the passenger’s jokes since they entered the vehicle. Alright, friend! I’ll be takin’ us to the first junction with options, if ye catch my drift. I need t’know where our destination lies, the driver asks, his impatience showing subtly. The passenger glances at their cell phone, swiping the screen a couple of times before responding. Heading west, my friend. Let’s take the road along the river, they say.
Another ten minutes pass on the road, and the sky begins to show hints of the approaching dawn. We are coming, the passenger remarks, scanning the sidewalk and the narrow strip of rocky beach beyond it. The driver slows down, a look of uncertainty and discomfort crossing their face. Here is perfect. Let me drop you off in front of the skatepark, please.
The skatepark, like any other place at this hour, is deserted and cold. The man steps out of the cab, carrying a traveler’s backpack. He opens it to stow away his jacket and changes intoa pair of shorts he retrieves from a side compartment. The skatepark boasts a few sparse trees and offers a clear view of the river from the sidewalk. Seeking a higher spot, the traveler settles down on the opposite side of the park, facing away from the water, yet keeping a watchful eye on the sidewalk. The water will catch your attention; you will look this way as you jog by on the sidewalk, he whispers, placing his backpack beside him. You will notice me, inevitably. You will see that I am wearing only a T-shirt and shorts above the knee, in this cold, while carrying conspicuous baggage. I am not exercising or attempting to warm up my body in any way, he rests his elbows on his open legs, intertwining his fingers as he waits. Whenever you do a job, you must leave town. That’s what I taught you, Dominik.
As the sun rises over the horizon, casting its faintly warm rays on his left ear, a woman with short hair and dark glasses approaches from the west, jogging in sporty attire. The traveler smiles, aware that he is unrecognizable from a distance and that, although she may not show it at first glance, she has spotted him.
The woman continues jogging without looking back, and the traveler begins bundling up for warmth. You always begin your runs with the sun. You’re probably doing a loop now to retrieve your rifle scope. You’ll return, find your way into the building in front of me, across the street, to confirm that it’s me and not a figment of your imagination.
Twelve minutes elapse, and Dudek arrives from the beach, leaping over the man’s head to land in front of him. Dudek greets him with a smile, opening his arms. C… is it really you?” she asks, still amazed, before rushing into his embrace.
Their hug is affectionate and heartfelt. Dominika settles beside him, wiping tears from her eyes with her sleeves. I thought you were dead, you’ve been gone for too long. I searched for you, you know. When none of the members of the Inner Circle could provide answers, I suspected they were hiding you, she says, looking at him with a mixture of amusement and doubt. What made you change your mind and assume that wasn’t the case?
C meets her gaze, then leans back, interlacing his fingers behind his neck. I apologize for causing you worry, child. Sometimes, when you truly need rest, you have to disappear, he explains. Dominika shifts her weight, exhaling deeply as she crosses her arms. What do you need? she asks.
C smiles once again, realizing that the one who needs advice now is Dominika. You’re no longer just a promising shooter; you’ve become an exceptional weapon. When I heard about the little job you executed yesterday — the angle, the accuracy, the distance — the local authorities couldn’t locate the sniper’s nest because they rely on undeviant data, assuming the killer possesses undeviant skills. They have no idea of your capabilities. But I do, and there are others who do too. If I found you, anyone could, C states passionately.
Dominika raises her hands, shaking her head. Don’t give me that. In the past year, incredible triggers have emerged from various corners of the globe. It could be anyone, she counters. C paces back and forth, his agitation palpable. To you, it might be inconsequential. You don’t feel your position as number one threatened because you never aimed to be number one. But believe me, those who are now making a name for themselves will want your title tomorrow. What better trophy for a hunter than the head of another hunter? Do you think there are no trackers out there eager to find you? Now that there are others who could match your skills, you must be even more disciplined. No more lingering until morning for a jog. Domi… please, he implores.
A chilly wind gusts, and C gazes at her, but she averts her eyes toward the water. I know, she admits.
What? C interrupts impatiently.
That you’re right. I know it’s dangerous. I understand I’m no longer the sole contender in my league. I know I should vanish sooner. But I also know that if I can’t find you, I have to make you find me, Dominika confesses. I took this job because it offered a pleasant morning. I took this job, and several others before, because I hoped you would find me. Because I know you know me. Because I needed you to hear me.
C bursts into laughter, then looks at her proudly, placing a hand on her shoulder. You got me, D. Years of evading detection as I travel the world, and you knew exactly how to be the perfect bait to locate me. You have nothing left to prove. It’s alright. You’ve earned it. I hear you. I’m listening, he reassures her.
Dominika blushes and slips her hands into her pockets, swaying slightly. I want to form a team. I need a broader vision when I’m on the job. People I can trust. People you would trust.
I don’t want to draw Johnny’s attention again. I’ll have to rely on old alliances, C ponders for a moment, scratching his neck. There’s a place east of here called Dina Huapi. In that town, there’s a square known as Plaza de los Pioneros. Let’s meet there on June 20th at 3 pm.
They embrace once more, exchanging well wishes, and as C walks away down the sidewalk, Dominika jumps up, perching on the wall to watch the river flowing steadily by.
