Hughes pondered for a moment before continuing, "Do you think Peter can take over my position now?"

Chris, "Ability is not a problem, but would D.C. agree?"

Hughes, "That's why I've been stalling. They are already considering succession over there. Unfortunately, I might not be able to hold on for too long. And there's Neil Cavrey. Peter is sometimes too stubborn, and Neil will definitely drag Peter down. I knew it from the moment I saw him. Chris, hold on for another two years, maybe you'll need to give them another push later."

Chris, "Is there a set time yet?"

Hughes, "Not yet, but at most half a year. I don't know how long I can delay things."

Chris nodded, he reached out and patted Hughes on the arm, then turned and left the office. Hughes returned to his seat, pulled up a number on the computer, and sent a text to Jimmy.

After leaving Federal Square, Jimmy drove back to his apartment. The daytime traffic in New York was not so great. For safety, he didn't think much on the road. It wasn't until he got home that Jimmy began a thorough review of his activities over the past one or two weeks.

The conversation with Hughes earlier, I wasn't sure if I was reading too much into it, but it felt like he was targeting me. Indeed, the Special Service Bureau, when providing security for the President and the Vice President, would coordinate with the local FBI office to ensure protection, as well as involve the local police for traffic control on the perimeter. But Chicago is in Illinois, quite a distance from New York—over a thousand kilometers. No matter how one looks at it, it wouldn't make sense to send someone from New York, and only me at that.

The local FBI offices usually get support from headquarters. The time Jimmy was borrowed from New York to the Dallas office was already outrageous, but at least there was a reason; he happened to be visiting Dallas, which sort of serves as an excuse. But now it's Chicago in Illinois, a place Jimmy has never been to in his life. Why would they arrange it like this?

Jimmy thought until his head ached. Actually, there was nothing special in the process these one or two weeks: from Dallas to Washington, D.C., then wandering around D.C., and finally returning to New York. Langley is not far from D.C., and Victoria's villa is strictly speaking only a few dozen kilometers from D.C. Just from my movements alone, there's no way to deduce my connection with Frank and the others, is there? Besides, Jimmy was disguised and covered up along the way, so it shouldn't have been possible for anyone to discover him.

When he went to Langley, the only traceable phone was in the villa, not appearing in Langley. If I was exposed, it definitely wasn't because of that, then what was it?

Damn, Jimmy suddenly remembered something. During the time he shot and wounded five people to prevent the field agents and the action team from pursuing Victoria, he wore a hood just to avoid being seen, but the way he fired the gun was far too distinctive.

No, wait, think about it again. It seems he had only demonstrated revolver firing once at the FBI support troops' camp, using rapid fire that was different from the shooting rate and characteristics when he shot and wounded five people that day. It was after the Heart Eye upgrade that he could use the Heart Eye directly for rapid fire accuracy, which is completely different from aiming at targets. In theory, they shouldn't suspect me, right?

At most, there is a revolver rapid shooter who is similar to Jimmy, but there isn't any direct evidence to conclude it's Jimmy himself.

Thinking of other matters, it seems there shouldn't be any risk of exposure in other areas—just this point. Having identified the potential danger, Jimmy decided this time when supporting the Special Service Bureau, he would honestly hide on the side and not draw attention again.

Jimmy packed his suitcase, not expecting to use it again so soon. On the way to the airport, Jimmy used an untraceable phone to send a message to Frank, asking him to call back when he had time. Soon after, Frank called, and without saying much, set up a simple meeting. Afterwards, Jimmy took off for Chicago.

In the evening, Jimmy arrived in Chicago, opened a room in a hotel next to the FBI office, and then went out to eat. He also planned to meet with Frank and the others later that night.

Frank picked up Jimmy in a car and then took the expressway to leave the city center, heading to an abandoned factory. Chicago, an international financial city, had long been dealing with various abandoned factories, though many still remained unaddressed and undeveloped in the suburbs. These places are often havens for the homeless and all sorts of criminals.

Jimmy drove directly into the factory and found someone familiar there – how was Tom here? Even though Tom was disguised, Jimmy was very familiar with the looks of Frank and the other three. The only unfamiliar person naturally drew his extra attention, and that's when he noticed some familiar traits.

Jimmy didn't speak and followed behind Frank. Frank asked, "Jimmy, what's the hurry in finding us? Is there an issue?"

Jimmy replied, "I'm here in Chicago because the Special Service Bureau has requested support from the FBI. They've been informed that someone is targeting the Vice President, and the FBI Chicago office has already organized support personnel. I'll be joining them tomorrow. Was it you guys who leaked it? The threat against the Vice President."

Frank nodded, "Is that all?"

Jimmy looked at Tom, who nodded without speaking. "I have a bad feeling, as if I'm under suspicion. This time, the FBI support isn't only from the Chicago office, but the New York office also arranged for me to come here, yet I'm the only one here – no one else. I don't know what's going on, so I need to confirm with you – did I get exposed at some point? Or did I overlook something that gave me away?"

Frank and the others exchanged glances. "At least you definitely weren't exposed while you were with us. If this is your mission, try to stay away and avoid interfering with our operation."

Jimmy nodded, "Okay. I just wanted to let you know that the protection will be quite substantial this time, so be careful."

Having said that, Jimmy prepared to leave, and Tom came over from the side to walk with Jimmy out of the factory.

Once outside the factory, Jimmy didn't stop, continuing to walk out to a more secluded area. He looked at Tom and asked in a low voice, "How come you're here?"

Tom answered, "Covering your ass. You're really too bold, trying to gain their trust merely based on unconfirmed news. I don't have that much influence. Do you really think that a few casual conversations with Frank are enough to make him take you along? Naive. If I hadn't shown up in front of him, what you said before wouldn't have been confirmed, and you would naturally remain an unstable factor in their eyes. Veronica's name can only stabilize them temporarily; it won't keep you safe forever."

Jimmy murmured, "Thanks. I did act impulsively before. The news that I might be removed due to the continuation of the 'Stumbling Block' plan made me eager to familiarize myself with the CIA. I'm sorry to have let you down."

Tom said, "Kid, I know you're young, barely over 20, and it's understandable to act impulsively, but this is the CIA. Any mistake could lead to a disaster. I don't want to inform James of your death.

Look after yourself. Apart from that, don't get involved in anything else. These guys are too old now, and no matter how perfect their plan, the success rate won't be high. All you need to do is hide well and stay away from their target."

Jimmy nodded, "I understand, thanks, Tom."

Tom said, "Let's go back. By the way, they already know you're Veronica's son and I've confirmed it, so they won't make things difficult for you. But don't think you can cozy up to them. The emotions of the older generation aren't something that can be forcibly inherited through blood relations. You need to understand that."

Jimmy kept nodding as the two returned to the factory entrance. "Frank, I'll trouble you to give me a lift back. I won't be coming over after this."

Jimmy safely returned to the hotel. He didn't go out again but settled down early in his room to rest.

(Take care, everyone. It suddenly got cold, and I caught a cold... don't worry, no sheep.)

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