Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. It involves romantic and/or sexual relationship between men. If you are offended of this subject matter, if you are a minor, or if you are in a place where it is illegal to read this type of literature, please stop reading now.
Copyright © 2013 by Fritz Diantan Ilagan. All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the law, no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the Author.
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Love Assassin Chapter One: Agent 13
6:13 AM
I didn't notice how fast time passed. For almost half the night, I have been working non-stop to finish the computer program for my client. Looking at the finished product, I was sure the client would be pleased, seeing that my team was able to deliver far earlier than they expected. For sure, my employees and partners will be fawning all over me when I announce tomorrow that the programmers can start on the other assignments.
'You're really my idol, Sir Dante!' one of my workers would most likely say while the secretaries will be gossiping, 'Tall, intelligent, and handsome... what more is there to ask for?'
Staring at the blinking cursor, I took a deep breath as I closed the compiler. Fate has been good to me, despite having a challenging start. At twenty-eight years old, no one would have thought that I will be as successful as I had become... but maybe it was because I was more motivated than the average man.
At the age of twenty-three, I started my software development company, Mobius Technology Corporation. On the surface, anyone will think that I was motivated by passion to elevate the standard of information technology in the country. I cannot blame them... it was what I put in the corporate mission statement. But in reality, the business was just a front so I can pursue my ideology and make the world realize that love is nothing but an illusion.
I opened my browser and logged in to the secure server that hosts my passion, a website I created to educate society. A notification got my attention and upon clicking, a new message from Miguel popped.
FROM: migz@yeheymail.com TO: agent13@love-assassin.com SUBJECT: Meeting Confirmation
A,
I just want to make sure if we are still a go. I got the information you requested. Please call me to confirm. Thank you,
M
Shaking my head, I picked up my phone and dialed his number. For weeks, I vetted Miguel because I encountered many posers since I started my website, www.love-assassin.com. Amusingly, he was one of the most adamant and serious takers, to the point of even making me name the price and depositing a down payment just to be sure that I will take the job.
When I started the website many years before, I never expected anyone will take me seriously and actually be interested with my services, which was to test and even destroy relationships. But surprisingly, I got dozens of requests from people all over the world, asking whether I can help break up a couple or a marriage. Looking back, there were a variety of reasons... there was a mother who did not like her son's girlfriend and there was also a mistress that wanted to give a guy an excuse to leave his wife without invoking the pre-nup. Both requests were easy enough: I just had to seduce the women and make sure that the boyfriend or husband will get evidence of the indiscretion, usually in a form of a photo or video. What happens next was the inevitable breakup.
I didn't really care about a client's reason because I knew for a fact that love is just an illusion. Only time will tell when it will happen but all relationships will end. I believe many people know this but still continue to invest their lives on someone, which for me was stupidity in the highest form. Why in the world will you waste your time, money, and emotion for someone who will eventually leave and make you feel like shit?
They were just deluding themselves for thinking that there was someone out there who was "destined" to be their "soul mate". Because if they were to be honest... people who love and go into relationships were just scared, so terrified that they would rather live a lie than be alone. Cowards!
"Hello?"
"Hello, Miguel? This is Agent 13 of Love-Assassin.com. I'm calling to confirm our meeting at Berks and Breakfast. I'll be there around 9 AM."
"Okay. Umm... are you sure you can do this?"
"What do you think? You read my website. If I failed to break up the target then you don't need to pay me. But the thing is, I never fail," I said very seriously.
"Right. I... I'll be there at 9 AM."
"Miguel, if you are having second thoughts, might as well tell me now," I warned him venomously. "I don't want people wasting my time."
The line was quiet for a few seconds. I sighed and was about to hang up when he spoke.
"I'm not having second thoughts... but I just want to make sure this won't get back at me."
"Don't worry. I'll handle everything... just give me the information asked."
"Okay, good. I'll bring them later," he said.
"I'll be sitting at the far corner of the restaurant. Look for a table with a green pen in a glass. Don't be late."
I disconnected the call and stretched for a bit, looking at the computer. Miguel hadn't told me his reason why he wants his best friend's relationship to break up... but I can guess. It's funny really. If people knew the number of requests I get through Love-Assassin.com, only fools will still believe that love brings out the best in people. The truth that many do not want to acknowledge was that by loving someone, you are just giving them the power to hurt you. It's either you're stupid or in denial...
I believe it's my job to open their eyes.
"Are you Agent 13?" asked a young man to me while I sipped my coffee.
"Yes. Take a seat."
I watched me intently and he cowered slightly but immediately regained his composure. I do a background check on every client that interested me so I knew exactly who he was even before he spotted the green pen.
In his early twenties and of average height, Miguel was handsome and looked confident enough. But his eyes was darting every once in a while, probably concerned that someone will find out why he was there talking to a stranger. I studied him calmly.
At the surface, no one will see a young man of evil intent but as I've learned many years before, those who look the weakest were the most dangerous.
"Relax," I said. "The more you fidget, the more you attract attention."
"Sorry."
"My name is Dante. Did you bring what I asked?"
Miguel took a manila envelop from his bag and handed it to me. I opened it and inspected the papers inside.
"Everything looks good," I said. "I can guess for the answer but I have a question for you. I'm curious... Vincent is your best friend so why do you want him to break up with Jenna?"
A scowl appeared on Miguel's face.
"I love her. I met her first. Vincent knew her because of me. Before I could tell her how I feel, they're already together. Vincent's a good guy but I know... I'm the one for Jenna. I just want to have a chance to make her see that."
"Hmm..."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Miguel asked, "You think I'm petty?"
"I don't really care what you feel. I handled a similar request before... I just thought, maybe you had more interesting motives than my other client."
"So, can you do it?" asked Miguel, though it sounded more of a challenge than an inquiry.
"I'll seduce Jenna and once she and Vincent broke up, I'll dump her and you can swoop in--"
"No!"
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"You can't target Jenna. I don't want her to get hurt twice," said Miguel looking at me intently.
"So you want me... to seduce Vincent?" I asked slowly to make sure.
"I don't want to know how you'll break them up just don't target Jenna."
"Okay," I said, grinning. "I like a challenge."
"How long?" asked Miguel.
"Three months. I'll send you email updates but being friends with the target, I'm sure you'll see the progress personally."
Miguel nodded and thanked me. As he exited the restaurant, I pulled out my phone and called Ruel.
"Hey! The Exec finally remembers his friend!" Ruel said over the line before I can even say hello.
"Wow, you're already awake? I guess, miracles do happen."
"Some of my buddies wanted to play ball. Why'd you call?"
"I'm in Berks. I have a job for you."
"Great! You're buying me breakfast!"
"Yeah, yeah. Just get here."
"I'll be there in ten minutes."
Ruel was one of the two people in the world that knows the truth about me and Love-Assassin.com. Being my best friend since college, he and Madeline were my rock and gave me strength when I was in my lowest and saved my life. Madeline didn't want to get involved with the site but Ruel was more than eager to help out probably because we both share the same opinions about love and relationships.
For fifteen minutes, I read the papers that Miguel gave to me about Vincent and Jenna. I was so engrossed that I didn't notice Ruel was already sitting in front of me.
"How long were you sitting there?" I asked.
"Long enough to decide which dessert I'll be ordering," said Ruel while calling the attention of the waitress. After giving his order, he looked at me and the papers. "You do know that addiction to work is a disease, right?"
"What are you talking about?" I asked, not bothering to look up.
"Don't tell me I came here just to watch you work?"
"They're already cooking your compensation so just sit there and be quiet for a minute."
"What are you working on anyway? Security software? Finance automation?"
"It's a love assassination request."
"You're still doing those?!" said Ruel laughing. "You're really something, man."
"Why? You have a problem with it?" I asked with raised eyebrows.
Ever since I knew him, Ruel had a reputation as a playboy. He did not have a particular type... as long as you're a woman, even if you already had a boyfriend or husband, he will try to get you to fall for him. Ruel liked the hunt than the commitment, that's why he never had a relationship that lasted more than a few weeks. I got some of my tricks from him and having used them myself, I couldn't blame the women he was able to charm. Being tall, tanned, and with a monthly allowance that eclipses most people's salary for half a year, Ruel was used to getting what he wants.
"Problem? Me? Haven't I always told you that you're my idol?" When his order arrived, Ruel took a spoonful of eggs before asking, "So, why'd you call me here again? If you wanna recruit me, I want my codename to be Agent 666."
"I don't have a problem with that but by the way you lose interest on most things, I don't think you'll be a good professional home wrecker."
I took two pieces of paper from the pile and laid it in front of him.
"I need your help," I said casually, sipping my coffee. "You're not doing anything important, right?"
"Well, the privileges of old money. What do you want me to do?" asked Ruel while chewing a piece of toast.
"Reconnaissance."
"Recon, huh? That's so boring... what do I get off it?"
"A favor from me."
That made Ruel grin. "Wow! So, anything? She doesn't look like a tough one. Why're you being generous?"
"My target's the boyfriend."
I finished my coffee silently while Ruel choked for a bit after my revelation.
"You're target's a guy?"
"It's part of the client's request. The girl's off-limits. But you know I've seduced men before."
"Yeah, but after the last one ending up such a disaster I thought you won't go there again. I heard the guy's still in therapy," said Ruel.
"I made him realize who he really is. It's not my fault he can't handle the truth."
"But I'm just saying... breaking people's hearts after making them fall for you is kinda harsh."
"Sometimes, pain is the only way to make people learn. Better yank off the bandage and get it over with. Anyway, I don't have to explain this to a guy who can't keep it in his pants long enough to be in an actual relationship," I said, smirking at him.
"The difference between us is that in my arrangement, people get out of bed with a satisfied smile on their face and not a broken psyche."
"Are you going to help me or not?"
"Fine, fine. I'm in. I don't have anything going on right now anyway. But I'll just do recon."
"Yeah, just watch the target. I'll handle the part about sucking his dick."
"Geez! Come on, dude! I'm eating here!" Ruel said while pretending to gag. "No need to paint a picture!"
I let him eat in peace and took my phone to call one of my informants. I've learned by experience that the best way to destroy a relationship was by arming myself with enough information about my target. And because most of the request I get from Love-Assassin usually involves college students, I made sure to have connections within large campuses.
After dialing Karina's number, I activated the speaker to let Ruel hear the conversation.
"Hello?" answered a female voice on the other line.
"Hello, Karina. It's Dante. How are you?" I said pleasantly.
"Hey stranger! I'm great. Why'd you call? Wait, let me guess... you need my help about a prospect, huh? You're gonna break another girl's heart, aren't you?"
I met Karina a year ago in a conference at a State University where she was working. I was invited to give a speech about cyber security and social media. We went for a few dates but after a while decided a relationship was not going to work and just became friends.
"Hahaha. You know me... I'm just trying to find the right person. But this is about work actually. My firm's thinking about hiring interns and I got several LSU students candidates. I just want to make sure they have the time to accommodate the job."
"So, what do you from me?" asked Karina.
"I need course schedules. Vincent Salcedo, fourth year IT student, and Jenna Rodriguez, fourth year Business Management."
"Schedules... hmm... that's confidential, Dante."
I looked at Ruel who was silently stuffing his mouth with food. I told him about Karina before and he knew how I will handle her. Karina always tried to act hard-to-get but as I've discovered, everyone has a price.
"You know I'm discreet, Kari. I won't get you in trouble. I just need to research the students quietly because the firm doesn't want those who will be dropping subjects just to get the job."
"But..."
"Okay, how about $100 for your troubles?" I offered.
"I don't know, Dante..."
"$250," I offered again while Ruel's trying very hard not to laugh out loud.
"I can get sanctions if I--"
"$500," I said. "That's my last offer, Kari."
"Ok, I'll just email you the schedules. Still the same address?"
Ruel and I smiled at each other.
"Yup. Thanks, Kari. Do you know any more info that can help me vet these two students?" I prompted, knowing that now there was money on the table, Karina will not ask too many questions.
"Well, I know Vincent because I processed his application to work at the University Cafe a few month's before and he usually give me free refills. But I don't know him or Jenna personally."
"So, he still works at the University Cafe?"
"Yes but if he gets your internship, he can easily quit there," said Karina.
"Thanks so much, Kari. I'll just wait for your email."
"Okay. Bye, stranger."
"Bye."
I hang up. After a few minutes, my phone beeped due to an incoming email.
"Wow, she's fast," said Ruel who was finally finished eating.
"When she's well compensated."
I fiddled with my phone and sent Karina's payment via mobile money transfer. I studied the schedules and tried to decide the best way to approach Vincent. Most of his classes were in the morning while Jenna's were scattered. Considering Karina's info about the University cafe, my guess was that Vincent works the nightshift and the best time to approach him was on days when Jenna had evening classes.
"Okay, here's what I need you to do," I said to Ruel. "Go to the University cafe on Wednesday and Friday for two weeks. You need stay for a while, maybe an hour or two, so bring your laptop. The cafe's outside the main campus so don't worry about not fitting in."
"You want me to babysit a barista? Great."
"It's a coffee bar with college girls coming in and out all day. I'm sure you'll be able to keep yourself entertained."
Being a software engineer, I taught myself to ready for any contingency. I never let myself be satisfied with just one plan... even if I made it a habit to eliminate anything that pose as an obstacle, I always try to imagine the worse case scenario and prepare a way of resolving it. I never liked surprises but I trained myself to think on my feet, to adjust with the situation and react accordingly.
I had been sitting quietly in the cafe for the past half hour. I was discreetly observing Vincent, studying his actions and mannerisms. At his early twenties, he was tall and athletic which was probably why a lot of customers preferred to be served by him. He was handsome and smiled a lot though I'm not sure whether he was just naturally good natured or well-practiced for the job. I bade my time to execute my plan which was dependent on the accuracy of Ruel's information, which he gathered for the last two weeks.
According to Ruel, Vincent seemed a good guy... attentive to his customers, always smiling, and never rude. The guy also goes around the café to tidy up tables or ask customers if they needed anything else. Luckily, tonight was a slow evening for the café and there were only a handful of customers, many were students busy on their reviews and reports.
Choosing a corner table at the rear of the café, I timed everything as Vincent was about to reach my area. Pretending to be busy with my computer, I grabbed my coffee cup and with the back of my hand, pushed a stack of resumes I positioned near the edge of the table.
"Shit," I groaned as the pile of papers landed to the floor in all directions. I crouched down and tried to retrieve the papers. The mess immediately caught Vincent's eye and he quickly approached me.
"Tough day?" Vincent asked when he saw the tired look on my face.
"More like tough week," I smiled at him. "Hiring new employees is the least enjoyable part of my job."
Upon hearing that, Vincent studied the papers he was holding and I saw the look of interest on his face before handing them over.
"Thanks," I said putting the pile in a folder that clearly showed my company's name and logo.
"No problem, sir," said Vincent. He was about to walk away when his eye caught the company logo. "You work for Mobius Corp?"
"Yes."
"Wow! I've been researching possible companies I can apply to after I graduate this semester," he said, eagerly. "And I heard a lot of cool things about Mobius."
"And you're interested in trying your luck there," I said. "We usually do not accept fresh graduates, you know?"
This was not really true but I wanted to see how he will react.
"Oh?" Vincent said, obviously trying not to look disappointed.
"But this year's been a really tough. Our client list just exploded," I said casually and waved to the folder. "That I'm thinking of giving neophytes a chance."
"That's great," said Vincent with a smile.
"Here." I took out a business card and gave it to him. "We have several job openings and interviews starts next week. You can try your luck."
He took the card and reluctantly said, "But I still have one more semester."
"Then apply for an OJT position." I pretended to check my watch then said, "Well, I need to go now but good luck with your application."
"Thank you, Mister..." Vincent looked at the card more intently now and just realized what it said. "Dante Jorvina..."
His eyes grew large in awe and I smile confidently at him.
"You're the CEO of Mobius."
"Yes, I am," I casually said while putting my laptop and the folder of resumes in my briefcase. "And you're welcome."
When I was done, I noticed that Vincent was still staring at me. I let it go, seeing that my mission for the day was complete. I took out my wallet, put a good tip beside the coffee cup, and nodded to the handsome barista.
"Just a heads-up, Vincent," I said quietly before moving pass him. "I'll be conducting the final interviews. So be prepared."
He nodded silently. I walked out of the café but could not resist taking a backward glance. Vincent was staring down at my business card while grinning ear to ear. I chuckled to myself as I got into my car.
"This will be very interesting."
(To be continued...)
From the Author:
Thank you for reading Love Assassin. As you just read, this story will be about a man who chose to be a "professional home wrecker" because he lost his belief in relationships and is hell-bent to prove that there is no such thing as "true love." My target is to post one chapter a week :)
I'm also trying to self-publish my novel ADLAO: The Hidden Tribe (genre: fantasy, adventure) and has started a crowd-funding campaign to get it printed. Local (Philippines) and international supporters (please check list of territories) can pledge. If you are interested, you can check it out at:
http://www.artisteconnect.com/projects/adlao-the-hidden-tribe.
The crowd-funding campaign will last until August 9, 2013 (Philippine local time).
You can also check out my blog to learn more about my novel, read my articles about writing (and other topics), or see a photo of me :)
http://theadlaotribe.wordpress.com
Maraming salamat! Thank you very much!
Fritz Diantan Ilagan theadlaotribe@gmail.com