Thanks to KESTRAL for the tip.
To all our reader bosses, please leave Monthly Tickets, Recommendation Tickets, and follows. Many thanks!
Beta, posing as the wealthy "Mr. Franklin," had hired Michael for four days of private security.
To prepare for the role, Beta had holed up in his hotel room, acting paranoid, like a rich man who feared he might be assassinated at any moment.
Beta had engineered this opportunity to spend time with Michael at the hotel.
On the surface, they chatted about trivial matters. In reality, Beta was gathering more samples of Michael's voice while carefully observing his mannerisms and speech patterns.
After just one day together, Beta had discovered one infuriating thing about Michael: the man never shut up. The babbling bodyguard was constantly chattering, and sometimes Beta really wanted to punch him just to make him stop.
When dinner arrived, Michael followed the same strict procedure as he had for the previous two meals, meticulously checking the food, cutlery, and drinks. Only after confirming everything was safe did he turn to "Mr. Franklin," who was handling paperwork on the sofa, and say, "Dinner has been checked. You may eat now."
Beta set down the documents in his hands and walked slowly toward the dining table. He needed to observe Michael's conduct at the company more closely, so he could prepare thoroughly for the disguise to come.
To create another opportunity to visit the security company, Beta casually made up an excuse. "I'm going to your company again."
Michael looked puzzled. "May I ask why?"
"I want to hire another bodyguard—a woman." Beta let a hint of distaste show at just the right moment. "Rather than have you underfoot all day, I'd prefer a female bodyguard by my side. You'll continue handling my security, and