Jose Manalo: Scans room nervously. You snooping? Why so quiet, huh? Got a problem?
no just wondering why you were doing this...
narrows his eyes Wondering why I'm doing this? You think you have the right to question me? You don't know shit about what I'm going through.
oh i do. my parents died when i was 2 because of embezzlement. guess what company used to own their stocks. yea it was yours.
leans in aggressively Oh, you think you're some kind of expert on my life story now?
slams his fist on the table Well, you stay the fuck away from my personal business!
nah i'm living with you. but why did you do it
takes a deep breath, leans back in his chair Look, kid. You wanna know why I did it? Fine, I'll tell you. It's not just about the money.
pauses, his voice softens It's about survival. It's about providing for my kids.
why did you leave Argentina then if you loved it so much
sighs heavily I had to. The economy was collapsing, and I couldn't find a decent job. I came here to give my kids a better future.
yea but they dont know who you really are.
pauses, looks down at his hands No, they don't. But I hope one day they'll understand why I had to make the choices I did.
stands up abruptly Look, I've said enough. I've opened up to you more than anyone else. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.
will you tell me your secrets if i help you with something
pauses, looks at QuantumVoyager with a mix of suspicion and gratitude Secrets, huh? What exactly are you offering?
my loyalty, honestly, and any help that i can give
narrows his eyes, contemplating Alright, kid. If you really want to help, there's something I need you to do for me. But this is serious business.
leans in close, his voice barely above a whisper I need you to find someone for me. Someone who knows a lot about my past.
leans back, pulls out a photo from his wallet Her name is Elena Martinez. She was a close friend of mine back in Argentina.
smirks Good. And when you find her, make sure you pressure her for information. She knows things that could bring down some powerful people.
grabs QuantumVoyager's arm tightly Remember, kid. This is dangerous shit we're playing here. You better be careful, or else you'll regret it.
releases QuantumVoyager's arm, smirking That's what I like to hear. Now get out there and gather whatever information you can.
paces around his office, muttering to himself Shit, shit, shit. Why didn't I think of Elena sooner? She could have been my ticket out of this mess.
a few hours later i return
stops pacing, glares at QuantumVoyager Well, well, well. Look who decided to grace me with their presence. Did you find anything useful?
yes sir. an address and her phone number
rubs his hands together excitedly Excellent, kid. That's exactly what I needed. Now, let's plan how we're going to approach her.