Ten.

Two.

Ten. The number of hours I had spent sifting through page after page that was contained within the file Ector had left with me.

Two. As in 2 am the current time and the number of filled to the brim glasses I had polished off.

I was beyond buzzed and completely exhausted. I rationalized staying up until I had read through each and every document, but I had long since realized that I was currently incapable of retaining any of it. A goldfish would have better luck right now. My best bet was to call it a night and head off to the comfort of my unmade bed, I could pick up where I left off in the morning.

Well…later, as in past 8 am.

Before now, I had been aware of minor details concerning Poppy Adams and the Golden Circle, but I had never been privy to a debrief of the mission. After accepting the position with Statesman, I tried to concentrate more so on current missions, or those that became relevant to current events. Maybe it had been irresponsible of me, but the past was in the past. All I could do now was learn the real truths and compartmentalize details pertaining to either agency.

Following the worldwide fallout of Poppy Adams and her release of tainted drugs, I'd done my own research into her personal history and those associated with the Golden Circle. What I was reading here correlated to my basic background research. Poppy herself had been raised in a middle-class American family in the 1970s and graduated from Harvard Business School. Everything indicated a well-rounded individual, but she somehow veered off into drug manufacturing and became a world-renowned psychopath. Funny how things turn out.

What I failed to understand was how Eggsy and Harry's current mission had to do with a now-defunct drug cartel.

I feared that I wouldn't be able to sleep, my mind coursing and analyzing all of the information I had just absorbed, but the alcohol helped to ease me into a semi-restful sleep.

The next morning, I had every intention of picking up where I left off last night, but coffee and breakfast were high priorities to get my day going. I glanced at my phone's lock screen, 8:26 am, which meant that Ector would surely be working with recruits or at the shop; I decided to send a quick text.

Finished that report. Lunch? Let me know how your schedule looks this afternoon.

It was important to remain secretive by using wordplay, even during one-on-one communication through cell phones. Kingsman's thought process was that any data and protection software was hackable, especially computers and cell phones.

As I awaited his reply I dressed in casual clothing; high-waisted blue jeans with light distressing on the thighs, a white v-neck t-shirt, olive green cardigan, and brown Keds. One of the extra perks of a fashion-forward friend was that she essentially cleared out my closet with 'hand-me-downs' such as this. My previous wardrobe consisted of what I considered to be the 3 B's: bolo ties, button-ups, or band tees; I felt like I was making drastic improvements.

Something else Jocelyn was attempting to engrain into me was that image was everything and it included hair and makeup. A Kingsman agent was to always look presentable, even when the suit was off. As if I hadn't heard the line before. The glitch was this unruly mess of curls attached to my head that I had a love/hate relationship with. I had finally convinced Jocelyn that I had no control over it and that the curls were going to do what the curls wanted to do, and today they were beyond my capabilities without proper products which were still packed away. Ponytail it was then.

I was in the midst of securing a high pony with double elastics when Ector messaged me back.

Coffee? I have meetings this afternoon.

Translation: I have recruit training today.

Piccadilly's?

It was a small café and bistro that specialized in breakfast foods and small bakery items. Ector had introduced me to it weeks ago during our apartment searching. Never mind the mouthwatering food, the name alone was a winner in my book.

You read my mind. 30 minutes?

Piccadilly's was a short 10-minute walk from my house, so it gave me plenty of time to finish up my primping and be on time.

See you there.

Luckily, I kept a powder compact and lip balm in my purse, as well as a few other essentials, so I was able to cover the sleep deprivation littering my face. A light powdering, a few brush strokes of a brow pencil, and some tinted lip balm that doubled for blush could do a girl wonders.

As I rushed down the stairs, I had the forethought to grab the list from the kitchen that contained the necessities that I was still lacking.

-Milk

-Eggs

-Bread

I smiled as I read the last item.

-Vase

Shoving the list into my purse, I dashed out the front door, being mindful to lock up, and made my way down Berkeley Square. The atmosphere was fresh and inviting as people milled about, making their way to their intended destinations in a rush or tourists casually browsing and awing at the historical architecture of the area. One such awestruck teenager made note of a rather luxurious building at the end of the block, informing her comrades that it was home to Madonna.

If that were true, I needed to be sure to borrow a cup of sugar.

I neared the crosswalk to Bolton Street and quickened my pace, it was nearly 9 am. As the entrance to Piccadilly's came into view, I could see Ector exiting the Kingsman cab with a satchel draped over his right shoulder. Mr. Patel was positioned in the driver's seat, and I gave him a friendly smile and quick wave as a greeting. He gave a tooth grin back and tipped the brim of his hat downward.

Ector noticed me rather quickly, waiting to hold the door open for me. We both stepped into the cafe, noting that they seemed rather slow for a Friday morning.

"Two, please," Ector informed the hostess.

"Right this way," She reached for menus and silverware wrapped neatly in black linen napkins.

We were seated near the front windows that looked out over Green Park and the bustling Piccadilly Street. I took my seat facing the booths across the café while Ector sat across from me, facing the front door. The hostess waited as we situated ourselves before taking our drink orders.

"I'll have an Americano, please." It was the closest I could find to a coffee familiar to me without visiting a Starbucks, which I was happy to note was a short distance from my apartment.

"Earl Grey." Ector simply replied. I tried not to make a face at his old man drink, but it was difficult not to. Early Grey was just not my cup of tea, literally.

As the waitress disappeared into the bar area, I turned my attention to the man before me. "Any word from Arthur or Galahad yet?"

Ector removed his tablet from the satchel and began to work his magic by tracking Harry and Eggsy's whereabouts, to which I was still not privy to. "Their plane landed this morning, they'll check in once they reach their target in Mexico."

"Mexico?" I questioned. "Where in Mexico?"

"Cancun," Ector stated.

This was sounding more like a vacation than a mission.

Our waitress approached with the drinks, placing beverage napkins on the table and then gently placing the drinks before us. "Here we are. Ready to order?"

I was so distracted that I hadn't taken a moment to look over the menu. I glanced down, naming off the first item I recognized. "I'll have the avocado toast with a side of bacon."

She nodded, turning her attention to Ector who was browsing the menu in contemplation. "Tell me, miss. Would you recommend the Eggs Florentine or the English Breakfast?"

The waitress smiled sweetly, no doubt caught in the web of Ector's handsome features and charm.

"Personally, I would suggest the Eggs Royale. It's a favorite of mine."

Ector smiled up at her, "Fantastic. Thank you very much." I could see the blush forming on her cheeks and I nearly died of secondhand embarrassment as she scurried away.

"Wow," I whispered to myself. "So, Mexico…" Ector was once again tapping away at the tablet, zooming in on a satellite reading.

"Kingsman has been tracking a drug cartel located throughout the southern portion of Mexico and Cuba, particularly Mexico City and Havana."

"I hate to break it to you, but that area is well known for drug distribution."

Ector nodded, "Yes, the tourism alone serves as a smaller outlet for local sales, but there's been an influx of Mexico and Cuban-born deaths that police are ruling as homicides conducted by these drug cartels."

I gingerly sipped at my coffee as I pondered his statement, "How does that make sense? Has there been evidence to prove as such?"

"No, but I believe they are correct." Ector placed the tablet onto the table and stared at me. "My assumption? Rivalries. It's not uncommon for rival business owners to 'poach' sellers from other drug lords. They often share knowledge of the import and export of merchandise."

I nodded my head in understanding, "Arthur and Galahad are in Cancun, not Mexico City or Havana. Are assuming Cancun is the point of trade?"

"I believe these drugs are being transported to and from countries via commercial vessels." He answered. "It's still unknown as to how far their products have reached."

"Commercial vessels as in supply boats?"

Ector shrugged his shoulders, "Supply boats, fishing and security vessels, or even cruise ships."

"The Golden Circle, they used these outlets?"

"It's still unknown how exactly Poppy was able to distribute her drugs worldwide, but we speculate the cartel members that have died were involved." Ector turned to fish through the satchel that had been placed at his feet. He then produced a small handful of photos depicting the victims of the Mexico homicides. As I studied each photo the victims all had a similar scar on their left pectoral, just below the collar bone; it was a simple circular scar about two inches in diameter.

"Poppy Adams had an interesting habit of branding the members of The Golden Circle."

I scoffed at the absurdity, "A bit overkill, don't you think?" Ector gave me an unamused look. "These drugs, do we know if they have side effects similar to Poppy's?"

"To be determined I'm afraid. We haven't found conclusive evidence as such, but if we're dealing with previous members of the Golden Circle, we can't rule anything out."

"Right. Any names to go off of?"

Ector shook his head, I assumed as much. It was too early in the investigation to know for sure what we were dealing with here, and until Harry and Eggsy returned we had very little to go off of. It was very possible that we were dealing with an organization of drug lords or a singular individual. As of right now, we were all flying in the dark.

The waitress approached then, carrying our plates of food and all talks ceased. I didn't realize how hungry I had been until she placed my avocado toast and bacon before me. My mouth began to water, and I thanked her kindly before digging into my meal.

Good grief. When did healthy fats start tasting so damn good?!

Ector mumbled under his breath as he delicately cut into his eggs and English muffin, "Etiquette, please."

I stared blankly at him, purposefully shoveling a mouth full of food into my cheeks like a chipmunk setting up reserves for the winter. "I haven't taken that class," I mumbled.

We finished our meals, another round of coffee on my part, and paid the bill. Ector escorted me outside, ever the gentleman as he held the door open, while Mr. Patel was parked along the curb.

I turned to face Ector, "If there are any other updates, you'll call me ASAP?" It wasn't so much a question, but rather an expectation.

Ector smirked down at me, "I will let you know when there is new information to be shared." He reached for the cab door, standing aside to allow me in.

"Oh, it's alright. I have errands to run." I said as I reached into my purse.

"Mr. Patel can take you," Ector glanced inside, smiling at the driver who stared at me expectantly.

I knew better than to argue any further, and honestly, I had no intention of doing so. Whole Foods was only a few city blocks from here but lugging my groceries all the way home was as appealing as running a marathon in stilettos. So, I thanked Ector and climbed into the back seat of the car, directing Mr. Patel to my destination which was a short drive.

Once we pulled into the lot, I pulled out my list, doubling checking my items as the car came to a stop at the front of the store. I scrambled to exit the vehicle but turned towards the driver before I left.

"Go get yourself a coffee, Mr. Patel. I might be a while." I smiled at him.

Mr. Patel was a middle-aged man with a receding hairline under his tweed driver cap, but he was as sweet as pie when he spoke to me. "It's alright, ma'am. You go on and do your business and I'll be just there." He pointed to an available parking spot down one of the aisles, I nodded my understanding.

Once inside I set to work filling my cart with everything on my list, and even more that was not. From my essentials of milk, eggs, and bread to non-essentials of lavender-scented candles and a charcuterie board, I was becoming more excited to return home and finish my unpacking.

After about 30 minutes, I looked down into the cart, mentally checking off each item I had placed inside, and thought back to the empty shelves of the cupboards and refrigerator. I felt confident that I had picked up everything that I was needing and started toward the checkout line. However, I made the mistake of cutting through the wine, beer and spirits section. I tried my best to pass the bottles of prosecco and malbec without a second glance, but my willpower dwindled upon seeing the all too familiar bottle of Statesman Whiskey.

"Well, howdy partner," I whispered to myself. Picking up the bottle I felt a sense of nostalgia thinking about the scent of whiskey barrels and the distillery. I glance back at the bottles of prosecco and malbec, "You're going to need some friends."

I may have left with a few hundred dollars missing from my bank account, but I was a happy camper.


Author's Note: *awkward wave* Hello my lovelies..

It's been much longer than I was hoping for this update, and I apologize. All I can say for myself is that toddlers are a-wholes (a sippy cup of milk, my laptop and lots of crying were involved) and I have learned to be much more cautious! We all know this, but I am a major procrastinator and a full-time mommy, so updates will be sporadic to say the least. I am off for the summer, so hopefully I can get some writing in before school starts back in August *crosses fingers*.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!