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Standing before the window and watching the departing figure disappear beneath the streetlights, Winston Scott poured himself another glass of whiskey and reflected on the conversation that had just taken place.
Charon, his most trusted concierge, entered the room and began collecting the glasses from the table.
His movements were so light and silent that one could almost forget he was there.
Winston suddenly said,
"You heard that conversation, didn't you?"
The Continental Hotel naturally wasn't covered in listening devices. Surveillance cameras were only installed at key points in public areas for targeted monitoring.
However, the pneumatic tube system once used by various departments to transmit messages had never been removed, even though it was no longer in service. Those old pipes had become natural conduits for eavesdropping.
Charon's presence as a listener had been ordered by Winston himself.
"Yes, sir," Charon replied simply.
"What do you think?"
Though there was a clear distinction in their positions, Charon had played a major role in Winston's rise to power at the New York Continental.
Without the help of the Black receptionist who had once occupied the lowest rung of the hotel's staff hierarchy, Winston would never have been able to overthrow the previous manager.
In truth, the two now stood as equals.
It was only because Charon faithfully maintained the boundaries of an employee and never overstepped them that Winston respected him all the more.
Whenever Winston found himself uncertain, he sought Charon's opinion.
The Nigerian immigrant, who had secretly entered the United States in search of a better future, had been a highly educated intellectual in his homeland and possessed impeccable manners. He often offered insightful perspectives.
"Much the same as your own conclusion, sir. Mooney Fisher made a mess of things. And once Henry Brown became connected to Tony Stark, even after leaving Stark Studios, he ceased to be someone who could be controlled with gold coins."
Letting out a sigh, Winston said,
"Exactly. What I cannot understand is why these old Mafia families always insist on using gangster methods to control people.
"They secretly create problems for someone, then swoop in as the savior to solve them. In one move, they gain a subordinate who owes them a favor and gratitude.
"When the truth eventually comes out, that favor becomes leverage, and they continue controlling the person. How many betrayals have happened because people keep playing games with human nature until things spiral out of control? Doesn't anyone ever learn?"
Charon said,
"I think it's also because nobody expected Tony Stark to give him such tremendous support. Nor did anyone expect him to achieve results on such a scale.
"At this point, we can no longer view him as an ordinary contract gunman.
"The value he can provide far exceeds that of a simple Continental service provider."
Winston swirled the whiskey in his glass, the ice cubes clinking softly.
"Exactly. That's the greatest difference between the Henry Brown of today and the Henry Brown of the past.
"A general can still go to the battlefield and shoot enemies.
"But treating a general like an ordinary soldier—throwing him onto the front lines and hoping he kills a few more enemies before he dies—is a shameful waste."
In his usual calm tone, Charon said,
"Even if Henry Brown possesses greater value, he appears determined to keep his distance from the Continental. Under those circumstances, how can we uncover any of that value?"
"No," Winston replied. "We have an excellent intermediary."
"John Wick?"
A hint of excitement entered Winston's voice.
"Yes. Think about it. We sent countless messengers, but John was the only one who actually managed to meet him and successfully deliver the invitation.
"And can you imagine it? A film studio CEO earning tens of millions a year resigning from his position, only to become a caregiver for a faded movie star.
"That proves our judgment of him was correct."
Following Winston's train of thought, Charon said,
"A man who values relationships deeply. I suspected as much before, but is it possible that's merely part of his disguise? Perhaps getting close to Katharine Hepburn was simply a way to maintain his connection with Tony Stark."
"That doesn't really matter," Winston explained.
"Even if it's an act, as long as he wants to maintain that image, it means his behavior follows certain principles and patterns.
"And that's our opportunity.
"Besides, I have no illusions about controlling a man like him. He's far too dangerous, wouldn't you agree?
"All we need is to maintain contact. Sooner or later..."
Charon frowned slightly.
"Sooner or later?"
"Sooner or later, he'll need us."
Winston picked up a remote control and turned on the television in his office.
The news channel happened to be airing a report about mutant-related crime.
Recently, such stories had become increasingly common.
Almost every day brought another report about some mutant committing an outrageous crime.
Anyone sufficiently perceptive could sense that something was wrong with the direction public opinion was taking.
Charon hadn't paid much attention before, but Winston's remark immediately reminded him of Henry's greatest asset—his bulletproof mutant ability.
After a moment's thought, Charon said,
"Perhaps if he encounters trouble, he'll simply ask Tony Stark for help. Given how cautious he is, I doubt there's any problem that young Mr. Stark couldn't solve for him."
Winston laughed.
"But you also have to consider the cost of using such a resource.
"You can't ask Tony Stark to handle something as trivial as valet parking.
"Just as we don't run to the Elders of the High Table every time we encounter a problem."
"I understand," Charon nodded.
"Then what exactly should we do? If he never visits the Continental, we won't even have an opportunity to show goodwill."
"Though I feel a bit guilty toward John, whenever we receive information concerning mutant-related developments that might affect Henry, pass it along to John.
"John seems to think rather highly of Henry Brown. If Henry runs into trouble, John won't simply stand by and watch."
"Won't that cause problems for Mr. Wick?"
"It also gives John an opportunity to earn goodwill from someone capable of saving lives.
"I believe that's a worthwhile trade for John."
"I understand."
After a pause, Charon asked,
"However, if we do that, wouldn't trying to emphasize our contribution make it seem deliberate and possibly create resentment?"
Winston shook his head.
"Emphasize it? No. We don't need to emphasize anything.
"And we certainly don't need to make John tell him that the information came from us.
"Someone clever enough to outmaneuver the police and the FBI multiple times will recognize our goodwill on his own.
"After all, John wouldn't be obtaining this information out of thin air."
Charon nodded.
"I know what to do."
Then he asked,
"And regarding Ms. Mooney Fisher? About the rumors that the Tinkerer has left Los Angeles and may have come to New York?"
"Deny it," Winston said.
"Tell everyone that we possess no relevant intelligence.
"Unless the Tinkerer openly resumes business, we have no idea where he is.
"And if she wants to publicly reveal that the Tinkerer is Henry Brown, then she can bear responsibility for that herself."
"Understood, sir."
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