Caine.
After both men stated their purpose, Alex Cross first responded to Caine:
"Congratulations. From today on, you're officially retired."
Those words stunned Caine for a moment. He really hadn't expected it to be this easy.
Originally, he thought—since Alex Cross had gone to such great lengths to protect him—there would surely be additional conditions added to their original agreement.
But now, it seemed he had been overthinking things.
Immediately, Caine stepped forward and gave Alex Cross a hug.
"Thank you…"
Alex Cross patted his shoulder, half-joking as he said:
"Retirement is retirement—but you can still drop by the club next door for a drink from time to time. And don't you dare vanish on me, '763.' Don't forget—we still agreed on three matters you'll need to fulfill."
"Relax! I'll definitely show up at the club to support you. And of course, I'll also come by to see if you've gotten yourself into any huge trouble…"
Caine chuckled as he responded to Alex Cross's teasing, then rose and left the room.
At the side, John Wick watched Caine's departure with eyes full of envy.
Alex Cross saw it all, smiled slightly, but said nothing.
Caine hadn't waited for John Wick—obviously giving his old friend the chance to speak to Alex Cross alone.
Alex Cross understood, but he wouldn't bring it up himself.
After all, with John Wick, he wanted more than what he'd given Caine. Not just three favors to help him retire—Alex Cross was even hoping that one day, John Wick might return to the killing world again.
"Mr. Cross, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Touching his scruffy beard, John Wick finally opened his mouth.
Alex Cross patted his shoulder. He knew John wasn't good with words.
So, he got up, poured him a glass of whiskey, and handed it over.
John Wick took a sip immediately before continuing:
"I plan to marry Helen by the end of the year. And… I'm tired of the killer's life. I want to retire like Caine, to live a normal life."
After speaking his heart, he immediately looked up at Alex Cross.
He knew, only the man in front of him could make this wish a reality.
Alex Cross didn't answer right away. He also raised his glass, took a sip, and only then replied calmly:
"Alright. But like Caine, there are a few small conditions."
John Wick nodded at once.
Alex Cross set his glass down, leaned back against the sofa, and raised one finger.
"First—you must, like Caine, make three moves for the Lighthouse in the future."
"Yeah."
John Wick agreed without hesitation. With Caine as precedent, it was easy to accept.
"Second—join the Lighthouse Organization, and swear never to betray it, nor do anything to harm its interests."
"Yeah."
John Wick agreed to the second condition even faster.
After all, though he currently belonged to the Roma family, once he chose retirement, he'd naturally be seen as a traitor.
The end result was the same. Worse yet, his troubles might even fall onto Alex Cross.
So this was actually easier for him to accept.
He even stood up voluntarily, knelt on one knee before Alex Cross, and swore aloud:
"I, John Wick, do solemnly swear—of my own free will—to join the Lighthouse Organization, to never betray it, and to never do anything that harms the Lighthouse or its leader!"
Sitting calmly on the sofa, Alex Cross kept his smile, watching as John Wick fulfilled his vow.
Then, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a Clubs Ace, handing it forward.
Taking it, John Wick thought of Caine's Clubs King. He knew the Club suit symbolized imminent or completed retirement.
He was thrilled.
But then, Alex Cross poured cold water over him:
"Third—within the next five years, if you ever need the Lighthouse to step in and resolve a problem for you, the first condition is void. You'll be reinstated as a Lighthouse killer and must serve the organization for three years before being allowed to retire again."
John Wick instantly frowned.
He couldn't understand why Alex Cross would make such a demand.
He was already retiring—what possible trouble could force him to call on the Lighthouse again?
Seeing his confused expression, Alex Cross didn't explain.
He merely patted his shoulder, and said with a mysterious smile:
"John, cherish Helen well. I have high hopes for you two. And I hope your happiness lasts… forever."
Difficult to grasp.
John Wick felt uneasy about the third condition, but no matter how he thought about it, he couldn't figure out what Alex Cross meant.
In the end, he still agreed to this strange clause.
Since both sides had come to terms, Alex Cross had Becky, standing next to Ramsey, print out the agreement in duplicate.
Put into writing—just in case for the future.
John Wick was straightforward. He took the pen and signed his name.
At last, he took his copy and was ready to leave.
But Alex Cross stopped him.
"John…"
"Mr.Cross, anything else?"
John Wick turned back, meeting Alex Cross's gaze.
Alex Cross glanced at him—clearly eager to go see Helen—smiled, and said:
"These next two days, spend time with Helen. After that, come with me to Prague. Once we return—you'll officially be retired."
John Wick fell silent.
He truly hadn't expected that he wasn't considered retired yet.
But remembering how Alex Cross had just agreed so readily to Caine's retirement, he decided to follow through.
He nodded.
"…Alright."
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