Even though Tom already had a new fixed identity, you could tell he still wasn't used to being around people, especially in a bar. When they were in the lobby, Tom frequently nodded slightly to observe the people around, and this habit seemed to have become second nature to him.

Jimmy really couldn't figure out how to solve the CIA identity issue. He had no connections at the top, and the CIA's reputation was too poor. The FBI or Hughes wouldn't give him much time to resolve this, so as a last resort, he could only turn to Tom for help.

Now he was sure that, aside from Hughes and Lambert in Dallas, the others probably still didn't know Jimmy's identity. At least Deputy Director Dave was unaware, so this matter had to be resolved quickly to completely reassure Hughes. Even if he could keep a secret, it couldn't remain a secret forever.

Hughes had another major problem on his end; he was about to retire and had been holding off so Peter could take over. Now he had been hanging on for three years, but he couldn't keep it up much longer. The FBI wasn't his family business, so their tolerance wasn't limitless. Before retirement, he would definitely sync this matter with the next assistant director if Jimmy couldn't resolve it by then.

Jimmy returned to his apartment, checked the time, and picked up the phone to call Mahong: "Hi, Mahong, how's it going over there?"

Mahong: "Pretty good, I've already arrested and shot a few people, just three more to go. And don't worry, things are going very smoothly here."

Jimmy: "How's your injury now? Are you still taking medicine?"

Mahong: "Thanks, not anymore."

Jimmy: "That's good. Oh, right, I'll go to Chicago to get my luggage later."

Mahong: "Let me know in advance when you come, I might not be in Chicago. Or, I'll contact you in a while. For now, I've got something to do."

Jimmy: "OK."

After hanging up the phone, Jimmy thought about it and decided not to disturb Mahong for the time being. Mahong's wife and son were currently in New York, but Jimmy wasn't familiar with them, and considering that they had their phones, Mahong should be able to comfort them in time, so there shouldn't be any major issues.

As for the luggage he left at Mahong's place in Chicago, he thought he might go over on the weekend if he had time since there was nothing particularly important in the suitcase except for the Gold Coins Charon gave him. He had used one when he helped Mahong clean up the corpse in the trunk, and the rest were in the suitcase because it wasn't convenient to take them to Palm Beach, where being discovered could cause problems.

Now Jimmy was finally debt-free. He had repaid Justin in Little Rock with the 20 Gold Coins he earned from the Boston mission Winston gave him. The remaining coins in hand were now his, though most of them were gifts from Charon. He would settle the costs for Mahong's wife and child here with Charon later, and it would almost be done.

-----------------

Tom came to New York early specifically for the face-to-face conversation Jimmy mentioned in their last call. He knew Jimmy well enough to understand that if it wasn't necessary, he wouldn't make the call.

It's not that Jimmy was overly utilitarian, but it was a habit formed over the years.

From the beginning when Tom helped establish Jimmy's identity until he completed his revenge and retired to farm in Florida, they generally contacted each other only when needed. This habit formed over time meant they wouldn't communicate regularly, yet this didn't mean their relationship wasn't deep.

Tom no longer had any direct relatives. During his revenge, some people's retaliation completely thwarted the preparations he made for his family, which was his greatest pain during the three-year investigation and revenge process.

When Jimmy saw Tom before, his spirits were very low. He thought Tom was exhausted because he had no goal to strive for after his revenge. In reality, Tom had become truly alone after his revenge, and his spirit had pretty much collapsed with the end of the process.

As time passed, Tom now deeply cared for his childhood friend James and Jimmy, who, despite knowing for only a few years, had a very likable personality. Without them, Tom would only have a few colleagues and teachers who knew he was still alive.

After spending a night at the hotel, Tom checked out early and flew to Washington, D.C. He needed to communicate with his mentor first.

At Mrs. Waltz's woodland cabin, Tom drove to the entrance, carrying a bag, and knocked on the door.

"Come in." Mrs. Waltz called from inside without coming to the door.

Tom opened the door and went in. Mrs. Waltz was watching TV in the living room.

As he spoke, Tom approached Mrs. Waltz and handed the bag to his teacher: "Teacher, I've come to see you. Here are your favorite coconut chocolates."

Mrs. Waltz, surprised and delighted, accepted the bag, immediately taking out two boxes of chocolates and placing them on the coffee table beside her. She opened a box and popped a piece into her mouth. "Mmm, it's still that taste. Is it from Peterson's?"

Tom sat on the nearby sofa and nodded: "Yes, but the shop is now run by his son since Peterson passed away a few years ago."

Mrs. Waltz: "What a shame, he was the best dessert chef in our cafeteria back then. Since he left, I haven't had it in a long time. Florida is a bit too far, and it's really inconvenient for me to go so far."