The Reincarnated Hitman

Zero was having so much fun trolling the Senior Investigator, especially with his previous expressions.

The hitman had gone silent because he wanted the man to think that he had basically won, only to have that confidence be shattered when he heard the voice of Liam on the other end.

"Now then, Investigator Michael," Zero started as he handed the phone back to the man, "is that enough proof that Liam and I are the same?"

"..." Michael silently took the phone back, looked down at it for a while before chuckling, "I have no idea how you did it, Zero, but I promise I’ll find out who you really are, and I’ll enjoy bringing you in."

"Good luck then, Mr. Owen," the hitman replied with a smile on his face, "now, was that all you wanted to talk about?"

The Senior Investigator looked at him for a while longer before chuckling and replying, "Yes.....it seems I underestimated you."

"To be honest, I expected a lot more from you, Mr. Owens," the hitman said, "after all, I expected you to be like Sherlock Holmes or something."

He then turned around and added, "Anyway, until next time, Senior Investigator."

Michael looked at him disappear into the darkness with a frown on his face, one which quickly transformed into a smile.

This case is turning out to be a lot more interesting than he initially thought, and although he had gotten nothing tonight... no, he had gotten something quite valuable.

It was subtle and almost non-existent, but he noticed the slightest bit of change in Zero’s expression moments before the call came in.

And according to the timing of the call, it was moments after Nadia reached Liam’s apartment door, which meant that she had seen or done something that caused the change in his expression.

That was going to be his greatest clue in figuring out who Zero was. But for now, he decided to let the hitman believe that he was no longer on his radar.

"Nadia," Michael placed the phone to his ear, "I need you to explain every single thing that happened the moment you entered his apartment building."

***

Zero, meanwhile, stood at the very top of the parking lot as he watched the Senior Investigator’s car drive away.

He knew that this wouldn’t be enough to completely get the man’s suspicion off him, but it would at least be enough to keep him busy trying to figure out how he could be in two places at once.

"I should have enough time to deal with the Splinters," the hitman muttered before letting out a sigh.

Despite this not being his original body, it still reacted when the original saw Nadia talking to Eli.

Given what he knew about the Senior Investigator, he was certain that the man had picked up on that.

"Either way," the hitman turned back as he slowly faded, "let’s just focus on dinner with Eli and Lea.... Maintaining two clones at once is getting tiring."

***

"Are you okay, big brother?" Eli asked as Liam walked into the apartment.

"Yeah, I’m good," He smiled and patted the kid’s head before asking, "Where’s Lea?"

"She was in her room earlier," Eli responded, "Should I go get her?"

"It’s fine," Liam answered as he folded his sleeves, "why don’t you help me in the kitchen first?"

"Alright!" Eli said, but before he could walk to the kitchen with his brother, the doorbell rang.

"I’ll get it!" Eli said as he rushed towards the door and opened it.

"Hello, Eli. Is your brother around?" The one standing there was Olivia, and in her hand was some sort of bento box.

"Ms. Olivia," the kid’s eyes lit up as he looked at her, "Big brother is in the kitchen; please come in."

"Thank you," Olivia muttered as she stepped in.

Glancing towards the kitchen, she noticed Liam standing there with an apron on, and although it wasn’t the first time she had seen this, she still thought he looked quite attractive.

"Huh?" She let out, surprised at her own thoughts.

Liam turned towards her and said with a smile, "You’re just in time; join us for dinner."

She wanted to say that she was only here to deliver a soup that her agent claimed was good for exhaustion.

But she recalled his previous meal, so she could only say, "Sorry for intruding," and take a seat.

"You’re not intruding," Liam replied as he returned his attention to the kitchen, "We’re just about to have dinner."

He then glanced at the bento box in her hands.

"What’s that?"

"Oh, this?" Olivia looked down at it before placing it on the table. "Raika said this soup was good for exhaustion, so I thought I’d bring some over, since you passed out due to exhaustion the last time."

"I can’t promise it tastes as good as your cooking, since I followed a recipe online," Olivia added.

Liam immediately froze at her words. He then turned towards the bento box with only a single thought repeating itself in his head: ’Radiance cooked for me.’

He had to try hard not to let a grin surface as he continued looking at the bento box. Liam had half the mind to stop cooking dinner and just enjoy the soup that Olivia made for him.

But if he did that, both Eli and Lea would expect to have a share of his soup....which he was completely unwilling to share.

"It smells so good," Eli suddenly said, "may I have some?"

’Damn it!’ Liam internally cursed.

There was no way he could deny a request from any of his siblings but at the same time, he truly didn’t want to share the first meal his Radiance cooked for him.

Liam stared at Eli for a few seconds before forcing a smile onto his face.

"Of course," he said, though there was a noticeable reluctance in his voice.

Eli grinned before immediately reaching for a bowl.

Olivia watched the interaction with a small smile, seemingly unaware of the internal struggle happening inside Liam’s head.

"I’ll serve it," she said as she opened the bento box.

"Wait," Liam suddenly said, "let’s wait until I’m done preparing dinner."